Who is Vegeta 101: Everything You Wanted to Know

By Matteo Drelli. Updated Sep 3, 2023

Vegeta is a legendary figure in the world of anime. Created by Akira Toriyama, he shows up first in the Dragon Ball series in 1989. He starts his journey hunting for Dragon Balls to become immortal.

Vegeta is no ordinary guy. He's the prince of the Saiyans, a warrior race from outer space. He’s proud, royal, and never shy about it. But that's not all—he's also a tough worker who won’t settle for second place.

Initially, Vegeta aims to beat Goku and be the top fighter in the universe. Yet, over time, he changes. After bad guy Frieza is beaten, Vegeta teams up with Goku and friends. They face new enemies like Cell, Majin Buu, and others. Now, he's not just a rival to Goku but also a hero.

Vegeta is more than just a character—he's a pop culture icon. He's a top pick when people talk about anime rivals. His transformation from villain to hero makes him a standout in not just Dragon Ball, but in the world of anime.

The Making of a Vegeta

Akira Toriyama didn't plan for Vegeta to be a big deal. At first, he was just another bad guy, not meant to stick around. But fans fell in love with him. Even Toriyama was shocked. Vegeta started getting more votes than Goku in favorite-character polls!

At first, Toriyama wasn't a fan of Vegeta. He was, after all, a villain. But as he wrote more, he started to like him. Vegeta’s bold personality made him easy to write about. Fans even mailed Toriyama, begging him not to kill off the character.

After the film Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods, Toriyama thought about making Vegeta the star of a new feature. While it's not set in stone, the idea itself shows Vegeta’s impact.

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Vegeta’s name is a playful twist on the word "vegetable." It follows the Saiyan tradition of naming characters after veggies.

The Voices Behind the Prince

After Vegeta won fans' hearts, who would bring him to life? In Japan, it's Ryō Horikawa. His voice captures the essence of this Saiyan royal.

In English versions, Brian Drummond was the first to voice him. Later, Christopher Sabat took the role and became the voice of Vegeta in all Dragon Ball media.

Different actors have voiced young Vegeta, like Laura Bailey and Justin Briner.

In Brazil, where Dragon Ball is super popular, Alfredo Rollo has been Vegeta's voice since day one.

The variety of voice actors highlights Vegeta's global appeal. Each brings something unique, yet they all capture the essence of this unforgettable character.

Vegeta's Appearances in Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball Z

Vegeta storms into Dragon Ball Z as a Saiyan warrior, bent on getting Earth's Dragon Balls. He comes with Nappa, his sidekick. They cause chaos and defeat Earth's defenders. When Goku shows up and takes down Nappa, Vegeta kills him for losing. Vegeta battles Goku and loses. He barely escapes, humbled and angry.

Vegeta Quest on Planet Namek

Next, Vegeta heads to Namek to grab their Dragon Balls. Why? Earth’s are gone, thanks to Piccolo’s death. On Namek, he fights Frieza’s crew and even wipes out a Namekian village. Soon, he teams up with Goku, Gohan, Krillin, and Piccolo to defeat the Ginyu Force and Frieza. But Frieza badly wounds him. As he dies, he asks Goku to avenge him and the Saiyans. A wish from Earth's Dragon Balls revives him and he returns to Earth, learning that Goku defeated Frieza.

These pivotal moments set the stage for Vegeta's evolution from villain to hero. Whether seeking immortality or vengeance, Vegeta remains a character who leaves an impression, each appearance adding layers to his complex persona.

A Saiyan’s Journey Continues

After Frieza, Vegeta stays on Earth and has a son, Trunks, with Bulma. He finally becomes a Super Saiyan but is beaten by Android 18. Training hard, he outmuscles Cell but then makes a mistake, letting Cell reach his perfect form. Later, in the Cell Games, he helps Gohan defeat Cell.

The Battle Against Majin Buu

Vegeta's next big test? Majin Buu. Babidi gives him dark powers. The 'M' on his forehead shows Babidi's control. Yet Vegeta resists full mind control. To make Goku fight him, Vegeta goes on a rampage. The fight revives Buu, and Vegeta makes a last stand, sacrificing himself for his loved ones.

Back from the dead, he teams up with Goku to fight Buu. They even fuse into Vegito. Yet they split, freeing their friends from Buu’s grasp. Finally, Vegeta fights Buu to help Goku defeat him once and for all. And guess what? Vegeta admits that Goku is his superior and friend.

Vegeta’s journey is a roller coaster, from prideful prince to hero. These adventures make him one of Dragon Ball's most complex and captivating characters. Whether it’s fighting foes or facing himself, Vegeta always keeps us on the edge of our seats.

