Dragon Ball Super’s Return Might Finally Give Gohan the Glory He Deserved Decades Ago
Dragon Ball fans have carried one big “what if” — what if Gohan had stayed the hero after the Cell Games? Back then, it felt like the story had finally passed the torch. Gohan had become the strongest fighter on Earth, and Goku’s decision to stay in the Other World set up a new era. But that moment didn’t last. The spotlight quickly shifted back to Goku, leaving Gohan’s full potential untapped — until now.
Gohan’s Cell Games Triumph Still Echoes Today
The Cell Games saga wasn’t just another high-stakes battle; it was the moment that defined an entire generation of anime fans. We watched Gohan go from a timid kid to a warrior powerful enough to defeat one of the deadliest villains in the universe. His transformation into Super Saiyan 2, powered by rage and heartbreak, remains one of the most iconic scenes in Dragon Ball Z history.
Everything about it — the music, the buildup, Goku’s sacrifice — was legendary. Gohan didn’t just win a fight; he stepped into his father’s shoes. The story seemed ready to follow this new hero. But as fans soon learned, the series wasn’t quite done with Goku.
When Dragon Ball Z Took the Spotlight Back
After Cell’s defeat, Gohan’s life took a lighter turn. The Great Saiyaman Saga gave us a fun, goofy side of him, balancing school life and superhero duty. It showed that he could protect the world and live like a normal teen. But behind the humor, fans could tell his fighting spirit was slipping into the background.
Creator Akira Toriyama even admitted later that Gohan wasn’t really built to be the main hero. So when the Majin Buu saga rolled around, Goku was back in the driver’s seat. Gohan had his moments — especially with the Elder Kai unlocking his Mystic form — but the focus was clear: Goku remained the heart of the story.
That decision, while understandable, left a lot of fans wondering what could’ve been if Gohan had stayed the central figure.
Dragon Ball Super Might Finally Fix That
Fast forward to Dragon Ball Super, and things are starting to look up again for Gohan. The series ended its anime run in 2024, right after teasing the rise of Black Frieza and wrapping up the Super Hero Arc. But even during its hiatus, excitement has been building.
Fans believe the next arc could finally give Gohan the story Z never delivered. After all, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero made him shine again — reminding everyone that Gohan is still one of the franchise’s strongest fighters when he’s pushed to his limit.
Super Hero Proved Gohan’s Power Never Left
In Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, both Gohan and Piccolo took center stage for the first time in years. Gohan’s new transformation, known as “Gohan Beast,” wasn’t just a flashy upgrade. It was proof that his potential still runs deeper than anyone imagined.
He went toe-to-toe with enemies that would’ve terrified his younger self — and looked effortless doing it. In the manga, Gohan even tested his strength against Broly, showing he’s back to being a serious powerhouse.
This all feels intentional. It’s as if Dragon Ball Super is quietly setting him up for the biggest comeback in the franchise. Whether that means he’ll fully replace Goku or finally share equal footing, one thing’s clear — the story is ready to deliver on a decades-old promise.
The Future Belongs to Gohan — If Super Follows Through
Fans have waited more than 25 years to see Gohan rise again. With Super Hero reigniting his arc and Dragon Ball Super poised for a new chapter, the timing couldn’t be better. Gohan’s story is one of growth, humility, and hidden strength — the kind of journey that deserves a true ending.
If the next Dragon Ball Super arc gives him that moment, it won’t just complete Gohan’s story. It’ll complete something fans have been waiting for since the day he fired that Father-Son Kamehameha — the day the student surpassed the master.
