Goten doesn't look exactly like Goku as an adult primarily due to his Saiyan hybrid heritage, which influences his hair and overall appearance, and also to clearly differentiate him from his father in the series.
The Impact of Saiyan Hybrid Genetics
-
Hybrid Variation: Saiyan hybrids, like Goten, often exhibit physical differences compared to pure-blooded Saiyans. While they inherit strong Saiyan traits, the mixing of human DNA introduces variations in appearance. The "pure" Saiyan look, which Goku embodies, isn't necessarily replicated perfectly in a hybrid. This impacts not just appearance, but also their potential and how easily they can transform.
-
Hair Differences: One of the most noticeable differences is the hair. Pure-blooded Saiyans are known for their unchanging hairstyles. Hybrid Saiyans, however, can have hair that is more malleable and less rigidly defined. This contributes to Goten having a slightly different overall look compared to Goku.
Avoiding Character Confusion
-
Visual Differentiation: A practical reason for Goten's distinct appearance is to avoid confusing him with Goku, especially for viewers unfamiliar with the series. Keeping their looks different helps maintain clarity in storytelling. Imagine the confusion if Goten was just a smaller version of Goku!
-
Character Identity: Giving Goten his own unique look helps establish him as an individual character with his own identity, separate from his father's legacy. This is essential for his development within the Dragon Ball universe.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Goten's unique appearance stems from the inherent genetic variations introduced by his Saiyan-human hybrid status and the narrative need to differentiate him visually from Goku. This ensures that Goten stands out as his own character within the Dragon Ball story.
