The Development & Duality of Son Goku

I once said that going over Goku's entire journey would take a lot to fully describe and it really was! This is still a pretty general overview of the character's story though. I guess that just goes to show how much there is to him!
Since Goku is Dragon Ball some stuff here are things I've already discussed in other videos. Even so I think it's important to talk about it all with the context of the entire narrative instead of just the arcs on their own. Plus I think I say it all differently enough so hopefully it doesn't feel too repetitive for those that have seen my other vids. :P
Playlist of all my DB videos if you want to see more: • My Dragon Ball Videos

[@silenthazardz]

It's so sad that people misunderstand Goku. I don't get why people intentionally igrone the brilliance of Goku.

[@shadowhugger]

Yeah, it'd be nice to see more people talk about the more interesting aspects of the character instead of just writing him off as one note.

[@Barisdagame]

Goku during Android saga was an intelligent patient teacher

[@diontredavis7335]

​@@shadowhugger😮😮😮😮

[@The_Dosage]

Typically, I believe it is those who never watched Dragonball.

[@Cyntdarling]

@@The_DosageI never watch db until last year and never though goku was a dumb or incompetent, just a little native and silly. It’s people who are dumb themselves who can’t understand his true self.

[@zoltier]

Amazing video. You captured the all the nuances of Goku's development perfectly, especially in the Tenkaichi Budokais and the Freeza arc. It's hard to find people online who really understand Goku despite how rather straightforward DB is. Also, props for helping me appreciate Goku in the Cell arc more since it's my least favorite arc.

[@shadowhugger]

Thanks!

[@nahsiongoetre6874]

The thing that always gets me is when these guys try to tell me Goku is a flat character which piss me off to no end

[@Schizo_Ty]

Videos like these deserve more views than the other dbtubers

[@shadowhugger]

Thanks! This is my best performing video to date so I'm at least growing somewhat. :P

[@ConejoZing]

Goku is a legend because he is ruled by Joy, like Joy from Inside Out. It is critical to understand that being a Warrior does NOT mean evil it just means a way or Tao. This is why Goku is SO important to culture... he is an overpowered Saiyan killer but only operates from a sense of Joy. In other words, it is okay to be a Warrior or a soldier don't listen to the gaslighting coward herbivores who want only to vilify you.

[@pepeveras3938]

He got 3 character arcs acceptance,mature,pass the torch and ppl still calling him flat

[@MrEffectfilms]

It's because it's not as obvious and in your face as Piccolo or Vegetas arc.

[@sincere0727]

He is Closer to a Flat character to me

[@MrEffectfilms]

@@sincere0727 He's actually not. He grows a lot, it's just not as obvious as Vegetas.

[@sincere0727]

@@MrEffectfilms I’ll refer to the three things at the top So •The acceptance thing once he found out he was a Saiyan he accepted that and claimed he was Different “A Saiyan Raised On Earth”. • Mature Goku has a childlike nature and that never changes (Baba says Goku has the heart of a baby or animal suggesting he matured would take away from his purity) The next Generation thing still that stems off of wanting to improve all life good or evil. It’s Just Addition on his Character themes not change at the core nothing changes about him so I say Flat Character

[@MrEffectfilms]

@@sincere0727 So we're just going to ignore the acceptance of his Saiyan heritage and his place amongst them during the Namek arc, represented by the moment he turns Super Saiyan and finally understands what it means to be one, all the while maintaining his pure heart and good nature? Or before that during the Saiyan Saga, how he tries denying his Saiyan instincts all throughout the arc but begins to acknowledge it when he lets Vegeta go because even though he knows it doesn't make any sense he NEEDS to fight him again one day? I can keep going but I just wanted to show that Goku does grow and develop throughout, it's just not as obvious as someone like Vegeta's.

[@Bacchus8699]

This is actually a fantastic video bro. Now, I'm thinking twice about Goku's character because I used to be a critic towards Dragon Ball Z. I swear videos like this need more views. All these popular AniTubers know nothing about their own medium.

[@shadowhugger]

Thanks! I'm glad my vids are making people appreciate the series more.

[@Bacchus8699]

@@shadowhugger No prob dude. I await your next videos.

