Dragon Ball has been a cultural powerhouse for decades, but Dragon Ball Super took storytelling to new heights. While Dragon Ball Z remains iconic, Super breathed fresh life into classic characters and even redeemed a few underdogs. Here’s how 10 characters evolved into better versions of themselves.

Master Roshi: From Comic Relief to Zen Warrior

In Dragon Ball Z, Roshi was sidelined as a joke character. Super revived his legacy. During the Tournament of Power, he stunned fans by channeling Ultra Instinct a skill even gods struggle to master. His wisdom and grit against Moro’s army proved age is just a number.

Hype Moment: Roshi temporary Ultra Instinct against Jiren.

Bardock: Cold Soldier to Tragic Hero

Dragon Ball Z painted Bardock as a ruthless Saiyan. Super reimagined him as a caring father and rebel. In Dragon Ball Super: Broly, we see him defy Frieza to save his family. Later manga arcs reveal he even defended Granolah, adding layers to his legacy.

Why It Works: Bardock’s empathy makes Goku’s heroism feel genetic.

Android 17: From Forgotten Villain to Multiverse Savior

Android 17 was a one-note killer in DBZ. Super gave him a redemption arc: a park ranger with a family, who won the Tournament of Power. His teamwork and sacrifice (like holding off Aniraza) made him Universe 7’s MVP.

Fun Fact: Fans voted Android 17 as the most improved character in Super.

Chiaotzu: Punchline to Punching Back

Chiaotzu’s DBZ role? Blowing himself up… and failing. In Super’s Moro arc, he outsmarts foes with clever taunts. It’s a small win, but proof even underdogs can shine.

Fan Takeaway: “Chiaotzu finally did something cool!”

Trunks: Warrior to Relatable Teen

DBZ Trunks was all about fighting. Super let him be a kid: crushing on Mai, goofing off with Goten, and balancing school life. The Super Hero manga even shows him as Saiyaman X-1—blending heroics with teenage awkwardness.

Standout Scene: Trunks’ hilarious high school antics.

The Pilaf Gang: Joke Villains to Unlikely Allies

Once Dragon Ball’s first villains, Pilaf’s crew became Super’s goofy comic relief. Turned into kids by a wish, they bumbled their way into helping the heroes—like designing Goten and Trunks’ Saiyaman gear.

Why Fans Love It: Their chaotic energy adds levity to intense arcs.

Supreme Kai: Passive Observer to Active Leader

In DBZ, Shin did little beyond worrying about Buu. Super tied his life to Beerus’, forcing him into bigger roles—like training Future Trunks. The upcoming Dragon Ball DAIMA hints his story isn’t done yet.

Biggest Growth: Learning to trust mortals instead of just fearing them.

Pan: Baby Steps to Future Legend

DBZ’s Pan was a toddler with potential. Super Hero showed her training with Piccolo and fighting Red Ribbon soldiers at age 3! Her early mastery of flight hints she’ll surpass Gohan and Goku.

Fan Theory: Pan might be the first female Super Saiyan.

Broly: Mindless Beast to Sympathetic Titan

DBZ’s Broly was a rage monster. Super gave him depth: a victim of abuse who learns control. His bond with Cheelai and Lemo humanizes him, while sparring sessions with Gohan show his growth.

Best Moment: Broly’s tearful breakdown after Paragus’ death.

Frieza: Pure Evil to Chaotic Wildcard

Frieza’s DBZ role was straightforward villainy. Super turned him into a cunning anti-hero. His alliance with Goku in the Tournament of Power—and later Black Frieza transformation—proves he’s still the franchise’s most unpredictable threat.

Chilling Line: “I’ll rule even the gods.”

Why Dragon Ball Super Writing Wins

Super didn’t just rehash old ideas it gave characters room to grow. Roshi found purpose, Broly gained humanity, and even Frieza became more nuanced. These changes make the Dragon Ball universe feel alive, relatable, and ready for whatever comes next.

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