Despite his status as an enduring fan favorite, Piccolo has long been relegated to the sidelines of the Dragon Ball franchise, consistently overshadowed by the Saiyan protagonists. While he was pivotal during the early Dragon Ball Z conflicts—standing firm against Saiyan invaders and battling Frieza on Namek—he gradually transitioned into a secondary, mentor-based role following the Cell Saga. His treatment in Dragon Ball GT was arguably worse, resulting in an undignified exit, and his lackluster performance in the Dragon Ball Super Tournament of Power was, frankly, insulting.
However, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022) serves as a glorious redemption arc. By moving away from the typical formula that centers exclusively on Goku and Vegeta, this 3D CG spectacle finally grants Piccolo the spotlight he deserves, showcasing his tactical brilliance and depth as both a combatant and a teacher.
The film revitalizes the franchise’s roots by reintroducing the Red Ribbon Army, the very organization Goku dismantled during his youth. Driven by a conspiracy theory that Capsule Corp is conspiring with extraterrestrials to conquer Earth, the group unveils the Gamma androids as their ultimate weapon. After an initial skirmish with Gamma 2, Piccolo masterfully infiltrates their ranks, unraveling their schemes from within.
Super Hero thrives on the playful, whimsical tone that defined early Dragon Ball. This is perfectly encapsulated in the segments where Piccolo infiltrates the Red Ribbon base while wearing a disguise—a hilarious sequence where he nonchalantly blames his green complexion on “stomach issues.” The film is peppered with such delightful absurdities, from eccentric character designs to clever puns like Gohan’s discovery of “Super Saiy-Ants.”
Image: Toei AnimationAt its heart, the narrative is a celebration of the bond between Piccolo and Gohan. Much like his role in Dragon Ball Z, Piccolo resumes his mentorship, this time training Gohan’s daughter, Pan, while simultaneously pushing a complacent Gohan to sharpen his forgotten skills. The film emphasizes that despite the importance of Gohan’s academic career, his role as a protector remains non-negotiable.
Once the inevitable conflict erupts, the animation truly shines. The fight sequences are fluid and expertly choreographed, with the Gammas’ comic-book-inspired aesthetic adding a distinct, stylish flair to their high-stakes battles.
Image: Toei AnimationWhile the transition to 3D CG animation proved polarizing for some, there is no denying that the technical execution elevates the spectacle of the film’s energy-based combat. The climactic showdown, featuring massive ki blasts and desperate counters, possesses a visual grandeur rarely seen in the series.
Piccolo looks particularly formidable in this art style, specifically when he unveils his “Power Awakened” and “Orange Piccolo” transformations. Though the naming conventions may be questionable, the impact of these forms is undeniable. Seeing the Namekian warrior finally reach a level of power that allows him to stand as an equal to his Saiyan counterparts is deeply satisfying. It feels like a long-overdue acknowledgement of his importance to the lore.
Given that this was among the final projects overseen by the late Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero stands as a fitting, heartfelt tribute to one of the franchise’s most vital characters.
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is currently streaming on Hulu and Crunchyroll.
Source: Polygon