[@StareachValcin]

Great analysis video about Goku's development throughout dragonball. A clear understanding of Goku's character.

[@shadowhugger]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@SpxcyStan]

Why can’t you get more exposure? This amazing video deserves more views that Totally not mark’s video which fed people compete nonsense

[@ShonenTrash]

This might just be my favourite video on youtube.

[@shadowhugger]

Thank you so much. That's really nice to hear 🙇🏾

[@theveryproudmoroccan2834]

Yo Filé wassup.

[@nicksharna]

Same

[@TheRandomGuyTheFarNoGameCat]

Android Saga is my favourite "Sins of the Father" story ever. It's literally tied into Son Goku's duality. Perfection.

[@razkable]

Goku literally makes pals with anyone he is happy go lucky he never says I won't or I can't just I haven't yet but i will get there and try my hardest to achieve and he believes in himself despite his lonely upbringing...that is inspirational...he may be simple but thats his appeal...he enjoys fighting

[@shadowhugger]

Yeah, Goku's resolve to grow and free spirited nature is really inspirational. I really love that he doesn't really let anything stop him from living his life to the fullest and the series ends with him still looking ahead with a smile on his face.

[@errwhattheflip]

I think there's something genuinely interesting about a character who's journey is literally that pacifism is good but not always practical

[@nahsiongoetre6874]

Banger of a video🔥🔥🔥🔥....This Channel is too underrated

[@DeathStarU.S.A]

This was a good analysis and good defense of Goku as a character

[@shadowhugger]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. Oh I guess I should mention that I have a few other DB vids on my channel if you wanna check them out. I think they're pretty interesting :P

[@big9188]

this is the best video of goku's character development and that's just sad

[@theveryproudmoroccan2834]

YOU FREAKING GOAT BIG W. TAKE THIS DB HATERS.

[@shadowhugger]

Thank you 🙏

[@tobiasarevalo9929]

how come videos like these are so rare? the best part abot db is goku not the fights,sure the anime doesn't always do this side of goku justice but the manga is available for anyone to read,i would think more people would get the appeal of manga goku by now

[@cheeseisgood17]

This is such a good video. Like, so well done. Such an in-depth look of a well written character, especially compared to Totally Not Mark's review on Goku, which is a rather shallow analysis (even though it's close to 1.6million views). I've always quietly appreciated Goku's growth and heroism and it's reassuring to hear another person recognize that as opposed to just pointing out the usual surface-level observations about Goku as a character. Also, can I ask where you found the colored panels shown at 1:12?

[@shadowhugger]

Thank you 🙏🏾 it's been a while but I think it was mangakatana

[@cheeseisgood17]

@@shadowhugger Thanks so much!

[@Cosmic_God_Particals]

I always figured Goku started to value life more when Killin first died in DB. Having lost so many loved ones might have had an impact on the value of life. And yes Goku isn't as simplistic as people make him out to be. So much growth and development people just gloss over.

[@shadowhugger]

I think that's a part of it too yeah. My opinion on Goku valuing life has actually kind of changed a bit since making this video. I feel like Goku always kind of valued life because of Grandpa Gohan. He just didn't really think about it much when it came to bad guys. Through Krillin's death, Kami's training, Gohan's birth, and Piccolo's reformation though I def feel like he became a lot more thoughtful and appreciative of it.

[@MrEffectfilms]

Excellent character analysis. I'd like to see you tackle Gohan, Piccolo, Vegeta, and Trunks as well just because they along with Goku are my favorite characters and I think there's as much to them as there is to Goku. Also at 15:53 You said Vegeta but I assume you meant PIccolo.

[@shadowhugger]

I have videos for Gohan, Piccolo, & Vegeta on my channel (though for Vegeta it's moreso to do with his dynamic with Goku since I feel like loads of people like & understand his character lol) they're a lot shorter than this one cause I just get straight to the point but they still talk about what make them interesting & cool.

[@sails1993]

This is a great video man, you deserve more views. Hope you can make longer vids like this in the future

[@shadowhugger]

Thanks

[@HaiseKuromeruMMD]

what grinds my gears is people who clearly hasn't actually watched the show downplay his battle Iq just because he's not Academically Smart.

