Which version of Goku's appearance is your favorite?

[WesMan23]

First off, if this belongs in In-Universe, I apologize, and feel free to move the topic if necessary.

We know that Son Goku (in manga canon form) was born in Age 737, and we basically follow his story from Age 749 (age 12) until Age 784 (age 47). Obviously, he ages visibly throughout the series, even in the shorter timeskips in Z.

I'd have to say my favorite appearance for Goku is probably during the Namek arc. He just looks completely awesome, and that was my favorite look of the SSJ form. After the three-year timeskip following Trunks' arrival, his hair changed somewhat in base and SSJ forms, and it just didn't look as cool as it did on Namek. I figure it may be just to show either Toriyama's art style evolving, and by proxy, following through to the animation staff, or just to depict that some time has passed, Goku's hair changed a bit, not entirely sure.

Chi-Chi also definitely looked her best in the beginning of Z, in my opinion. Goku definitely had a catch with her, appearance wise at least.

Also, if you want to include another character's noticeable changes in appearance during the run, feel free.

[eledoremassis02]

I like anime Goku from Vegeta-Freeza saga. I also like the Battle of Gods design which is kind of an update of the old (one/design/version).

I also like Goku's blue Dragonball outfit and Piccolo Jr. fight appearance.

[VegettoEX]

Love, love, love Goku during the Piccolo-Daimao arc. The one scene that immediately comes to mind is the "It. Is. On. Right. Now." stare-down when he arrives when Tenshinhan is about to be completely decimated.

It defines "Goku" in one panel so much. The determination, the selfish-righteousness, the friendship, the sense of accomplishment... it's Goku through and through, and he's still only just getting going in his overall life's adventures.

[Metalwario64]

I'd have to say my favorite appearance for Goku is probably during the Namek arc.

Chi-Chi also definitely looked her best in the beginning of Z, in my opinion. Goku definitely had a catch with her, appearance wise at least.

I really liked Goku's appearance when his orange shirt was torn off, and he spent most of his fight against Freeza with his blue undershirt on:


But, I think Chi-Chi's best appearance was in the 23rd Tournament:

Love, love, love Goku during the Piccolo-Daimao arc. The one scene that immediately comes to mind is the "It. Is. On. Right. Now." stare-down when he arrives when Tenshinhan is about to be completely decimated.

It defines "Goku" in one panel so much. The determination, the selfish-righteousness, the friendship, the sense of accomplishment... it's Goku through and through, and he's still only just getting going in his overall life's adventures.

That's definitely the best young Goku has ever looked.

[FortuneSSJ]

I agree with that kid goku shot.
best goku drawing, there.

[Big Green]

Yesssss.

[B]

The Red Ribbon Army arc was great for Goku. His adventures with the main cast set him on the right path, but watching him interact with so many others, which never happens again unless you want count palling around with Yajirobe, and just exploring was enthralling. His stare-down and subsequent beatdown with Tao Paipai felt like I well-earned meal.

[AnimeMaakuo]

.

[Super 17]

I like kid Goku in GT. I always liked young Goku from DB better than adult from the 23rd tournament throughout the end of Z. Then when GT came, he came back as a kid. I like his outfit a lot too. He's stronger than ever. We can see him go SS1,2 and 3 when he really needs too, but he's so strong at base form. He's hungrier than ever too. He's just really cool and respected by everyone, except Pan at times. Even his enemies fear him and respect him, even though he is kid.

[Gaffer Tape]

I think he looks best at his 23rd Budoukai era age. He's youthful but grown-up at the same time. He's athletic but not ridiculously beefy. And the art style is still that nice, rounded look before Toriyama went crazy with sharp angles.

[Chuquita]

23rd Tenkaichi Budoukai wins hands down. It's partly the art-style, partly how his fighting style is at that point.

[omegalucas]

Goku wearing anything with a kanji, an undershirt and a knotted belt (with two points). So anything from the 23rd Tenkaichi up to Namek

[Puto]

The version of him on Namek vs the Ginyū Force, but as shown in episode 280's flashback. The animation on that was gorgeous.

[Jodaku]

This has always been one of my favourite images of Goku:



Also agree on the previously mentioned 23rd Budokai Goku and the less stubby, slightly taller and lean 22nd Budokai/Piccolo Daimao version of Kid Goku.

[jpdbzrulz4sure]

For me, it's a tie between between his Piccolo Daimao arc appearance and his late-DB-to-early-DBZ appearance.

[IDreamtIWasABee]

You guys hit on most of them. Namek Goku (both as SSJ and regular old Goku) is his signature look for me. The story shouldn't have ended on Namek, but the evolution of Goku's look should have.

For whatever reason, I only like Goku's appearance as an adult and only like Gohan's appearance as a child.

Piccolo was perfect during the 23rd tournament. All the characters suffered from the bulked-up look as the series went on, but he suffered worst.

ETA: Okay, I'll give Goku's SSJG form a thumbs up for looking like a schoolgirl's doodle.

[Insertclevername]

Considering everyone took the choices I was going to pick (Piccolo Diamao & 23rd), I guess I"ll pick the runner up for me.

Cell Games Gokuu



Really confident. Really badass (partially due to him not being the focus).

[DragonBoxZTheMovies]

Always really liked this, although in the anime the bad animation days kinda wrecked it.

[Metalwario64]

In terms of battle damage, that's on of my favorite battle damaged looks Goku has had.

That's why I'm eagerly anticipating the Figuarts Zero Goku.

[Shiyonasan]

23rd Tenkaichi Budokai/Saiyan arc Goku is my favorite. The art style was great at that point; it's the perfect balance between the roundness of early Dragon Ball and the angled style from the later parts of Dragon Ball Z. Also, he wasn't overly muscular at that point.