Ultra Instinct Goku vs Gohan Beast: Dragon Ball's Biggest Debate Is More Complicated Than You Realize
One of the fundamental joys of being a Dragon Ball fan is comparing and contrasting the strengths of different characters and debating who would win in myriad one-on-one battles. This is not some strange manga nerd (otaku) affliction – as a battle manga with a story focusing on a character who wants to be the best warrior of the universe, comparison is baked into the story's DNA.
Over the years, one of the most debated comparisons has been between Goku and his son, Gohan. Like many father-son comparisons throughout history, once Gohan began to demonstrate his fighting abilities, the inevitable question arose: could the son surpass the father? Initially, these comparisons lacked substance, however, everything changed when Gohan unlocked his Beast mode, proving that he might indeed have the potential to outmatch Goku. Unlike other comparisons, though, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of Goku and Gohan goes far beyond surface-level observations. There are deeper nuances and complexities to consider, making this a far more intricate discussion than it first appears.
Finding the Winnwe in a Goku Vs. Gohan Fight Requires a Look at the Bigger Picture
There Is More at Play Than Mere Strength
On the surface, the comparison seems straightforward: does the speed, precision, and versatility that Ultra Instinct grants Goku outweigh the raw power and overwhelming strength of Gohan’s Beast mode? A deeper analysis might consider how Goku’s lifetime of combat experience enhances his Ultra Instinct abilities or what additional powers Gohan could unlock in Beast mode. When the comparison is made in this manner, there's plenty of compelling evidence to prove either side's argument.
The challenge with making a straightforward comparison between Gohan and Goku is that their personalities and journeys are different and layered, making any comparison inherently complex. As noted by r/DragonBallSuper subreddit member @jen5en_d and r/DragonBall subreddit member @NotNOV4, a truly in-depth analysis of the two would require an exhaustive exploration of multiple aspects of Dragon Ball’s history, traditions, lore, and fan culture.
With the only official fight between Ultra Instinct and Gohan Beast ending in a draw (predictably), any conclusion from a straightforward comparison would be vulnerable to numerous variables, including statements made by creator Akira Toriyama over the years regarding Goku’s and Gohan’s power levels at different points in the series. This raises the question: how much weight should be given to the creator’s comments? There is also the issue of Dragon Ball's continuity. The manga, anime, and movies follow different power-scaling approaches—so which one should take precedence in determining true abilities?
Goku's Ultra Instinct Vs. Gohan's Beast Mode - It Doesn't Matter Who Wins, Asking the Question Is Enough
Therefore, the answer to whether Gohan's Beast form can surpass Goku's Ultra Instinct is, unfortunately, complicated. Goku has been defined as a "battle maniac", a man driven by his obsession for testing his limits in fights and surpassing them. Gohan, on the other hand, is a pacifist whose human side has clearly taken over the Saiyan one. It could be said that his Beast form reconciles those two sides: it's unlocked and fueled by anger, but its true potential comes from Gohan controlling that emotion.
While Ultra Instinct is a divine technique that relies on God Ki, Gohan has stated that the Beast form is the result of his intention to keep evolving as a human. Unlike all of Goku's transformations, it's a fully original form and it truly highlights Gohan's unique characteristics and why Toriyama once tried to make him the protagonist of the story. Still, that doesn't mean he can beat a fully mastered Ultra Instinct. Given the complexity of the Dragon Ball saga, including both in-story and behind-the-scenes elements, there is no straightforward answer.
Of course, comparing heroes is an integral part of the Dragon Ball fan experience. However, when it comes to Gohan and Goku, rather than debating who is the undisputed champion, a more meaningful discussion lies in moving beyond the typical "who's stronger" argument. Instead, we can appreciate the depth of their relationship, not just as father and son, but as two warriors who took different paths and still managed to reach the top of the Dragon Ball universe.
Sources: @jen5en_d, @NotNOV4
- Created by
- Akira Toriyama
- First Film
- Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies
From the creative mind of Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball is a mega multimedia franchise that spans back to the 1980s. Dragon Ball expanded quickly, starting as a serialized manga for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan. It made its way overseas via manga and an anime adaptation that is enjoyed worldwide. Dragon Ball was the initial starting animated series that followed the adventures of the young Son Goku as he sought after the Dragon Balls. These mystical orbs would grant the wish of any who gathered them together. Then, the series would branch off into the immensely popular Dragon Ball Z, which followed Goku as an adult and featured high-intensity battles and Goku's never-ending search to be the strongest. The series has also enjoyed several popular video game adaptations and continues to release several new animated series and theatrical films up to the recent popular Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
- Latest Film
- Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
