movies/tv Have we overestimated Goku in DBZ? He isn't the strongest

[TheMarkz0ne 962]

I know Goku isn't about being the most powerful character, he was always meant to overcome odds that he was never able to overcome. Sounds like I answered my own question. But DBZ fans like myself and others have made Goku like this instant win character, like he could do anything. Lets review

 

 

He fought Vegeta near death to a draw on Earth. Gohan saved him

Goku's powers increased dramatically when he arrived on Namek. Ginyu gave him trouble he got stronger

He didn't kill Frieza, he just fought him until Frieza got weaker and weaker

I had to lie to myself as a kid thinking Goku was actually holding back against Cell. 

Goku had to keep up with Vegeta during the android saga 

Goku's SS3 wasn't enough to Buuhan 

Goku was barely able to get away with fighting Kid Buu/Pure Buu

 

You think we give Goku too much credit?

[Astral Blitzen 469]

Yes, he's not a god and I like the fact that he's not a god, but just someone who is realllly powerful

[Megas 28,139]

Goku is just a really powerful being who's been able to save the world against the odds

[SilverStarApple 850]

Goku is not some blue-clad god in human form who can swing his arms and solve any plot by being "As strong as they need to be" and getting new powers out of nowhere. Goku works hard, trains, and is a human. A strong, human man. He's also a Saiyan, biologically speaking, but his human traits make him likable and a good character.

 

Also: He was holding back against Cell. He wanted the next generation to step up and step up their game, like with Buu.

[Dewdlz 939]

I suppose so, but main characters are usually the peak of the show. Some morale to it. In Battle of the Gods (spoiler ahead)

 

He becomes one.

 

[Shanks 10,817]

Goku is someone who has a lot of natural talent but has honed it through the years by training very hard. Goku may not always be the strongest ever but that is in fact a good thing because it shows room for improvement, it shows a challenge which he needs to overcome. Without the opportunity to be challenged and grow a character becomes stale and risks becoming a Mary Sue/Gary Stu. With that said some fanboyism does influence some people on this but there is a lot of good reasons Goku gets the kind of credit he does.

[Shenron00 366]

While he's one of the strongest fighters we know of in the DBZ universe, he's not the all-time strongest.

Beerus is more powerful, and Whis is even more so!

Not only that, but there may still be fighters we don't know about, some even stronger than the God of Destruction and his teacher!