By
Casandra Ronning
Published 2 hours ago
Casandra Ronning is a staff writer for Screen Rant's anime section. Since mid-2024, she has dedicated herself to expanding her knowledge and experience in the entertainment industry. She is most proud of conducting an exclusive interview with popular voice actor Stephanie Nadolny.
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Dragon Ball has many moments that stand out, whether due to intense action, unpredictable humor, or epic feats that push beyond every preconceived limitation. Among these moments is Goku’s first transformation into a Super Saiyan during the Frieza Saga, effectively changing the direction and tone of the series for good.
It’s a moment so legendary that it transformed the entire shōnen genre, inspiring countless fans and creators worldwide. However, the Funimation dub made significant changes to much of the dialogue throughout the series, but there is one change during Goku’s iconic Super Saiyan speech to Frieza that completely butchered what should have been one of his greatest moments.
Dragon Ball Z’s English Dub Turned Goku Into a Completely Different Character
Super Saiyan Goku as seen in Dragon Ball Z
After Goku achieves Super Saiyan for the first time, he confronts Frieza with a clarity that he hadn’t had before. However, in the Funimation dub, the scene prioritizes highlighting Goku as a symbolic force and a righteous defender of the universe.
“I am the hope of the universe. I am the answer to all living things that cry out for peace. I am protector of the innocent. I am the light in the darkness. I am truth... Ally to good! Nightmare to you!”
This speech makes Goku feel as if he is a mythic champion of good and justice, defined more so by experience and morality than anything else. The speech sounds closer to a superhero manifesto, using inspirational, grandiose phrasing that makes Goku feel more emblematic.
While it's undeniably memorable, this version of Goku’s speech completely strips the deeper meaning from the original Japanese script, changing Goku’s character. The Funimation dub turns Goku into an avatar of justice at the cost of deeper nuance.
The Original Super Saiyan Speech Added More Depth to Goku’s Character
Super Saiyan Goku prepares to defeat Final Form Frieza on planet Namek.
In the original Japanese version, Goku’s speech as a Super Saiyan is far more restrained and inwardly focused. The transformation is treated less like a declaration of moral authority and more like an acknowledgment of Goku’s identity.
“As you are surely well aware... I am the Saiyan who came from Earth to defeat you. Despite my calm, quiet heart, I am the legendary warrior awakened by intense anger... I am the Super Saiyan, Son Goku!”
This version of the speech changes Goku’s transformation into something more closely aligned with acceptance and a deeper awareness of who Goku is. The power he wields as a newly transformed Super Saiyan isn’t met with righteousness, but as the result of being pushed beyond emotional limits.
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Join our newsletter for thoughtful breakdowns of dubbing and translation choices, plus in-depth analysis of how localization decisions reshape character interpretation and the storytelling of beloved anime. Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.The Japanese version of Dragon Ball Z grounds the story and Goku’s character in this moment, adding depth and maturity to his character through a reflective take on the transformation. The Funimation dub completely loses this complexity, turning the scene into one that prioritizes flashy heroism over depth.
Dragon Ball
Created by
Akira Toriyama
First Film
Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies
Latest Film
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
First TV Show
Dragon Ball
Latest TV Show
Super Dragon Ball Heroes
First Episode Air Date
April 26, 1989
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