Krillin

Krillin began his martial arts training at age four at the Orin Temple, a monastery where he endured constant bullying from older students due to his small stature. This early hardship fueled his determination to become strong. At thirteen, he sought out the legendary Master Roshi, hoping to learn the Turtle School's secrets. He arrived at Kame House as a rival to Goku, who was already training under Roshi. Roshi accepted both as students but imposed a condition: they had to retrieve a beautiful woman for him. After Krillin and Goku brought Launch, their training began in earnest. The initial rivalry quickly gave way to a deep, lifelong friendship. [edit]

Krillin is defined by his courage, loyalty, and sharp wit. Despite often being outmatched, he never hesitates to stand up for his friends, a trait that has led to his multiple deaths in the series. He is pragmatic and resourceful, frequently using clever tactics to compensate for his lack of raw power. His self-deprecating humor and frequent exasperated outbursts provide much of the series' comic relief. Underneath the bravado, Krillin carries deep-seated trauma from his deaths and the horrors he has witnessed, but he consistently overcomes his fear through sheer will. He values his family above all, retiring from active combat to become a police officer and dedicate himself to his wife, Android 18, and their daughter, Marron. [edit]

Krillin's journey spans the entire Dragon Ball saga, marked by repeated cycles of death and rebirth. In the original Dragon Ball, he competed in the 21st and 22nd World Martial Arts Tournaments, showcasing his growth. During the 22nd tournament, he was killed by Tambourine, his first death, which spurred Goku's quest for revenge. Resurrected by the Dragon Balls, he later faced the Saiyans in Dragon Ball Z, where he showed incredible bravery against Nappa and Vegeta, critically wounding Vegeta with a Destructo Disk. On Namek, Krillin played a pivotal role in gathering the Dragon Balls but was tortured and killed by Frieza, his second death. Undone by the Namekian Dragon Balls, he later struggled with his role in the Cell Saga, ultimately choosing compassion over destruction by sparing Android 18, an act that led to their marriage. After retiring, he was turned into candy and eaten by Super Buu, his third death, before being revived again. In Dragon Ball Super, Krillin achieved a breakthrough during the Tournament of Power, entering a state called Muga no Ryōiki that allowed him to overcome his trauma and fight with complete clarity. He eliminated several opponents through clever tactics, proving that an Earthling could hold his own against warriors from other universes.[edit]

Krillin is one of the most enduringly popular characters in the Dragon Ball franchise, second only to Goku in total manga appearances. Fans often cite him as the ultimate underdog, a human who stands alongside gods and aliens through sheer determination and cleverness. His multiple deaths have become a running joke in the fandom, with the phrase 'Krillin died again' spawning countless memes. Despite being frequently overpowered, his courage and loyalty resonate deeply with audiences. Some critics have noted that in later films, Krillin was reduced to pure comic relief, but his role in Dragon Ball Super's Tournament of Power arc restored much of his dignity, showcasing his strategic brilliance and emotional growth. His marriage to Android 18 is widely regarded as one of the series' most satisfying romantic arcs.[edit]