“That Was Krillin” Meme: A Humorous Tribute to Dragon Ball’s Beloved Underdog

“That Was Krillin” Meme: A Humorous Tribute to Dragon Ball’s Beloved Underdog

The “That Was Krillin” meme is a playful nod to one of Dragon Ball’s most enduring characters, Krillin. Known for his bravery, comedic moments, and occasional misfortunes, Krillin has been a fan favorite and the subject of countless jokes within the anime community. This meme encapsulates the humor and relatability of Krillin’s character, often highlighting his role as both a heroic underdog and a source of comic relief.

Origins of the “That Was Krillin” Meme

The meme typically emerges from Dragon Ball Z or Dragon Ball Super moments where Krillin plays a significant (or hilariously unfortunate) role. It humorously underscores his contributions or mishaps, often in the context of battles, friendships, or iconic scenes.

1. Defining Moments for Krillin

• His Deaths: Krillin’s frequent deaths, including the infamous one at the hands of Frieza, are a recurring theme in Dragon Ball humor. The meme often references these moments with captions like “That was Krillin… again.”
• Heroic Acts: Despite being outclassed by Saiyans and other superpowered characters, Krillin’s courage in battles like the Tournament of Power has inspired memes that both celebrate and poke fun at his bravery.

2. The Phrase’s Adaptability

The phrase “That was Krillin” is used to acknowledge his presence in a humorous or lighthearted way, often emphasizing his relatability and enduring spirit.

Common Themes in the Meme

1. Underdog Humor

Krillin is frequently portrayed as the ultimate underdog, making his triumphs and failures equally meme-worthy.

• Example: A screenshot of Krillin preparing a Destructo Disc with the caption, “That was Krillin… trying his best.”

2. Comic Relief

Krillin’s humorous moments, from his reactions to Vegeta’s insults to his interactions with Master Roshi, are often the basis for memes that highlight his lighter side.

• Example: Krillin nervously waving during a tense scene, captioned, “That was Krillin… pretending it’s all fine.”

3. Heroic Sacrifices

Despite his limitations, Krillin repeatedly risks his life for his friends. The meme sometimes juxtaposes these moments with exaggerated or sarcastic captions.

• Example: Krillin charging at a vastly stronger opponent with the text, “That was Krillin… a hero we didn’t deserve.”

Popular Uses of the Meme

1. Social Media Humor

The meme is commonly shared on platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and Instagram to add humor to discussions about Dragon Ball.

• Example Post: A GIF of Krillin being blown away during a fight, captioned, “That was Krillin… just doing his job.”

2. Reaction Memes

Fans use the meme to react to situations where someone tries hard but fails spectacularly, drawing parallels to Krillin’s moments of struggle in the series.

3. Fan Edits

Creative fans often edit scenes from Dragon Ball with captions or voiceovers to emphasize Krillin’s role, using the phrase “That was Krillin” to punctuate the humor.

Why the Meme Resonates

1. Relatability

Krillin’s character is inherently relatable—he’s not the strongest or the flashiest, but he’s determined and loyal. The meme captures this essence, making him a character fans can see themselves in.

2. Celebration of Humor

The Dragon Ball series is known for blending action with humor, and Krillin’s character embodies this balance perfectly. The meme celebrates this by focusing on his funniest and most endearing moments.

3. Fandom Connection

For Dragon Ball fans, the meme is a way to bond over shared appreciation for Krillin’s contributions and his role as a comedic cornerstone of the series.

Notable Examples

1. Krillin vs. Frieza
   A screenshot of Krillin’s shocked face after Frieza powers up, captioned:
   “‘That was Krillin’… realizing he’s way out of his league.”
2. Krillin in the Tournament of Power
   A clip of Krillin being eliminated early in the tournament, with the text:
   “‘That was Krillin’… doing his best for Universe 7.”
3. Romantic Moments with Android 18
   An image of Krillin blushing around Android 18, captioned:
   “‘That was Krillin’… punching way above his weight.”

Conclusion

The “That Was Krillin” meme is a lighthearted homage to a character who embodies courage, humor, and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds. While Krillin may not be the strongest fighter in Dragon Ball, his relatability and charm have made him a fan favorite—and the perfect subject for comedic memes.

Through humor, the meme celebrates Krillin’s role as the ultimate underdog, reminding fans that even the smallest heroes can leave a big impact. After all, who else could make getting blown up by Frieza so iconic? “That was Krillin,” indeed.

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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。