It’s no secret that the name of Saiyans in Dragon ball are humorous in nature as they are based on vegetables and even Dragon Ball GT acknowledge that these names are a bit ridiculous with a subtle, meta moment.
Since the Saiyans were officially introduced at the start of Dragon Ball Z, fans were immediately taken aback by the odd-sounding names they were given – starting with the first Saiyan invader of Earth (except Goku): Raditz.
The name ‘Raditz’ seems to come from ‘radish’, and when Raditz arrived on Earth, he revealed that Goku’s real name is Kakarot, which is eerily similar to ‘carrot’. When looking at the broader franchise, it becomes clear that all purebred Saiyans are named after vegetables. Vegeta is half of a vegetable, Nappa is named after a type of Chinese cabbage, etc. Although this little joke takes place in the context of Z, it is not directly referenced until GT.
Dragon Ball GT admits that Saiyans are named after vegetables
In Dragon Ball GT season 1, episode 25, GT’s evil Machine Mutant, Baby, is attacking a city on Earth while possessing a seemingly normal person. The reason for this disaster is because Baby is looking for a Saiyan, as fusing with one would make Baby infinitely stronger. While asking around in between beating up random people he thinks are in his way, Baby runs into a girl Goten was dating before all this destruction and chaos started. Baby asked her if she knew where he could find Saiyans, and she responded by telling him to go ask the greengrocer.
Episode 25 of Dragon Ball GT was written by Atsushi Maekawa, directed by Osamu Kasai, and produced by Toei Animation.
Saiyan
Vegetables
Kakarot (Goku)
carrot
vegetable
The first half of the vegetables
Necessary
Second half of the vegetable
radius
radish
nappa
Chinese cabbage
Bardock
Burdock
gin
Spring onion
Broly
Broccoli
parasailing
Asparagus
Drink
Cabbage
Caulifa
Cauliflower
Kale
Kale
Kale’s name actually alludes to her similarities to Broly, as kale is the same species as broccoli.
There is no reason for this young woman to tell Baby to ask the vegetable seller where the Saiyans are, other than as a meta joke aimed directly at the audience. The Saiyans are a nearly extinct alien race, a race unknown to many people on Earth. Honestly, many people don’t even know who Goku is because most think that Mr. Satan is the best that Earth has in terms of warriors saving the world. This means that the individual she dates Goten doesn’t even know enough Saiyans to participate in the in-universe observation of their strange names, which suggests that she’s breaking the ice. fourth wall to poke fun at the fact that Saiyans are named after vegetables.
The joke itself is easy to miss because it’s surrounded by drama about a powerful, insidious force that wants to find the Saiyans and use their power for evil – but for good. treat. Dragon ball fans who caught it, they’re sure glad they did because it was a hilarious moment in Dragon Ball GT that says it perfectly how ridiculous it is Saiyan the names really are like that.
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Dragon Ball GT
Release date: March 26, 1997
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Seasons: 3
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Summary: Dragon Ball GT is the third series in Akira Toriyama’s most famous anime series. However, this is the first film that does not adapt the manga plot. Set after the events of the Buu Saga, Dragon Ball GT sees Goku and the Z-Warriors battle powerful villains such as Baby, Super 17, and the Shadow Dragons. 18 years after the 64-episode series met with a lukewarm reception, Dragon Ball Super replaced it in the anime’s official sequel.
Story by: akira toriyama
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