Kisses in Dragon Ball: Rare and Memorable Moments
Kisses in Dragon Ball: Rare and Memorable Moments
The Dragon Ball franchise, created by Akira Toriyama, is renowned for its epic battles, humor, and heartwarming character interactions. While romance is not a central theme in Dragon Ball, there are moments where kisses make a surprising and memorable appearance. These instances often add humor, showcase character relationships, or highlight unexpected situations.
Notable Kisses in Dragon Ball
Though rare, kisses in Dragon Ball play a role in shaping relationships and adding comedic or emotional depth. Here are some of the most notable moments involving kisses in the franchise.
1. Goku and Chi-Chi’s Relationship: A Kiss-Free Marriage
- Despite being one of the series’ central couples, Goku and Chi-Chi are rarely shown engaging in romantic gestures, including kisses.
- Goku famously revealed in Dragon Ball Super that he didn’t know what a kiss was, despite being married to Chi-Chi and having two children (Gohan and Goten).
- This moment, played for laughs, highlights Goku’s innocent and naïve nature, as his focus has always been on martial arts rather than romance.
2. Vegeta and Bulma: A Subtle Show of Affection
- Unlike Goku, Vegeta shows a more grounded and realistic approach to romance, though he remains reserved.
- While no on-screen kiss is explicitly shown between Vegeta and Bulma, their deep connection is evident throughout Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super.
- In Dragon Ball Super: Broly, Vegeta’s protective nature toward Bulma and their family is a testament to their bond, though romantic gestures like kissing remain implied rather than overtly displayed.
3. Krillin and Android 18: A Romantic Turning Point
- One of the most iconic romantic moments in Dragon Ball occurs between Krillin and Android 18.
- After sparing Android 18 during the Cell Saga, Krillin’s feelings for her become apparent.
- Their relationship develops off-screen, culminating in marriage, and their affection is subtly hinted at, though no specific kissing scenes are shown.
4. Master Roshi’s Comic Misadventures
- Master Roshi, the perverted martial arts master, is infamous for his comedic attempts to kiss female characters, often resulting in slapstick humor.
- These moments are meant to highlight Roshi’s flawed and exaggerated personality, and they frequently end with him being reprimanded.
5. Trunks and Mai: A Kiss Across Generations
- In Dragon Ball Super, the relationship between Future Trunks and Future Mai adds a rare romantic subplot to the series.
- While their relationship is tender, with moments of emotional connection, it is portrayed in a wholesome and subtle manner, leaving physical gestures like kissing to the imagination.
Why Are Kisses Rare in Dragon Ball?
1. Focus on Action and Adventure
- Dragon Ball prioritizes action, martial arts, and humor over romance. Romantic elements are usually secondary or implied rather than explicitly shown.
2. Toriyama’s Style
- Akira Toriyama’s storytelling often emphasizes humor and character quirks, leaving romance understated.
3. Cultural Context
- Public displays of affection, like kissing, are less common in Japanese media, especially in stories targeted at younger audiences, which might explain their rarity in Dragon Ball.
Impact of Romantic Moments in Dragon Ball
Though not a central theme, the romantic relationships in Dragon Ball add emotional depth and relatability to the characters. Whether it’s Krillin’s journey from comedic sidekick to devoted husband or Vegeta’s transformation from anti-hero to protective family man, these moments enrich the story and create meaningful connections among the cast.
Conclusion
Kisses in Dragon Ball may be rare, but they are memorable when they occur, adding humor, depth, and a touch of romance to the franchise’s action-packed narrative. From Krillin and Android 18’s subtle romance to Goku’s humorous innocence, these moments showcase another dimension of the beloved characters, reminding fans that even in a world of superhuman battles, personal connections matter.