Is Goku a Hero?

Goku is a hero in Dragon Ball and I'm going to explain why.
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#DragonBall #Goku #DragonBallZ #DragonBallSuper

[@TheAerogost]

I completely forgot about that, if Zamasu wasnt immortal, Goku would have straight up just blown a guys head off.

[@thepurpleshade486]

pause

[@destiny6080]

​@@thepurpleshade486 Play

[@bendu8282]

Goku isn’t a hero. He doesn’t even see himself as a hero, many people equate doing some good things to heroism. Goku was definitely more noble and possibly heroic as a kid but in his adult life his selfish side takes center stage.For starters he had Krillin spare Vegeta a dangerous villain cause he wanted to fight him in the future. Goku prolonged his fight with Frieza and nearly doomed the planet to test his own strength, he agreed with Vegeta to wait for the android attack instead of taking care of Doctor Gero then and there endangering the lives of civilians when he could’ve prevented it causing The Android/Cell Saga. When Goku knew Gohan only has the power to defeat Cell, he handed him a sensu bean to give Cell a fair fight prolonging the situation. Goku fought Majinn Vegeta knowing it could possible awaken Majinn Buu a great evil and to add insult to injury, He prolonged the battle against Majin Buu by letting him live in his super Sayian 3 form when he could’ve destroyed him at that time. Goku maybe pure of Heart in The Naive Oblivious sense and he may be a nice guy , he’s done noble things but Goku’s thirst for battle trumps any good aspects of his nature. He’s more of a noble warrior than a traditional hero, I know fans have their own interpretations especially due to the old Funimation dub, but that’s the character Akira Toriyama wrote. "Son Goku from Dragon Ball doesn't fight for the sake of others, but because he wants to fight against strong guys... I've always been dissatisfied with the “righteous hero”-type portrayal they gave him."-Akira Toriyama

[@kakarotdonutshop4481]

​He spared vegeta because of android 8 and his saiyan genes, a desire to fight@@bendu8282

[@Sehil137]

@@bendu8282 I think when you saved earth and even the universe multiple times then you could say that you´re pretty heroöic

[@christianlao-xf6sj]

I was confused when some dragon ball fans were saying that Goku isn't a hero, to me Goku has always been a hero

[@DaOne_Nate]

Dude, he literally went through a whole journey just to save oopas dad like bro how is he not a hero? 😭

[@bendu8282]

@@christianlao-xf6sj Goku isn’t a hero. He doesn’t even see himself as a hero, many people equate doing some good things to heroism. Goku was definitely more noble and possibly heroic as a kid but in his adult life his selfish side takes center stage. For starters he had Krillin spare Vegeta a dangerous villain cause he wanted to fight him in the future. Goku prolonged his fight with Frieza and nearly doomed the planet to test his own strength, he agreed with Vegeta to wait for the android attack instead of taking care of Doctor Gero then and there endangering the lives of civilians when he could’ve prevented it causing The Android/Cell Saga. When Goku knew Gohan only has the power to defeat Cell, he handed him a sensu bean to give Cell a fair fight prolonging the situation. Goku fought Majinn Vegeta knowing it could possible awaken Majinn Buu a great evil and to add insult to injury, He prolonged the battle against Majin Buu by letting him live in his super Sayian 3 form when he could’ve destroyed him at that time. Goku maybe pure of Heart in The Naive Oblivious sense and he may be a nice guy , he’s done noble things but Goku’s thirst for battle trumps any good aspects of his nature. He’s more of a noble warrior than a traditional hero, I know fans have their own interpretations especially due to the old Funimation dub, but that’s the character Akira Toriyama wrote. "Son Goku from Dragon Ball doesn't fight for the sake of others, but because he wants to fight against strong guys... I've always been dissatisfied with the “righteous hero”-type portrayal they gave him."-Akira Toriyama

[@bendu8282]

@@DaOne_Nate doing some noble deeds doesn’t make you a hero. Intent is everything and while Goku was more selfless in his younger years, he was a lot more selfish in his adult years so any hero he could’ve possibly became died after his fight with Raditz.

[@DaOne_Nate]

@bendu8282 That doesn't matter. Goku still did heroic acts as an adult and true he did change alot when he became an adult but he still many good deeds which is something a hero would do and if that alone doesn't make a him a hero then what is he???

[@bendu8282]

@@DaOne_Nate he’s a noble warrior, that honestly is a better description of his character. He may have some good qualities but he’s a warrior first and foremost. Honestly Future Trunks , & Master Roshi are more like traditional heroes than Goku.

[@GreayWorks]

"Which shuts people up who treat Dragon Ball Z Abridged like it's cannon" Damn dude

[@Hyperslayer_X]

They deserve it. Those people are insufferable.

[@ryszakowy]

with entire xenoverse and dragon ball heroes even DBZA is canon somewhere

[@ProjektTaku]

@@ryszakowy if I have to hear one more time about how Heroes and Xenoverse makes GT canon as a "separate timeline" I am going to Zamasu this entire species.

[@justanothercommentercarryo8367]

​@@ProjektTakuGet a spare senzu because I feel like joining the cause

[@christopherford39]

​@ProjektTaku that's not even what makes GT canon. I don't know why people keep saying that. Toriyama called it a grand side story and with the movies he said they were alternate timelines.

[@CoolGreg-e2r]

Fun fact: The Red Ribbon army is an antagonist in every dragon ball anime

[@Neuvillete4.6]

you are right. the RR arc general blue , andrioid saga , cell saga and dbssh

[@CoolGreg-e2r]

@@Neuvillete4.6 hopefully Daima keeps the legacy alive 😁

[@vegetacultminorityhunter]

​@@Neuvillete4.6 even super 17 arc is caused by gero

[@CoolGreg-e2r]

@@vegetacultminorityhunter yeah true, but dr. Gero teamed up with space gero to make him lol

[@zpydd_]

​@@Neuvillete4.6 i mean RR as a whole arc takes a chunk of db

[@Fppiq]

Two words: PURE HEART

[@sup3rlu1gi]

ikr

[@bendu8282]

