How I think the Cell saga should have ended

[Dr. Machismo]

Seriously, the Cell saga had too happy an ending. And it just made way for the garbage that was the Majin Buu saga (and eventually, Dragonball GT). I'll make a thread about why I think the Majin Buu saga was seriously flawed, but first I'm going to say how the Cell saga should have ended.

If you don't feel like reading the entire post, I'll wrap it up right here. Basically, all of the Z Fighters except Gohan should have died in the Cell Games. They all agree to remain dead. Cell is still killed by Gohan, who would have lost his arm during the Cell Games and grows up to be like how he did in the History of Trunks. Still feeling guilty over his friends' deaths, Gohan refuses to have his arm restored so he can remind himself of what he deems as a failure to save his friends. The next saga would focus on Gohan and his timeline's Trunks fighting a new enemy, which would result in Goku coming back from heaven to fight with his son one last time.

In more detail:

OK, the Cell Juniors should have killed all of the Z Fighters except for Goku, Gohan, Vegeta and Trunks. (As for the bag of Senzu that was brought to the Cell Games, Cell could have just destroyed it when Krillin was about to give it to Goku). Gohan would snap and turn Super Saiyan 2 (he was going to transform anyway even if Cell didn't kill Android 16). He kills the Cell Juniors and beats Cell to a pulp, causing it to spit Android 18 out. Cell prepares to self destruct, but Goku steps in and sacrifices himself by sending Cell to King Kai, killing everyone there in the process. Cell returns even more powerful and kills Future Trunks. Vegeta goes wild and attempts to kill Cell, but is defeated effortlessly. Cell prepares to kill Vegeta, but Gohan rushes in and takes the blow for him.

Gohan's arm wouldn't just get wounded. It'd be blown to bits, just like in the History of Trunks. Cell prepares to kill everyone along with the Earth, but Goku motivates Gohan from heaven to fight back. It'd make sense for Android 16 to give Gohan words of motivation at that moment too before deactivating, seeing as Cell wouldn't have killed him (or maybe, he'd still give his words to Gohan and get squashed by Cell as the Juniors were making their attack). Gohan fires his Kamehameha at Cell's, but Cell has the advantage until Vegeta fires a blast at it, distracting it. Gohan then snaps and brings out all of his power to kill Cell for good.

Vegeta would have used his entire life force with his blast on Cell. He bids his final words to Gohan before dying. Gohan goes to Kami's Lookout with Trunks and 18's bodies and has Dende heal Android 18 who departs right after. The Eternal Dragon is later summoned and everyone Cell killed is restored back to life (except the ones who had been restored to life before), including Trunks and Android 17. Goku then tells Gohan that he and the other deceased Z Fighters are comfortable dead and leaves Earth in his hands. Trunks goes back to his timeline and kills the Androids and Cell there.

The next saga would take place years later, where Gohan grows up similarly to how he did in the History of Trunks, with a single arm and training his timeline's Trunks. A new enemy would appear and in the final battle, Goku would return from the Otherworld to help with his son one last time. I'll post another thread about this saga.

Thoughts?

[Piccolo Daimao]

Personally, I think it's a bit too depressing for all super-warriors but Gohan and Trunks to be dead in the main timeline. Perhaps just Vegeta and/or one, two, or all of the Earthling super-warriors (neither of them actually do anything of worth anymore, the former being a hindrance more than a benefit to the heroes). I mean, sure, death doesn't actually mean anything anymore, but the reason that Trunks being the only one left alive worked is because it was in an alternate timeline that was basically the driving factor behind the Cell arc.

[sonikku956]

.....That is seriously dark. I don't think even Deadman Wonderland would make an ending so dark, and that's a shonen.

[Dr. Machismo]

Personally, I think it's a bit too depressing for all super-warriors but Gohan and Trunks to be dead in the main timeline. Perhaps just Vegeta and/or one, two, or all of the Earthling super-warriors (neither of them actually do anything of worth anymore, the former being a hindrance more than a benefit to the heroes). I mean, sure, death doesn't actually mean anything anymore, but the reason that Trunks being the only one left alive worked is because it was in an alternate timeline that was basically the driving factor behind the Cell arc.

