Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball has kept audiences entertained with hundreds of episodes, dozens of feature films, and more than 50 video games. There’s still no end in sight when it comes to Dragon Ball’s sprawling narrative and exciting plot twists. Dragon Ball’s core story includes many unforgettable characters, and the series is never lacking in strength, whether that applies to the heroes or villains.
That being said, Dragon Ball also has a rich history with non-canonical adventures that usually appeal to audiences, but don’t have a grander impact on the series’ main narrative. Dragon Ball, for decades, kept its canon and non-canon material separate, but it’s slowly started to bridge the gap here. It’s genuinely exciting to see non-canon characters like Broly get worked into the mix, but there are even more rewarding figures who deserve the same opportunity.
10 Bonyu Is A Brilliant Ginyu Force Fighter Who’s Slipped Through The Series Cracks
Debut: Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
Akira Toriyama has occasionally designed original characters for Dragon Ball video games that become appealing selling points to draw in audiences, even if they’re not later incorporated into the franchise’s canon. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot drops a significant bombshell that the five-person Ginyu Force used to have another member, Bonyu, who was actually the first person who Ginyu recruited to be in his squadron. Bonyu is the same species as Jeice and she’s treated like the brains of the Ginyu Force’s operation. Bonyu may possess incredible intelligence, but her subpar charisma and her failure to appreciate the art of posing leads to an early clash with Captain Ginyu that results in her dismissal.
Curiously, Goku doesn’t actually face Bonyu in Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, but rather a simulation of her that’s created through Virtual Fighting Data. This virtual reality exercise proves to be a valuable form of training for Goku as he prepares for the impending Android invasion. Bonyu is conceivably still out there in the universe, so it’s possible for her to return to Dragon Ball Super, perhaps as the leader of her own mercenary team. Dragon Ball Super could also engage in another Bardock prequel story that explores the brief period when Bonyu and Ginyu were aligned before their schism.
9 Dr. Wheelo Is An Evil Genius With Delusions Of Grandeur
Debut: Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest
Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest is the series’ second feature film, and it therefore features substantially weaker versions of classic characters. Nevertheless, Dr. Wheelo makes for a unique villain since he’s someone who helps Dragon Ball Z indulge in their science fiction impulses. Dr. Wheelo has been reduced to a giant brain who fights in a colossal mecha body as he seeks out the perfect vessel.
A giant robot villain would be an entertaining threat in Dragon Ball Super and he could even be connected to Dr. Hedo, the former Red Ribbon scientist who’s recently aligned himself with Capsule Corp. Hedo and Wheelo could have been former rivals. Alternatively, Wheelo could turn to Hedo and Gamma 2 for help, only for something sinister to happen in the process that pushes him to the dark side. Dr. Wheelo received a sleek and flashy redesign as “Dr. W” in Super Dragon Ball Heroes and either of the character’s appearances would fit into Dragon Ball Super.
8 Demigra Is A Deadly Demon God With A Bitter Score To Settle
Debut: Dragon Ball Xenoverse
The Dragon Ball video games have really gone to bold places when it comes to time travel and new celestial deities, such as the Supreme Kai of Time. Demigra, who is also known as Demon God Demigra and the Dark King, is an extension of this and he serves as a major antagonist in both Dragon Ball Xenoverse and Super Dragon Ball Heroes. Demigra was once a benevolent wizard, but his failure to become a Supreme Kai of Time has left him bitter and determined to destroy all of history so that he can build a new reality where he's the rightful God of Time.
Dragon Ball Super has yet to introduce Supreme Kais of Time. However, time travel has been gradually explored and it wouldn't feel out of place for them to touch upon this material, especially if Black Frieza plans to mount an attack against Zeno. Demigra could be the prelude to more dangerous celestial challenges as Dragon Ball Super moves forward.
