How Dragon Ball Super Reshaped Female Representation in the Series
For many anime fans, Dragon Ball has been a beacon of childhood nostalgia and epic storytelling, with a plethora of powerful characters challenging the fate of the universe. For years, the limelight has been on the series’ male characters like Goku and Vegeta. But let’s not forget the equally compelling and complex female characters who have left an indelible mark on the Dragon Ball universe.
As renowned journalist Ritwik Mitra updated us on October 15, 2023, Dragon Ball continues to evolve, stirring fans with the announcement of a new series, Dragon Ball Daima. Despite some initial negative reactions, Dragon Ball has never ceased to surprise us, and with more content to come, who knows how the women of this universe will continue to defy expectations?
“There are many beloved characters in the series, although it’s a bit of a shame that the vast majority of them are men. However, there are some great female characters in Dragon Ball who have proven to be just as iconic in their own right too!”
Characters We Never Knew We Needed
18. Android 21: The Breakout Star of Dragon Ball FighterZ
Sometimes Dragon Ball characters find their initial fame outside the anime series. Android 21, for instance, made her debut in the video game Dragon Ball FighterZ. Her visually striking character design and surprising power levels grabbed immediate attention.
“Her impact in the game was so immense that many fans of her character wanted to see her become canon in the anime, but it seems that fans have to remain content with the cameo she had in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.”
17. Bonyu: The Hidden Gem in Dragon Ball Z Kakarot
Not all characters in Dragon Ball need to be canon to make an impact. Take Bonyu, for example, a hidden member of the Ginyu Force designed by Toriyama himself. While you won’t see her in the anime, Bonyu serves as a robust opponent in Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot’s training simulations.
16. Kefla: The Saiyan Fusion That Almost Bested Goku
Kefla, a fusion of Saiyans Caulifla and Kale, almost did the impossible: defeat Goku. Her appearance in Dragon Ball Super set the stage for one of the most electrifying fights in the series, showcasing the sheer power that female Saiyans could wield.
“Knowing that he couldn’t maintain this form for long, Goku decided to close the distance between him and Kefla in dramatic fashion before unleashing a Kamehameha at point-blank range to take out the fused fighter once and for all.”
15. Bulla: The Next Generation of the Briefs
“As things stand, she’s a pretty loud yet lovable child who has yet to grow into a character that plays a major role in the story.”
Bulla, the spunky second child of Bulma and Vegeta, is a chip off the old block—taking after her tech-savvy mom more than her warrior dad. Currently a mere tot in Dragon Ball Super, she promises much as a potential character arc waits in the wings. While her role in Dragon Ball GT showcases a more mature version of her, the jury is still out on what Dragon Ball Super has in store for her.
14. Fortuneteller Baba: The Side Character We Overlook
While some female characters like Fortuneteller Baba may not have had significant roles in the grand scheme of things, they nonetheless add flavor and dimension to the Dragon Ball universe.
13. Heles: The Divine Representation
Dragon Ball Super revealed Gods of Destruction, including Heles, whose design takes inspiration from Egyptian mythology. Although her full strength remains a mystery, her presence alone is a testament to the range of powerful women in the Dragon Ball universe.
12. Cheelai: The Frieza Force Defector
“Fans can’t wait to see if this relationship gains more ground when more Dragon Ball Super media is developed and released.”
Here’s an unlikely heroine who’s infiltrated our hearts—Cheelai. Initially a member of the Frieza Force, she made a monumental shift, befriending the emotionally tormented Saiyan, Broly. She also caught the eye of Beerus, the God of Destruction, in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, adding yet another layer of unpredictability to her story.
11. The Forgotten Brief: Bikini
“This character’s face is instantly recognizable for fans of Dragon Ball, which is another example of Toriyama’s strong character design.”
You know Bulma, but do you know her mom, Bikini Brief? Probably not, and that’s okay; she’s more of a background fixture. But her unique name and iconic look deserve some recognition too. She’s a hidden gem waiting to be rediscovered.
10. The Two Faces of Launch
“Games like Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot do a better job of showing this character and her two unique personalities.”
Do you remember Launch? She’s got a blue-haired, docile personality and a blonde-haired, aggressive alter ego. Once a prominent character, Launch has since faded into the Dragon Ball annals. But given her complexity, she could be due for a resurrection.
9. Bulma: The Indomitable Spirit of the Z Warriors
“Fans of the series still love her to death for injecting some much-needed energy into the events of Dragon Ball.”
No list of Dragon Ball heroines would be complete without Bulma. The genius inventor’s machinations and relentless spirit have propelled many a Dragon Ball saga, often serving as the catalyst for Goku’s journeys.
8. Pan: More Than Just Goku’s Granddaughter
“She’s a great character that fans grew to love over the course of the series.”
Remember Pan? She’s Goku’s granddaughter and quite the firecracker in Dragon Ball GT. Her role may be more muted in Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super, but she still leaves her mark whenever she’s on screen.
7. Android 18: From Foe to Family
“Her responsibilities as a mother have reduced her fighting role in the series even more.”
Don’t let her domestic life fool you. Android 18, wife to Krillin and mom to Marron, may be in the background, but she can still kick butt when needed. She’s a complex, evolving character who proves that life isn’t just about fighting—though she’s still darn good at it.
6. Chi-Chi: The Unyielding Spirit
Let’s not forget Chi-Chi, Goku’s spouse, who has a character as robust as her husband, albeit in a different way. Her love and her ferocity have made her a central figure in Goku’s life and the series as a whole.
5. The New Saiyan Warriors: Caulifla
“Her power is truly frightening, and her introduction served as a great way to reintroduce Broly into the fold once again.”
4. Kale
Meet Caulifla and Kale, the Saiyan sister act from Universe 6. While Caulifla loves the limelight, Kale is a reserved powerhouse waiting to erupt. When they join forces to create Kefla, they prove they can go toe-to-toe with even the godlike Saiyans.
3. Future Mai: More Than a Joke
“It’s an engaging dynamic that definitely elevates the importance of this character to new heights.”
Last but not least, we have Mai. Initially part of a comic relief trio, Mai’s importance magnifies exponentially when we meet her future self—a crucial figure in Future Trunks’ life.
There you have it—nine unsung heroines who remind us that the Dragon Ball universe is as expansive and diverse as a bag of Senzu Beans. Let’s give these gals the love they deserve.
2. Videl: The Evolution from Fighter to Mother
Videl, the daughter of Mr. Satan, forms a unique connection with Gohan, eventually becoming his wife and the mother of their child. Her journey from a fighter to a family woman adds another layer to Dragon Ball’s intricate storylines.
1. Vados: The Unknown Angel
Vados is perhaps one of the most enigmatic figures in the Dragon Ball series. The Angel of Universe 6 and sister to Whis, her character remains largely unexplored, leaving fans hungry for more.
“Of course, it’s very possible that later arcs elaborate on her character in the series.”
With Dragon Ball continuously expanding its universe, one can only hope for more intricate storylines focusing on these magnificent female characters. They’ve already made a significant impact, and the best is likely yet to come.
