Friezathe legacy of how the last tyrant in Dragon ball is undeniable, and he has intrigued fans for generations due to his cunning and ruthless personality as he fights for greater power. As one of the longest-running antagonists in the series, Frieza’s presence continues to carry significant weight, and the evil man wants to take down Goku once and for all. As a villain, Frieza persists no matter how many times he fails, causing him to one of the most memorable characters which is always one step ahead compared to other enemies the Z-Fighters have faced.
In fact, Akira Toriyama himself confirmed Frieza’s importance in the series. In Toriyama’s own words from a comment published on V-Jump in 2015, before the Resurrection of ‘F’ film was released, “Frieza is the cruelest enemy, the most worth defeating.” This statement reveals that Frieza is not only powerful, but was created to be an unforgettable character along Goku’s path and stands out as the greatest villain ever created in Dragon ball. However, Toriyama also explained exactly why he was able to make Frieza such a compelling villain.
The Evil Emperor always comes back stronger than ever
When Goku and Vegeta achieve new and powerful forms, Frieza follows suit shortly after.
Frieza’s relentless ambition to become the most powerful in the universe sets him apart from other villains in the series. His single-minded purpose is not driven by a single need or desire for destruction, but rather by the desire to rule as a universal emperor. Unlike other villains, Frieza continually returns to the series more powerful than ever, proving to Goku and Vegeta that he is not an enemy that can be underestimated.
As the most adaptable villain in Dragon ballFrieza remains a threat whose shadow looms over the Z-Fighters. His mind is as sharp as it is powerful, and this is evident in his decision to temporarily join forces with Goku during the Universal Tournament of Power. It was clear that Goku was in a difficult situation, and Frieza used this to his advantage, creating a deal that would benefit him in the long run. He effectively makes a deal to serve his purposes, and his ascension to Black Frieza proves that he has been continually increasing his power alongside Goku and Vegeta.
Akira Toriyama’s familiarity with Frieza created an unforgettable antagonist
Frieza’s ambitions evolve as he gains more power
Akira Toriyama also stated, “I know his personality very well, so it was easy to write.” This understanding shines through in the series as Frieza’s character acts according to his own desires. Frieza’s original inspiration was speculators who tried to capitalize on the Japanese financial crisis in the 1990s, known as “the lost decade”, which inspired many major anime series. Toriyama thus saw the character as very “real”, which is why Frieza continues to evolve throughout the series. Frieza wants to rule the universe, but the humiliation suffered at the hands of Goku and Vegeta has forced him to grow beyond his initial ambition and attitude, as seen in his latest return.
Toriyama’s familiarity with Frieza ensured that his every return and appearance was consistent with his character. The perfect continuity in Frieza’s character creates a compelling antagonist worthy of Goku and the Z-Fighter’s attention. Although aspects Dragon ball tend to change, Toriyama’s portrayal of Frieza is well-crafted and constant, making him one of the most complete characters in the series and the greatest villain.