The question of whether Gohan is stronger than Goku is complex and depends heavily on the specific point in the Dragon Ball timeline and the transformations each character is utilizing. While there are instances where Gohan surpasses Goku in power, it's not a consistent state.
Gohan's Periods of Superior Strength
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Cell Games Saga: During the Cell Games Saga, Gohan, empowered by rage and achieving Super Saiyan 2, briefly surpassed Goku's power. This is supported by various sources, including statements like this one: "Gohan as a Super Saiyan was stronger than Goku. He got a rage boost AND Super Saiyan 2 on top of that to fight Perfect Cell." This was a short-lived power surge fueled by intense emotion.
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Post-Majin Buu Saga (Ultimate Gohan): Following the defeat of Majin Buu, Gohan's Ultimate form, achieved through rigorous training, is often considered his peak power. Some sources claim this form made him the strongest. For example: "Technically yes, after the defeat of Majin Buu in the Dragon Ball manga, Gohan has the strongest form with his Ultimate form. Ultimate Gohan is..." However, Goku's continued training and new transformations frequently shift the balance of power.
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Beast Gohan: In recent Dragon Ball Super arcs, Gohan's "Beast" transformation has showcased a significant power boost, leading to debate about whether it surpasses even Goku's Ultra Instinct form. Several sources suggest Beast Gohan is comparable or slightly stronger: "And Beast Gohan is equal or a little bit stronger than current PUI Goku that both Beerus and Whis have stated that it's Goku's most powerful..." Another source states: "In terms of raw power, Gohan beast is obviously stronger than ultra instinct Goku, at least when he fights at his max," but this is contingent on Gohan utilizing his full power.
Goku's Consistent Training and Transformations
It's crucial to remember that Goku is consistently training and pushing his limits, unlocking new transformations (like Ultra Instinct) that continually shift the power dynamic. While Gohan may surpass Goku in certain arcs, Goku's dedicated training often leads to him regaining the advantage. The narrative often focuses on Goku as the main protagonist, whose power level is central to the plot.
Conclusion: A Dynamic Power Struggle
While Gohan has periods of surpassing Goku in strength, particularly under specific circumstances, it's not a definitive, ongoing state. The balance of power between them fluctuates throughout the Dragon Ball series.