[@syedshaheermohammad6918]

Great job with carrot he is intereresting

[@shadowhugger]

Thanks! Carrot is my favorite vegetable in the series so I'm glad I was able to go over why he's so good.

[@DBK_Productions]

My god your channel is underrated

[@shadowhugger]

thank you buff spongebob 🙏

[@DBK_Productions]

@@shadowhugger ofc mr hugger!

[@deathrainbows9723]

Great analysis and video! Thanks for sharing :)

[@shadowhugger]

Thanks for the nice comment. 🙏🏾

[@aguyontube3805]

YOOO! Longest video too!

[@UberRoot3294]

For over one your i'm in Netherlands. I left my country because of some unexpected circumstances. I don't have time usually for internet anymore, really. There is not even one Channel that im watching systematically. I don't watch anime, im not playing games, and i don't watch youtube almost at all. But your fucking Channel, man... You know when last time i did comment something? Many years ago. And in last years before moving out i was watching youtube day by day sometimes 24/7, SOMETIMES i found dragon Ball analysis on your level.... SOMETIMES, and it was usually only one video, lucky strike. Every video like this i remember up to this day. Your Channel is full of this shit. Your are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. I wish you will get more subs and views and live from making videos because you are one for the milion. I'd wish that you could understand how exceptional you are. And I'd wish also that you could understand what it means to hear words like this from me. Keep doing what are you doing man

[@shadowhugger]

Thank you so much for your kind words. It's really nice knowing that people like my db videos this much. Tbh my situation right now makes it difficult to make new videos and motivation has kind of been low but I still love db and have a few more things I want to talk about with it so I'll keep at it!

[@prometheusmodelow8322]

Brilliant analysis, i never thought about Goku's failure of raising the next generation as being because of him being too "hands off" about it before, but it makes perfect sense with how he is with Uub.

[@shadowhugger]

Thanks!

[@alatusedits]

Vegeta also has this duality and its even more complex

[@shadowhugger]

I kind of have a Vegeta video on my channel if you want to hear me talk about him.

[@somberthunder8908]

I really liked this video and I hope one day we get one on Vegeta. Im fimma check out your other videos and if they are just as good, ill subscribe for sure

[@shadowhugger]

Thanks! My video talking about Goku and Vegeta's rivalry is basically my Vegeta video if you wanna check that out.

[@somberthunder8908]

@@shadowhugger i checked them all even the spider-man one. I appreciate the amount of work you put in to share your opinions so I subbed

[@shadowhugger]

@@somberthunder8908 That's such a nice thing to say thank you!

[@sonnywoods6846]

I forgot Goku swam from one side of the earth to the other to get to the martial arts tournament

[@ripper3052]

🔥

[@crown6710]

Fico tão feliz em assistir vídeos assim.

[@sonnywoods6846]

IN the Saiyan Arch Goku was dominated by Vegeta but Goku also knew how powerful he got by Gravity training. He went from 416 PL to over 8000 in 158 days from training under 10 times the gravity of the earth, so he is well aware that if he trains he can outclass Vegeta with no problem especially if he has the Kaio Ken. We see in the next arch how much powerful GOku got from training in 100 times the gravity of the earth in 6 days. If the Nam Arch didn't happen and Goku Trained in the Gravity Chamber (100+ times the Gravity of earth) for an entire month. Vegeta returned with a PL of 24,000.

[@shadowhugger]

That's true, Goku probably thought about gravity training when he spared Vegeta as his plan to beat him the next time he came around. Which with hindsight we know would have worked.

[@sonnywoods6846]

@@shadowhugger What do you think about what King Kai said about Training in heaven for 158 days is equal to training for several thousands of years? Based on Goku's rate of Growth after he came back from heaven his PL was increasing at a higher rate than it was before he trained in heaven. Do you think the effects of heaven changed Goku's DNA? (Head Canon) or do you think Kaio was just talking about Gravity Training?

[@shadowhugger]

@@sonnywoods6846 Kaio says specifically that training with him is like a few thousand years of training on Earth so I think he was talking about his training methods & the higher gravity on his planet rather than being in the afterlife.

