Future Trunks is the "Cell era-Gohan" of his arc/saga

[mecha3000]

Many people have been wondering if it was smart to leave Gohan out of the Zamasu Arc and honestly: In my opinion, it was. This is due to the fact that Future Trunks was already the Gohan of this arc. Super Trunks (Super Saiyan 2 Gohan)? Father-Son Galick Gun (Father-Son Kamehameha)? Trunks defeating Zamasu (Gohan defeating Cell)? I think you get what I mean.

I know Trunks' vague new transformation might not be the best comparison to Gohan's Super Saiyan 2, but originally (as far as I know) - Super Saiyan 2 was never named when it first appeared so it was also vague. However, like others have said - I think the name is Super Trunks. And Super Trunks' transformation is unique to him in the Zamasu Arc just like Gohan's Super Saiyan 2 was unique to him in the Cell Arc. And like I said, Trunks seemingly saving the day (we'll see what happens next week with Zamasu) is like Gohan saving the day from Cell.

So, basically what I'm trying to say is: The Zamasu Arc is to Trunks what the Cell Arc is to Gohan (both characters shine and save the day). Most fans can agree that Trunks' arc ended when he defeated the Androids and Cell and finally got to live in peace. However, with Super - Now, Trunks' arc is ending with him being a recognized savior of his future and getting a love interest so his character has now come full circle by realizing his role. Gohan's arc ended (without the recognized savior or love interest thing though) with his character coming full circle and finally realizing his full potential.

Also, the sons of the main characters (Goku and Vegeta) both save the day in the Cell Arc and Zamasu Arc. And basically, Trunks did it twice (Androids in his future). Only difference is that it feels more meaningful that he's able to save the day from someone (Zamasu) that no one else could beat on their own (just like Gohan against Cell). Still, I'll be honest: Gohan's moment is superior to Trunks beating Zamasu. Also, Trunks beating the Androids makes more sense from a narrative-level than how he beat Zamasu. That's just how I feel about it though.

[MozillaVulpix]

It's an interesting comparison. On the one hand, I'll agree Future Trunks defeating (or at least playing a major role defeating) Zamasu makes much more sense than Gohan defeating Cell. There was much more build-up to it and Trunks played a much more active role in the arc. Gohan is really mostly a spectator in the Cell arc until Goku suddenly calls out his name to fight.

I'd say the actual payoff is better in Gohan's case than in Trunks's case. Gohan at least had a history of having immense potential power that could rival even his father at some points. Practically every character had mentioned it at some point in the series. Having that be the factor that leads to Super Saiyan 2 and defeating Cell makes much more sense. Whereas with Trunks, there was no real indication that he could even get close to Goku and Vegeta in a short time period, let alone surpass them (if that was what actually happened).

[precita]

Both Gohan and Trunks seem to have immense hidden powers and potential. They're basically prodigy's and if they cared about fighting they would surpass their father's easily.

Kid Trunks probably has this potential too, but he has no reason to train much individually anymore.

[gofishus]

I don't like this comparison because Gohan was always hinted at since the beginning as having hidden potential. Trunks? Nope hidden power came out of nowhere. Random power boosts out of nowhere with no explanation (yes SSJ2 does have an explanation its what everyone was working towards).

[SaiyanGod117]

Gohan's actually had build up, Future Trunk's just came out thin air and it made no sense at all.

[Baggie_Saiyan]

It's an interesting comparison. On the one hand, I'll agree Future Trunks defeating (or at least playing a major role defeating) Zamasu makes much more sense than Gohan defeating Cell. There was much more build-up to it and Trunks played a much more active role in the arc. Gohan is really mostly a spectator in the Cell arc until Goku suddenly calls out his name to fight.

I'd say the actual payoff is better in Gohan's case than in Trunks's case. Gohan at least had a history of having immense potential power that could rival even his father at some points. Practically every character had mentioned it at some point in the series. Having that be the factor that leads to Super Saiyan 2 and defeating Cell makes much more sense. Whereas with Trunks, there was no real indication that he could even get close to Goku and Vegeta in a short time period, let alone surpass them (if that was what actually happened).

I don't think he's surpassed them every time he's used that form it seems when Goku and Vegeta are severely beat. Probably not a coincidence at this point. I think they're trying to give off the impression he has. Idk but I'm not complaining if someone in the writing team has a boner for Trunks lol.

[Lionel]

Narratively speaking? Yes, I feel like Trunks edges out Gohan with respect to progressive development throughout the arc. Gohan's appearances throughout the Cell arc were sporadic and unpredictable. About the only collaborative link between him and a story that seemed to be inspired by Goku personally was the front & centre role he inherited in the future. The pay-off is far more gratifying with Gohan, however. Trunks has no prior build-up to his coming of age esque power splurge. This felt like a hastily put together Deus ex Machina that was used to better justify Trunks being the one to defeat the villain instead of the more practical option in Vegetto. Friendship somehow manifesting into a tangible implement for Trunks to kill Zamasu with was nothing short of contrived. They would have been better off having Vegeta improvise by creating a blade shaped Kienzan that matches the dimensions of Trunks' longsword and then having Goku teleport Trunks directly behind Zamasu. At least then then you could write off Zamasu's death as being the product of some clever tactical ingenuity coupled with plot induced stupidity and a no limits fallacy technique.