Goku isn’t a hero. He doesn’t even see himself as a hero, many people equate doing some good things to heroism. Goku was definitely more noble and possibly heroic as a kid but in his adult life his selfish side takes center stage. For starters he had Krillin spare Vegeta a dangerous villain cause he wanted to fight him in the future. Goku prolonged his fight with Frieza and nearly doomed the planet to test his own strength, he agreed with Vegeta to wait for the android attack instead of taking care of Doctor Gero then and there endangering the lives of civilians when he could’ve prevented it causing The Android/Cell Saga. When Goku knew Gohan only has the power to defeat Cell, he handed him a sensu bean to give Cell a fair fight prolonging the situation. Goku fought Majinn Vegeta knowing it could possible awaken Majinn Buu a great evil and to add insult to injury, He prolonged the battle against Majin Buu by letting him live in his super Sayian 3 form when he could’ve destroyed him at that time. Goku maybe pure of Heart in The Naive Oblivious sense and he may be a nice guy , he’s done noble things but Goku’s thirst for battle trumps any good aspects of his nature. He’s more of a noble warrior than a traditional hero, I know fans have their own interpretations especially due to the old Funimation dub, but that’s the character Akira Toriyama wrote. "Son Goku from Dragon Ball doesn't fight for the sake of others, but because he wants to fight against strong guys... I've always been dissatisfied with the “righteous hero”-type portrayal they gave him."-Akira Toriyama

[@bendu8282]

Goku having a Pure Heart in Dragon Ball meant his mind was innocent due to that head injury, Toriyama wasn’t referring to any noble morals Goku had when he established the character with a pure heart.

[@kevinguoo1998]

​@@bendu8282 Watch the video. Just because he doesn't act like a traditional superhero, doesn't mean that many of his actions aren't heroic. Even Super Goku is more than just the battle hungry nut job you're trying to make him out to be.

[@ebensennett3095]

​@@bendu8282 Not to discredit Toriyama, but if that's the case, then he shouldn't have written him to be that way. He was always heroic, even from the very beginning, even if not in the traditional sense. Doing good for the sake of doing good is what makes you a hero, and he does that frequently

[@Cameron_Pratt]

Carthu: “I sometimes make shorts to correct misconceptions.” Fans: “Goku’s not a hero.” Carthu: “Okay…this requires a whole video.”

[@souptikchakraborty.yt.2024]

• Avenges Kuririn • Saves the earth from Piccolo Daimao • Sacrifices to save his son and the planet against Raditz • Avenges the Saiyans and Namekians • Sacrifices again to protect the earth from blowing up • *Chooses* to stay dead, as he feels like his existence is a threat to his loves ones Toriyama: Nah, he's not a hero though

[@BlackAF1RoundtableCEO]

Toriyama didn’t directly say that

[@souptikchakraborty.yt.2024]

@@BlackAF1RoundtableCEO he said something along the lines tho 🤣🤣🤣 Ik ik...i made a joke 🤣

[@nixda9326]

he didnt avenge the Namekians and Saiyans. he just wanted to stop Frieza from his evil deeds but he didnt do it for them.

[@ebensennett3095]

​@@nixda9326 Not for them, specifically, but they were at least a part of it.

[@supagreatman2826]

He didn't avenge anyone if he spared frieza

[@MohammedEH123]

Carthu got me into Dragon Ball. I used to hate anime but now (thanks to Carthu) Dragon Ball has changed me so much. Thank you Carthu

[@valpeysgaming13110]

Same, but it was a manga for me

[@valpeysgaming13110]

Thank you for liking you’re my favorite creator

[@benimpanu4405]

​@@valpeysgaming13110No, he's talking nonsense. He talks nonsense, he's a fanatic obsessed with Toei's Goku, yet the author clearly said that Goku was not a hero. There's a reason for that, and the manga makes it very clear, Goku made a lot of selfish decisions and the author illustrated it very well, Goku was disappointed not to have fought against the cyborgs, he was more shocked by that than learning that the world of the future was annihilated, have you also forgotten that this same Goku refused Bulma's proposal to use the dragon balls to find Dr. Gero? Why in your opinion? Because he's not a hero he was more interested in fighting the cyborgs than the planet being trashed. Leaving Vegeta alive was a purely selfish decision, himself and Krillin recognized it, it was a whim of Goku, and the manga is very clear about it, but you want to contradict it? Goku is just like a human with empathy but he has a lot of flaws, like all of Tori's characters, he purposely made his characters have so many flaws, he helps others out of empathy, but is not a hero, his selfish desires take precedence over his benevolent actions, throughout the manga it's like this, Not killing buu and leaving the land between children of 7 and 8 years old, was a stupidity, Goku is the reason for Buu waking up with Vegeta, but he wanted to let Goten and Trunks take care of it? that's stupid, Goku thought everyone wants a good fight like him? all the bad decisions repeated are there to show that Goku is not a hero, just a warrior with empathy and full of faults and vices.

[@bendu8282]

@@benimpanu4405 Goku isn’t a hero. He doesn’t even see himself as a hero, many people equate doing some good things to heroism. Goku was definitely more noble and possibly heroic as a kid but in his adult life his selfish side takes center stage. For starters he had Krillin spare Vegeta a dangerous villain cause he wanted to fight him in the future. Goku prolonged his fight with Frieza and nearly doomed the planet to test his own strength, he agreed with Vegeta to wait for the android attack instead of taking care of Doctor Gero then and there endangering the lives of civilians when he could’ve prevented it causing The Android/Cell Saga. When Goku knew Gohan only has the power to defeat Cell, he handed him a sensu bean to give Cell a fair fight prolonging the situation. Goku fought Majinn Vegeta knowing it could possible awaken Majinn Buu a great evil and to add insult to injury, He prolonged the battle against Majin Buu by letting him live in his super Sayian 3 form when he could’ve destroyed him at that time. Goku maybe pure of Heart in The Naive Oblivious sense and he may be a nice guy , he’s done noble things but Goku’s thirst for battle trumps any good aspects of his nature. He’s more of a noble warrior than a traditional hero, I know fans have their own interpretations especially due to the old Funimation dub, but that’s the character Akira Toriyama wrote. "Son Goku from Dragon Ball doesn't fight for the sake of others, but because he wants to fight against strong guys... I've always been dissatisfied with the “righteous hero”-type portrayal they gave him."-Akira Toriyama

[@nixda9326]

@@benimpanu4405 nah, the one who talks nonsense is you. you clearly didnt understand the Video.