The deaths of the majority of the Z Force would set the mood for the next saga. Also, in the Majin Buu saga, the majority of the Z Force lost most of their relevance, so it would have been better for the story if they were dead. Krillin, Yamcha and Tien didn't do anything important. Piccolo still had a vital role, but it was far less prominent. And Goten and Trunks didn't have that much depth. The only ones that did anything important besides Gohan were Goku and Vegeta, but that totally killed what was established in the Cell saga. Whatever happened to Vegeta giving up fighting or Goku leaving Earth in his son's hands?

[Piccolo Daimao]

Personally, I think it's a bit too depressing for all super-warriors but Gohan and Trunks to be dead in the main timeline. Perhaps just Vegeta and/or one, two, or all of the Earthling super-warriors (neither of them actually do anything of worth anymore, the former being a hindrance more than a benefit to the heroes). I mean, sure, death doesn't actually mean anything anymore, but the reason that Trunks being the only one left alive worked is because it was in an alternate timeline that was basically the driving factor behind the Cell arc.

The deaths of the majority of the Z Force would set the mood for the next saga. Besides, in the Majin Buu saga, the majority of the Z Force lost most of their relevance, so it would have been better for the story if they were dead. Krillin, Yamcha and Tenshinhan didn't do anything important. Piccolo still had a vital role, but it was far less prominent. And Goten and Trunks didn't have that much depth. The only ones that did anything important besides Gohan were Goku and Vegeta, but that totally killed what was established in the Cell saga. Whatever happened to Vegeta giving up fighting or Goku leaving Earth in his son's hands?

But still...they're dead. I'd rather keep Yamcha being completely useless than outright dead, along with the rest of them.

Oh, and Vegeta wouldn't have seriously given up fighting. He was just throwing a strop. He's a Saiyan.

[Dr. Machismo]

But still...they're dead. I'd rather keep Yamcha being completely useless than outright dead, along with the rest of them.

Oh, and Vegeta wouldn't have seriously given up fighting. He was just throwing a strop. He's a Saiyan.

The story would be stronger if they all just died.

[Piccolo Daimao]

But still...they're dead. I'd rather keep Yamcha being completely useless than outright dead, along with the rest of them.

Oh, and Vegeta wouldn't have seriously given up fighting. He was just throwing a strop. He's a Saiyan.

The story would be stronger if they all just died.

No, it wouldn't, it'd be depressing.

[Dr. Machismo]

But still...they're dead. I'd rather keep Yamcha being completely useless than outright dead, along with the rest of them.

Oh, and Vegeta wouldn't have seriously given up fighting. He was just throwing a strop. He's a Saiyan.

The story would be stronger if they all just died.

No, it wouldn't, it'd be depressing.

Guess we'll have to agree to disagree, then. The next saga could have Gohan dying and seeing his friends in the Otherworld. They'd tell him to stop feeling guility over their deaths and have him train with his father for a while. Gohan is eventually revived and goes back to the living world for the final battle. Goku also is sent to join him. After the enemy is defeated, Goku and Gohan would have an final, emotional conversation. That could brighten the mood.

I understand that my idea may be a bit different, but you know, I'm sure having aliens strike Earth and revealing Goku to be one of them was pretty different for Dragonball in 1989. The change in tone my idea would have brought wouldn't be as drastic as the Saiyan arc, you know.

[Makaioshin]

I like the idea of Gohan becoming the One Armed Boxer because it makes his character(or just his fighting) more interesting and gives the Cell arc a more lasting impact on his character. Sorta like Tenshinhan's scar. I don't see how all the Z Fighters dieing in this battle and wanting to stay dead makes for a stronger ending. It is not that much of a depressing thing for them all to die since we already have seen the afterlife and know it sounds like a pretty good time for them. But it works if just Goku leaves. He says his goodbyes to all these people he has inspired without even knowing he did anything. It is sweet and dumb. With the others staying dead it feels out of character and trying to play it off as a bittersweet ending just doesn't work because we know the only thing that really changes is that they get a halo.

