Goku a Superhero?

[TheGreatness25]

Well he's a hero because he saved the Earth countless times, saved the universe, and saved the lives of... everyone. And he has super powers, so yeah, I guess he's a superhero. But he's not like Superman where he goes out with the intent on saving people or looking for trouble. He's very selfish and self-serving, which are not qualities of heroes. Then again, if Batman's a "superhero," then why not? lol

[Rocketman]

You see, we're going round in circles now because everyone has different definitions of what they consider a superhero to be.

Well, I'm going by the actual definition. Not the fan definition.

You mean where "superhero" is a trademark of DC and Marvel and can only be applied to their properties? Goku's not a superhero because he isn't owned by DC or Marvel.

[TonyTheTiger]

You see, we're going round in circles now because everyone has different definitions of what they consider a superhero to be.

Well, I'm going by the actual definition. Not the fan definition.

You mean where "superhero" is a trademark of DC and Marvel and can only be applied to their properties? Goku's not a superhero because he isn't owned by DC or Marvel.

That's not true. At least, it's an oversimplification. "Superhero" is a word in the English language. It can be applied however to whatever. The trademark owned by Marvel and DC is very limited in application. It doesn't mean that only Marvel and DC characters can be superheroes. It just applies to comic book covers. Other mediums are free to use the word however they want, and even the pages within comic books from rival publishers can feature the word.

It's a lot like the Captain Marvel situation. DC is free to call their Captain Marvel by his name within the comics, video games, etc. But they can't use "Captain Marvel" on comic covers or in some promotional ways because Marvel owns the "Captain Marvel" trademark. So only in those limited situations do you see "Shazaam!" But his name is still Captain Marvel everywhere else.

Besides, even if we do accept that a superhero is only what Marvel or DC specifically endorse as a superhero, then judging by the title of the Marvel licensed and endorsed Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes, Ryu is a superhero. You know, the guy who does absolutely jack shit except be the traveling martial artist hobo. I'd be more inclined to call Goku a superhero long before I call Ryu one.

[Piccolo Daimaoh]

You mean where "superhero" is a trademark of DC and Marvel and can only be applied to their properties? Goku's not a superhero because he isn't owned by DC or Marvel.

But if he was, then he'd be a superhero (assuming nothing about his personality is changed).

[Super Sonic]

What about the reverse? Couldn't we consider Freeza and Cell supervillains?

Yes, we can consider Freeza and Cell as supervillains, and probably other villains like Piccolo Daimao and Vegeta. Supervillain is defined as:

A fantasy fiction criminal or evil-doer, often with supernatural powers or equipment, in popular children's and fantasy literature who can present a credible challenge for a superhero.

Piccolo Daimao, Vegeta, Freeza and Cell all match that criteria in my opinion, just as much as the Joker, the Green Goblin, Lex Luthor, Magneto and Dr. Doom. It's much easier to label someone as a supervillain than it is to label someone as a superhero.

Don't forget they also have what many supervillains have that is a trademark: great evil laughter. Well at least most versions of Frieza and English Cell to my knowledge. (Haven't realy gotten around to watching Cell eps in Japanese so don't know how his laugh is. Did hear his Japanese VA do a good one in another series though.)