Son Goku, originally named Kakarot, arrives on Earth as an infant with a mission to conquer the planet, only to become its steadfast guardian after a head injury erases his destructive programming. Raised by Grandpa Gohan, he cultivates a kind-hearted and carefree nature, fueled by an insatiable passion for martial arts and an eagerness to test his strength against worthy rivals. His Saiyan biology endows him with extraordinary powers: flight, energy-based attacks, and transformative states like Super Saiyan and Ultra Instinct, the latter refined under Whis, angelic mentor to the God of Destruction Beerus.
Goku’s design and persona draw inspiration from Akira Toriyama’s reimagining of *Journey to the West*’s Sun Wukong, fused with martial arts dynamism reminiscent of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. His iconic spiked black hair, initially paired with a monkey tail (later lost permanently), and orange gi evolve visually as he transitions from a wide-eyed youth to a battle-hardened warrior.
In *Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero*, Goku remains on the periphery, training with Vegeta and Broly on Beerus’ world while distant from Earth’s renewed conflict with the Red Ribbon Army. The narrative shifts focus to Piccolo and Gohan confronting the artificial threat Cell Max, underscoring Goku’s absence. A post-credits scene captures his sparring match with Vegeta, culminating in Vegeta’s tactical victory—a nod to their enduring competitive bond.
Goku’s moral duality stems from his dual identity: a Saiyan warrior tempered by Earthling values. Though he routinely defends others, his core drive revolves around seeking formidable foes, a trait Toriyama frames as “selfish” yet untainted by ulterior motives. This incidental heroism diverges from conventional superhero arcs, prioritizing personal growth over altruism. His marriage to Chi-Chi and role as father to Gohan and Goten lend complexity, though familial duties often conflict with his relentless training pursuits.
Throughout his journey, Goku achieves milestones like Super Saiyan God and Ultra Instinct, each marking his ceaseless evolution. While later portrayals have drawn scrutiny for narrative simplicity, his legacy persists through an unwavering commitment to self-mastery and safeguarding loved ones, even when unintentional.