Dragon Ball is known as the grandfather of anime, and for good reason. For nearly forty years, Dragon Ball has been one of the most successful anime in the world, with millions of fans across generations. Created by Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball first followed the adventures of Goku as he became one of the strongest fighters in the world. Dragon Ball has had several sequels and introduced dozens of new characters. One of those characters is the prince of all Saiyans, Vegeta.
Dragon Ball: Best Finishing Moves, Ranked
These are some of the best finishing moves in the Dragon Ball series.
Vegeta first appeared in Dragon Ball Z as the main villain of the Saiyan Saga. Alongside his comrade, Nappa, Vegeta arrived on Earth to conquer it by Frieza's command. Through an unlikely series of events, Vegeta finds himself a member of the Z Fighters and becomes a warrior for good and a protector of Earth. Vegeta's rivalry with Goku is one of the most famous feuds in anime, as the two constantly push each other to surpass their limits. While Goku is a whimsical character, Vegeta is more egocentric but has layers of depth. He is known for being a silver-tongued, hotheaded anti-hero, with a laundry list of memorable lines.
Updated March 14, 2023, by C.M Edwards:With a new fighting game on the horizon called Dragon Ball Z Sparking Zero, and a recently released card game, Dragon Ball is soaring to new heights every second. Even the manga continues to push Goku and Vegeta past their limits as they face off against the gods of the universe and beyond. Dragon Ball will surely be a part of history worldwide, having touched the hearts of millions, with millions more to come. With the sudden passing of the great Akira Toriyama, there is no question that his name will forever be a part of history as one of the godfathers of what manga and anime are today. While Vegeta was not the star of Dragon Ball, he has become a vital part of the story and has delivered a fair number of powerful words that live on in the series. Here are more of the most powerful quotes from Vegeta.
12 "Every Breath You Take Is An Assault On My Honor"
Vegeta Can No Longer Walk In Goku's Shadow
- Dragon Ball Z Episode 229
During the Majin Buu saga, Vegeta and Goku had arranged that they fight and would finally decide who was stronger during the martial arts tournament. Unfortunately, things went awry, and their fight was put on hold after being charged with preventing Majin Buu from being resurrected.
Beyond Dragon Ball: The Other Works of Akira Toriyama
While Akira Toriyama is famous for Dragon Ball, his catalog of work stretches far beyond the iconic series.
During this task, Vegeta grew impatient, and his desire to fight Goku found him under the wizard Babadi's control. Goku and Vegeta's fight raged on in the desert, as the fate of the world hung in the balance. For the first time, Vegeta seemed to have the upper hand and aired his true feelings to his rival. The pain and resentment were made clear in the brilliant voice lines delivered by Chris Sabat.
11 "You Say I'm Arrogant, I Say Damn Right"
Vegeta Shows That Pride Trumps Justice
- Dragon Ball Super Episode 122
In the Tournament of Power, Vegeta was faced with many obstacles that pushed him to once again examine his own strength. First, Goku obtained yet another feat of strength by discovering Ultra Instinct, and then a second time when finally coming face to face with Jiren. In an uphill battle, Vegeta was outmatched by Jiren's raw power.
Every attack seemed to be useless against Jiren, and even the hero from another universe said so himself. Jiren mocked Vegeta's way of fighting, calling him egotistical and arrogant. Instead of lashing out, Vegeta dug deep and agreed, calling his pride his greatest strength as the prince of a warrior race.
10 "Does A Machine Like Yourself Experience Fear?"
Vegeta Makes An Unfeeling Computer Afraid
- Dragon Ball Z Episode 129
When Vegeta finally arrived on the eve of the Android's emergence, the tension in the air was thick with wonder at how strong the Androids really were and if this would be the final stand for the Z fighters just like in Future Trunk's timeline.
Dragon Ball: All of Gohan's Transformations, Explained
Gohan has had some of Dragon Ball's most iconic transformations. Which one was the most impactful?
However, the secret that Vegeta brought to the table would shock all present. Android 19 stood before a new monster as Vageta taunted him right before revealing how much his training had paid off, having obtained the form of super saiyan.
9 "That's My Bulma!"
Vegeta Shows How Much He Cares For His Family
- Dragon Ball Super, episode 8
There are very few times in Dragon Ball history when Vegeta reveals his true feelings about his family. There are even fewer times when he surpasses Goku in power. Both of these things happened when Lord Beerus found himself enjoying the day among earthlings.
Dragon Ball: What are Zenkai Boosts?
In this article, let's take a look at one of the most overlooked aspects of a Saiyan's arsenal that serves to make them stronger!
A chance encounter with Bulma would turn sour as the God of Destruction grew annoyed and struck Bulma, knocking her out. Vegeta witnessed this and flew into a blind rage, taking the god head-on. This showed just how much Vegeta had changed, and how much he cared about Bulma and their children.
8 "Only a Failure Abandons His Principles and His Pride."
Vegeta Shows How Resolute He Is In His Virtues
- Dragon Ball Super, episode 126
Vegeta has always been a man who covets his pride and wears it proudly like armor. His values, while somewhat savage, embody who he is as a person. Vegeta sees strength as the only answer when faced with obstacles, a result of being ruled by Frieza for so long.
However, even when under the thumb of a vicious tyrant, Vegeta never let go of his principles. That dedication is what pushed him to overwhelm Toppo when they faced each other in the Tournament of Power.
7 "There Is No Such Thing As Fair or Unfair in Battle. There Is Only Victory."
A Young Vegeta Demonstrates The Lengths He Will Go To In Order To Win
- Dragon Ball Z, episode 63
Vegeta was a prime example of will and strength, especially when serving under Freiza and scouring the universe for more planets to subvert. It was kill or be killed, and Vegeta threw himself into his servitude to survive. His only hope was to become stronger in hopes of one day replacing Freiza with himself.
