This ‘Dragon Ball’ Movie Is the Saddest Addition to the Anime Franchise

Originally conceptualized by Japanese manga artist Akira Toriyama (R.I.P.), the world of Dragon Ball and its numerous anime series and theatrical animated films have been going strong for the past 40 years. For American audiences, it all started in 2001 when Cartoon Network aired dubbed episodes of Dragon Ball. A boy with monkey-like abilities named Goku teams up with a girl named Bulma who is trying to find the seven dragon balls. Along the way, they encounter villains (like Emperor Pilaf, the Red Ribbon Army, and King Piccolo) and enter the World Martial Arts Tournament.

Even though the original series ended two years later, fans of the franchise were fortunate enough to see Goku (all grown up this time) in Dragon Ball Z, once again defending Earth from various aliens, androids, and magical creatures. This series was even more popular than the first — DBZ broke online search records and left a permanent footprint on the pop culture fandom. Then came Dragon Ball GT, a surprisingly emotional movie that takes place just before the events in the last episode.

This Movie Takes Place Long After Goku’s Death

Even though this alternate universe sequel show is finally finding some solace with Dragon Ball enthusiasts in recent times, this 1996 entry was initially torn apart by critics. IGN, Anime News Network, and DVD Talk are just some of the sources who took part in the negative criticism. Using a plot that was later retooled by Dragon Ball Daima, Goku is accidentally turned into a child by the wish-bearing dragon, Ultimate Shenron. He then goes on various adventures with his granddaughter Pan and friend Trunks to retrieve special Black Star Dragon Balls (before the earth explodes).

They also have to stop numerous antagonists in the process, like an alien parasite named Baby, a resurrected android who has come back from Hell (originally defeated in DBZ), and seven shadow dragons. There was also a little-known special that aired between the last two episodes of GT that put the saddest of realities on the entire Dragon Ball franchise. Let’s take a look at Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy. In this movie, all the heroes you once knew are now dead.

Related

Who’s Actually Stronger, Goku or Vegeta?

It’s time to settle the debate and decide whether Goku or Vegeta is stronger in Dragon Ball.

Yes, you heard that right. In a weird twist, this movie’s events take place 100 years after Goku defeats the last shadow dragon. By now, other than Pan, all the popular names like Goku, Vegeta, Krillin, Piccolo, and Yamcha have passed on. One of the very first scenes in A Hero’s Legacy involves following an elderly Pan and her great-great-grandson, Goku Jr., as they pay respects to the fallen Z warriors at their numerous gravesites. To make matters worse, Goku Jr is bullied in school. Upon discovering that he hasn’t fought back, Pan has a heart attack at home and has to be rushed to the hospital. At least Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, or GT had comedic moments. Any sequences within the first 20 minutes or so that don’t involve immense tragedy instead show Goku Jr crying his eyes out.

‘Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy’ Is Heartbreaking

The great-great-grandson then goes on a quest to acquire the dragon ball on Mount Paozu because he believes one is needed for a wish and not seven. After getting all his traveling gear stolen from a lying truck driver, one of the bullies (named Puck) from earlier meets him at the stop, and they actually embark together on the trip (because he wants to see if Goku gets eaten by a monster). This is where it starts to feel a little more like Dragon Ball rather than an all-out depressing movie, for a moment, anyway. Goku Jr and Puck get into a tussle with three blue-colored vampires in the forest who are looking to eat the two young men.

Related

Every Dragon Ball Villain Who Wasn’t Defeated by Goku

Victory within the Dragon Ball franchise usually depends on the martial artist Goku, But there are a few villains that Goku has never defeated.

By this point, A Hero’s Legacy does a good job at Puck’s character redemption. He helps Goku numerous times, and their bond becomes stronger, but that’s all for a specific reason. While running away, the duo comes across a walking bridge. Puck walks across just fine, but when Goku is in the middle, the wind picks up, and the ropes begin to snap. Puck tries to save Goku from disaster, but he falls into the darkness below. This sudden death is accompanied by Goku Jr. crying yet again. Now, he ventures solo. It seems like directors Yoshihiro Ueda and Hidehiko Kadota really wanted viewers to be in their feels for this final Dragon Ball prelude story. But wait, the emotions just keep on coming.

Fans Will Remember the Ending of ‘Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy’ Forever

Within the last 15 minutes of Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy, Goku Jr. finally achieves Super Saiyan form when defending a mama bear and her cub from a huge, relentless demon. This is a satisfying moment, given how much trauma he’s already been through. The fight is given ample time to tease more death and to focus on the youngster’s call to defend. What makes this movie memorable (in the saddest of ways, though) is the haunting ending. After he finds the dragon ball and struggles to understand why Shenron won’t appear, he cries out to the skies, demanding to understand why his wish to heal his grandma won’t come true.

In a scene that will make any Dragon Ball fan weep, the Goku we all know and love appears before our young main character and tells him that his bravery and willingness saved them all before vanishing once more. Pan and Puck whisk over in a helicopter, declaring that they won’t give in that easily, and that’s how A Hero’s Legacy ends. Well, not before one last sight of Goku in the skies. People may have their reasons for not liking Dragon Ball GT, but there is no denying that this movie is the ultimate farewell for fans, young and old. Ancestor Goku seems to not only be talking to his young family member, but also to us when he wishes us good luck with our future. Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy plays out exactly as the title says. Our heroes may be gone, but they will never be forgotten. Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy is available to rent on Apple TV and Prime Video.