Zamasu in the Dragon Ball Manga: A Villain of Divine Ambition

Zamasu, one of the most compelling villains introduced in Dragon Ball Super, plays a pivotal role in both the anime and manga adaptations. His arc in the Dragon Ball Super manga, written by Akira Toriyama and illustrated by Toyotarou, offers a unique take on his character and actions, diverging slightly from the anime in key ways. This article explores Zamasu’s story in the manga, comparing it to the anime, highlighting his motivations, transformations, and ultimate fate.

Zamasu’s Role in the Dragon Ball Super Manga

Zamasu first appears in the manga during the Future Trunks Saga, a storyline that revolves around the devastation of Future Trunks’ timeline by Zamasu and his counterpart, Goku Black. Zamasu’s actions are driven by his “Zero Mortals Plan,” a divine mission to eradicate all mortal life, which he believes is the root of universal chaos and destruction.

Zamasu’s Character and Motivations in the Manga

1. The Supreme Kai Apprentice

Zamasu begins as an apprentice to Gowasu, the Supreme Kai of Universe 10. A prodigy with exceptional combat skills and intelligence, Zamasu becomes increasingly disillusioned with mortals. He views them as inherently flawed, prone to violence and destruction, and unworthy of the gifts bestowed upon them by the gods.

2. Philosophical Depth

In the manga, Zamasu’s ideology is explored in greater detail. His disdain for mortals is not merely rooted in arrogance but in a deeply held belief that their existence disrupts universal harmony. This philosophical underpinning makes him a more nuanced villain, as his actions stem from a twisted but coherent logic.

The Manga’s Depiction of Goku Black

The Origin of Goku Black

In the manga, Zamasu uses the Super Dragon Balls to switch bodies with Goku, creating the entity known as Goku Black. This version of Zamasu, now inhabiting Goku’s body, retains Zamasu’s intellect and divine ki while gaining Goku’s immense Saiyan strength and adaptability.

Differences from the Anime

While the anime emphasizes Goku Black’s sinister charisma, the manga delves deeper into his strategic mind. Goku Black is shown to be more methodical, using his fusion of Saiyan and divine abilities to systematically destroy civilizations.

Key Events in Zamasu’s Manga Arc

1. Zamasu’s Ascension

Zamasu’s transformation into Goku Black and his alliance with his alternate-timeline counterpart set the stage for their plan to destroy mortals. The manga portrays their collaboration with more strategic depth, showing how they manipulate timelines to execute their plan.

2. Fused Zamasu’s Creation

The manga’s depiction of Fused Zamasu, created through the Potara fusion of Zamasu and Goku Black, highlights his unstable and corrupted form. This reflects the flaws in Zamasu’s ideology, as his quest for perfection ultimately leads to his physical and moral downfall.

3. The Final Battle

The battle against Fused Zamasu in the manga showcases unique elements, including the use of Vegito Blue and Future Trunks’ Spirit Sword. The fight is characterized by intense strategy and high-stakes action, culminating in Zamasu’s spread across the multiverse as a distorted, incorporeal entity.

Differences Between the Manga and Anime

1. Pacing and Story Details

The manga provides a more condensed and streamlined version of the Future Trunks Saga compared to the anime. Key moments, such as Goku Black’s introduction and the final battle, are delivered with greater narrative focus.

2. Power Scaling

The manga offers a more balanced depiction of power levels. For example:

• Vegito Blue’s energy limitations are explained in greater detail, emphasizing the stakes of the fusion’s time limit.
• Zamasu’s immortality and Fused Zamasu’s instability are explored with greater nuance.

3. Philosophical Themes

The manga leans heavily into Zamasu’s philosophical motivations, giving readers a deeper understanding of his disdain for mortals and his perception of justice.

Zamasu’s Legacy in the Manga

Zamasu’s arc in the Dragon Ball Super manga solidifies his place as one of the franchise’s most memorable villains. His combination of divine ambition, philosophical depth, and catastrophic actions make him a standout character. The manga’s unique approach to his story enhances his complexity, offering fans an alternative perspective to the anime.

Conclusion: Zamasu’s Impact on Dragon Ball

Zamasu’s presence in the Dragon Ball Super manga underscores the franchise’s ability to blend action with thought-provoking themes. His journey from a Supreme Kai apprentice to a rogue deity highlights the dangers of unchecked ideology and power, making his arc both a cautionary tale and a thrilling adventure.

As one of the most philosophically driven villains in Dragon Ball, Zamasu continues to captivate fans with his story, ensuring his place in the series’ enduring legacy. Whether in the anime or manga, his character remains a testament to the depth and complexity of Dragon Ball Super’s storytelling.

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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。