[@windandfireproductions5358]

Why doesn't this have more views

[@shadowhugger]

I'm not good at marketing myself :P

[@JesusChristruth]

I respect you

[@shadowhugger]

I appreciate that 😅

[@JesusChristruth]

I gotta to be honest I almost agreed with Goku being a flat character but when I watch your video, it show that Goku isn't that flat and it's more complex then people give credit for.

[@shadowhugger]

@@JesusChristruth Yeah, there's a lot to him I feel. Like, we see him develop and grow his passion in life, see him come to terms with a heritage and nature he was initially disgusted by, and finally see him come full circle by understanding his place as a mentor. We practically get his entire life's journey and seeing all of that along with his constant clashing duality is really what makes him such a good and interesting character to me. There's a lot I love about him lol

[@JesusChristruth]

@@shadowhugger same because I keep seeing people just downplay Goku and about the bad father thing I disagree I seen that Goku cares about his family and Friends, I also keep seeing people bring up super Goku when someone discuss Goku character when it's only about og dragon ball and dragon ball z

[@dragonballfan9700]

Goku is a really misunderstood character totally not marks video was not good at all

[@Schizo_Ty]

Spitting. It’s ridiculous how many people in the comment section talking about Goku’s character like they actually figured it out now when they really were just given false information of someone who has no idea what he’s talking about.

[@shadowhugger]

Yeah I don't like Mark's Goku video either lol. I don't want to be too negative about it since his video was supposed to be positive, but presenting Goku as this person who always knew the "truth" and only ever changes those around him severely undermines his character. It ignores and simplifies a lot about Goku's actual journey and growth which is super unfortunate.

[@fat-gotenks]

Excellent stuff

[@shadowhugger]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@Grin-dq9lw]

Goku was NEVER stupid! Remember how he instantly learned to ride Bulma's motorcycle. Remember how he came up with a plan to free Kami from Piccolo's captivity at the 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai. Remember how he offered Kaiyoshin Videl, Bulma and erotic magazines (i.e. Goku is aware of what sex is (and even kissed Chichi in episode 147)) ect. It was in the DBS that he was turned into an іdіоt (still in the 2013 film). And in DBS Broly, he got EVEN WORSE! Especially the final line "Son Goku or... Kakarotto", which completely destroys his character from the DBZ!

[@S1neWav_]

well all this feels pretty true before super at least. great video

[@shadowhugger]

Thanks & yeah I didn't really take the stuff from DBS into account cause it came out so many years after & when it comes to Goku it kind of feels like they're just keeping him in a sort of status quo rather than actually progress him as a character. That's just how I feel. Plus I haven't really been keeping up with it. :P

[@S1neWav_]

@@shadowhugger id argue they regressed him as a character a bit. they only kept the fighting spirit side and it really is quite lame

[@undeadlegend_yt2057]

@@S1neWav_he wasnt regressed tbf. Compared to Z he just had nthn to do especially after res f tournament ehhh goku black is where we saw goku actually cared abt his family too so goku does care abt his family and in top he never knew zeno was gonna erase the universes he even says hes not a warrior of justice but he will protect his friends and family if he needs too

[@Grin-dq9lw]

Also, Goku was NEVER selfish! The egoist is only his copy in DBS. Goku in DB/DBZ was willing to do anything to protect the planet. And Goku NEVER neglected his family! He refused to come back to life because he wanted his friends and family to be safe. Uub is fine as well, as he can visit his family at any time with his Instant Transmission! And training is just his leisure, a hobby. He NEVER put them above family!

[@JustADemon2023]

What about the time he spared Vegeta? Goku admitted to Krillin that it was a selfish act. What about Goku staying on Yardrat when his friends and family were going to wish him back home? What about Goku sparing Majin Buu by not going all out from the start? What about Goku training Uub and abandoning his family?