Dragon Ball Super

Vegeta continues to evolve in Dragon Ball Super. First, he tries to keep Beerus from destroying Earth and even briefly outdoes Goku. Later, he trains with Whis and fights a revived Frieza. Though killed, time rewinds, and Goku saves the day.

Tournament Showdowns and Fierce Battles

In the series, Vegeta shines in a big tournament. He beats Frost, Magetta, and Cabba but loses to Hit. He also travels to Planet Potaufeu, fights a copy of himself, and even trains Future Trunks to battle Goku Black. Though defeated at first, Vegeta returns stronger, almost beating Goku Black.

Family Matters

Not all is about fighting. Vegeta also becomes a dad again. When his daughter, Bulla, is born, he's all in. Protective and caring, he shows us another side.

From rival to hero to dad, Vegeta's journey in Dragon Ball Super adds more layers to an already fascinating character. His growth, challenges, and fights keep us hooked, proving that a Saiyan’s tale is never dull.

Breaking Limits in the Tournament of Power

Vegeta enters the Tournament of Power with one goal: protect his family. He fights valiantly, knocking out Toppo and helping Goku battle Jiren. When pushed to his limit, Vegeta takes the stage by unlocking new powers all by himself. He is finally knocked out by Jiren but gives his remaining energy to Goku.

Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Gogeta Fusion

In the film "Dragon Ball Super: Broly," Vegeta and Goku face off against a new Saiyan, Broly. Realizing they can't beat him alone, they perform a fusion dance to become Gogeta and put an end to Broly's rampage.

Galactic Patrol and The Warlock Moro

Not one to stay idle, Vegeta faces the villain Moro next. Despite initial setbacks, Vegeta trains on Yardrat and returns stronger. He defeats Moro at first but later faces defeat himself. In a pivotal moment, he aids Goku to unleash his Ultra Instinct and defeat Moro for good.

The Battle Against Granolah

The adventures don't stop there. Vegeta and Goku get invited to fight a sniper named Granolah. Vegeta unveils a new form called 'Ultra Ego,' but Granolah fights back. Both warriors gain and lose the upper hand until a third party, Gas, arrives. In a surprising move, Vegeta gives Granolah a Senzu bean for a fair fight against Gas.

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In the Dragon Ball Super saga, Vegeta achieves a new form called 'Ultra Ego.' This form comes from his training with Beerus, the God of Destruction. It’s a unique transformation, separate from Goku's Ultra Instinct, showing that Vegeta is always finding his own path to power.

Vegeta Beyond Main Story Arcs

In Dragon Ball Z filler episodes, Vegeta has his share of adventures. From saving and later destroying planet Arlia to fighting Frieza's army remnants, he stays busy. After major story arcs like the Buu saga, he even chills at parties with other heroes.

Vegeta shows up in six non-canon Dragon Ball Z movies. He helps Goku beat Meta-Cooler, fights new androids, and even helps to defeat Broly. He forms Gogeta with Goku to easily take down Janemba and battles Hirudegarn when he threatens his home.

In Dragon Ball GT, Vegeta faces more challenges. He gets possessed by Baby and fights Goku. Later, he tangles with Super Android #17 and joins forces with Goku to fight Omega Shenron. In the end, he takes up the mantle of Earth’s protector as Goku leaves.

Vegeta is a big deal in Dragon Ball video games too. You can find him in many games, sometimes even as a Super Saiyan 3. He teaches key moves to players in Dragon Ball: Xenoverse and even shows up in games outside the Dragon Ball franchise.

Vegeta isn't limited to the Dragon Ball universe. He pops up in other manga like Akira Toriyama's self-parody Neko Majin and the Dragon Ball-One Piece crossover, Cross Epoch. He's even seen cheering for live Muay Thai boxing in the manga Karate Shoukoushi Kohinata Minoru.

Guess what? Vegeta has been parodied too! In the Weekly Shōnen Jump Gag Special, he appeared in a Dragon Ball parody manga that humorously retold his first epic battle with Goku.

Not just a warrior, Vegeta is a singer too! He's got two songs to his name. One is about cooking Okonomiyaki, and the other, "Saiyan Blood," celebrates his greatness. Plus, there are more songs about his love life and self-reflections.

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Vegeta's song about cooking Okonomiyaki gives fans a rare glimpse into his lighter side. It's a unique piece that showcases a different aspect of this usually intense character!

What are Vegeta's abilities?

Vegeta: a Saiyan powerhouse with a laundry list of abilities. When he had a tail, a full moon could transform him into a massive Great Ape. But that's just the start.

