Classic Anime’s Taught Me The Lessons Of Manhood (Part Two): Dragon Ball Z, GT, Super, Heroes (Son Goku)

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Back Story

As far as I can remember in the 2000’s, I watched Dragon Ball Z on Toonami and owned a few action figures when Burger King had their kid’s meal specials. I still feel nostalgic when it was a simple time being a kid and pretending that I could do the Kamehameha technique. Not to mention, trying to go Super Saiyan. I felt powerful like Goku himself. Even to this day I still do the Kamehameha because it helps me to remember the best part of me.

The best part of my life’s journey was overcoming some moments of depression, learning to believe in myself, surpassing my limitations, seeking newer heights of greatness, and training my body. Just writing about this makes me teary-eyed because the story of Goku has kept me going for years. Even when I sometimes believe my life doesn’t matter, Goku reminds me how important it is to never give up, even when the odds seem stacked against me.

I remember around the end of 2015 when my crush rejected me after I confessed to her. The rejection put a stake through my heart because I loved that person at that time. I was young and didn’t know how to deal with a broken heart, so I turned to the one thing that gave me strength, watching episodes of Dragon Ball Z and along with the movies.

Goku’s battles against Prince Vegeta, Turles, Frieza, Cooler, Super Andriod 13, Perfect Cell, Broly the Legendary Super Saiyan, Super Janemba, Kid Buu, and Hirudegarn, motivated me to be the strongest person throughout the heartbreak arc. I still had nights where I couldn’t sleep because of the pain I felt each day but I kept pushing forward. No matter how depressed I felt, I needed to feel some hope in my life even when I was going through the pain alone. Thinking about Goku’s defeats and struggles throughout his fights was something I could think about. To keep me inspired when I didn’t have anyone to turn to for support.

Current Day

However, 2024 has been a challenging mental rollercoaster for me. Even graduating from college with my B.A. Degree, I dealt with a multitude of heartbreaks, loss of friendships, loss of job opportunities, declining mental health, and loss of hope in humanity. This year I had moments where I thought everything about me was worthless and giving up on everything seemed like the best option. Even drawing and doing other things I am most passionate about felt meaningless. The power I once felt when I was younger had eroded when I realized how messed up the world is.

Reaching the end of 2024, I reflected on my life and how I became someone who wasn’t me. I became the weakest version of myself because I lost my fighting spirit for my dreams and determination as a fighter. Nonetheless, I reflected on how Goku pushed me through his lessons and experiences.

The Son Goku Lesson’s

Never give up on yourself and the people you care about.
Push yourself beyond your limitations to see how powerful you can become.
Forgive your enemies even when it’s difficult to do so.
Don’t take life too seriously but be serious when you’re fighting against a powerful opponent.
Never stop learning and improving your strengths and weaknesses.
Mastering self-control.
Learn to laugh and not be concerned about how others perceive you.
Be yourself.
Building your body, mind, and spirit as a warrior every day.
Take on difficult challenges.
Never allow failure to determine your worth and future.
Not allowing fear to control your life.
Have faith in yourself and in others.
Be surrounded by real friends who have your back when shit hits the planet.
Have a reason as to why you want to become the best version of yourself.
Love your family and friends.

Closing

Goku has been the friend I needed during difficult moments of my life. For being a fictional character he inspired me to keep living in a world where hope seems to be dying. He’s like my Superman and I believe all of us need someone who can bring us back to hope. There will continue to be battles that’ll break my spirit but as long as I keep getting a Zenkai Boost, I’ll grow only more powerful as the Legendary Super Saiyan.