[@undeadlegend_yt2057]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@JustADemon2023 im eleven and im boutta debunk all of this. Goku spared vegeta bc he thought he would become a good person like piccolo. "Dont mess with us db fans we cant read" goku obvs knew that if he stayed on yardrat he could get stronger and protect earth from future threats but well he couldnt cuz androids. Goku spared buu bc he wanted the next generation too save the earth so they could atleast have experience since he wouldnt be alive forever Goku training uub… u think thats bad? This once again ties into the next generation thing as goten and trunks couldnt take shit seriously and gohan couldnt be trusted to keep training, not to mention vegeta is older than goku too so he could possibly even die first, goku trained uub so the earth could be safe when hes not here (also to fight buu again) im 11 yrs old and i made u look stupid lmao

[@pric3lessl0s3r5]

​@undeadlegend_yt2057 W

[@hassansamaden9890]

Although goku is a sayian but he’s the perfect representation of what a human should be

[@therageboys7292]

I like goku when he is dumb it make the show funny and awsome

[@RuskiJew00]

The substance in this video is definitely there. But the fact that you cannot pronounce saiyan to save your life is wild

[@shadowhugger]

There's a reason I say it the way I do here's a video that sums it up pretty well kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2atXoSliNCiZ9k&ab_channel=Geekdom101

[@RobClober]

​@@shadowhugger😅

[@yusiuc5533]

This is really great 😊!!

[@jeremyhannah4730]

I only take issue with your analysis around his sparing Vegeta's life. Yes, he wants to fight him again, but he also said that they are both Sayains. In this, he has also learned that now, with Raditz and Nappa gone, they are the final two living, save for Gohan.

[@shadowhugger]

I don't really know when Goku showed a sense of kinship with Vegeta in their first fight. He does recognize his own saiyan instincts during that fight which he explains is probably tied to his intense need for a good fight, but there's no personal connection there as far as I can tell. The way I see it at that point he just thought of saiyans as monsters because of their bloodied history and vile nature which Raditz, Nappa, & Vegeta all show him first hand. He recognizes the similarities they share but doesn't really connect with them as his people. I do think he develops one after Vegeta's death though because even though he and the rest of the Saiyans were evil he can understand and connect with their pride and warrior's spirit. Which is why he proclaims to fight for them against Freeza.

[@RadicalCrabical]

Super “Cyan” Son Goku

[@Askistic]

Basically everyone is Toppo, blaming Goku for everything lol😅

[@hiei4402]

I only disagree around your speech to Goku having spared frieza to fight again. Goku himself mentions that he didn't want to see Freeza anymore.

[@shadowhugger]

He also tells Freeza that if he wants a rematch he should get stronger and learn some new moves. I definitely feel like he primarily spared Freeza out of mercy but also knew that Freeza wanted to settle things and seemed to be okay with it as long as Freeza genuinely bettered himself as a fighter.

[@hiei4402]

@@shadowhugger yes, but, looks that Goku spoke that like a form to finish the fight.

[@theveryproudmoroccan2834]

Can you debunk Kash and Carl commentary's videos? Thank you.

[@shadowhugger]

I don't know who those people are. I also don't really like arguing or debating with people.

[@nixholxs]

You forgot about that big fat android Goku met as a kid. I forgot his number, but he taught goku to preserve life instead of killing people, please someone remind me

[@shadowhugger]

You're thinking of #8 and there's no scene like that in the manga. You might be thinking of an anime added scene though where 8 stops Goku from finishing White off. If you want to check out the difference for yourself it's chapter 66 in the manga.

[@LordCakeThief]

Good vid

[@sincere0727]

Great Video I just want to say some things I don’t particularly agree with (feel free to correct me if I got any of what you were saying wrong) •I don’t agree that Kami & Popo teaching taught him to be merciful I think that’s always been a part of him since the beginning • I don’t think the battle with Frieza changed his perspective on who he is it just reinforces it • The battle with Frieza didn’t change him and his ways to handle villains he remains the same throughout the entire story • I don’t think Goku is selfish at all I think he is selfless • I don’t think he changed as much as you displayed I agree with Toriyama statement about Goku not changing much at his core I believe he’s the same all the way through

