Dragon Ball is among the world’s most popular anime and has influenced generations of fans. While it’s best known for its epic battles and transformations, not every character received the spotlight or respect they deserved as the series expanded. They eventually became sidelined, underdeveloped, or simply forgotten despite their potential and what they had to offer.
While it’s natural for a long-running series to introduce and move past characters, some were once considered part of the series’ central cast. Yet, their arcs were left behind or diminished, which has changed how fans see them today. These characters often have unique traits or backstories that Dragon Ball wrongly left unexplored.
8
Yamcha
First Appeared in Episode 5 of Dragon Ball
Yamcha is one of the original Z-Fighters and one of Goku’s longest allies. Initially, he was introduced as a desert bandit before joining the heroes as a formidable opponent and martial artist in his own right. Yamcha was known for his Wolf Fang Fist and Spirit Ball attacks and a charismatic yet cocky personality.
For a long time, Yamcha was considered a fan favorite, demonstrating impressive skills and bravery as he fought alongside Goku and his friends against formidable opponents. His participation in the World Martial Arts Tournaments solidified his reputation as a dependable martial artist, and despite setbacks, Yamcha’s humor and confidence made him a memorable character.
However, as the series progressed, Yamcha’s arc took a sharp nosedive, and he became comic relief and an easy punching bag, particularly after the notorious defeat by the Saibamen, which turned him into one of the most popular memes in anime. His powers stagnated while others continued to get stronger, and his role was eventually reduced, pushed to the sidelines.
While many fans today joke about Yamcha, the fact remains that he is one of the biggest wastes of potential in Dragon Ball. As one of Goku’s longest-standing friends, appearing in the series before even Krillin, pushing his character into the background damaged his character and forever changed perceptions about him.
7
Chiaotzu
First Appeared in Episode 82 of Dragon Ball
Chiaotzu is a distinctive character in the Dragon Ball franchise, known for his unique appearance and abilities. He is a small, white-skinned character with red cheeks, wearing a round Chinese hat and resembling a Chinese hopping vampire. This reference was recognizable in Japan at the time of its release, but lost on broader audiences as the franchise grew.
Chiaotzu was first introduced during the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament as a loyal companion to Tien Shinhan from the Crane school. He initially starts as an opponent before teaming up with Goku and stands out for his psychic abilities, including telekinesis and paralysis, which hadn’t been shown in the series until his introduction.
Most notably, he was the first character to demonstrate the ability to fly, or rather levitate, before it became common. Despite his unique and promising abilities, Chiaotzu’s potential was never fully explored, and his powers were rarely used in meaningful ways. Although he is not physically imposing, his psychic skills showed real promise.
6
Tien Shinhan
First Appeared in Episode 82 of Dragon Ball
Tien Shinhan is introduced to the series as a disciplined and skilled martial artist who started as an antagonist before becoming one of the Z-Fighters. Known for his third eye, multi-form technique, and intense training under Master Shen, Tien stands out for his serious attitude and determination to improve his skills.
Tien’s signature attacks include the Solar Flare and Tri-Beam, which were last effectively used to keep Semi-Perfect Cell at bay in Dragon Ball Z. He played important roles in the series and was one of the most courageous and loyal characters in the franchise. However, like many other characters, he was pushed to the sidelines as the stakes grew higher.
As one of the most powerful and iconic characters in the series, having at one point won the World Martial Arts Tournament, it does his character a disservice to be underutilized. While he was included in Dragon Ball Super’s Tournament of Power arc, he wasn’t given any growth and was quickly pushed to the sidelines once more.
5
Launch
First Appeared in Episode 15 of Dragon Ball
Launch is a quirky character known for her dual personality. With a sneeze, she switches between being gentle and sweet to being trigger-happy and fierce. Introduced early in the series, Launch adds humor and unpredictability to the show, making her stand out and quickly earning her a spot as a fan favorite.
Launch provided much-needed comedic relief while contributing to fights in her own way, often surprising others with her strength and marksmanship. Her split personality kept allies, enemies, and even the audience on edge whenever she graced the screen. Her blend of charm and danger made her a memorable and exciting part of the cast.