[@RealHyperHedgehog]

I remember always hearing that Goku was selfish, didn’t care about Gohan, and was an anti hero before I watched the series. When I got around to watching Dbz Kai, I was surprised to find out that Goku wasn’t anything the internet described him as. Goku in Kai was heroic, he cared about his family, he was flawed but he was still a good person. I didn’t watch the original English dub that supposedly changed Goku’s character, I watched Kai, the version that is closest to the manga, yet it still proved to me that Goku was in fact a hero.

[@johnathanobility]

og english dub makes him even more heroic, as at the time funimation wanted him to be compared to superman in the west (a good example of this being goku's speech to freiza in that dub)

[@myuutosan]

​@@johnathanobility maybe unpopular opinion but I prefer Goku more when his actions come from a heroic heart

[@GrammarNaziAUS]

​@@myuutosanThat's literally not canon and an outright corruption of Toriyama's works. And I highly doubt you've watched it all subbed to be able to truly make that statement.

[@baked7423]

@@GrammarNaziAUS all they said is they kinda like the heroic goku no need to bash on them

[@GrammarNaziAUS]

@@baked7423 Nah. Z Dubbed Goku fans are a blight. They don't even have the curtesy to watched the dubbed OG DB, and act as if they know the character better than others.

[@Vlashtim]

Love The Use Of "Hero" By Flow in the back

[@bhanuvanukuri6218]

lol noticed that too

[@mickeynoah6352]

What was the remix of hero he used? I can’t find it anywhere on KZbin? I need to listen to the variation he used in the beginning of the vid

[@jb_0615]

Goku is MY hero🫶

[@jpjthethe]

No he's not, Goku is OUR HERO🫶

[@PunishedPrince]

He’s my dad

[@zaviyargul]

​@@jpjthethe NO He is not ,HE IS THE UNIVERSE'S HERO

[@FusionEdits04]

ME TOO

[@Attmoz-Phere]

@@zaviyargulGoku is THE LIGHT IN DARKNESS🫶

[@GuiltlessGear]

Goku: "I'm not some hero of justice." Akira Toriyama: "Son Goku from Dragon Ball doesn't fight for the sake of others... I've always been dissatisfied with the “righteous hero”-type portrayal they gave him." Carthu: and I took that personally

[@supersaiyangodsupersaiyanm7886]

Toriyama contradicted himself all the time though. Even in the super manga Goku said he is not a hero and merus, an angel, disagreed with him.

[@146zigzag3]

I love Toriyama but I don't think that quote jives with how he actually wrote Goku.

[@jesser5138]

You're missing the point, he said he didnt like goku being portrayed as a "righteous hero", like how the american dub usually did it. I'd say Goku is a hero, but not the traditional comic book one from like the 1900's where they practically faced no real hardships because some deus ex machina thing would save their butts.

[@Therealones745]

@@jesser5138you need to shut up because you obviously never read a comic in your life

[@sonnywoods6846]

@@146zigzag3 Exactly If he didn't want Goku to be a hero then why does every Character in Dragon Ball think GOku is a hero. Also If he wasn't a hero he would be able to keep his body after he dies. King Yama the god of Death Said Because Goku is a Martial arts HERO who saved the Earth he gets to keep his body. Also Because Goku is a Hero King Yama gave him his wish and reincarnated buu into UUB! King Yama is the proof that Akira Toriyama thought Goku was a hero! Goku was allowed to keep his body 2 Times and was granted a wish by the god of death

[@All2Meme]

I think people sometimes forget that heroes are just as flawed as anyone else is. What makes a hero heroic is that they know they have flaws, and yet they strive to overcome them when it comes to doing the right thing. If heroes were perfect they would be gods, and would be unable to relate to mere mortals in any meaningful way.

[@souptikchakraborty.yt.2024]

Carthu your analogy was really good. Words can't express how well you explained the word *"Heroism"* "The eastern mentality of doing your job, and with it helping people out in your way" was the intention of this show. You explained it nicely. You seriously know your stuff. You're the only dbz youtuber, who actually knows the story in depth, and actually does his homework before making a video

[@benimpanu4405]

No, he's talking nonsense. He talks nonsense, he's a fanatic obsessed with Toei's Goku, yet the author clearly said that Goku was not a hero. There's a reason for that, and the manga makes it very clear, Goku made a lot of selfish decisions and the author illustrated it very well, Goku was disappointed not to have fought against the cyborgs, he was more shocked by that than learning that the world of the future was annihilated, have you also forgotten that this same Goku refused Bulma's proposal to use the dragon balls to find Dr. Gero? Why in your opinion? Because he's not a hero he was more interested in fighting the cyborgs than the planet being trashed. Leaving Vegeta alive was a purely selfish decision, himself and Krillin recognized it, it was a whim of Goku, and the manga is very clear about it, but you want to contradict it? Goku is just like a human with empathy but he has a lot of flaws, like all of Tori's characters, he purposely made his characters have so many flaws, he helps others out of empathy, but is not a hero, his selfish desires take precedence over his benevolent actions, throughout the manga it's like this, Not killing buu and leaving the land between children of 7 and 8 years old, was a stupidity, Goku is the reason for Buu waking up with Vegeta, but he wanted to let Goten and Trunks take care of it? that's stupid, Goku thought everyone wants a good fight like him? all the bad decisions repeated are there to show that Goku is not a hero, just a warrior with empathy and full of faults and vices.

[@30watermelon.]

​@@benimpanu4405 where am i

[@souptikchakraborty.yt.2024]

@@benimpanu4405 I should never argue with a dragon ball fan, cuz I know that they haven't even watched their own show 🤣

[@benimpanu4405]

@@souptikchakraborty.yt.2024 that defines you well, the manga is there but you refuse to look the truth in the face. Didn't Goku refuse Bulma's proposal to find Dr. Gero with the dragon balls? answer, but since you are a fanatic you will say the opposite, the manga is very clear. Goku makes selfish decisions even at the expense of the earth.

[@KW36912]

​@@benimpanu4405Being selfish sometimes doesn't mean he's NOT a hero. A hero is someone who goes out of their way to help others, while expecting nothing in return. Not being 110% selfless at all times doesn't mean he's unworthy of the title. No one's perfect, after all.

