dragonball has been with us since 1984. Akira Toriyama’s animated series has been very popular worldwide since its debut and has inspired many spin-offs, movies, video games and other merchandising products. However, such success is not without controversy.
There are several episodes of dragonball which have been the subject of controversy and criticism. Toriyama has moderated his mood from when Goku was a child to currently becoming one of the protectors of the universe. In case you never knew or perhaps you already forgot those controversial moments of the series, here we remind you of those episodes that today can shock many on the Internet.
DRAGON BALL | The most controversial episodes of the anime
Episode 133: “Goku’s Ordeal” (Goku’s Test) – In this episode, Goku and Piccolo are taken to a heavenly training ground to train with an old hermit named Kami. During training, Goku is put through a series of tests including fighting a giant snake that bites him in the crotch. This episode was criticized for its inappropriate and sexualized humor.
Episode 288: “Dr. Gero Awakens” – In this episode, Dr. Gero is revived by his androids and it is revealed that his true goal is to create more powerful androids to take revenge on Goku. The episode was criticized for being repetitive and for its predictable plot.
Episode 126: “World’s Strongest Man” – In this episode, a mad scientist named Dr. Wheelo wants to transplant his brain into Goku’s body to become the world’s strongest man. This episode was criticized for its absurd and unrealistic plot.
Episode 288: “Gohan’s Big Reveal” – In this episode, Gohan transforms into a Super Saiyan 2 during a fight with Cell. Gohan’s transformation was criticized by some fans for being too easy and for devaluing Goku’s transformations.
Episode 95: “Ten Shin Han’s Big Match” – In this episode, Ten Shin Han fights Future Trunks and loses. The episode was criticized by some fans for making Ten Shin Han, a popular and strong character, easily defeated.
Episode 32: “Bulma’s Kiss”- In the chapter titled “Pilaf’s Transformation into a Beautiful Girl!”, Pilaf transforms himself, Shu, and Mai into beautiful girls in order to trick Goku into stealing his Dragon Balls. In one scene, Bulma, unaware that it is Pilaf in disguise, kisses her on the lips. This scene has been criticized for being inappropriate for a child audience.
Episode 123: “Piccolo Tries to Destroy the Moon” – In “Goku’s Big Transformation”, Piccolo tries to destroy the Moon to prevent Goku from turning into a giant gorilla and causing damage. However, in the process, he would also have affected the tide and life cycles of many creatures on Earth. This scene has been criticized for lack of consideration for the environment.
Episode 57: “Bulma’s Transformation” – In this installment of Dragon Ball Z, also known as “Babidi’s Plan”, Bulma is transformed into an object by Babidi. Her transformation causes her body to shrink into a doll, which has been criticized as a sexist portrayal of women.
Episode 31: “The Death of Goku’s Grandma” – Here Goku’s grandmother dies of a heart attack after Goku shows her a martial arts technique. This scene has been criticized for being traumatic for children and for the message it could convey about the danger of martial arts.
Episode 119: “Vegeta and Bulma’s Kiss” – In the Dragon Ball Z episode titled “The Awakening of Wrath”, Vegeta kisses Bulma without her consent. This scene has been criticized for being a depiction of sexual harassment and violence.
Listen Dale Play on Spotify. Follow the program every Monday on our available audio platforms.