The Unending Saga of Dragon Ball's Ending: Frieza or Cell?
In the vast and ever-evolving world of Dragon Ball, the question of how to conclude the series has long been a topic of debate among fans. While many discuss the merits of leaving it as it stands, this article will explore the arguments for ending the saga with either Frieza or Cell, two iconic villains in the Dragon Ball universe.
Frieza's Significance in Dragon Ball
The Frieza Saga in Dragon Ball is a pivotal moment in the series, marked by Goku's ultimate transformation into the legendary Super Saiyan form. Despite the fact that Frieza does not actually die, the series could have come to a satisfying close at this juncture. This hypothetical scenario would have allowed for Frieza's defeat to free the universe from his oppressive reign, providing a fitting conclusion to his storyline and potentially avenging the Saiyan race's past grievances.
Cell and the Ultimate Villain
The Cell Saga marks a significant evolution in both Gohan's and Vegeta's character arcs. Gohan, once again, fulfills his potential and surpasses the limits of the Super Saiyan form. Cell, as a villain, represents an unparalleled challenge, as his DNA is composed of the very essence of Frieza, King Cold, and Goku himself. This makes him the ultimate adversary, embodying the DNA of the universe's most formidable beings.
Dragon Ball's Endgame: Not Just a Lie
While the series could have ended with either Frieza or Cell, Dragon Ball Z suggests a deeper, more philosophical aspect. The show frequently hints at the idea of giving Goku a final purpose, a concept that would have provided a transcendental ending to the series. This is in line with Akira Toriyama's belief that every saga is meant to be a final one.
The idea of ending Dragon Ball with Goku reaching his natural final day is an exciting possibility. Imagine following Goku from childhood until his last breath, capturing the essence of a lifelong journey. However, this idea is tempered by the shortcomings of subsequent entries, particularly Super, which deviates from the original's pacing and character development.
The Challenges of Super
Super, while attempting to capitalize on the success of Dragon Ball Z, introduces numerous issues. It fails to capitalize on the meaningful progression of characters, instead focusing on a self-centered Goku and hastily explained power-ups. The characters, such as Beerus, are introduced without proper justification, leading to a less believable narrative.
The power levels reached by these new characters are astronomical, often surpassing previous limits without proper explanation. This rapid escalation undermines the consistency and depth of the series, making it difficult to see how even Uub (Chuu) could maintain relevance in such a hyper-competitive power structure.
Reinstating Adventure in Dragon Ball
The series has a long-standing tradition of introducing futuristic and space-based adventures, from Freeza's reign to the Tournament of Power (TOP). While the Gal Bro Vegeta saga presented a touch of adventure, it fell short in comparison to the earlier episodes. The lack of a coherent narrative and overreliance on fan service make it difficult to maintain the excitement and depth of Dragon Ball's original adventures.
Despite the shortcomings, Dragon Ball Z ends on a high note, setting the stage for renewed interest and a return to adventure. The introduction of Uub as a potential successor to Goku's legacy offered a new direction, one that rekindled the spirit of exploration and team-based combat. However, Super fails to capitalize on this opportunity, instead reintroducing power transformations and introducing an endless cycle of antagonists to defeat.
Conclusion
Dragon Ball's ending remains an open and debated topic, with Frieza and Cell standing out as potential final villains. While ending on either of these villains could provide a sense of closure, the shortcomings of subsequent entries, particularly Super, suggest that a true end to the series would require a more coherent narrative and meaningful character development. Until then, the Dragon Ball saga continues to captivate fans with its unique blend of action, character growth, and philosophical musings, leaving room for speculation and debate about its ultimate conclusion.