[@exposedmod]

In the granola arc goku also tells gas they have no beef and can all stop fighting since their motives were different and werent enemies

[@45_nguyenhaiangviet95]

He wanted a sparring partner, not a psychotic villain wanted to destroy or dominate the universe. The thing is the writer mostly put Goku in this kind of situation like Batman deciding to kill or not

[@bippy515]

I like to think that the reason Goku’s emotional priorities have switch so more to him being excited for fights over everything else in DBS is because he’s gotta much more powerful now and coming across beings that can still rival him in strength is even more exciting than before. Goku knows he’s getting closer and closer to the power ceiling so him getting a chance to still challenge himself is an opportunity he doesn’t want to miss

[@Cameron_Pratt]

@@bippy515 Goku: “Oh my gosh, someone STRONGER than me?! FREAKING FINALLY!!!,,!!!,!”

[@hoohoo431]

I always thought it's because he's less stressed. He has Beerus and Whis helping him solve problems now. For the first time in his life, he's not the only competent team member

[@ZAPRST8879]

@@hoohoo431so we can say he felt what it’s like to be a non saiyan z-fighter, they are more chill and less stressed because they have insurance with goku and vegeta

[@zigmantasbajoras]

@@hoohoo431 And they have Dragon Balls. And not one. They have Earth, Namekian, Super and Cerealian Dragon Balls.

[@Iz_zy2099]

“This truly was, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero” Absolute Cinema

[@astalemeatmachine4330]

Next Carthu video: is Gohan a nerd? (Yes)

[@GreekShinobi223]

And he'd follow it up with "And that's a good thing"

[@Idontusethisaccmuch]

I think another key factor about the change between Z goku and Super goku is that he is obviously ALOT stronger now so his urge to fight even more dangerous fighters is way more active

[@zigmantasbajoras]

I think the same way. Goku in DBS is miles stronger than DBZ Goku. So increased strength also increased his urge to fight. Also, DBZ has broadened the horizons by allowing bad guys to come from space like Frieza or Buu so you wouldn't know what would come next. DBS on the contrary set the ceiling. We know that Zeno is the strongest but we don't know what enemy would come between current Goku and Zeno.

[@Sword_Man_YT]

I would say yes. Goku has saved Earth, other planets, the Galaxy, the Universe, and the Multiverse just by being himself.

[@painebatke9144]

The thing with Goku is that most of his righteous acts are not from a rational conclusion but from an empathetic side. He has a natural sense of good and bad and he acts on it instinctually. He wanting to end cell is from muten Roshi's teachings.

[@Niall_Sene]

Thank you Carthu for defending Goku, the amount of times I see people say he does good things only because he is getting a good fight out of it is unreal and downright disrespectful towards the character. More people need to watch this fr.

[@muffinfighter3680]

9:36 Ever since people learnt that Goku was portrayed more heroic in the anime than he actually is, it's like everybody is overcorrecting, including Toei, Toriyama (RIP), Toyotarou etc., trying to make him appear to be more selfish.

[@sonnywoods6846]

Agreed

[@MykiiMescal]

common issue in the dragon ball fandom tbh

[@CoolGreg-e2r]

I’m convinced DBZA is the best, and worst thing to ever grace the dragon ball fandom

[@NoName......]

I will never fucking forgive them for the "Goku's a bad dad" narrative

[@CoolGreg-e2r]

@@NoName...... and then fake fans role with it like it’s the gospel

[@hombojimbo]

It's a pretty good thing, it's just unfortunate that the average DBZ fan is as sharp as a sphere and takes non-canon jokes as facts.

[@TheEduardocool]

@@NoName......they even said themselves, they never started the bad dad, they sure made jokes about it where people just take it too far. Goku isn’t a bad dad, he just isn’t very understanding of gohan until obviously later

[@OskarL47]

I mean. It's not their fault that fans don't read the original and take the jokes too literally

[@BurningBridgeStudios]

I mean yeah he has saved billions of people on countless occasions. Even if he's not some paragon of virtue like superman(sometimes is) he's still a good person that's saved countless people

[@G.O.D_Steve_Edits]

Its good to see that people still watch dragon ball. Not Z, super or gt, but the 1st series

[@lsynx]

Without any reasoning, questions or explanation, Goku is a hero Period.

[@azariahking8136]

8:36 Carthu: "Ok, now no more Super Saiyan 3 trash talk for a little while, I promise." Super Saiyan 3: 😡

[@Lord_Taylor-b2w]

Bro has ZERO evil in his heart. He’s a fucking hero, no debate

[@ashlyncake]

Goku has every qualification of being a hero, fights for justice, protects innocent, and keeps is friends and loved ones safe. He even sacrificed himself multiple times to save earth, and people complain that Goku wasn't there for his son, HE WAS DEAD 💀

[@RealCGH]

People forget that being a hero doesn't always mean you gotta be the leader of virtue. You can still do some things or have traits that are very unheroic. Marvel has shown this all the time

[@Himmy-bi1wb]

“I ain’t no hero of justice or anything else like that, but anyone who tries to hurt my friends is gonna PAYYYY🗣️🗣️

[@MercWTM2]

YOULL PAY FOR THATTTTT

[@EnzoGranzotto]

Kinda reminds me of Sonic in a way

[@Himmy-bi1wb]

@@EnzoGranzotto sonic copied dragon ball and with both of them being the mcs sonic copied or took inspiration from Goku

[@EnzoGranzotto]

@@Himmy-bi1wbYeah,Though I'm sometimes thinking if Hyper Sonic inspired Ultra instinct

[@felipealejandroofficially]

I was in front of the tv “TALK THAT TALK 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️”

[@UnwantedGhost1-anz25]

The promise you've made back in your "Moro Saga" video has finally been fulfilled. Thank you. 🙏🏼

[@spencerhansen5595]

He doesn't actively seek to do good things, but when they are laid out in front of him, he almost always takes the time to help.

[@ivanbluecool]

A hero in simple terms is someone who does right and challenges the wrongs. Goku does do bad things that get him and everyone in danger. Be it letting vegeta and freiza go but his heart is pure in seeing the best in people and wanting to bring that out of then like wishing for kid buu to come back a good person and fat buu becoming a good guy.

