Often times I've found myself asking a small question at the back of my mind. Sometimes I rarely ponder on it, but here I think its finally time to bring some light to it. Where did the Goku and Superman rivalry start and why did the flames of it spread so quick and far to the corners of the Internet? I mean I at best I never considered a character who is inspired by another to have battles and rivalries with their inspiration. It just seems tacky, because of the vast amount of influence that Superman has on Goku.
Let me explain.
Everybody knows the the story of Superman. Its a huge part of pop culture and ingrained into the minds of generations for decades. The sole survivor of an advanced race, shipped off to another planet before his people's untimely demise.
And this is a great mythos! It is excellent worldbuilding and solidifies the protagonist that is Superman as the sole survivor of his race, a pioneer and legacy of his people and the hopes of a race that he can aspire to do great things.
Toriyama also took inspiration from this origin and had Goku as an alien boy sent off to Earth before the planets destruction. And the inspiration and resemblance is so uncanny.
However we should also take heed to notice some very striking differences and the circumstances of which both heroes were sent to Earth and their respective reasons.
Superman was sent to the planet Earth, not just to survive the upcoming cataclysm, but to be an inspiration and an ideal among the planets populace. A humble, endearing and charismatic figure who would guide mankind with a helping hand.
You can feel the air of power and presence that Superman commands. He transcends the simple ideas and notions of just being a costumed "superhero" and embodies all the best traits that mankind can offer to one another. To grow, to love, to build a lasting foundation and to go to new heights.
For Goku however I must feel that he is sorely lacking in that regard. Which may have been intentional, yet seems completely contradictory when you consider how much he borrows from the classic Superman. As the series of Dragonball progresses we later find out that Goku was sent to Earth from a violent race of warlords who send their infants to conquer inhabited worlds. All Saiyan young are extremely aggressive, agitated, and have a cold disposition which would ensure that the planets they conquer could easily fall under their sway. Notice the contrasting difference between both races the Kryptonians and Saiyans.
And as later shown in the series, contrary to his humble, warm upbringing Goku proceeded to attack his adoptive father the moment he emerged out of his pod. I dare say, that Grandpa Gohan would have been killed had Goku not fallen down the ravine. And ironically Goku did proceed to kill his Grandpa Gohan.
I feel that the irony of Goku not being sent to Earth to help its people, but rather ensure their extinction down the line was a bit of a flaw when you consider that his origins has a heavy parallel in regards to Superman. And while we can certainly say that Goku becomes a hero and a protagonist down the line can we really say that hes "man of the people" or "man of tomorrow" like Superman is? Allow me to elaborate.
Superman is known for wanting to go out and do good. He has an altruistic desire to help others and he can't just idly sit by and watch helplessly when he knows that with his great power, he can do so much more. Supermans entire creed and reasons for being who he is, is that no matter what may come his way or whatever trials come to him, that he will always fight for those in need.
Goku is known many times throughout the series of Dragon Ball to fight for selfish reasons, sorely for himself only to instill a sense of rivalry for himself without regard to the safety of others nor the ramifcations of those who who have suffered because of it. A striking moment here, is when Goku let Vegeta go, so he could fight him again....but Vegeta had just killed most of the friends he grew up with and fought alongside?!
And again we see that happen many times throughout the series. Goku gives the mass murderer of thousands of humans and a being who has antagonized his friends and family, and would even vow to destroy more lives...a senzu bean? And he also could've defeated the demon known as Majin Buu much earlier throughout the series, only changing his mind because he felt that the next generation should be given the chance...and at the expense of millions potentially billions?
When you consider these alarming factors into play the hurtful irony is apparent that while Goku may draw heavily from Superman, he embodies nothing from him. I can say as a fan of both, I would be hard pressed to see Superman do the same thing in these situations. Despite Goku being a selfish protagonist and even with his immense power I feel that he would do a disservice even as an inspiration of Superman which would be completely contradictory given his conception.
Superman is also known for wanting to live among people while he continues to help them out. He has responsibilities a job, a family, and manages his heroic life with that of a human life. As seen by a quote from him to Wonder Woman in Spirit of Truth.
Superman as a protagonist has an extensive life to uphold and one that he wants to do. Its not just about being "super" its about being human which Superman considers himself to be. Superman considers himself human because of the love his parents gave him and the personality he has. In retrospects, Goku has never had a real job, no education to his name, and is known for being callously irresponsible with how he manages his family life and his...well love of fighting as referenced earlier. Goku doesn't actively seek to go out into the world or even greater universe and help the human race. Despite being on a loose affiliation of associates called the "Z Warriors" could we really say that they uphold the desire, code and drive that the Justice League of America has? It pains me to say that is not the case for the ensemble cast of Dragon Ball.
Even with these striking parallels, inspirations and influence Goku draws from Superman I feel that is ironic that he fails to live up to anything that his predecessor embodies. Which isn't to say that all inspirations should be like their counterparts...but Superman is so much more than a character in a comic or a superhero....he is the true and endearing embodiment that will last generations and continue to uphold all that is good and everlasting about humanity. Would it be accurate to say, that Goku doesn't do a disservice to a character, but to an ideal that is intrinsic to what is morally good about the human race? Would that be even a greater crime? In truth it is a matter left up to you as the readers and fans of the characters.
I thank you if you have taken the time to read this. As we are all here to get more exposition on why and how these elements of pop culture may stand as they do now.
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