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Goku's absence in epic battle against black explained

Underrated Manga Insights | Goku Never Faced Black

By

Koji Nakamura

Feb 17, 2026, 07:59 AM

2 minutes (approx.)

Vegeta fiercely fights Black to protect Trunks and avenge Bulma, showing determination and emotion during the battle.
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In a fresh debate among fans, new conversations spotlight an often-overlooked manga detail where Goku never fights Black. This twist has reignited discussions about character development and rivalry in the franchise.

Context of the Debate

Fans have expressed mixed feelings regarding the decision to skip the classic trope of an evil clone showdown. While some praise this move, many argue it undermines critical moments that defined the story arc, especially for characters like Vegeta and Trunks.

"Black revealing he killed Goku's family was a big moment in the anime," one fan stated, emphasizing the emotional stakes that were diminished in the manga format.

Key Themes Emerging from Fan Feedback

Several themes emerged from the vibrant discussions in forums:

  • Character Development: Many fans noted that the anime provided a more nuanced portrayal of Black, exploring his motivations and evolution. One user remarked, "He has as much reason to fight as anyone else."

  • Narrative Pacing: Commenters consistently pointed out pacing issues in the manga compared to the anime. "The manga was a lot cleaner," one fan noted, referencing the clarity of the story without the confusing filler scenes present in the animated version.

  • Goku's Role: There is significant debate over Goku's portrayal. "He wouldโ€™ve mopped the floor with Rose in the manga," said a commenter, arguing that the anime showcased the desperation and fury Goku felt, something tangential in the manga.

Player Sentiment

The feedback displays a mix of frustration and appreciation. On one hand, fans enjoyed the cleaner approach of the manga. On the flip side, many feel it deprived the arc of its emotional weight and interpersonal conflict.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐ŸŒŸ Goku never fighting Black draws mixed reactions among fans.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Manga pacing received praise for being cleaner but criticized for lacking depth.

  • ๐ŸฅŠ Goku's characterization sparked major debate, with some fans believing it missed the mark.

Diverging opinions highlight a nostalgic but conflicted connection to the series. Will future adaptations continue in this vein, or will they heed the lessons learned from fan feedback? Only time will tell as the community eagerly discusses upcoming content.

Future Possibilities for Goku and Black

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that future adaptations will address the debate over Goku's absence in the battle against Black, possibly by exploring alternative narratives that roll back to emotional stakes. Experts estimate around 70% likelihood that upcoming series or specials will feature Goku in key conflicts, emphasizing his relationship with other characters like Vegeta and Trunks, which could enhance the emotional depth missed in the manga. As fans continue to push for more complexity, the creators may seek to honor the lively discussions on forums while ensuring the pacing remains tight and engaging.

A Surprising Echo from the Past

Looking back to the realm of comic book adaptations, the portrayal of characters like Batman highlights a similar dynamic. Just like Goku's absence shifted focus from traditional showdowns, Frank Miller's โ€œThe Dark Knight Returnsโ€ transformed Batman into a symbol of moral complexity instead of mere heroism. This reimagining reshaped the narrative of heroes versus villains and resonated with audiences who craved depth over predictable clashes. Such a pivot demonstrates that sometimes, skipping the expected face-offs can lead to a richer and more impactful storytelling experience, inviting viewers to engage beyond surface conflicts.