A simple line in chapter 101 of Dragon Ball Super hearkens back to Goku’s original characterization in the manga, addressing a complaint of Toriyama.

Warning: Spoilers for Dragon Ball Super, Chapter 101Dragon Ball Super‘s creator Akira Toriyama has voiced some complaints in the past about how the anime adaptation of Dragon Ball Z handled Goku’s character, but it seems like Super may be taking some steps to address this complaint, based on a line of dialog from Goku in the latest chapter.

Chapter 101 of Dragon Ball Super features a scene of Goku on Beerus’ Planet, where he’s been watching Vegeta and Broly train together. As the two take a break, Cheelai and Lemo bring out drinks, and Cheelai mentions the threat that Frieza poses, particularly in his new Black Frieza form. Goku, rather than being concerned, admits a bit of admiration for Frieza’s resolve, as he made it clear that he did have to train exceptionally hard to unlock this new power.

Goku even admits it’s a thought he probably shouldn’t be having, but he simply can’t help himself.

Goku’s Original Characterization Wanted Fighting More Than Heroics

In a 1997 interview translated by Dragon Ball fan site Kanzenshuu, Akira Toriyama is quoted as saying he has “always been dissatisfied with the “righteous hero”-type portrayal [the anime] gave [Goku].” He wanted the character to be portrayed with this darker twist, where Goku’s desire for strong opponents outweighs his heroism at times (such as the many occasions where Goku gives a Senzu Bean to a powerful foe on the ropes). Goku may be the story’s protagonist, but that doesn’t make him a shining hero in Toriyama’s eyes.

This line feels like a callback, at the very least, to this earlier portrayal of Goku. Goku knows full well the kind of terrible things Frieza has done in the past, and what he could do with his new power. Yet, the idea of an opponent as powerful as Black Frieza only excites Goku–it doesn’t scare him or worry him at all. Even Beerus is a bit put off by Goku’s attitude, reacting dismissively before using the idea to encourage Goku’s continued training. No doubt Goku’s Earthbound friends would be just as displeased to hear him voice any respect for Frieza as well.

While Goku likely isn’t going to see a complete change in his character back to this darker take, it’s a sign that Toriyama hasn’t forgotten how he wants Goku to be portrayed, and to remind fans that, despite his cultural status, Goku really isn’t the white knight sort of hero. There will always be a part of Goku that’s more interested in pushing himself than saving others, and that’s enough to put his status as an unambiguous hero into question. It will be interesting to see if this aspect of Goku plays a bigger role in the upcoming Black Frieza arc of Dragon Ball Super, given Goku’s newfound respect for his greatest nemesis.

Source: Kanzenshuu