Everything You Need to Know About Turles in Dragon Ball

Turles is one of the many intriguing characters in the Dragon Ball universe, though he is often overshadowed by the more prominent villains like Frieza or Cell. Despite his relative obscurity, Turles has a unique and fascinating backstory that ties into some of the most iconic themes of the series. In this article, we’ll delve into Turles’ character, his origins, and his role in the Dragon Ball franchise.

Who is Turles?

Turles is a Saiyan warrior who first appears in the 1989 film Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might (ドラゴンボールZ 地球まるごと超決戦, Chikyū Marugoto Chō Kessen). Unlike other Saiyan characters such as Goku and Vegeta, who have noble and heroic qualities, Turles is driven by a thirst for power and a desire to conquer the universe.

Origins and Backstory

Turles’ backstory is both compelling and tragic. He is revealed to be a distant relative of Goku. Although their appearances are very similar, Turles is a far darker version of the Saiyan race. He grew up in the harsh environment of Planet Vegeta, but unlike Goku, who was sent to Earth as a baby, Turles harbored a hatred for the way the Saiyans were treated by the ruling elite.

Appearance and Personality

Turles has the iconic black spiky hair typical of Saiyans, but his personality is very different from that of Goku. He is cunning, ruthless, and manipulative. His primary motivation is not just to gain power, but to cultivate an army of powerful warriors that would enable him to dominate the universe.

Turles’ appearance and abilities are similar to Goku’s, which is often a point of confusion for fans. This is due to the fact that Turles, much like Goku, is a Saiyan warrior who shares many traits with Goku, but with a darker twist.

Role in Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might

Turles’ most significant role comes in Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might, where he is the primary antagonist. In the film, Turles arrives on Earth with his band of powerful warriors, and they plant the Tree of Might, a deadly organism that sucks the life force from the planet to enhance its power. His plan is to destroy Earth and turn it into an energy source for his own Tree of Might, making him stronger.

Battle Against Goku

One of the most thrilling parts of The Tree of Might movie is the climactic battle between Turles and Goku. Turles, despite being an evil version of Goku, proves to be a formidable opponent. He uses the Tree of Might to gain a tremendous power boost, nearly defeating Goku and his friends. However, in the end, Goku defeats him using the Spirit Bomb, a technique he learned earlier in the Dragon Ball series.

The Tree of Might

The Tree of Might itself is a crucial element in understanding Turles’ role in Dragon Ball. This gigantic tree not only symbolizes his hunger for power but also serves as a central plot device in the movie. As the tree absorbs energy from the planet, it grows stronger, and so does Turles. His greed and lack of empathy for others demonstrate his ruthless nature, highlighting the key difference between him and other Saiyan characters like Goku.

Powers and Abilities

Turles possesses all the typical abilities of a Saiyan warrior, such as superhuman strength, agility, and the ability to manipulate energy in the form of Ki blasts. However, what sets him apart from other Saiyans is his willingness to use dark methods to achieve his goals. The Tree of Might significantly enhances his power, making him an even greater threat to Goku and the Earth.

Energy Attacks

One of Turles’ signature moves is his “Blaster Shell” attack. He uses this energy ball as a way to overwhelm his opponents with sheer power. Throughout The Tree of Might, Turles demonstrates his proficiency in manipulating energy and unleashing devastating attacks.

Transformation Potential

Though Turles does not reach the legendary Super Saiyan status, his abilities are still potent enough to pose a serious threat to Goku, particularly when he is empowered by the Tree of Might. This transformation, while not the same as Super Saiyan, serves as a key part of his character’s arc.

Why is Turles Often Overlooked in Dragon Ball?

Despite his importance in Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might, Turles remains somewhat of a forgotten character in the broader Dragon Ball universe. This is largely due to the fact that The Tree of Might movie is not considered canon to the main Dragon Ball series. As a result, Turles has not appeared in the main Dragon Ball Z story arcs, and his significance is often overshadowed by other major villains like Frieza and Cell.

Furthermore, his similarities to Goku in terms of appearance and powers have led many fans to see him as an interesting but ultimately expendable character. His rivalry with Goku, while compelling, never fully materializes into the kind of ongoing conflict seen with other antagonists in the series.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Turles

While Turles may not have the same lasting impact as other Dragon Ball villains, he remains an interesting and unique character in the Dragon Ball franchise. His role in The Tree of Might showcases the darker side of the Saiyan race, and his connection to Goku makes him a noteworthy antagonist in the series. Though his appearances are few, Turles represents a powerful reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the destructive consequences of seeking power at any cost.

Whether you’re a casual Dragon Ball fan or a diehard supporter of the series, Turles is a character who shouldn’t be overlooked. His legacy may not be as monumental as other villains, but his presence in the Dragon Ball universe leaves a mark that is sure to be remembered by true fans.

ライト

鳥山明さんの大ファン

鳥山明さんの作品をこよなく愛するドラゴンボールが好きな漫画オタクです。世の中のアニメ全般が好きで、クリエイターの皆様を応援しています。