Akira Toriyama confessed that only one fighter can match Goku: the eternal ‘Dragon Ball’ sidekick

Since the early days of 'Dragon Ball Z’, Goku and Vegeta have dominated the spotlight as the franchise’s most powerful warriors. But one fan-favorite has long been left in their shadow: Piccolo. Once a fearsome villain and later a mentor to Gohan, Piccolo’s role gradually faded as the Saiyans climbed to godlike power levels. That is, until now.

In 'Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero’, Piccolo returns to the front lines with a brand-new transformation, Orange Piccolo, and a power boost that finally puts him on par with the series’ top-tier fighters.

Piccolo’s redemption arc begins

Over the years, Piccolo has had his share of upgrades, most notably his fusions with Nail and Kami, but he never quite caught up to the Saiyans. That changed with the release of 'Super Hero’, where Piccolo unlocks his latent potential through a wish to Shenron, resulting in a transformation that’s both visually striking and immensely powerful.

“Personally, I’m happy that he finally gained a battle power equal to Goku and the others,” said Akira Toriyama, creator of 'Dragon Ball’.

Toriyama explained that because Piccolo doesn’t have hair, he had to get creative with the design. The solution? A bulked-up physique and a bold orange color scheme to distinguish the form from his usual look.

Why Piccolo’s power is still held back

Despite his new strength, Toriyama admitted that Piccolo’s power is intentionally limited. While he now ranks among the top five Z Fighters, alongside Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, and Broly, his transformation isn’t meant to overshadow the Saiyans. Instead, it’s a long-overdue correction that honors Piccolo’s legacy and gives him a promising future in the franchise.

“His new transformation is a much-needed update that reflects his legacy and shows his potential,” Toriyama added.

A long-overdue spotlight

Piccolo’s return to form has been celebrated by fans who’ve long felt the character deserved more. From his early days as Goku’s rival to his role as Gohan’s surrogate father, Piccolo has always been a cornerstone of the 'Dragon Ball’ universe. Now, with Orange Piccolo, he’s finally back where he belongs, among the strongest warriors in the series.

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