Dragon Ball Super, though divisive in some sections of Dragon Ball's immeasurably large fan base, helped to build and expand upon the series' 12 universes, as well as the fighters that dwelled within them. At its heart, Goku and Vegeta ruled the show, and all that transpired first ran through them. Nevertheless, many of the franchise's most popular side characters enjoyed some time in the spotlight, and were even given solid progression.

One of them was Krillin, Earth's strongest human and one of Dragon Ball's longest-tenured characters. Though he rarely took part in the series outside of its very opening and ending arcs, the lead-up to and his participation in the Tournament of Power served him well. However, when 2022's Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero was released, a film that promised to do justice to its side characters like Gohan and Piccolo, Krillin was made to look worse than he ever had before.

Krillin Has Always Played a Major Role in Dragon Ball

Krillin Is One of Dragon Ball's Most Important Humans

Despite fading into the background for the large majority of the events in modern Dragon Ball, Krillin once held a major role in the series. It was only chapter #25, titled "A Rival? Arrival!", of Akira Toriyama's original manga where he made his debut as Goku's training partner under Master Roshi. From that moment on, the Earth's strongest human also acted as its most important on more than a number of occasions.

More than a training partner, Krillin became Goku's best friend, and stood alongside him in just about every major confrontation throughout Dragon Ball, despite him knowing that he often stood little chance in the fight. That loyalty led to his death at the hands of Tambourine, and then later Frieza. The first instance sent Goku into a fury of action which led to the ultimate victory over Demon King Piccolo. The second was the spark Goku needed to achieve Super Saiyan.

He may not receive due credit, but Krillin's bravery and resolve allowed Dragon Ball's strongest fighters to win several days, and no matter the danger, he remained on the front lines. In Dragon Ball Super, fear got a hold of him, and an episode was dedicated to him finding his strength and courage once more. It was a well-deserved tribute to the character and one that would become entirely undone in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.

Super Hero Turned Krillin Into Comedic Relief

Krillin Chose to Stay Out of the Fight With Cell Max

Dragon Ball has never been a series to peddle deep, complex themes to its audience. At its heart, action, adventure, and whimsy have defined and will continue to define the series over 40 years on from its debut. One theme has always found its way into the overarching narrative, however, and that is strength being necessary in order to protect loved ones. Krillin embodied that very theme the moment he fell behind the Saiyans along with the rest of the cast, but continued to stand alongside them, providing any assistance he could.

That all changed during one sequence in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, when Cell Max activated and the whole gang showed up to lend their . Each one of them flew into battle without much hesitation, except for Krillin, who wished his wife good luck as he stayed behind with Bulma. Not only was the decision played up for laughs, it was entirely out of character for Dragon Ball's strongest human fighter, the same one who faced unknown threats with incredible strength during the Tournament of Power.

Later, Krillin would end up ing the fight, and contributed an extremely effective Solar Flare that immobilized Cell Max long enough for Gamma 2 to charge his sacrificial attack. While side characters like Krillin have fallen far from the level at which the series' main fighters operate, most have retained the unique traits and found niches in which they were able to still contribute. Krillin, though it may have been for a gag, displayed a deep regression in Super Hero.

Dragon Ball Super, past the anime's conclusion and into the manga's telling of events, has yet to really give Krillin a meaningful role or any room to shine, which is a shame considering the position he once held in the series. However, with the rise to relevance of Gohan and Piccolo, there's a chance Dragon Ball's strongest human fighter can redeem himself down the line.