[@sonnywoods6846]

IF Letting Vegeta and Frieza Go is bad then Batman is a Horrible person for letting the Joker Go

[@TheJoeschmoe777]

But Goku has some right and challenged wrong all the time, as this video demonstrates. Just because he doesn't always do the right thing doesn't make him less of a hero.

[@NickMorrison78]

Fat Buu becoming good was entirely Mr. Satan’s influence; no pun intended.

[@maximillianoorosco-randhaw9336]

There’s also the fact that Goku actually gave the other lower level Universes plus his own a shot at survival in the T.O.P. Even though people(both in the story and in the real world) foolishly insist that he was the one to put everyone in danger. Even to this day, people still blame Goku, like they haven’t watched the anime or read the manga. Edit: Please don’t type in THAT Dragon Ball meme(for it shall not be named) in reaction to this, it’s gross exaggeration and misrepresentation of Dragon Ball fans as whole as it doesn’t represent every single fan of the franchise.

[@Hyperslayer_X]

Because the writers knew they wrote themselves into a corner and decided to throw in at the last minute that Goku “gave the other universes a fighting chance”, which is cap because if any other universe won, and used the Super Dragon Balls for a selfish wish, the Zenos would’ve erased all the universes anyway. On top of all that, Goku didn’t know any of this, he simply wanted to fight strong people from the other universes.

[@maximillianoorosco-randhaw9336]

@@Hyperslayer_X It’s not cap, Goku giving others a shot at survival. Even though it wasn’t intentional on his part, it is what it is. It was a test to see if at least one of the Universe would look after their fellow mortals, which happened in the end. I do however think the manga handled this better by actively showing us both Zenos contemplating on whether or not they should erase the lower universes before Goku showed up.

[@Hyperslayer_X]

@@maximillianoorosco-randhaw9336 Read my comment again because I explained how Goku was unaware that him fulfilling his selfish desire of wanting to fight strong opponents from the other universes would also mean give them a fighting chance. Goku didn’t know the Zenos were going to erase the lower universes, and if any of the other universes won and used the Super Dragon Balla for a selfish wish, the Zenos would’ve erased them anyway, and pretty much no one else other than Goku (and likely Gohan) would’ve made a selfless wish. It’s a classic example of plot convenience. 17 deciding to wish all the universes back to honor Goku’s hard work in the tournament is pure plot convenience because he had no reason not to just wish for what he wanted, but you see, if he did, U7 would’ve gotten erased. The ToP was poorly written no matter which way you slice it, although sure, the manga was better in some aspects than the anime.

[@maximillianoorosco-randhaw9336]

@@Hyperslayer_X It wasn’t plot convenience on 17’s part. 17 understood that making an unselfish wish was the right thing to do, or the “human” thing to do as he would describe it, like “sacrificing” himself to give Goku and Vegeta some time to recover. Do I think it could have been better? Yes, anything can be better, but I think it handled relatively well and showed the development of 17’s character; from being nihilistic about the T.O.P.’s losing conditions via getting erased to growing to understand significance of making an unselfish wish.

[@Hyperslayer_X]

@@maximillianoorosco-randhaw9336 I do agree that from 17’s perspective it did help with his character development, but from Goku’s? Nah, he basically got lucky. Goku definitely fought extremely hard in the TOP, but Frieza and 17 came in clutch to save the day at the end. Goku failed to knock out Jiren when he was at his strongest (MUI) and it nearly cost U7 the tournament since after Jiren was reinvigorated by Top’s motivational speech, he was more than capable of using the last of strength to knock out Frieza and 17. Goku got really lucky that the cards were in his favor. Typical Shounen protagonist moment.

[@Songoku9k]

Being a hero means protecting those you love alongside with having the desire to keep a promise with those who you trust with which turns into power.

[@Therealones745]

That literally just isn’t true

[@8bitutopia182]

Glad we’re talking about this. Goku may not be a traditional superhero, but he certainly is a hero. What an inspiration.

[@alejandrocuevas3858]

The editing in this video was absolutely incredible, great job Mjxtv

[@liamroma3677]

I remember in the super manga when zamasu and black were about to fuse, he immediately shouted for vegeta to "finish them". And then when vegeta looked at him confused, goku shot a blast at them. I thought that was a cool moment.

[@45_nguyenhaiangviet95]

Yeah, Goku had no problem eliminating dangerous threats like the times Goku killed King Piccolo out of revenge without a second thought, or the determined eyes when he realized Moro would never change and about to destroy the goat in honor of Merus's request. How come people never talk about this?

[@MonkeyD.Gerald]

Goku is A hero,but in his own way.He just does what He feels is right or good.Goku is someone who always relies on his instincts,Both in a battle sense and a moral sense.

[@kekshrekmcgee5104]

Goten is the biggest victim of Goku's decision to stay dead. Bro never got to have a dad as his father chose to stay in the afterlife rather than raise him, which I really empathize with as someone who's been abandoned by my father figure

[@NoName......]

I never understood Toryama's reluctance to call Goku a "hero." He even said he didn't like how the anime depicted Goku he wanted him to come off as "more selfish" (which makes no sense considering that for Z the characteration between manga and anime wasnt that different)

[@Cameron_Pratt]

Toriyama: *Literally makes Goku a hero.* Also Toriyama: “Guys wdym he’s a hero he’s really not lol.”

[@Tainted_Human]

I think it's more so how Toriyama probably viewed a hero role himself, especially with Goku's driving force to be largely selfish (he wants to keep fighting strong people for the sake of his own growth)

[@steffanofumo]

⁠​⁠@@Cameron_PrattYea because that’s how manga writing for a huge conglomerate works lol Toriyama stated himself that he was pressured and forced by his editors to make Goku more heroic for commercial reasons.

