Whether Zeno is a villain is a complex question with no definitive "yes" or "no" answer, depending heavily on perspective and interpretation of his actions in Dragon Ball Super.
Arguments for Zeno Not Being a Villain:
- Innocence and Childlike Nature: Zeno is often portrayed as having the mentality of a child. He isn't driven by malice but rather by boredom and a lack of understanding of the consequences of his actions. This childlike innocence makes it difficult to categorize him as a traditional villain.
- Divine Authority: Zeno is the King of All, possessing ultimate power and authority. His actions, even destructive ones, can be seen as exercises of his divine prerogative rather than deliberate acts of evil. He's essentially above the concepts of good and evil as understood by mortals.
- Potential for Good: Despite his destructive potential, Zeno is capable of showing kindness and appreciation. He develops a friendship with Goku, suggesting a capacity for positive relationships and perhaps even growth.
Arguments for Zeno Being Perceived as a Villain/Antagonist:
- Destructive Power: Zeno possesses the ability to erase entire universes on a whim. This immense power, combined with his lack of understanding of the value of life, makes him a significant threat.
- Universe Eradication: Zeno's decision to erase losing universes in the Tournament of Power, even if intended as a form of entertainment, is seen by many as a cruel and morally questionable act. While he did undo the erasure later, the initial act is still problematic.
- Inconsistent Morality: Zeno's morality is inconsistent, making his actions unpredictable. He can be playful and friendly one moment and casually destructive the next, creating a sense of unease and potential danger.
- Potential for Abuse of Power: Zeno is easily bored and often looks for entertainment. This, combined with his absolute power, suggests a potential for abuse of power. His future whims could lead to further destruction if not properly influenced.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, Zeno is more of an amoral force of nature than a deliberate villain. His actions have villainous consequences at times, and he operates outside conventional morality, but he lacks malicious intent. Whether he is perceived as a villain depends on the viewer's interpretation of his actions and his childlike nature in relation to his godlike power.
