Krillin’s English VA: The Voices Behind the Iconic Dragon Ball Character

Krillin’s English VA: The Voices Behind the Iconic Dragon Ball Character

Krillin, one of the most beloved and enduring characters in the Dragon Ball franchise, has been brought to life in English dubs by a series of talented voice actors (VAs). These actors have skillfully captured Krillin’s humor, courage, and emotional depth, making him a relatable and memorable character for English-speaking audiences.

This article explores the history of Krillin’s English voice actors, their contributions to his character, and the impact they’ve had on fans of the series.

1. Who Are the English Voice Actors for Krillin?

1.1 Sonny Strait (Funimation Dub)

Sonny Strait is the most well-known English VA for Krillin, voicing the character in the Funimation dub of Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super, and related media.

• Performance Highlights:
  • Strait’s portrayal emphasizes Krillin’s lighthearted and comedic side while also delivering emotional resonance during serious moments.
  • His voice captures Krillin’s growth, from a mischievous fighter in Dragon Ball to a courageous and selfless family man in Dragon Ball Super.
• Notable Scenes:
  • Krillin’s heartfelt interactions with Android 18 and Marron.
  • The emotional aftermath of Krillin’s iconic death at the hands of Frieza.
  • His heroic moments in the Tournament of Power.

1.2 Terry Klassen (Ocean Dub)

Terry Klassen provided Krillin’s voice in the Ocean dub of Dragon Ball Z, which was one of the earliest English-language adaptations of the series.

• Performance Highlights:
  • Klassen’s voice had a distinct nasal tone, adding a comedic and quirky aspect to Krillin’s character.
  • His portrayal leaned into Krillin’s role as comic relief while still delivering on the character’s emotional depth during key moments.

1.3 Mike Thiessen (Blue Water Dub)

Mike Thiessen voiced Krillin in the Blue Water dub, which was created for certain English-speaking regions.

• Performance Highlights:
  • Thiessen’s portrayal of Krillin retained the character’s humor and courage but is less widely recognized compared to other VAs due to the limited reach of the Blue Water dub.

2. What Makes a Great Krillin VA?

2.1 Balancing Comedy and Heroism

Krillin is a character who walks the line between comic relief and a selfless hero. A great VA must capture both his humorous quips and his moments of bravery and sacrifice.

2.2 Capturing Emotional Depth

Krillin’s relationships with Goku, Android 18, and Marron require a VA who can deliver heartfelt and emotional performances that resonate with fans.

2.3 Consistency Across Arcs

From the lighter tone of Dragon Ball to the intense battles of Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super, a VA must adapt to Krillin’s evolution while staying true to his core personality.

3. Fan Reactions to Krillin’s English VAs

3.1 Sonny Strait’s Enduring Popularity

Sonny Strait is often regarded as the definitive English voice for Krillin. Fans praise his ability to bring warmth and humor to the character while delivering emotional weight during pivotal scenes.

3.2 Nostalgia for the Ocean Dub

Many fans who grew up with the Ocean dub hold Terry Klassen’s portrayal in high regard, appreciating it as their first introduction to Krillin’s character.

3.3 Comparisons Across Dubs

While fans may have their personal preferences, most agree that each VA has brought something unique to Krillin, reflecting different aspects of his personality and growth.

4. The Impact of Krillin’s English VAs

4.1 Making Krillin Relatable

Krillin’s English VAs have helped make him one of the most relatable characters in Dragon Ball. Their performances capture his courage, humor, and humanity, endearing him to audiences worldwide.

4.2 Contributing to Dragon Ball’s Success

The talent of Krillin’s English VAs has played a significant role in the popularity of Dragon Ball in English-speaking countries, ensuring that his character resonates with fans across generations.

5. Conclusion

Krillin’s English voice actors, from Sonny Strait’s heartfelt and humorous portrayal to Terry Klassen’s nostalgic performance, have played a vital role in bringing one of Dragon Ball’s most iconic characters to life. Their contributions highlight the importance of voice acting in shaping a character’s legacy and connecting with fans.

Whether delivering a comedic one-liner or an emotional moment of sacrifice, Krillin’s English VAs have ensured that his spirit shines through, making him a beloved part of the Dragon Ball universe.

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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。