[@ariesvalliant760]

I always personally took it as how in One piece Luffy says he isn't a hero they both are heros to others but they're not trying to be and Gokus selfishness does have him do things like spare Vegeta or give Cell a senzu bean but he does try to do the right things when he has the opportunity he's just not looking for that opportunity like say spiderman would

[@dragonlord564]

Maybe a bit cynical to say. But Goku randomly becoming selfish is a good way to stop him from being pro-active for a day and then be pro-active for the entire arc after. So the villain can become a threat

[@CPhelps1247]

Goku would 100% do everything in his power to stop the events of 9/11. He might not be “American” in the traditional sense, but he embodies the spirit of protecting innocent lives, standing up to evil, and doing what’s right, no matter the odds. His instinct to save people transcends borders or nationalities-he’d act purely out of his desire to prevent suffering and protect the world, just as our troops have countless times before. To me, Goku is an American hero🇺🇸❤️

[@TheLilsamrules]

I think the best way to put it is Goku is a hero but not always necessary heroic because Goku does make some questionable decisions that a hero probably wouldn’t make but ultimately Goku has done way more good for the world than vice versa so Goku still a hero in my book

[@sonnywoods6846]

When u say Questionable decision that a hero probably wouldn't make, I am assuming u just like everyone else are talking about letting Villains live. I am sorry, but that is exactly what a superhero would do. Batman, Superman, and Spiderman 3 of the most famous Superheroes around the world refuses to kill their villains who by all means deserve to die!

[@TheLilsamrules]

@@sonnywoods6846 but would a hero purposefully put their own selfish desires over the potentially safety of others? Like sparring a dangerous villain and just letting them get away(not even locking them up) just so you can have a rivial to fight? Or letting villains power up to max so you get more of a thrill ? Or potentially putting the multiverse in danger just because you want to enjoy a fighting tournament? And I know Zeno was gonna destroy the the universes anyways but Goku wouldn’t have known that Goku not a bad person but he has made some pretty selfish decisions that I don’t think a hero would exactly make

[@g_hyperstar3609]

Goku may not consider himself a hero of justice, but he's absolutely a hero

[@KiraiKatsuji]

He is a good hearted person that helps when he can, but doesn't actively seek out of his way to help people.

[@KiraiKatsuji]

He's a Reactive Hero not an Active one, still a hero.

[@yoonwasxd2560]

Literally DBZ Kai episode 95 is called "A Hero's Sacrifice! Last Chance to Save the World!" (It's talking about Goku's sacrifice against cell)

[@sumeracarnatia6997]

Dang, only 95 episodes to reach there? Kai really is condensed. OwO

[@yoonwasxd2560]

@@sumeracarnatia6997 Kai removed most filler episodes to make it more accurate to the manga version of DBZ.

[@Vice_Verse0]

​@yoonwasxd2560 And lost a lot of the build-up among other things in the story because of this.

[@TheSaiyanSensation]

@@Vice_Verse0 it’s not build up if it’s filler

[@sumeracarnatia6997]

@@Vice_Verse0 Especially in the Saiyan Arc where Gohan’s development gets skimmed over without the anime’s added material.

[@ganoninthepit]

This is a sentiment I've been trying to convey for ages! Thanks for making it in the form of a well-structured and researched video. Goku isn't a superhero, but he is absolutely a hero.

[@lyzellandarmanisworld8165]

Oh my God, I am so happy that you posted a new video. Thank you.

[@jcg7609]

But........but ....... Toriyama said no. You must be thinking of the English DUB Goku -BS I have heard for many years from many so-called "fans"

[@jersont.3339]

Goku is not a hero in his own perspective clearly he is a hero from others perspective but even then most of the problems he resolves are things his actions or omission of actions provoked, the dead of uppa's dad and his fight with tao pai pai was because he decided to challenge the RR army, piccolo's unsealing was thanks to fucking with pilaf and not taking them seriously (granted it wasn't entirely his fault), piccolo jr. Was also his fault and he knew he was on earth since the beginning tho piccolo has done more good deeds than bad ones, the saiyans going to earth was his fault which in result also made them have to go to namek and fight frieza, the androids were his fault, buu wasn't entirely his fault but he had a hand on it, bills was/wasn't his fault i mean the prediction of the saiyan god was him but it's not like he was aware of that himself, frieza coming back was his fault, black was his fault, both tournaments weren't his fault so at least he has that W, finally cell max was his fault. Admittedly he didn't want any of that to happen but his actions were the fire that initiated all of those problems.

[@isaacbell5156]

The androids and the saiyans wasn’t even his fault. How was he supposed to know that he has an older brother.

[@45_nguyenhaiangviet95]

@@isaacbell5156 The androids's kind of his fault for destroying the Red Ribbon army and Dr.Gero was a part of it and wanted revenge on Goku for stopping their world domination

[@TheBloccobill]

i like to view him as a hero with a sprinkle of anti-villain. always does good things, but sometimes does it out of his selfishness to fight instead of doing it for good

[@esdrasdjuma6585]

DBS, DBZA and the goku haters be ruining goku's reputation as a person

[@cianmartin3588]

Don't blame dbza it's a parody! it's not there fault dragon balls fans can't read!

[@muffinfighter3680]

It's unfortunately also Toriyama himself who contradicted his own writing of Goku during the Super era.

[@TheWeb-Slinger]

Goku may not be a traditional "superhero" but that doesn't make him a traditional "hero". He doesn't want to fight villains, he wants to fight strong people, it just so happens that those strong people are usually villains.

[@souptikchakraborty.yt.2024]

You seriously know your stuff. You're the only dbz youtuber (aside from Totally not Mark), who actually knows the story in depth, and actually does his homework before making a video. This, and your morality of Goku video, proves that you understand the character

[@Hyperslayer_X]

Uh no, there are others who know the series in depth too.

[@user-tk2qn8ni7w]

man Akira toriyama really provided us with all these genres of anime didn’t he R.I.P man

[@vohloo9797]

This is probably not a popular opinion to hold, but he's a hero in the Sonic the Hedgehog sense (game version). Someone that does heroic deeds, but don't regard themselves as heroes.

[@Therealones745]

I disagree sonic is way more heroic

[@vohloo9797]

@@Therealones745 True, he acts way more selflessly, than Goku. I'm more referring to their personal views of themselves, which if asked they'd probably wouldn't call themselves heroes.

[@CooperLadores]

the analogy was crazy, and the definition of the word heroism

[@holywordbird]

This is so obvious if you read the manga yet most fans only remember DBZA so they forget that Goku is actually cool. Apart from the character assassination in Stupid Super Goku.

