Gohan’s journey in Dragon Ball has been a rollercoaster of potential, power, and shifting priorities. Once heralded as the strongest fighter of his generation, his triumph over Cell seemed to set the stage for a future filled with unstoppable growth. However, as the series progressed, Gohan’s path took a different turn, focusing more on academics and family rather than relentless combat training. This divergence from the traditional Saiyan warrior ethos has left many fans questioning whether he will ever receive a new, game-changing transformation in Dragon Ball Super.
Unlike Goku and Vegeta, who constantly push the limits of their strength, Gohan’s arc has prioritized personal fulfillment over battle prowess. His return to fighting during the Tournament of Power was a glimmer of hope for fans eager to see him reclaim his former glory. Yet, rather than debuting a brand-new form, he relied on mastering his existing abilities and strategy to contribute to Universe 7’s success. This narrative choice highlights how Gohan’s role has evolved within the franchise—no longer the unstoppable force he once was, but still a key player in his own right.
Dragon Ball Super has introduced a wave of new warriors who continuously raise the bar for power levels. With characters like Jiren, Granolah, and Moro entering the fray, the focus remains on Goku and Vegeta as the primary combatants. Gohan, while still formidable, is no longer positioned as the next big powerhouse. Instead, his character serves as a reminder that strength isn’t just about transformations and battles—it’s also about balance, intellect, and knowing when to fight. While it’s unlikely that Gohan will receive another massive power boost, his presence in the series remains significant, even if it’s in a different way than fans initially expected.
Gohan’s Power Evolution in Dragon Ball
Before addressing why Gohan won’t be getting a new power in Dragon Ball Super, it’s important to understand his power evolution throughout the series. Gohan first showcased his impressive abilities during the Saiyan Saga when he was able to fight alongside Goku, despite his young age. His real breakthrough came during the Cell Saga, where he became the first person to attain the Super Saiyan 2 transformation, a moment of immense significance in the Dragon Ball Z era.
However, after defeating Cell, Gohan’s focus shifted away from martial arts. In Dragon Ball Z and later in Dragon Ball Super, Gohan pursued education and a more peaceful life, stepping away from constant battles. This change in Gohan’s character is significant because it reflects the shift in the Dragon Ball universe itself.
While Goku and Vegeta continued to train, unlock new forms, and engage in fierce battles, Gohan’s character seemed to take a backseat. During the Dragon Ball Super series, Gohan’s role as a fighter faded even further. This shift in his priorities explains why the likelihood of him unlocking a new power is slim.
Gohan’s Role in Dragon Ball Super
One of the reasons why Gohan might not be getting a new power in Dragon Ball Super has to do with the role his character plays in the series. Gohan’s primary focus has been on his family and his studies, which have limited his time and desire for intense combat training. Unlike Goku, who is constantly seeking new challenges, or Vegeta, who’s always pushing himself to become stronger, Gohan’s character has been shown to be content with his life as a father and scholar.
In the Tournament of Power arc, Gohan was portrayed as a key strategist for Team Universe 7, showing his intellect rather than focusing on raw power. His role in the tournament was pivotal, but not for showcasing an overwhelming new transformation. In fact, Gohan’s performance was not as impressive as other fighters, and this reflects the narrative decision to keep him away from a major power-up.
While many fans were hoping for Gohan to shine and perhaps unlock a new form, the Dragon Ball Super series has instead chosen to develop him in ways that don’t emphasize his fighting abilities. This makes a new, powerful transformation for Gohan unlikely in the foreseeable future.
The Shift in Focus to Goku and Vegeta
One of the most significant reasons for Gohan’s lack of a power boost is the ongoing development of Goku and Vegeta. Both characters continue to push the boundaries of their power and unlock new forms, such as Goku’s Ultra Instinct and Vegeta’s Ultra Ego. These transformations are central to the progression of the series and often serve as the focal point for major battles. As a result, the narrative has become heavily focused on Goku and Vegeta’s ongoing journey toward greater strength, leaving less room for Gohan to receive a new power.
In the Dragon Ball Super era, Goku and Vegeta are portrayed as the primary combatants, while Gohan is relegated to a secondary role. This has led to a shift in the Dragon Ball franchise where Gohan’s role is more about his connection to others, such as his family, and his contributions through intelligence and strategy, rather than being a fighter.
As much as fans might long for Gohan to catch up with his father and rival, the series has created a narrative that revolves around the relentless pursuit of power by Goku and Vegeta, making it difficult to justify a new form for Gohan.
Gohan’s Character Development and Themes
Another crucial aspect of why Gohan won’t be receiving a new power is his character development. Since his victory over Cell, Gohan’s character has undergone significant changes. In the Majin Buu saga, he temporarily ascended to the level of a fighter by unlocking the Ultimate form (often referred to as Mystic Gohan). However, even with this power boost, Gohan’s priorities remained focused on his family and personal growth.
In Dragon Ball Super, this theme has continued, with Gohan’s character being more about emotional growth than physical power. His decision to leave behind his fighting career in favor of studying and raising his daughter, Pan, reflects a deeper, more mature direction for the character. This shift in character development moves away from the typical Dragon Ball trajectory of constant power-ups, focusing instead on the more philosophical question of whether Gohan’s true strength lies in his ability to maintain balance in his life, rather than through brute force.
By not giving Gohan a new power, the series reinforces this theme of inner strength over external abilities. This represents a clear departure from the traditional trope of “more power equals more significance.”
The Impact of New Fighters in Dragon Ball Super
Gohan’s journey may not align with the typical Dragon Ball formula of constant power-ups, but that’s exactly what makes him stand out. His development as a character rather than just a fighter adds a unique depth to the series, reinforcing the idea that not every Saiyan needs to chase infinite strength. Interestingly, despite stepping away from fighting, Gohan still holds the title of the first Saiyan to achieve Super Saiyan 2, a form that even Goku never reached before him. That alone cements his legacy, proving that his power, when unleashed, has always been something truly special.
[Updated: 04/03/2025]
