ManyDragon Ballfans are under the mistaken impression that series creator Akira Toriyama truly hated Vegeta, despite him being one of the most popular characters and having a large amount of screen time. The truth is, however, that Toriyama had a much more complicated relationship with Vegeta.
Vegeta’s introduction and ascension to a main cast member was definitely a major turning point forDragon Ball. In some ways, the series even feels incomplete without him, as the image of Goku and Vegeta battling side-by-side has become so common throughout the franchise. So, where did the idea of Toriyama hating Vegeta get started?
Toriyama’s Feelings About Vegeta Have Evolved Over Time
Toriyama May Not Have Loved Vegeta at the Start
There is reason to believe thatToriyama disliked Vegetaat one point. In a 1995 interview for the databookDaizenshuu 2,as translated by fansite Kanzenshuu, Toriyama was asked about his favorite villain. Toriyama answered:
Out of all the enemies, Demon King Piccolo is the one I like most, and even after that I like Piccolo the most. I like Piccolo about the same as I like Goku. With Vegeta, well, I don’t like him all that much, but he was extremely helpful to have around.
This answer seems to be the origin of the idea that Toriyama didn’t like Vegeta and resented having to write for him. However, it’s important to remember exactly what was going on when this interview was released.The series had only recently ended, and Toriyama may have been a bit burned out when he gave that answer.
However, in later interviews, such as this one from 2010,also translated by Kanzenshuu, Toriyama lists Vegeta among his top 5 favorite characters, saying that his “coolness is the real deal.” It seems that Toriyama’s opinion on Vegeta has evolved over time, and he’s come to appreciate the character a lot more.
Toriyama Sees Vegeta Differently Than Fans Do
Many Fans Want to See Vegeta Succeed, But That’s Not His Role
One of the reasons that the idea of Toriyama hating Vegeta has persevered for so long is partially due to Vegeta’s treatment throughoutDragon Ball. Vegeta spends so much time being second-best to Goku, and fans of his character want to see him truly succeed, but that’s not Vegeta’s role in the story.
Vegeta is there to show just how difficult enemies can be, by giving them someone comparable to Goku to fight against, but by keeping him slightly weaker, Toriyama can show off the villain’s power without forcing Goku to lose. Vegeta’s role is one that is important: testing boundaries and learning an opponent’s moves.
Vegeta has even started to embrace this to some extent inDragon Ball Super, often passing off the battle to Goku without complaint.It’s understandable why Vegeta’s fans want to see him win on his own merits, especially as he’s worked so hard to keep up with Goku.
And, to be fair,Vegeta did finally get his win against GokuinSuper Hero, helping to prove once again that he really is a competent and dangerous fighter. There may have been a time when Toriyama disliked Vegeta, but that time was long in the past beforeDragon BallSuperbegan.
