In 2024, the Dragon Ball franchise celebrates its 40th anniversary, making it one of the oldest series in the history of shonen manga.
Its anime adaptations have had an even more significant impact on the genre, and without the adventures of Goku, it’s a safe bet that Japanese animation would never have reached the international scale it enjoys today.
Before we begin, you can now find all our anime figures from United Kingdom by clicking here:
Piccolo Jr.: A Lasting Antagonist with a Unique Journey
Among all the antagonists in Dragon Ball, none persists longer than Piccolo Junior, the son of King Piccolo. This Namekian begins his journey with the goal of carrying on his father's sinister legacy. However, over time, he becomes a loyal member of the Z Fighters, offering one of the most unique perspectives in the franchise. Throughout his evolution, he delivers several lines that remain iconic even today.
- Episode: Dragon Ball, episode 123: "Lost and Found"
- Air Date: August 17, 1988
"This is only the beginning. I'll get Goku — he's mine. I will have my revenge!" - Piccolo
When Dragon Ball fans hear the name Piccolo, they generally think of Piccolo Jr., the character present throughout Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, and Dragon Ball Super. However, at the start of the series, it is his father, King Piccolo, who dominates. This evil tyrant nearly plunges the Earth into chaos before finally being killed by Goku. In his final moments, he passes life to his son, Piccolo Jr., who inherits his memories and immediately becomes a threat to the inhabitants of Earth. After destroying the home of an elderly human who tries to help him, the young Namekian announces his intention to seek revenge on Goku, thus launching the final arc of Dragon Ball.
Insults to Humans and a Final Battle
- Episode: Dragon Ball, episode 143: "Battle for the Future"
- Air Date: February 1, 1989
"You can count all day long, but it won't do you any good. Without Kami to guide him, Hero is nothing but an empty shell." - Piccolo
The World Martial Arts Tournament plays a major role in several Dragon Ball arcs, but the stakes are never as high as during the 23rd edition. On this occasion, Piccolo Jr. implements his plan to defeat Goku and his allies, including the Guardian of the Earth, Kami. After sealing Kami with the Evil Containment Wave, Piccolo Jr. begins to boast of his victory, revealing his true feelings toward the human race, which he considers an "empty shell." This clear contempt for humanity intensifies the suspense surrounding the final match of the tournament, where the fate of the Earth is at stake.
The Dawn of the Era of Suffering
- Episode: Dragon Ball, episode 148: "The Victor"
- Air Date: March 8, 1989
"A new era will soon dawn upon the Earth, marked by suffering, pain, and torment for all of humanity!" - Piccolo
The final fight between Piccolo Jr. and Goku at the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament is one of the most memorable and significant in the entire Dragon Ball franchise. These two characters are perfect opposites, both in terms of personality and fighting style. While Goku seeks to inspire through hard work and determination, Piccolo aspires to rule with ruthless and absolute power. When he gains the upper hand over Goku, he boasts before the tournament spectators, proclaiming that an era of pain and torment is about to strike the Earth. However, Goku manages to rise again and earns a hard-won victory, putting an end to Piccolo's tyrannical ambitions.
Protecting the Earth: An Unlikely Alliance
- Episode: Dragon Ball Z, episode 3: "Unlikely Alliance"
- Air Date: May 10, 1989
"I don't care what happens to your son, but I won't let this man take control of the Earth." - Piccolo
The arrival of Raditz on Earth marks the beginning of the Dragon Ball Z era, shifting the franchise in a brand new direction. Along with the introduction of Goku's son, Gohan, the series reveals that Goku and Piccolo belong to two alien races: the Saiyans and the Namekians. Although Goku and Piccolo are not yet friends during the Saiyan Invasion arc, Raditz's overwhelming power forces them to find common ground for the first time. Despite their differences, they share a desire to protect the Earth from outside threats, forming a formidable alliance.
Piccolo's Promise to Gohan
- Episode: Dragon Ball Z, episode 27: "Nimbus Speed"
- Air Date: November 22, 1989
"Up until now, I was training you out of revenge to make you worthy of being my opponent — but something has changed. No matter what happens, Gohan, I will always be there to protect you." - Piccolo
The death of Goku during the Saiyan Invasion arc saves the Earth from Raditz's wrath; however, his sacrifice leaves the planet vulnerable to external threats, like the imminent arrival of Vegeta and Nappa. Piccolo then makes the radical decision to take Gohan under his wing, beginning one of the most unique relationships in the entire Dragon Ball franchise. Initially, Piccolo despises Gohan's vulnerability, but over time, he comes to view the young boy as his own son. When a blast from Nappa threatens to kill Gohan, Piccolo keeps his promise by sacrificing himself to protect the child, offering one of the most poignant scenes of the arc.
The Return of Piccolo: Fusion and New Power
- Episode: Dragon Ball Z, episode 77: "The Fusion"
- Air Date: February 6, 1991
"It's incredible, I feel incredible! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! I can win — I feel super! I can do it!" - Piccolo
As a Namekian, Piccolo seems like a natural candidate to accompany Bulma, Gohan, and Krillin on their trip to planet Namek. Unfortunately, Piccolo only reappears once resurrected by the Namekian Dragon Balls, after being killed during his fight against Nappa and Vegeta. Shortly after his resurrection, he fuses with a powerful Namekian warrior named Nail, which gives him a massive power boost, rivaling Frieza's initial forms. Overwhelmed by the surge of his new abilities, Piccolo delivers one of Dragon Ball's most exuberant lines, expressing his overwhelming joy at his new strength.
Fusion with Kami: Piccolo's Ascension
- Episode: Dragon Ball Z, episode 141: "The Reunion"
- Air Date: May 27, 1992
"I am no longer Kami or Piccolo. I am the Namek who has long since forgotten his name. I must go." - Piccolo
As the Frieza and Android sagas progress, Piccolo is gradually pushed to the background. With the Saiyans and their adversaries taking center stage, the Namekian becomes too weak to compete with the series' antagonists. This changes when Kami agrees to fuse with him, causing Piccolo to transform into a more powerful version of himself. After completing this fusion, Piccolo redefines himself as a more powerful entity, neither Kami nor Piccolo, but something entirely different. This quote introduces a brand new level of power for Piccolo, culminating in his battle against Android 17.
Piccolo's Latent Power: The Transformation into Orange Piccolo
- Movie: Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
- Release Date: June 11, 2022
"Thank you, Shenron. A little push made all the difference." - Piccolo
In Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, Piccolo reaches a new transformation known as Orange Piccolo after asking Shenron to awaken his latent potential. Although his transformation is obtained through unconventional means, Piccolo's new power is no less impressive. This boost grants him power comparable to that of the Saiyans, a well-deserved victory after decades of competing with opponents far stronger than himself. This re-establishes Piccolo as a crucial element among the Z Fighters, a force to be reckoned with in future battles.
Our store offers all types of figurines and derivative products of Anime, all our products are faithfully adapted from manga / anime in question.
You will find figures, LED lights, iPhone and Airpods cases as well as clothes and goodies featuring your favorite characters.
The characters present on our online store are from your most popular Anime and Manga such as: One Piece, Naruto, Demon Slayer, Dragon Ball Z, Jujutsu Kaisen...
The anime products we offer are not necessarily products to be offered as gifts. You can use them as a personal item, to decorate your room or to fill your collection cupboard like a real Otaku!
So don't hesitate to come and visit our online store by clicking here !