7 Turles Is A Mysterious Saiyan Who Came Around Too Early
Debut: Dragon Ball Z: The Tree Of Might
Dragon Ball loves the idea of evil Goku doppelgangers and one of the earliest examples of this occurs in Dragon Ball Z’s third feature film, The Tree of Might. Turles leads his Crusher Corps to wreak havoc on Earth and his quest to sap the planet dry of its energy so that he can consume it almost succeeds. There’s no explanation given for why Turles looks nearly identical to Goku, but a proper canonical appearance of the rogue Saiyan could provide deeper context here.
Turles could be an illegitimate sibling or some genetically engineered outcast. He could even emerge from Universe 6’s thriving Saiyan population as their world’s Goku equivalent. Turles arrives at a period in Dragon Ball Z when Super Saiyans didn’t exist yet and Vegeta wasn’t even a part of the core cast. These changes alone could get a lot of mileage out of Turles and turn him into a compelling character.
6 Janemba Is A Dark Demon With Endless Potential
Debut: Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn
There is no shortage of powerful demons who have come out of Dragon Ball, whether it’s Dabura, Shula, or Lord Yao. However, Janemba is described as evil incarnate and “the living definition of evil.” Janemba is a demon who’s brought into existence when Other World’s soul cleansing machine malfunctions and all the universe’s wicked spirits coalesce into one supreme being. Janemba is the central antagonist in Fusion Reborn and his strength is so significant that it precipitates Gogeta’s first appearance. Janemba’s base form is more bulbous, malleable, and reminiscent of Buu.
However, Super Janemba is truly intimidating and looks like a proper demon lord. Janemba can cause dimensional rifts and is handy with his brutal blade, the Dimension Sword. Janemba is another non-canonical movie villain who’s found popularity in Dragon Ball video games and he’s also gained an additional transformation—Black Janemba—in Super Dragon Ball Heroes. Janemba carries enough power and lore to justify his canonical incorporation into the franchise. He could even be linked to the evil magic that’s in play in Dragon Ball DAIMA.
5 Tiencha Is A Fun Fused Fighter That Dragon Ball Would Be Wise To Embrace
Debut: Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 2
Fusion has become an increasingly common battle strategy in Dragon Ball and it’s a process that the Dragon Ball video games have really embraced and pushed to broad places. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 2 introduces Tiencha and Gokule – fused combinations of Tien and Yamcha and Goku and Hercule, respectively. Tiencha remains a niche character, but he’s returned in several other Dragon Ball video games, like Dragon Ball Z: Dokkan Battle and Dragon Ball Fusions. Gokule would serve little practical purpose in Dragon Ball canon, but there’s genuine value in Tiencha’s incorporation into the narrative.
Tien and Yamcha are both characters who have struggled to stay relevant with Dragon Ball’s incredible Saiyans. Their human limitations have continually held them back from being essential in the series’ biggest battles. The fusion dance is hardly outside Tien and Yamcha’s abilities and wouldn’t be a challenge for them to master. Tiencha could help make both characters relevant again and explore them in a new and powerful light.
4 Tapion Is A Mythical Warrior With A Noble Destiny
Debut: Dragon Ball Z: Wrath Of The Dragon
Wrath of the Dragon, Dragon Ball Z's 13th and final film before the Dragon Ball Super adjacent Battle of Gods, is a unique endeavor in the sense that Goku and Earth's heroes are really just caught up in another hero's conflict. Wrath of the Dragon involves a kaiju-sized monster known as Hirudegarn, who's incredibly destructive, but lacks much of a personality. Tapion — as well as his younger brother Minotia — are courageous warriors from Planet Konats who are entrusted to guard Hirudegarn's severed body and prevent his revival. Wrath of the Dragon is really Tapion's story, even if Super Saiyan 3 Goku and his Dragon Fist attack are essential in Hirudegarn's defeat.