[@shadowhugger]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed. I'll go ahead and clarify some stuff & give my two cents. For the first point I don't think Kami & Popo taught Goku mercy but they did teach him to be more thoughtful about his actions which coupled with him having a son & seeing Piccolo change to be better made him more merciful to villains then he ever had been before. Back then he didn't really care when it came to killing bad guys. He'd consider giving them mercy if they asked, as we see with Tao Pai Pai, but if they're just weak goons in his way he'd just kill them because he didn't really think about it. For the other points yeah we just disagree. I think what changed with Goku was how he viewed the saiyan race in relation to himself and finding a place for their nature within his heart & earthly nuture. I think that after accepting his saiyan nature, seeing his mercy backfire on him so many times, & Freeza showing him that some people will never change made him more willing to kill again afterwards. He isn't actively bloodthirsty but he just knows better now & isn't super opposed to killing like he used to be. As we see when he tells Gohan to kill Cell before he tries something desperate or him being perfectly okay with killing Dabura & Bobadi's henchmen to save his friends. I also think that he is selfish but is aware of what's right and that's the balancing act of the character & what makes him really interesting for me. That's just how I see him & his story at least.

[@sincere0727]

@@shadowhugger My view on the Saiyan Race is he accepts the fact he is a Saiyan as stated with the battle with Jheese and Butta yet the Frieza battle He took on the pride of a Saiyan but he did not respect what they were. He recognizes them as victims but he also recognizes their evil deeds Vegeta was a victim of his circumstances, unlike Goku who was free of that making him an example of a Saiyan he could take pride in a pure hearted Saiyan awakened by rage I don’t think a drastic change happens at the core he still a Saiyan from Earth going in to that fight and coming out of it My opinion on the battle with Frieza and his mercy is Goku has Instincts to protect from the Saiyan Instincts believe it or not bc think about it him and Bardock are both know to have saved and protected there comrades why because for Goku it’s just instinct nothing implies he was taught that Goku was wild before the head bump bc it’s just instinct he wasn’t taught to be wild and Goku only doesn’t show mercy when his instinct to protect is stronger than his need to show a villain mercy (Cell fired a Kamehameha at the Earth) (Yakon to me was just assisted sucide and also his friends were in danger they were stone) Sun Wukong the character he based off of is known to show compassion to even the most evil demons He’s not selfish to me just because Goku goal is to improve all life no matter if it’s good or evil he tries to uplift others and also it’s in his biology to fight there’s nothing restricting that he can’t suppress that need and to me his actions seem selfish but have selfless intent unlike Vegeta it’s the opposite for him who fights to bring down others and tries to kill if someone doesn’t meet his standards of morally right Sorry for the long response it’s just Dragon Ball is based off things like Buddhism,Daoism,Shintoism and I’ve been taking some time to learn about that stuff

[@shadowhugger]

@@sincere0727 Gotcha we view the character pretty differently lol

[@sincere0727]

@@shadowhugger Yeah that’s fine I get why you’re saying that I used to have that opinion of his character but I’ve been looking at DB through an Eastern lenses and through Journey to The West I’ve been learning about it that way it honestly makes sense you wouldn’t agree with me but anyways have a nice rest of your day.

[@Enigma4270]

My favorite race the sai-ens

[@MereMere]

That's the original pronunciation.

[@Enigma4270]

@@MereMere I thought it was say-jin or something

[@mrMarkmark14osrs]

Is this an AI voice? All the pronunciations are mildly triggering other than that I loved the content

[@logangustavson]

Boh do Kai lol

[@MrEffectfilms]

I can't help but cringe everytime you use Krillins manga name, it's such a strange one and one I was unaware of, but I assume that's the name you've always known him by.

[@shadowhugger]

I'm familiar with both and I alternate between them normally lol but for the videos I just stuck with saying Kuririn. :P

[@Itsundeadbruh]

Why do you pronounce saiyan as sai-an and not say-yuhn

[@shadowhugger]

This video basically sums it up kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2atXoSliNCiZ9k

[@thomasjfrench]

I love the video... but every time you say "Saiyan," it makes me cringe 😅 But that's just cause I'm so used to the English dub.

[@shadowhugger]

uh thanks 😅

[@bobidybilly]

I really hate the way you say saiyan 😂

[@thecondescendinggoomba5552]

Great video