Goku's death is a recurring theme in the Dragon Ball series, often serving as a dramatic plot device followed by his resurrection. Therefore, pinpointing a single killer is inaccurate. Several characters have been responsible for Goku's demise throughout the various series and timelines.
Notable Instances of Goku's Death:
- Raditz (and Piccolo): In the initial confrontation with Raditz, Goku sacrificed himself to allow Piccolo to finish him off with the Special Beam Cannon. This marks a crucial early death in the series. [Source: Screenrant, CBR]
- Cell: Goku's self-sacrifice against Cell's self-destruction resulted in a heroic death, though he was later revived. [Source: Dragon Ball Wiki]
- Zamasu: In the Dragon Ball Super storyline, Goku was killed by Zamasu after Zamasu possessed his body. This was eventually undone as well. [Source: CBR, Reddit]
It's important to note that Goku has been killed off many times throughout different timelines and arcs of the series. The concept of death and revival is an integral part of the story, frequently used to introduce new stakes and conflicts, usually with eventual revival. [Source: CBR, Quora] Furthermore, while Piccolo's killing blow against Raditz contributed to Goku's death, it wasn't necessarily a killing blow for Goku himself as he was already mortally wounded. [Source: Provided text]
The Significance of Goku's "Deaths"
These instances highlight a key narrative element of the Dragon Ball series: Goku's numerous deaths and subsequent revivals. These events serve to heighten the dramatic tension and showcase Goku's resilience and unwavering spirit, demonstrating the larger-than-life character that he is.
