For good reasons (and bad reasons), some people don’t like
Even Goku can be disliked or treated like he’s:
- Overhyped.
- Overrated.
- Over compensated.
And talked about too much in comparison to relatively better characters, or better anime shows.
But he’s still popular and likeable either way after decades and decades (1985).
Let’s talk about it.
Why Goku is still popular and likeable:
1. Goku represents hard work
Since the beginning, Goku has been the character who was willing to:
- Outwork others.
- Put in the work.
- Raise the bar.
- Push himself to the next level.
- Reach new heights with his training and personal development.
- Never limit himself and what he’s capable of through hard work.
And because of that, he’s become an international icon who people love all over the world. Including celebrities, fans in general, famous people, the average guy who goes to the gym, and more.
It’s the reason why some fans work out and go to the gym in the first place and why some have even started their own YouTube channels covering content related to Goku and more (no exaggeration either).
2. Goku represents the struggle
Goku isn’t like other Saiyans who were considered “high class”. He never even knew about it in the first place which helped him focus on being th best he can without limitations or labels.
But still. His disadvantage was clear when he faced Vegeta, a “high class” Saiyan, and Goku struggled through it and rose to new heights in the end. Even to the surprise of Vegeta in particular.
Nothing Goku has achieved in his journey has come easy or has been a walk in the park. And people can connect with this element of Goku because he represents the struggle of rising from nothing to something.
He had to work hard for what he has. This isn’t debatable either.
3. Goku represents what’s wrong with society
As one of the few Saiyans left, Goku’s race faced:
- Discrimination.
- Slavery.
- Manipulation.
- Abuse.
- Bullying.
- Genocide.
and were subject to a life of control and torture by Frieza. It’s one of the most iconic moments and stories of
In the same way, the society we live in deals with racism, discrimination, and similar themes on varying levels. And many can relate to these kinds of extremes, historically or not.
History affects the present, and Goku plus the Saiyan race is an example of this.
Relevant: 15+ Anime About Discrimination And Racism!
4. Goku’s a simple guy
On a less serious note, some people like Goku’s simplistic personality. He’s easy to like.
In the same way, he’s a lot like Natsu since Natsu from
Goku’s simplicity seems like he’s just naive, stupid, absent-minded, and most of all an idiot. But that’s only to people who look at the surface or who believe people who appear simple aren’t smart at all.
5. Goku’s a unique hero in the story
This goes without saying. As a main character he has to be likeable, otherwise, what’s the point of DB?
That being said, Goku isn’t just your ordinary MC or main protagonist in a
- Unique.
- Different by
design . - Original.
- Has a completely different aura about him.
And more importantly, he can’t be compared to anyone else since he’s been so influential to the
He’s irreplaceable.
6. Too influential
There’s such a thing as Goku Day, May 9th, every year in Japan. He’s so influential and popular not just worldwide but in Japan itself, that he has his own day of the year.
Even people who don’t watch anime can recognize Goku as an anime character despite not knowing his name or what anime he’s from.
Goku influenced Naruto as an anime and as a character, proven by the outfit Naruto wears and his hair colour (taken from the SS form).
One Piece’s author has admitted to taking inspiration from
Modern
7. Some fans relate to Goku
Maybe it’s his laid-back nature, or drive to push himself beyond his limits. Or maybe it’s because Goku has a huge appetite for food.
Whatever the reason, everyone has their own reasons for “liking” Goku.
The food argument is a good one since a lot of people (myself included) have a strong metabolism and have never had problems with eating a lot and never gaining weight.
For me, Goku’s dedication is something I relate to. For others, it’s his hard work, commitment to his craft, his good nature, how easygoing he is, and other things.
8. Goku is one of the sttrongest
Some people like Goku (and characters in general) because they’re powerful. It’s as simple as that. Especially the youngest of fans who are into
It’s so prevalent that people get into fights, debates, arguments, and online “wars” over how powerful Goku may be. To the point of it getting toxic, admittedly.
This point is also a source of inspiration for many though, so that’s on a more positive note.
9. His journey is inspiring
Goku started out as a kid who even though he could withstand bullets as a Saiyan, he wasn’t too strong beyond that. And even characters like Yamcha were once stronger than him.
Battle after battle, training session after training session, he slowly got better because of characters like Granpa Gohan and Master Roshi.
As well as Kami and other characters.
When you get to witness someone’s journey of personal development, more so as a male anime fan in this case, it’s inspiring from a fitness, goal-oriented, and success point of view.
At least it is for some.
10. Goku is an underdog
Despite Goku being powerful, he earned it. And is an underdog in the series (not as much as Vegeta but still). Everybody loves an underdog who’s willing to fight for what they want and win as a result.
The same is true for real life as well. There’ssomrhtin about an underdog that’s:
- Appealing.
- Motivating.
- Inspiring.
- Influential.
- Makes you wanna support them.
- Pushes you to acknowledge them.
- Makes you cheer them on.
And ultimately drives you to give them the compliments and praise they deserve since most people doubt, dismiss, and overlook underdogs in favour of those who are supposedly more “favourable” because of talent, etc.
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In the end, there are many reasons why Goku is likeable and why he’s still popular.
He might have been dumbed down somewhat in
And seeing his growth is always a benefit since DB has been ongoing forever.
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