Why Gohan is More Powerful Than Goku and What It Means for Dragon Ball’s Upcoming Hero

Dragon Ball has firmly established that Gohan not only matches but has surpassed his father, Goku, in strength. This storyline reflects a broader theme of generational advancement, implying that the narrative may explore Gohan’s new role as a leader in the series as it progresses.

From his debut in the franchise, Gohan’s potential to outgrow Goku was hinted at consistently. Remarkably, Gohan mastered advanced combat techniques at an age younger than Goku, showcasing his latent abilities multiple times. Unique transformations, including Ultimate Gohan and the more recent Beast Gohan, have propelled him further into a league of his own. This serves as a testament to the notion that Gohan was destined to eclipse his father, reinforcing the ongoing legacy of heroism within Dragon Ball.

Gohan is the Strongest for a Reason

Gohan’s Strength Provides a “Pass the Torch”Moment

In promotional materials for Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, creator Akira Toriyama acknowledged that Gohan stands as the strongest character in the franchise, even with his limited training in recent years. This lack of need for constant training highlights Gohan’s inherent strength, accentuating his role as a character with the most extraordinary potential within the series. Gohan’s introduction parallels that of Goku’s in the classic Dragon Ball, showcasing him as the natural successor to Goku’s legacy.

Gohan underwent rigorous training to prepare for future threats, rapidly enhancing his abilities. He symbolizes a new generation of heroes and is increasingly assuming the mantle of Earth’s protector. Goku’s passing further solidified Gohan’s transition as the new hero, emphasizing the need for mentorship from Piccolo to guide him through future battles.

Gohan Must Pass the Torch Himself

The Time May Be at Hand to Embrace Pan’s Destiny

Despite his tremendous growth, Gohan has often shied away from fully embracing his role as the primary hero, often deferring to Goku. However, with his ascendancy in power, the onus is now on Gohan to step into the spotlight. The fate of Earth increasingly relies on him, marking a pivotal moment where Gohan must acknowledge his responsibilities and assert his place as a formidable hero.

Looking ahead, Pan shines as a promising figure with enormous potential. In Dragon Ball Super, she has showcased her abilities even as a toddler by flying and keeping pace with Piccolo during training. Despite being merely a quarter-Saiyan, the hints of her innate prowess echo the journey Gohan experienced long ago.

Pan’s previous portrayal in Dragon Ball GT lacked the full expression of her abilities. For instance, she never manifested the Super Saiyan form, although it’s entirely plausible she possesses that capacity. Drawing parallels to Gohan and Trunks, who both achieved considerable power despite their mixed heritage, there’s strong reason to believe Pan could follow suit, ultimately possessing even more substantial transformations.

Gohan Doesn’t Have to Go Anywhere

Gohan Can Pass the Torch and Remain Relevant

While Gohan’s ascension to surpass Goku might suggest a shift in narrative focus, there’s no necessity for him to be sidelined. Historically, Gohan’s progression occurred in tandem with Goku being present, indicating that a similar narrative evolution could easily continue with Pan as the next generation. The dynamic of Gohan mentoring his daughter could provide rich storytelling, contrasting his own upbringing under Goku.

At her current age in Super Hero, Pan is still too young for serious combat, making her growth and training crucial for her eventual role as a hero. Encouragingly, the film showcased Piccolo’s mentoring of her, signifying her readiness to absorb training more effectively than Gohan at the same age, hinting at her latent capabilities.

Ultimately, the theme of generational transition, seen in Goku’s legacy being transferred to Gohan, deserves to continue to Pan and beyond. Characters like Pan are poised to take center stage, representing the next echelon of warriors. While Gohan may currently lead the franchise’s power hierarchy, the future remains bright for Pan as she prepares to carve her path as the upcoming hero of the Dragon Ball universe.

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