Vegeta's clear picture of victory in his mind pushed him to do anything that was necessary. In Dragon Ball Z, while putting an end to Guldo of the Ginyu Force, he dropped this gem that demonstrated his philosophy.
6 "My Motivation Was to Be the Best, as I Always Have Been."
Vegeta Explains The Responsibility Of Royal Blood
- Dragon Ball, episode 129
During the Android Saga, Goku was taken out of the fight after suffering from a fatal heart disease. With Earth's strongest warrior out of commission, the responsibility to face the androids head-on fell to Vegeta. Android 19 and Android 20 appeared, and after dispatching Goku in his Super Saiyan state, they quickly looked for their next prey.
Anime: 16 Shonen Arcs That Are Just Too Long
Anime fans hate a story that feels rushed, but as these examples prove, it is possible to drag a good arc on for too long.
Enter Vegeta, who arrived in spectacular fashion with a new trick up his sleeve. In an arrogant announcement, Vegeta went into detail about his journey to become a Super Saiyan and what fueled his drive, which fully encompassed his character.
5 "I Am the Prince of All Saiyans Once Again."
Vegeta Obatins The Power He's Always Chased
- Dragon Ball Z, episode 129
Upon arriving on the battlefield to aid Krillin, Piccolo, and Gohan in their fight against the androids, Vegeta appeared more arrogant than normal. Having reached the mountain top and finally matching Goku in power, Vegeta acquired the ability to transform into a Super Saiyan.
22 Most Powerful Female Characters In Shonen Anime, Ranked
Shonen anime is geared towards male audiences, but that doesn't mean it can't showcase strong, incredible female characters!
Vegeta's new transformation came with a variety of powerful ki manipulation techniques, and he completely overpowered the seemingly unstoppable androids that Trunks had come to the past to warn them about. Engulfed in his own triumph, Vegeta felt he had finally risen to claim his birthright and title back from being under the shoe of Frieza, returning as Saiyan royalty.
4 "You Will Be Cut Down Inch By Inch, the Way You Have Cut Down My Pride."
Vegeta Attempts To Remove Himself From Goku's Shadow
- Dragon Ball Z, episode 229
Vegeta will always be known as one of the most fearsome and ruthless warriors in the universe; however, over the years, his character's rough exterior has softened as he settles into the life of being a father and a protector. Unfortunately, during the beginning of the Boo saga, Vegeta's mind was warped by the wizard Babibdi, and he reverted to his more sinister personality traits.
10 Dragon Ball Characters That Are Better In The Manga
These Dragon Ball characters were depicted in a better light in the manga series.
Blinded by pride and anger, Vegeta wreaks havoc and provokes Goku into a fight to settle the score once and for all. Getting the better of Goku, Vegeta lets fly the resentment he's carried inside his heart while being stuck in Kakarot's shadow.
3 "There's One Thing a Saiyan Always Keeps: His Pride!"
Vegeta Fights Back Against Babadi's Mind Control
- Dragon Ball Z, episode 230
Deep in battle during the Boo saga, Vegeta and Goku duke it out to decide who is the best once and for all. Vegeta is fueled by his desire to finally surpass Goku in power, and has given away his free will to do so.
15 Iconic Anime Characters Born In April
These great anime characters were all born in the month of April.
Unfortunately, Babidi has no interest in Vegeta's goal and orders him to slay the Grand Kai; Babidi's spell is no match for Vegeta's pride as he completely overpowers Babidi's commands and lets his rage and power explode from his person wanting no more distractions from his fight of Kakarot.
2 "You Will Be The Best, or You'll Be Nothing."
Vegeta Teaches His Son A Powerful Lesson
.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=1500&dpr=1.5)
- Dragon Ball Super, episode 54
In the fifth installment of the Dragon Ball franchise, Dragon Ball Super brings the ever-expanding world of Dragon Ball back to the fans. New challenges now reveal themselves as Goku and Vegeta stand as the pinnacle of power of Earth and take on all comers who seek to cause their loved ones harm.
7 Things Dragon Ball Does Better Than Most Other Action Shonen Anime
Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball is one of the best anime ever made, with many modern shonen anime series still struggling to emulate its success.
A threat from the future rears its ugly head as the Trunks from the future timeline once again visit the past to warn the Z fighters of approaching danger: a doppelganger in the guise of Goku called "Black" approaches to rid the world of mortals. In preparation for the coming battle, Vegeta and his son Trunks train together. In a moment of faltering resolve, Vegeta reprimands his son for not putting his all into his training. As the son of the best, Trunks has to be the best too."
1 "Strength Is the Only Thing That Matters in This World."
Vegeta Lays Down A Law Of The Universe That He Knows Through Experience
- Dragon Ball Z, episode 104
Vegeta is the sole survivor of Saiyan royalty and one of the last few surviving Saiyans in the universe. Unfortunately, Frieza enslaved the Saiyans and even destroyed their planet to keep them from rebelling. As a result, Vegeta was forced into a life of servitude along with the remaining Saiyans, Radditz and Nappa.
On the surface, Vegeta portrayed the appearance of a loyal servant and elite warrior who was wholly devoted to Frieza's cause. But in reality, he was biding his time until the opportunity came to dethrone the tyrant. He understood that he was far too weak to stand a chance against Frieza, but had high hopes for the future when the day would come when his strength would overshadow even the mightiest of warlords.
Dragon Ball (1986)
- Release Date
- February 26, 1986
- Seasons
- 9
- Studio
- Toei Animation
- Creator
- Akira Toriyama
- MyAnimeList Score
- 7.96