Tapion has one of Akira Toriyama's most striking designs and he looks like a character who's been ripped from right out of Chrono Trigger. It wouldn't be difficult for Dragon Ball Super to put Konats in peril, whether by Black Frieza or a God of Destruction, which ignites Tapion's killer instinct. Tapion also forms a tender relationship with Trunks, and is responsible for his sword no less, which would be a rich relationship to develop in Dragon Ball Super that also gives Trunks more to do.
3 Dragon Ball GT’s Shadow Dragons Showcase The Dark Side Of The Dragon Balls
Debut: Dragon Ball GT, Episode 48, "The Shadow Dragons"
Dragon Ball GT continues to receive criticism for its questionable direction regarding Goku’s post-Dragon Ball Z adventures. Dragon Ball GT’s decision to turn Goku back into a child for the entirety of the series is worthy of derision, but it still features some compelling and creative villains. The Shadow Dragons are seven unique antagonists who are living embodiments of humanity’s more reckless and selfish Dragon Ball wishes over the course of the franchise. The Shadow Dragons function as diverse villains for Goku, but they also force the heroes to reflect upon their pasts and, if the world has perhaps abused the Dragon Balls’ powers.
Egregious Dragon Ball wishes have only become more common in Dragon Ball Super, particularly from Bulma, which has left fans wondering if a Shadow Dragon return is imminent. Toyotarou has spoken about his affection for certain Dragon Ball GT characters, including the Shadow Dragons, so it’s very possible that he decides to revive them in the context of Dragon Ball Super. A new spin on the Shadow Dragons would be incredibly rewarding and it could even lead to the end of the Dragon Balls, which would be fascinating material for Dragon Ball Super to explore in its endgame.
2 Pikkon Is A Fallen Fighter Who’s An Exceptional Ally To Goku In Other World
Debut: Dragon Ball Z, Episode 195, "Warriors Of The Dead"
Pikkon, a deceased warrior from the West Galaxy, has received a surprising amount of screentime for a non-canonical character. Pikkon’s first appearance is during Goku’s participation in the Other World Tournament, a five-episode filler arc that bridges Dragon Ball Z’s Cell and Buu Sagas. Pikkon is Goku’s greatest adversary during the competition and he battles with an impressive arsenal of elemental-based abilities. As a dead fighter, Pikkon’s appearances have been restricted to Other World, but that hasn’t stopped him from assisting Goku against Janemba in Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn as well as Goku’s Other World exploits in Dragon Ball GT.
Many fans were hopeful that Goku’s Tournament of Power recruitment would include Pikkon and finally bring him into the canon, but he instead chose to align himself with Frieza. There’s a lot of value that Pikkon brings to the table, especially since Dragon Ball’s Other World is as robust as ever. It wouldn’t be difficult to devise a scenario that involves a visit to the afterlife and a proper Pikkon appearance. His recent arrival in Super Dragon Ball Heroes has only made audiences hungrier for canonical Pikkon content.
1 Cooler Has Been Forced To Live In His Brutal Brother’s Shadow For Too Long
Debut: Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge
Cooler, Frieza's older and bitter brother, is a substantial non-canonical movie villain who is significant for the fact that he's the first antagonist to appear in two feature films, Cooler's Revenge and The Return of Cooler. Cooler has an additional transformation to Frieza and his return transforms him into a dangerous hive-mind robot army that nearly takes out Goku and Vegeta. Cooler has become a prominent figure in Dragon Ball video games and he's also appeared in Super Dragon Ball Heroes, complete with his own Golden form.
After Broly's canonical incorporation in Dragon Ball Super: Broly, fans were quick to champion Cooler as the next movie villain who deserves the same treatment. Cooler is certainly popular, but there's also a practical reason to work him into the series now that Frieza is back in the mix and stronger than ever. The heroes could turn to Cooler for intel that will help them in their upcoming battle against Black Frieza as they try to use the villain's own spiteful brother against him. It's also possible that Universe 6 has their own version of Cooler who could become a canonical character, since they've already established Frost.
