10 Easy Fixes That Could Have Saved Dragon…

Dragon Ball GT: The Unloved Legend and What Could Have Been

Dragon Ball GT stands as the most debated chapter in Akira Toriyama’s legendary martial arts saga. Following directly after Dragon Ball Z’s explosive conclusion, GT aimed to recapture the adventurous essence of early Dragon Ball. Initially, it took inspiration from Journey to the West before shifting back to the colossal battles that made DBZ a global phenomenon. This hybrid nature left GT struggling for a clear identity, polarizing its fanbase. Early arcs faced harsh criticism, while later segments earned praise for introducing Super Saiyan 4 and infamous foes like Baby Vegeta.

The Canonical Dilemma

GT’s non-canonical status only exacerbates its troubles. Despite being the "black sheep," it isn’t devoid of unique, original charm. With a few minor tweaks, many believe GT might have gained a significant following. Kid Goku’s diminishment is where it all began — stripping away his character development achieved through DBZ. Transforming Goku into a child didn’t impact his mindset or naiveté. Even without this transformation, Pilaf’s wish could have propelled GT’s narrative.

The Underutilized Warriors

GT’s central conundrum was integrating Goku with Pan and the newer generation. This decision, as Producer Kozo Morishita explained, led to Goku’s devolvement into a child. Such choices became pivotal flaws, especially when introducing the Z Fighters. The concept met disdain upon its reveal in DAIMA, underlining its unpopularity. Ultimately, GT’s most cherished arcs highlighted adult Goku in his edgier Super Saiyan 4 form — a direction the series should have embraced earlier.

Gohan’s absence in GT came as a disappointment. His involvement could have elevated GT’s battles significantly. Excluding his presence, it felt like the series left Gohan behind, rather than just leaving him on Earth. Even briefly becoming a villain in the Baby arc, Gohan’s potential remained underplayed. Including Gohan on their journey might have introduced stronger antagonists, providing a better platform for gripping battles.

The Power of Villains and Condensed Storytelling

GT’s villains had much untapped potential. Characters like Ledgic should have been explored and enriched rather than used for episodic conflicts. His one-off appearance left fans longing for more. Similarly, Lord Luud and the Shadow Dragons were underutilized, despite their introduction in the series. Even condensing the series could have worked wonders. GT struggled in its early episodes, plagued by attempts to mimic Dragon Ball’s whimsy without its heart.

Fans agree that the series truly found its footing with the Baby Saga. Prior storylines could have been trimmed down, reducing the series by nearly half. Cutting unnecessary arcs would have fast-tracked the move to more engaging narratives, like those involving Dr. Myuu.

While Super 17 had intriguing storytelling potential, the saga fell short. Critics deem it lazy and uninspired, yet it had its merits. The infusion of Hell’s inhabitants into the real world might have reshaped GT into one of Dragon Ball’s most fascinating arcs. Sadly, its poor execution further marred GT’s image.

What Could Have Been

Goku remaining an adult post-SSJ4 transformation could have worked wonders. He repeatedly transformed into his adult form throughout GT, consistently delivering top-tier action. As such, it fits the darker atmosphere more cohesively.

GT’s exclusion from canon contributed to its overshadowing by Dragon Ball Super. While many do not view canon as vital, GT’s status exiles it from being essential viewing. By eliminating any early ties to Dragon Ball Super, GT’s non-canon insignificance grew. Super’s release affirmed GT’s side-story status, siloing it from the intricate fabric of Toriyama’s universe.

Ultimately, Pan never reached her true potential. The character presented tremendous promise but lacked direction and development. She might have succeeded as a Super Saiyan before Kale and Caulifla.

Would Toriyama Save GT?

GT’s pitfalls might be entirely avoidable had Akira Toriyama been more hands-on. While Toriyama contributed design concepts, his absence in storytelling left GT disjointed. Unlike Toriyama’s intricate weaving of arcs, GT’s fragmented narrative contributed to its downfall.

Finally, had the series centered on the Cracked Dragon Balls and Shadow Dragons, it might have delivered an unforgettable journey. GT’s finale revisits these ideas, creating a full-circle moment. Introducing these impactful elements earlier could ensure GT’s rightful place in the Dragon Ball legacy. Alas, Toriyama’s unique storytelling prowess remains unmatched, further setting GT apart.