I’ve been watching DragonBall for a very very very long time. This means that I've seen the characters evolve and grow in strength, constantly pushing the boundaries of what seems possible. However, the idea of Goku surpassing Whis, his current mentor and one of the most powerful beings in the entire multiverse, raises some serious concerns about the future direction of the franchise. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the potential repercussions of Goku achieving such an astronomical level of power and how it could impact the series as a whole, from the narrative structure to the dynamics between characters.
The Immeasurable Power of Whis:
To truly grasp the gravity of the situation if Goku were to surpass Whis, we must first examine just how incredibly powerful Whis is. As an Angel, Whis possesses abilities that are on a completely different level compared to the Gods of Destruction, like Beerus, who are already considered to be among the strongest beings in the universe. In fact, it has been explicitly stated that Whis is significantly stronger than Beerus himself, showcasing the vast difference in their power levels. One of Whis' most notable feats is his ability to manipulate time itself, as demonstrated when he effortlessly reversed time to undo the massive destruction caused by Frieza (DragonBall Super, Episode 27). This power alone sets him apart from nearly every other character in the series and highlights the sheer scope of his abilities.
The Struggle to Find a Worthy Adversary:
If Goku were to surpass Whis and reach a level of power beyond even the Angels, it would create a massive problem for the series in terms of crafting compelling and challenging antagonists. Any villain introduced would need to be on par with or even stronger than the Angels themselves, which seems highly unlikely given their established power levels and the fact that they are considered to be some of the most formidable beings in the multiverse. This could lead to a lack of engaging conflicts and a sense of predictability in future story arcs, as it would be difficult to create enemies that could pose a genuine threat to a protagonist who has surpassed the strength of the gods. Without the tension and stakes that come from facing powerful adversaries, the series could lose some of its excitement and dramatic impact.
The Widening Gap Between Goku and the Z Fighters:
Goku's ascension to a level beyond Whis would further widen the already significant power gap between him and the other Z Fighters, who have been fighting alongside him for years. Characters like Krillin, Tien, Yamcha, and even Roshi, who were once integral to the team's success and played crucial roles in battles, would become even more overshadowed by Goku's overwhelming strength. Their contributions would seem increasingly insignificant compared to Goku's godlike abilities, potentially diminishing their importance in the story. This could also impact the sense of teamwork that has been a key theme throughout the series, as Goku's power would make him less reliant on his friends and allies in combat situations.
The Complexity of Power Scaling in Dragon Ball Super:
DragonBall Super has already faced criticism from fans for its complex and sometimes inconsistent power scaling, with characters' strengths fluctuating and new transformations being introduced at a rapid pace. If Goku were to surpass Whis, it would only add to this issue, making it even more challenging for fans to grasp the relative strengths of characters and understand the power dynamics at play. The introduction of such a massive power leap could lead to confusion and frustration among viewers, who may struggle to make sense of the expanding power levels and the implications they have for the story. This could potentially impact their enjoyment and engagement with the series, as the power scaling becomes increasingly convoluted and difficult to follow.
Focusing on Technique Over Raw Power:
Instead of having Goku surpass Whis in terms of raw power, which could have far-reaching consequences for the series, it would be more appropriate for him to focus on mastering the technique of Ultra Instinct. This would allow Goku to grow and develop as a fighter without completely disrupting the established power hierarchy and throwing the universe into imbalance. Ultra Instinct is a highly advanced skill employed by the Angels, but it does not necessarily imply that Goku would become as overwhelmingly strong as them in every aspect. By emphasizing the importance of technique, strategy, and skill over sheer strength, the series could maintain a sense of balance and leave room for future challenges and growth. This approach would also reinforce the idea that there is always room for improvement and that power alone is not the only factor in determining a fighter's success.
While the idea of Goku surpassing Whis in power may seem exciting and thrilling to some fans, eager to see the protagonist reach new heights, it could have severe and far-reaching consequences for the future of the Dragon Ball series. It would create significant issues in terms of crafting suitable antagonists, as any new villain would need to be impossibly strong to pose a credible threat. Also, it would widen the already vast power gap between Goku and his long-time allies, the Z Fighters, potentially diminishing their importance and the sense of teamwork that has been a hallmark of the series. Additionally, Goku's ascension to such an extreme level of power would contribute to the already complex and sometimes inconsistent power scaling in Dragon Ball Super, leading to viewer confusion and frustration. Instead, focusing on Goku's mastery of Ultra Instinct and emphasizing the importance of technique and skill over raw strength would allow for more balanced growth and development without upsetting the delicate power dynamics of the universe.
I agree with everything you said incredible take