While Dragon Ball defined by the epic, intense battles of the Dragon Ball Z era, it wasn't without its critics. In the early years, Goku's Battles much more grounded and focused more on martial arts techniques and creativity than who has the higher power level, and people often assume that Z style is less interesting for that reason.
Which fighting style is best suited to Dragon Ball has always been a matter of debate, but fans have finally made it clear which one they prefer. To celebrate Goku Day 2024, Dragon Ball ran a fan poll where people could vote for Goku's best fights in Dragon Ball, and based on the official results, Fans prefer more realistic matchesas demonstrated by the first prize winner.
Custom image by Brian Colucci
The Battle of Victory particularly supports that idea, and overall, such a statement says a lot about the true core of Dragon Ball's plot.
Goku vs Jackie Chun proves that Dragon Ball's ground battles are the best
Dragon Ball Chap 46-54
Goku's best fight in the entire Dragon Ball manga according to fans is Goku's fight with Jackie Chun (Master Roshi in disguise) in the World Martial Arts Tournament, a fairly tame fight, even by early Dragon Ball standards. Despite this, the fight is a prime example of how Dragon Ball once prioritized realistic martial arts battles over exaggerated battles that focused on transformations and energy attacks. Dragon Ball fans voted Goku's fight with Jackie Chun as his best fight, showing that more realistic battles are still the best.
1
Goku vs Jackie Chun
2
Goku vs Frieza
3
Goku vs. Demon King Piccolo
4
Goku vs Moro (final battle)
5
Goku vs Vegeta (first match)
6
Goku vs. Gohan (Dragon Ball Super Training Match)
7
Goku vs. Majin Vegeta
8
Goku vs Cell (fighting Gohan)
9
Goku vs Grandpa Gohan
10
Goku vs Jiren (after unlocking Ultra Instinct)
As for why the fight between Goku and Jackie Chun, in particular, is so highly rated, it's understandable. While not as flashy as some of Dragon Ball's other fights, The artwork and fight choreography in the battle between Goku and Jackie Chun is some of the best in early Dragon Ball.not to mention the intensity of it being Goku's first real test as a warrior when he accidentally has to face his master. It's an amazing fight from start to finish, and it's great that people decided to rank it so highly.
Should Dragon Ball return to more realistic battles?
With the poll results for Goku's best fights as they are now, it begs the question of whether the series should return to more realistic fights. Goku's fight with Jackie Chun ranking number one is one thing, but with his fight with King Piccolo ranking number three and his fight with Grandpa Gohan ranking number nine, people still hold the early Dragon Ball fights in high regard. However, with over-the-top, over-the-top action becoming such an integral part of Dragon Ball's storyline, It's too late for Dragon Ball to transition back to ground-based martial arts combat.and that is unlikely to change.
While Dragon Ball Super is arguably the series with the highest level of hype, stories like the Tournament of Power and much of Dragon Ball Super: Broly have tried to prioritize melee combat over powerful energy attacks, so the creative team behind modern Dragon Ball seems to recognize that. Ground combat has a place alongside the series' over-the-top performances. Perhaps there will never be another war. Dragon Ball like Goku and Jackie Chun, but since it's so popular it would be nice to see the series respect its style more later on.
Source: Dragon Ball Official Website.