Vegeta's expertise in using 'ki' allows him to craft and boost his attacks. He's even mastered Bukū-jutsu, letting him fly! Training non-stop and his Saiyan blood give him amazing strength, speed, and reflexes.

This fighter is so creative, he even names his energy blasts. Remember the Galick Gun he used against Goku? How about the Big Bang Attack and Final Flash? All his moves get stronger as he evolves.

But wait, there's more. He can go Super Saiyan, evolve into more advanced states, and even attain "Super Saiyan Blue." Fighting against Jiren, he broke his own limits and powered up even more.

Recently, he trained under Beerus and learned the Hakai power. He also unlocked a form called Ultra Ego, which makes him stronger as he takes more hits. Need more? He can also fuse with Goku, either as Vegito with Potara earrings or Gogeta with a special dance.

By mastering such a variety of skills and forms, Vegeta's not just strong; he's versatile, making him a force to be reckoned with in any battle scenario.

What people think of Vegeta

Experts in anime and manga often sing Vegeta's praises. Theron Martin from Anime News Network even said Vegeta's unique pride adds a special kick to the series. Todd Douglass Jr. from DVD Talk admired Vegeta's fighting skills and his role as a surprising villain. The critics love him!

Vegeta's not just loved by critics; fans adore him too. He ranked fourth in a 1993 character popularity poll and climbed to second by 1995. In 2004, he landed in second place again in a poll published in Dragon Ball Forever. Fans can't get enough of him!

However, not everything is a hit. Vegeta's relationship with Bulma has had its ups and downs, according to critics. Some say it feels forced. Even voice actors from the series were shocked by this love twist. But despite the debate, it's a relationship fans love to discuss.

Vegeta doesn't just stick to Dragon Ball; he's a legend in anime culture. He's bagged titles like "Best Male Character" in multiple Anime Grand Prix polls. IGN even hailed him as "the original unmitigated bastard" of anime. In short, Vegeta is a character who leaves an impact.

Even in Dragon Ball Super, Vegeta stands tall. A poll by Viz Media confirmed he's the most popular character in the series. Although some criticize him and Goku for overshadowing others, there's no denying Vegeta's influence and appeal.

Vegeta's Impact Beyond Anime and Manga

Vegeta isn't just a Dragon Ball legend; he's a cultural icon too. Here's how he's stepped off the TV screen and into real-world fame.

"It's Over 9000!" Remember that line? It's not just a quote; it's an internet sensation. Originating from the Ocean Productions English dub, this line became a catchphrase for anything impressively high in number.

Killmonger, the villain in 2018's Black Panther, sports armor that looks a lot like Vegeta's. Michael B. Jordan, who played Killmonger, is a Dragon Ball fan and hinted that the design could be inspired by Vegeta.

Athletes are fans too! UFC fighter Marcus Brimage cites Dragon Ball Z as his inspiration for mixed martial arts. Soccer player Eduardo Salvio even celebrates his goals with Vegeta's Final Flash attack. Wrestler Ronda Rousey sported a Vegeta-themed singlet at Wrestlemania 31.

Musicians haven't missed the Vegeta train either. Rappers like Soulja Boy and Joey Badass have dropped Vegeta references in their songs. Even musical-comedy group Starbomb released "Vegeta's Serenade," a song that's all about Vegeta's love life (and his hatred for Goku).

Debunked Myths of Vegeta

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegeta

How old is Vegeta during the Buu Saga?

During the Buu Saga, Vegeta is around 38–39 years old. This is calculated based on his age at the time of his arrival on Earth and the years that have passed since then.

Why does the Ginyu Force and Vegeta dress similar?

The Ginyu Force and Vegeta wear similar outfits because they're both under the employ of Frieza. The armor is standard issue for warriors serving Frieza's empire. It's designed for both protection and ease of movement. So, it's not about fashion; it's about belonging to the same military force.

Why does Vegeta never go Super Saiyan 3?

Vegeta never reaches Super Saiyan 3 because he skips it for stronger forms. The Super Saiyan 3 transformation drains energy fast and is hard to maintain. Vegeta focuses on more efficient power-ups like Super Saiyan God and Super Saiyan Blue. These forms give him better control and less strain, making them more practical for battle.

Vegeta Quotes

Here are some of Vegeta's most famous quotes.

Let me ask you, does a machine like yourself ever experience fear?

I do not fear this new challenge. Rather like a true warrior I will rise to meet it.

There's only one certainty in life. A strong man stands above and conquers all!

To see more Vegeta quotes, we recommend visiting the Vegeta Quote section in Quotes Analysis.

We hope we have been helpful to you in this "Who is Vegeta" article, and we hope you have a better understanding of who Vegeta is!