Unfortunately, despite her distinctiveness and potential, Launch was abruptly written out of the story and rarely seen after the original Dragon Ball series, with the excuse of running off to chase Tien Shinhan. Her character was complex and loved by many fans, and her sudden disappearance with a vague explanation makes Launch feel like a missed opportunity.
Launch had multiple chances to rejoin the series, but those opportunities were never taken, leaving her character forgotten by many. With just a single sneeze, she could change the tone of the series entirely, a charming trait missing from the modern Dragon Ball series. As one of the original cast members and an unpredictable character, Launch deserved better.
4
Videl
First Appeared in Episode 200 of Dragon Ball Z
Videl is the daughter of the famed Mr. Satan and a skilled martial artist who was introduced in Dragon Ball Z’s Great Saiyaman Saga. She initially showed great promise and feats, including being the first human woman to fly and control energy, along with having a strong sense of justice and a determination to improve and protect those she loves.
However, she quickly shifted from a tough, strong-willed fighter to a gentle side character. She became more of a background character, focused on family life, and lost the spark that made her character so compelling in the first place. This change stripped her of her defining traits and turned her into a supporting stereotype.
While moving toward a more domestic life isn’t inherently bad, the way it was handled was sudden and completely changed her personality from a tough fighter who was passionate about martial arts to someone entirely different. Videl could have easily kept her original personality while still being a devoted mother, but instead, she was pushed into a passive role.
3
Android 17
First Appeared in Episode 133 of Dragon Ball Z
Android 17 is a rebellious and cool-headed fighter who was introduced as a villain in the Android Saga. He’s known for his composed attitude, tactical intelligence, and impressive strength. As an android, 17 has limitless energy, and since his debut, he has evolved into a selfless warrior, as seen most recently in Dragon Ball Super’s Tournament of Power.
However, despite his power, Android 17’s potential is largely underused after his initial villain role in Dragon Ball Z. For the rest of the series, and most of Super, 17 is rarely mentioned. As a complex character with a compelling past, he deserves more development in the series rather than being written off for most of the story.
Reintroducing 17 provides an opportunity for a deeper look into his and his sister’s past before they became Dr. Gero’s androids. Android 17 has shown strong loyalty and dedication to those he cares about, and he could easily stand alongside Earth’s most powerful heroes rather than being a character with little exploration or screen time.
2
Android 18
First Appeared in Episode 133 of Dragon Ball Z
Android 18 is easily one of the most fierce and independent female fighters in Dragon Ball. Originally introduced as a villain alongside her brother, Android 18 was designed to be the perfect weapon and quickly stood out for her sharp wit and confident attitude. Over time, she became one of the series’ most beloved characters.
While she can overpower her opponents and is more powerful than many of the original Z-Fighters, after marrying Krillin, her role is quickly reduced, and she’s pushed to the sidelines, often seen, but hardly utilized. As one of the most popular characters with clear potential, she almost never takes center stage during major battles.
As one of the most powerful characters with the benefit of limitless energy, Android 18 deserves a far more prominent place in the story. Like Videl, 18’s role was quickly diminished after she married and started a family; however, with her power, the shift feels even more disappointing and represents a clear loss of potential.
1
Goten
First Appeared in Episode 201 of Dragon Ball Z
Goten is the youngest son of Goku and a cheerful, spirited fighter who was introduced after the time skip. From the start, he inherited his father’s martial arts talent and shares the same playful, youthful energy that Goku has. He is best known for his close bond with Trunks and his ability to fuse into Gotenks.
However, despite his fusion being a fan-favorite and his bright personality, Goten’s role was meant to be a poor imitation of Goku, which didn’t sit well with fans. He often gets overshadowed by more prominent fighters, including Trunks, despite being the other half of their powerful duo. Goten’s character development is largely stalled and underdeveloped.
Due to this, Goten often feels one-dimensional, with his fighting skills not showing any growth beyond his early achievements. Instead of being a fully fleshed-out character, Goten remains in the shadow of his father and best friend. When Dragon Ball returns, Goten is most deserving of earning a larger role that further develops his character.
- Created by
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Akira Toriyama
- Latest TV Show
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Super Dragon Ball Heroes
- First Episode Air Date
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April 26, 1989