Dragon Ball GT faced an uphill battle living up to the iconic Dragon Ball Z series. Unlike DBZ which was based on a popular manga, GT had no source material to draw from and had to create an original story. This made matching DBZ’s epic plotlines and beloved characters very difficult.
GT also made the controversial decision to turn Goku back into a child, hoping to tap into fans’ nostalgia for early Dragon Ball. However, this gimmick could have worked better if it was wrapped up quickly instead of persisting throughout the series.
Relying too heavily on nostalgia rather than forging its own identity likely hurt GT.
Finally, the series introduced other plot devices meant to remind fans of the original Dragon Ball but then dropped them too fast. Developing those storylines more could have given GT more depth and opened up new possibilities.
If GT had minimized the focus on nostalgia and been more ambitious with its own ideas, it perhaps could have not just matched DBZ’s greatness but surpassed it.
Dragon Ball GT’s Controversial Decision
Dragon Ball GT introduced Emperor Pilaf, the silly villain from early Dragon Ball, using mysterious Black Star Dragon Balls to accidentally wish Goku back into a child. This transformed the mighty hero into a little kid biologically the same age as his grandkid Pan.
Goku being a child again was meant to recreate the adventurous vibe of early Dragon Ball, as Goku, Pan, and Trunks blast off into space to find the scattered Black Star Dragon Balls before Earth is destroyed.
Even when Goku briefly regains his adult form as a Super Saiyan 4, he remains a child for most of GT.
The writers likely hoped this plot twist would tap into nostalgia and be a fun throwback. Unfortunately, fans were very unhappy with undoing Goku’s growth into an icon.
This regression made little sense and was an unpopular gimmick. However, if kid Goku had only stuck around briefly before being re-aged, it probably would have come across better.
How Involving the Z Fighters and Introducing a Namekian Villain Could Have Improved the Series
Dragon Ball GT could have corrected its most glaring flaw – kid Goku – early on by involving the classic Z Fighters more. As Goku, Pan, and Trunks were off in space chasing the dangerous Black Star Dragon Balls, his old allies like Yamcha, Tien, and Krillin could have sought out Earth’s regular dragon balls.
Once gathered, they could have wished for Goku to rapidly re-age back to an adult. This would have the dual effect of quickly resolving the unpopular kid Goku plot while also giving screen time to fan-favorite characters.
Their quest would evoke nostalgia for the original Dragon Ball gang’s adventures.
Additionally, GT missed a chance to introduce a Namekian villain, which would have strongly called back to Demon King Piccolo from early Dragon Ball.
Between rapidly adultifying Goku and a new evil Namek as antagonists, GT could have better-incorporated throwbacks without derailing itself.
Resolving Kid Goku Early and Crafting a Unique Blend of Comedy
After resolving Kid Goku early on, GT could have smoothly transitioned into the Baby Saga. This more action-oriented storyline would have felt at home alongside DBZ’s scope and stakes.
From there, GT had opportunities to blend storytelling styles – some nostalgic comedy like early Dragon Ball mixed with high-stakes drama for a fresh take.
Instead, GT wasted too much time trying to copy the original and failing. Kid Goku undid too much character growth and ruined relationships – no more marriage with the now way older Chi-Chi or rivalries with Vegeta.
That actually could have been interesting to explore – little Goku leaves Earth defenseless, giving proud Vegeta a chance to step up. But it dragged on far too long.
If GT had fixed Goku quickly and then combined DB and DBZ’s strengths into something new, it would have succeeded on its own merits. Not just poorly imitating the past.
The recent popularity boom of Dragon Ball Super shows there was room for expansion if GT had dared to push boundaries beyond rehashing old ground.
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