For years, Dragon ball fans enjoyed debates about which character deserved the title of best in the series. Most of the time, Goku and Vegeta are the most talked about and often steal the spotlight. However, Akira Toriyama's favorite character was a cornerstone of Dragon ball since the original run and has remained constant throughout the franchise.
Piccolo He may not always win glory or defeat the main villain, but his presence elevates the plot. Its rich history is linked to the history of the Namekians, adding in-depth knowledge to the Dragon ball franchise. That makes Piccolo not just an impressive character, but a creative asset for a series that wouldn't be the same without him.
Piccolo's story is one of the most complex in Dragon Ball
Piccolo is one of the few characters who started out as a villain before joining the Z-Fighters.
Piccolo's story is one of the most profound and compelling of all time. Dragon ball. Having been introduced as the son of King Piccolo, the vengeful demon king who terrorized the Earth, Piccolo was created with a singular purpose. He must avenge his father's death and regain dominion over the world as the next King Piccolo. His origin sets him apart from the other characters in the series, as he started out as a villain like Vegeta. However, over time, he challenged his role as a villain and became one of the Dragon Ball more complex characters.
During the Saiyan Saga, Piccolo was still an antagonistic character, but with greater evil heading for the planet, he had no choice but to fight alongside the Z-Fighters. That decision and the actions he has taken since prepare him for a redemption arc through his sacrifice to protect Gohan and his guidance before the Saiyans arrived. When Piccolo protected Gohan from Nappa's attack, he actively chose to defend his son from what was once his greatest enemy and did so without remorse, effectively solidifying his place as a hero.
As a being who was taught he was a demon, his discovery of the Namekians, people known for their compassion and wisdom, became a major turning point. As he learns about his true origins, he was initially told that he was a member of an alien species whose race still exists in the universe, giving him a sense of belonging and the answers he needed. Your arrival at Namek allowed him to have a deeper understanding of his heritage and his fusion with Nail and later Kami gave him a chance for renewal and greater wisdom to fully live up to his heritage.
Namekians have a deep knowledge of their existence
Dragon Ball Daima added a very interesting story behind the Namekians
The Namekians are one of the most prominent races in the world. Dragon ball with many notable characters throughout the series. Some of the first information revealed about the Namekians was that they were, at the time, considered an alien race that almost became extinct after a major environmental catastrophe. One of the most captivating and honorable characteristics is their tranquility, despite the countless difficulties they faced. After the Frieza Saga and the destruction of their home world, the Namekians have proven to be resilient and powerful in its own right.
Namekians stand out from other races seen in the series thanks to their more distinct ability to create Dragon Balls. While not all Namekians are capable of this creation, mystical artifacts only exist because of a select few who brought them into existence. Which means without the Namekians, Dragon ball it wouldn't be what it is today. Without them, important arcs and events would never have happened, including Bulma meeting Goku, which kicked off the series. This deep connection with the Dragon Balls gives the Namekians themselves a complex story within the plot structure itself.
Having originally been known as an alien race, the Namekians' lore has grown exponentially with the latest revelations in Dragon Ball Daima. It was revealed that the Namekians were originally demons from the Demon Realm before being forced to migrate away from it. In episode ten of DaimaIt was revealed by the Supreme Kai that the Namekians were essentially slaves in the Demon Realm, used for their unique abilities. When the chance arose for them to leave, the Namekians, except Neva, chose to leave and settled on what became Planet Namek.
No wonder Akira Toriyama's favorite character was Piccolo
Piccolo is a very useful character to have around
Piccolo being Akira Toriyama's favorite character makes sense when his background is considered. Piccolo himself, in addition to the Namekians, has a lot of weight in the series. Starting out as a fearsome antagonist born of the Demon King Piccolo and later becoming a selfless protector and mentor makes him one of the most prominent characters in the series. Unlike Goku or Vegeta, Piccolo has a more grounded drive that isn't rooted in the desire for greater strength or glory. Toriyama's admiration for Piccolo likely stems from his depth, personality, and morals.
As a character, Piccolo is also very versatile and can seamlessly change roles in the story. This can be seen as he goes from one of Earth's greatest heroes to a wise mentor and even comic relief when the series calls for it. He is one of the few characters who can adapt to the changing needs of the story without feeling forced or out of place. For example, Piccolo's choice to train Gohan and later fuse with Kami felt natural with his character's growth, allowing him to effectively fill the roles Toriyama needed him to play.
Goku and Vegeta may dominate the narrative with their ongoing rivalry and constant power-ups, but Piccolo remains on their level and never fades into the background. Part of what makes him so memorable as a character is that his power comes from sacrifices he is willing to make for the greater good. His fusion with Kami was something he wanted to avoid, however, when faced with a great threat, he chose to put his own feelings aside. No wonder he is Toriyama's favorite character in Dragon ball as he is one of the most complex in the series.