[@kykystars]

Thank you for this video, Carthu. I'm sick of people saying my goat isn't a hero 🙏🏽

[@marios-c9v]

before i started watching you carthu i didn't know a thing about db thank you

[@A_Ali173]

Bro, Goku literally tells Frieza to watch out for his own blast and even gives him a second chance which was completely undeserved. He watches out for everyone, even the selfish scourge of the entire universe

[@ChaddyFantome]

"Goku doesn't see himself as a hero, but it doesn't mean he isn't one," basically.

[@cheesydawg371]

Thank you for using the text of the original manga to defend Goku. He's always been a hero. He's not Superman and he LOVES fighting, but when it comes down to it, Goku chooses to save others.

[@demi-femme4821]

Raditz came to Earth "because of Goku", but if Goku had died as an infant, then Raditz would have come and destroyed Earth anyway. Nappa and Vegeta coming to Earth was Piccolo's fault for openly talking about the Dragon Balls. Dr. Gero did what he did because he was a fucking maniac, and as we saw in the future timeline, that would've happened whether Goku was dead or not. I mean, what was Goku supposed to do? Not stop the Red Ribbon Army? Commit war crimes by murdering a bunch of fleeing non-combatants? Magically know that Gero had the means and motivation to do all this crazy shit? The only threat to Earth that was genuinely Goku's fault was the arrival of Mecha Freeza and King Cold. If Goku had just killed Freeza, they never would've showed up. The problem there is that Goku had learned his lesson already and wouldn't repeat that mistake. And if Goku stays dead, how is that going to stop threats to Earth? He's not about to run around the universe pissing off evil beings. This is in-character Goku, not Super Goku. At that point, anyone that would come to Earth because of Goku is already planning to do it. In fact, you could argue that choosing to stay dead fucked them all over because it gave Vegeta motivation to join Babidi.

[@ОлександрШишкін-м5р]

You forgot about DKP and Piccolo Jr. After Goku and his friends stopped Pilaf gang for collecting dragon balls (2 times), Pilaf gang went to find that jar where's DKP and they freed him. Piccolo Jr was made only for killing Goku

[@queenskelaton6507]

THANK YOU it feels like everyone wants to discredit Goku being a hero ignoring 90% of the story

[@hoshiryu]

Goku is a Hero, he is as he says himself not a Hero OF JUSTICE, ehich are usually Super Heroes, and Goku is not one of those, he helps People when he can, usually with Fighting

[@hoshiryu]

8:36 yeah but like, remember that Toriyama came up with SS3 after Vegeta self Destructed against Buu, so out Universe Goku wasn't Holding back SS3, in Universe, I guess

[@New3picPictures]

He's is Earth's savior after all!

[@dbzw9000]

Love this video! Thank you Carthu, I've been waiting for someone else to say this!

[@BardockSkywalker]

I never understood why Toriyama complained about Goku being portrayed as a hero in the Anime when that's how Toriyama himself wrote Goku in the Original Manga, i never got that

[@Cameron_Pratt]

@@BardockSkywalker Toriyama: “Um, he’s not a hero.” Fans who actually watch Dragon Ball: “Do you…know what a hero is?”

[@BardockSkywalker]

@Cameron_Pratt Exactly No disrespect for the king, he's amazing & i still miss the guy so much

[@john-olivierlukama1548]

Exactly. That always confused me. Like, you don't like that the anime portrays Goku as a hero, but the anime's a 1-to-1 representation of the manga. So you're unsatisfied with how YOU wrote him? Idk, it always seem kinda off. Add tp that Toriyama not remembering half the show. This just sounds like 1 of those toriyama comments where he's completely out of touch with his own series

[@kevo5133]

It’s pretty clear that he means Goku isn’t the *conventional* hero though. Like his intentions was to make Goku _not_ just the average Superman archetype, hence his dissatisfaction with how the anime made him more heroic looking (like the Funimation dub). But obviously yes, he’s literally written the guy to be a hero in his own unique, rambunctious way, he knew what he was saying lol. It’s just that he never wanted Goku to be seen as a hero, because that’s not what his character is about; the whole point is that he’s a hero as a _byproduct_ of his own silly, fun, exciting adventures, and kind-hearted nature

[@45_nguyenhaiangviet95]

What he meant is Goku's intention was not heroic, just priority seeking strong opponents to spar with but most of them were bad and worse, but his actions was defined as heroism as he's defending the Earth, protecting people from Red Ribbon army, eliminating galatical threats

[@TheSp00derDuder]

The abridged roast is wild 😂

[@cianmartin3588]

It's more off a roast to brain dead fans than the abridged it's self

[@flin_truth.]

Bro I've been waiting for your video 🙏🙏

[@KapayaSiame]

The Funi dub Goku saying “ I am the Hope of the Universe!” speech was TOO superhero-esque than the original dub saying “ I’m the legendary warrior who’s going to kick your ass!” So you can say the Funi Dub made Goku sound TOO much of a righteous superhero of Justice. Which is also how some people define “hero”. Overall, Goku is obviously a hero. If you have ever heard or listen to the song “ Aitsu wa Son Goku” or “ “ He is Son Goku” , it has the line , “ Come on, Son Goku! You’ll always be the Earth’s hero!” 😄

[@Zizo-vu4hk]

You forgot my favorite Goku moment:"You know I never understood how people could delight in hurting others,see when you take life you live in fear cause deep down you you're life will be taken aswell.We all reep what we sow there is no avoiding that, when you hurt others you only hurt yourself.It's simple if you want good things in your life be good".

[@TheFirehands150]

How do you know someone only watched DBZA? When they say: 1. Goku is an idiot 2. Goku is a bad father 3. Goku is not a hero

[@sirnutaku7716]

And you are my hero Carthu ❤️

[@inkchariot6147]

He doesn't call himself a hero, but that's what makes him one. Goku's just a naturally good guy, he'll help anyone who asks for it. He's eager for a fight, but remains humble.

[@bakruptfern329]

New Carthu upload 😱

[@TonyExists]

Goku is a hero in the same way Sonic is a hero, they're reluctant to call themselves one, but that's just because they're good people who don't revel in it.

