Does Goku Have a Brother in Dragon Ball Z?
In the world of Dragon Ball Z, one of the most beloved characters, Goku, has a much earlier and less well-known family connection: his brother, Raditz. Raditz plays a significant role in the early episodes of the series, making his first appearance before the iconic moment when Goku is discovered as a baby on Earth and sent back to his home planet.
Who is Raditz?
Raditz was the eldest son of Bardock and Gine, making him Goku's older brother. His appearance marked the beginning of a twist that introduced the Saiyan race to the Dragon Ball universe. As a villain, Raditz's discovery of Goku's existence led to a complex narrative involving the destruction and survival of the Saiyans.
Raditz’s Role in Dragon Ball Z
Freiza, the ruler of the Space Frieza Force, was interested in the existence of the Super Saiyans and sent Raditz, along with Nappa and Vegeta, to Earth to find and eliminate Goku for not destroying the planet. His mission was to capture and kill Goku, and in the process, he also sought out Goku's son, Gohan, for his own purposes.
Raditz’s Character Traits and Actions
Raditz’s personality is characterized by his Saiyan pride and a somewhat arrogant attitude. Despite his physical strength, he was underestimated by his brother Goku, as he was just a "low-class" Saiyan according to Vegeta. However, Raditz was strong enough to pose a significant threat, as evidenced by his battle with Goku and Piccolo, which led to his ultimate downfall.
Raditz's Capture of Gohan
A notable event involving Raditz is when he captured young Gohan. This moment was a pivotal point in the story, as it showed the villainous nature of Raditz and the early challenges faced by Gohan and his family. This event also highlighted the connection between Goku and his son, which became a central theme in the series.
Conclusion
In summary, Goku does have a brother named Raditz in the Dragon Ball Z universe. Raditz’s character adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, introducing the threat of the Saiyan race and setting the stage for later battles against other Saiyans in the series. His role in the early episodes of Dragon Ball Z makes him a significant figure in the overall storyline.
So, while Goku may seem like the lone hero on Earth, his connection to Raditz reveals a much larger and more complicated family dynamic within the Dragon Ball Z world.