Dragon Ballis iconic, known around the world for having some of the strongest characters in anime history. Of those characters, many rank among the most popular in the medium, though only one can claim to have ventured beyond the boundaries of the anime community and established himself as an integral piece of mainstream pop culture both in and out of Japan.
Goku is arguablyanime’s most popular character ever. From humble beginnings in the pages ofWeekly Shōnen Jumpto headlining parades and becoming an ambassador for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics,Dragon Ball’s leading Saiyan is instantly recognizable.
Much of his popularity has to do not only with his kindhearted, goofy personality, but with the superhuman feats of strength he displays with regularity. There aren’t many anime characters who couldstand up to Goku in a fight. However, there is one in Goku’s own series who isn’t just capable of defeating him,but would wipe him from reality altogether.
There’s One Dragon Ball Character Goku Could Never Defeat
No Matter What Goku Does, He Could Never Defeat Zeno
Goku hasn’t beenDragon Ball’s strongest character in a long time. Since the defeat of Frieza, it’s been rare that he’s even the strongest of the main group of fighters.Gohan far surpassed him during the Cell Sagawhen reaching Super Saiyan 2, and again when his potential was unlocked, and he achieved his Ultimate form during the Buu Saga.
Nevertheless, when a new antagonist appeared, it was always Goku’s responsibility to stop them, and he would improve his abilities in order to surpass whoever it was that stood before him. Even if someone was stronger than Goku, there was never any doubt he had the ability to catch up to them.
Unfortunately for the series' leading Saiyan, however, there is one character he could never hope to match. The unimposing, non-intimidating Zeno is the supreme leader ofDragon Ball’s many universes, ranking aboveany other gods in the series. At this point in his fighting career, no matter how much Goku trains or how much time he spends in the Time Chamber, Zeno will always be stronger.
Despite his strength, however, Zeno doesn’t exactly concern himself much with mortal endeavors—at least, not to the extent a ruler probably should. The only instance of the character actually putting his power on display was during the Future Trunks arc, in which he erased the entire timeline from existence.
It’s for that reason that all Gods of Destruction are terrified of the Omni-King, but Goku, being Goku, was able to make friends with him anyway.
Thanks to that helpful maneuver, there are now two Zenos occupyingDragon Ball’s main timeline, technically makingtwo characters Goku could never hope to reach.
Zeno Doesn’t Show It Off Much, But His Strength Is Terrifying
Dragon Ball’s Omni-King Rules Above Any Other
Zeno is never actually shown fighting throughoutDragon Ball Super, and it isn’t really certain whether he knows how to fight at all. Given his reactions tothe Tournament of Power, it can be assumed that he doesn’t, which might actually make his abilities all the more frightening.
At will, Zeno is able to erase anything from existence. The ability is a bit different from that of Beerus and the other gods who use hakai or destruction energy. Where Gods of Destruction must have a set target and fire off an actual attack on whatever they intend to destroy, Zeno can simply erase anything from individual people to entire universes and timelines without much effort.
If anyone at all, whether it be someone of Goku’s strength, a god, or even an angel, Zeno would have the ability to erase them from existence. It’s for that reason that all Gods of Destruction are terrified of the Omni-King, but Goku, being Goku, was able to make friends with him anyway.
Zeno Gives Dragon Ball’s Heroes an Easy Way Out of Trouble
If Anything Goes Wrong, Zeno Will Always Be Around to Save the Day
The finale ofDragon Ball Super’sFuture Trunks arc is somewhat controversial. When all seemed hopeless for Goku and company, and there was no path towards winning, the heroes used the Zeno button to summon the Omni-King and get themselves out of trouble, rather than achieving victory on their own.
Characters so disproportionately powerful can create such issues, removing the stakes from fights because their mere presence is enough to win the day. Luckily for fans, Zeno doesn’t interfere much, and the pride of the Saiyans is enough to keep them from relying on outside help in battle. However, his existence alone can ensure victory whenever things get a bit dicey.
Dragon Ball’s main characters have become so strong that it sometimes feels as though any more improvement would just be going too far. However, regardless of how strong they become, there will always be one character with whom they can never compete, which ensures the likes of Goku and Vegeta will just continue to improve in future installments.
Dragon Ball Super
Cast
Dragon Ball Super is an anime series set after Majin Buu’s defeat. It follows Son Goku, now a radish farmer, as peace prevails until Beerus, the God of Destruction, appears. Seeking to challenge a legendary warrior, the series revisits events from two Dragon Ball Z films before exploring alternate universes.