[@CJTHEEGGBOI]

Goku a not an hero hes A SUPER SAYIAN THAT PUSHES FURTHER BEYOND

[@sebastianrodriguez8692]

I consider this a pseudo sequel to your "Morality of Son Goku" video which to me is the greatest Goku character breakdown ever recorded.

[@hoshiryu]

0:47 by the Size it might've been a Rat and not a Mouse, HE DID NOT JUST SAVE IT BY HOLDING IT IN HIS MOUTH, RIGHT? NO WONDER HE GOT A HEART VIRUS

[@ScrabusZ]

Dawg I was about to say maybe that damn rat gave him the heart virus

[@NickMorrison78]

Y’all did Goku so wrong for that! 🤣

[@FusionEdits04]

so true. just like the real life term; everyday heros. and how could you not consider someone who literally saved the earth from extinction multiple times a hero?

[@despeinado340]

I'm willing to let Goku off the hook for not killing Majin Buu, as he THOUGHT he'd be able to kill the similarly powerful Kid Buu, but his stamina drained faster than he could seal the deal. I think the narrative issue could have been solved had he been a little uncertain of his chances, like "I sensed my power was equal to Majin Buu's, but I couldn't know if it would last long enough for me to destroy him in time, so I decided that teaching the fusion dance to Goten and Trunks was our best bet."

[@shadowsonicsilver6]

Literally my argument for why The Straw Hats are Heroes

[@heyzbeauz]

I want a story with elderly goku, being a hermit or something far away, years after end of Z, being a wacky old man telling stories of his past to a new generation.

[@ivanbluecool]

I feel the one piece community has an issue with this fsct on luffy. Luffy doesn't want to be a hero as he needs to share meat which oda needs to keep repeating while tori just shows it with goku in manga as the anime adds to the heroic aspects Mha tried bur fumbled a lot of the bag of heroics and even social isses that horo just couldn't do well with mental illness. Trans. Looking like a mutant. Etc. The ending was a rush job too. But endeavor was right in seeing another symbol was needed but won't get his credit as "bad dad" Fsn fate stay night you got shirou who wants to be a hero but his ptsd survivor's guilt and low self esteem basically make him self aliving at the risk of his own life. The three routes go into different ways to grow from it. Disagree with hf and hate fsn for him still going to war as it onky added to his issues but did enjoy he got to see saber again. Ubw probably the best middle ground of caring for yourself and others as people forget they also deserve to be loved and be happy.

[@pric3lessl0s3r5]

@@ivanbluecool Yeah agree on all these takes

[@JustMike2132]

honestly, I feel like Super is a different timeline from the end of DBZ. Similar to the future saga where everything stays the same up until an event changes it, I think instead of pushing to find a new defender for earth goku just decides he's the right guy for the job and just keeps training, which is what super turns into. But in Z he trains Uub to take over so he can rest peacefully knowing earth is safe.

[@AverageAirFan]

A drop of water fell right when this video was uploaded. I must thank the rain gods for giving me the opportunity to watch this while on my way to my grandma’s house

[@itousatha5359]

*ssj3 exists* Carthu:I HATE THE WAY THAT YOU WALK THE WAY YOU TALK THEY WAY THAT YOU LOOK THE SCENES THAT YOU TOOL I HATE I HATE THE VERY *EXISTENCE* OF YOU

[@tomsmithok]

1:44 so his name is commander black, and he’s a black guy? is this for real?

[@jerppursh7570]

It IS dragon ball after all; it is really that surprising?

[@gohan7926]

How are you just finding out about this?

[@tomsmithok]

@@gohan7926 I never watched dragon ball

[@tomsmithok]

@@jerppursh7570 I also looked up his Japanese name and it’s apparently “black sanbo”. that being his name plus him having that design is honestly wild to me

[@Brady_mandeville]

Wait until he finds out about popo

[@SirAsdf]

Guy literally had a song in Battle of Gods called "Hero: Song of Hope" how is this even a discussion?

[@UnwantedGhost1-anz25]

This video is a W Welcome back, Carthu. 👍🏼

[@BigFellaInc.]

0:18 song name?

[@Hamza....987]

Hero if hope but a Instrumental Ver

[@kykystars]

Goku is a hero and always will be. Even if Goku claims he's not a "hero of justice" that doesnt mean he isn't a hero, he's not Superman after all. Goku knows between right and wrong and is willing to fight for others if he needs to or if his actions put people in danger. While Goku isn't your traditional superhero, that doesn't make him any less of a hero or all-around good and kind-hearted person.

[@androidsenpai1462]

I think what Toriyama meant by Goku not being a hero was that he wasn’t some cheesy Superman like figure, which is exactly what the Z and GT dubs portray him as. I can see his statement being true, because even when written badly, Goku’s character is always WAY more complex than that in the original run, in every decision he makes. Heck, even Super touches on his morality a little bit, and it sure as hell isn’t Superman I’m reading there.

[@MarkoBudisa-b8n]

Saying goku ISN'T a hero is like saying the devil is a saint

[@TheBloccobill]

Satan IS a hero tho. Carthu made a whole ass video about how he is the true champion of the earth

[@MarkoBudisa-b8n]

@@TheBloccobill i meant satan as the devil

[@otislamar8613]

Mr. Satan is a hero dude had no powers and still chose to fight cell and Majin Buu to save the earth. Remember when he threw android 16 head over to Gohan and remember when he convinced everybody in the world to try to help by lending their energy. Bro is always doing heroic shit.

[@TheBloccobill]

@@MarkoBudisa-b8n oh damn

[@hashi.]

mr satan is a glorified hero he does have heroic acts

[@Djiimon]

Most heroic characters throughout human history just fixed the major issue plaguing the world (despotic rulers, dragons, demons, fell gods, etc.), without much pause towards helping people along along the way. Hell, plenty of heroes were assholes throughout their journey or were forced to undertake their heroic quest to atone for prior actions in exchange for escaping a greater punishment.

[@beastlyman114]

Playing devils advocate for Buu Saga Goku a lil bit, I feel that he wasn't taking care of Buu immediately because he didn't want a feeling of dependence to fall upon him, and anytime theres a future threat everyone would just think "Oh Goku can come fix it for us", and thats why he waited so long to reveal ssj3. He wants the ones alive to believe in themselves and not just depend on Goku for everything.