For more than four decades, the Dragon Ball universe has accumulated countless secrets that even die-hard fans may not know.
Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball has built a rich and ever-evolving universe over four decades. This franchise is not afraid to expand its scope or even radically change character details, like turning the main character into an alien. This abundance has created countless mysteries and interesting little-known facts, from the origins of the Super Saiyan to how a warrior like Krillin can survive without a nose.
Here are 5 surprising details about Dragon Ball that author Akira Toriyama only revealed in rare interviews:
Saibamen comes from the biotechnology experiments of the Saiyans
In Dragon Ball Z, people often think that Saiyan technology is stolen. However, Toriyama’s Daizenshuu 7 manual reveals that the Saibamen (green creatures) were actually created by biotechnology by a Saiyan scientist. They were used for training or to serve in conquests.
Recently, Dragon Ball DAIMA introduced a contradictory theory when the great witch Marba declared that the Saibamen were creatures from the Demon World that she created and traded with. Despite the contradiction, this still opens up the possibility of Saibamen having a dual origin.
The origin of the Super Saiyan transformation, the key lies in “S Cells”
Initially, the Super Saiyan transformation requires an intense emotional activation. But later on, transformations become easy, especially with Goten, Trunks or the Universe 6 Saiyans.
This convenience is explained by Akira Toriyama’s concept of “S-Cells”, revealed in 2018. All Saiyans have S-Cells, the number of which increases with power level. In particular, Saiyans with a gentle personality often have a higher number of S Cells. This explains why it’s easy for Universe 6 Saiyans to master Super Saiyans, as they have a less violent living environment.
Krillin breathes through the skin using cutaneous respiration
Krillin is one of Dragon Ball’s first characters, and his design is so simple that he has no nose. This was initially thought to be a design whim, but it became an important plot point in his battle against Bacterian at the 21st Martial Arts Congress. Krillin’s lack of a nose made him immune to the stench of his opponents.
In an interview, Toriyama did not give up on this joke, but also confirmed: Krillin has a unique physical feature that allows him to breathe through his skin, also known as cutaneous respiration. This explanation clarifies how Krillin can still smell and breathe despite not having a nose.
Mr. Satan is an excellent disciple of the dojo
Mr. Satan is one of the controversial characters, famous for his boastful attitude despite having no actual skills. Although his strength is insignificant compared to the Z Fighters, he is actually very strong in a normal human context. Saikyo Jump magazine revealed Mr. Satan once ruled at a dojo named “Satan’s Castle” and took this name when he won the Martial Arts Congress.
There is a tragic detail that connects Mr. Satan with the ruthless assassin Mercenary Tao. Mr. Satan and his master mocked Mercenary Tao’s hairstyle at a bar, not knowing his reputation. In response, the assassin killed Mr. Satan and seriously injured him. It was this traumatic act that was the catalyst for Mr. Satan later.
Majin Buu was not created but has always existed
Dragon Ball Z established that Majin Buu was created by Bibidi, Babidi’s ancestor. However, Akira Toriyama clarified Buu’s origin: Buu is an ancient evil that has existed since time immemorial. He is a being beyond creation, a pure, primordial force of nature, constantly cycling between cycles of destruction and hibernation. Bibidi merely perfected magic powerful enough to awaken and control Buu, not create him.
Then, Dragon Ball DAIMA created a different opinion when the witch Marba declared that she was the creator of Buu. It is possible that Marba’s ownership of Buu also involves awakening and control, rather than direct creation.
