Dragon Ball Did One of Its Original Characters So Dirty We All Forgot About Them

Dragon Ballhas introduced countless characters throughout the years, but not all of them have remained constant throughout the series despite their popularity. Some faded from the spotlight naturally, while others were abruptly sent to oblivion. However, none were done as dirty as Launch, who was practically erased from existence.

Launch was a unique and entertaining character with a split personality that made her stand out. With just a sneeze, Launch switched between a sweet-natured woman and a trigger-happy criminal. She added a fun and unpredictable energy to the original Dragon Ball series and quickly became a fan-favorite. Yet, despite her popularity among fans, she was unexpectedly written out of the story without much explanation.

Dragon Ball Introduced an Amazing Character, Then Forgot Her

Launch Was One of the Best Characters and Added to the Series’ Personality

When Launch was first introduced to the series, she quickly became a standout character because of her chaotic and comedic nature. Unlike many other side characters, Launch’s presence added a sense of unpredictability to the narrative as she was constantly shifting between her kind persona and aggressive persona. She was a fun and memorable addition to the cast who added energy to the series and felt in place among the adventurous spirit of the narrative.

Goku visibly annoyed as Daima Goku in the background

Not Sure If Dragon Ball Daima Is Canon? We Just Got a Clear Answer

Daima appeals to both longtime fans and new viewers alike, but one key question remains—how do Goku’s new adventures fit into the official timeline?

Posts17

Yet, in spite of her colorful personalities, Dragon Ball gradually pushed Launch into the background before ultimately erasing her from the story entirely. As the series began to lean to more high-stakes battles and intergalactic narratives, characters who didn’t have direct ties to Goku’s power progression started to feel less and less relevant. However, while some characters got occasional appearances or mentions, Launch simply disappeared from the narrative. Even in moments when her presence would have made sense, such as when Tien was still an active fighter, she was nowhere to be seen.

Launch Deserved To Have a Bigger Role in the Story

Launch Should Have at Least Remained as a Recurring Side Character

Launch had all the qualities of a character who could have evolved alongside the main cast, but she was never given a chance. Her dual personality had potential for the storyline and served as more than just comedic relief. Her tough, trigger-happy persona could have made her a brave ally, while her gentle persona would have allowed her to connect with the other characters more closely or offer lighthearted support. Launch had room to grow in the series and could have taken multiple paths to remain relevant, but instead, she was gradually written out.

Rather than taking advantage of Launch’s unique qualities, Dragon Ball chose to sideline her character in favor of more combat-focused ones. However, even though the series was shifted toward greater power scaling, that didn’t mean that Launch had to disappear entirely. Even in a non-fighting capacity, she could have been a valuable presence, whether through humor, as an ally, or even as someone who brought more depth to Tien’s otherwise detached character. Other non-combat characters remained prevalent in the story, proving that there was space for characters outside of a fighting or active role.

Dragon Ball Never Gave Real Closure for Launch

Launch Should Have Gotten a Proper Send-Off

Agressive, trigger-happy Launch sits at a bar with an empty glass

Launch’s disappearance from the series was one of the most abrupt and unexplained character departures in Dragon Ball. Unlike other side characters who naturally faded out of the storyline, Launch was essentially erased with no real justification. While Dragon Ball Z featured several cameos of Launch early on, she was ultimately erased without explanation from the anime as well. The only acknowledgment of her absence came from a throwaway line stating that she was chasing after Tien, but this explanation was never expanded upon, leaving her fate ambiguous and unsatisfying.

The Red Porunga who appears from the Demon Realm Dragon Balls.

At Last! Dragon Ball Just introduced a Brand-New Eternal Dragon, But Do They Stack Up to Shenron?

Dragon Ball Daima has finally introduced the Eternal Dragon of the Demon Realm, and it's completely different than anyone expected.

Posts1

This lack of closure makes Launch's removal from the series feel especially careless. Other supporting characters, even those with limited screen time, have been given clear send-offs or are referenced to or brought back in some capacity. Yet Launch never even received a proper sendoff. Had she been given a clear farewell, whether through an episode explaining her departure or a meaningful role in a later arc, her absence wouldn’t have felt so shocking. Instead, Dragon Ball treated her as if she never existed, making her one of the most unfairly discarded characters in the franchise.

Launch Deserves to Return to the Series in at Least Some Capacity

After Several Decades, It’s Time for Launch to Officially Return to Dragon Ball

If Launch returned to the series, it wouldn’t just be nostalgic, it would fill a void that was left by her disappearance. Unlike other characters who faded out of the series, Launch still had an ongoing connection to the main cast that was never properly resolved. With Tien and Master Roshi still being an active part of the franchise, her reappearance could have aligned with theirs through a smaller role. Her unique dual-personality is still one of the most distinct throughout the series, which could have solidified her place among the cast, even if only for a background role.

Bringing Launch back into the series would also help balance the growing issue of sidelining non-combat characters. While the series has a long history of prioritizing powerful warriors, figures like Bulma and Android 18 prove that personality and intelligence can make a character just as compelling as raw strength. Launch could thrive in the series, and her interactions with old allies and new characters alike would add a fresh layer to the storyline and pay tribute to one of the series' original fan favorites.

At this point in the series, Launch's return is far overdue. The series has shown a willingness to revisit past characters, such as Yajirobe and the Pilaf gang, proving that no one is truly gone from the series. Even if only a brief return, whether through a special episode or an entire subplot, would be enough to give Launch the acknowledgment she was denied for too long. Launch may have been forgotten by the series, but longtime fans still remember her, and it's time for Dragon Ball to do the same.