[Dr. Machismo]

With the others staying dead it feels out of character and trying to play it off as a bittersweet ending just doesn't work because we know the only thing that really changes is that they get a halo.

They'd be dead forever, because they were already wished back before.

[TheDevilsCorpse]

I understand that my idea may be a bit different, but you know, I'm sure having aliens strike Earth and revealing Goku to be one of them was pretty different for Dragonball in 1989. The change in tone my idea would have brought wouldn't be as drastic as the Saiyan arc, you know.

It's not that I don't like it because it's different, because it's not. It's basically just a happier version of History of Trunks. I don't like it because it just comes off as bad in my opinion. It defeats the whole purpose of Trunks coming back in time (out of universe, not in), and that's to avoid the dark and lonely future where basically everyone we know and love dies. The Cell Arc is already the worst part of Dragon Ball because of how "dark" it got by taking itself so seriously, and your rewrite makes things worse. It doesn't strengthen the story and it doesn't make it better. None of it really fits the tone of the series main timeline as a whole or Toriyama's writing style, which is at its best when lightened up with comedy.

[Dr. Machismo]

It defeats the whole purpose of Trunks coming back in time (out of universe, not in), and that's to avoid the dark and lonely future where basically everyone we know and love dies.

Actually, a reason why Trunks came to the past was so he could learn how to deal with his timeline's Androids. The fate of the main timeline has no effect on his. And my idea would still have Trunks going back to his timeline and destroying the Androids and Cell there.

None of it really fits the tone of the series main timeline as a whole or Toriyama's writing style, which is at its best when lightened up with comedy.

It still works with the dark and serious tone of the Android saga. And it's not like Dragonball hasn't had a change of tone before.

[Makaioshin]

With the others staying dead it feels out of character and trying to play it off as a bittersweet ending just doesn't work because we know the only thing that really changes is that they get a halo.

They'd be dead forever, because they were already wished back before.

Namek is only a phone call away.

[Dr. Machismo]

With the others staying dead it feels out of character and trying to play it off as a bittersweet ending just doesn't work because we know the only thing that really changes is that they get a halo.

They'd be dead forever, because they were already wished back before.

Namek is only a phone call away.

It'd just be stupid and weak for the story if they were revived with the Namekian Dragonballs. Besides, I could definitely see Vegeta and Piccolo agreeing to not come back to the life. As for Krillin, Yamcha and Tien, they'd probably go with the flow and agree to stay dead.

And the next saga would have Chiaotzu joining the bad guys, which would be cool. He'd actually do something notable again.

[Kaboom]

"Everybody dies and it's super-grisly and dark and intense" does not an automatic good ending make.

[TheDevilsCorpse]

Actually, a reason why Trunks came to the past was so he could learn how to deal with his timeline's Androids. The fate of the main timeline has no effect on his. And my idea would still have Trunks going back to his timeline and destroying the Androids and Cell there.

No shit. lol You need to read the posts better instead of trying to reply rapid fire. Those are in-universe reasons why he went to the past, which was not what I was talking about.

It still works with the dark and serious tone of the Android saga. And it's not like Dragonball hasn't had a change of tone before.

No, I group them as four Arcs; Saiyan, Freeza, Cell and Buu. The Cell Arc in general, from #19 to Cell, sucks because they barely crack a joke and everything is "OMG Sooo s3rie-us!11!! Androids iz gunna kill us all!!1!". And even though there have been tone shifts before, none of them have been that drastic. Every other arc has enough comedy sprinkled in to counteract the serious moments and lighten things up. Toriyama let things get horribly stale for for that arc because you never really get a break from the constant depressing plot points, possibly due to editor interference. Regardless though, it's not fun to read or watch in comparison to the rest of the series.

[Dr. Machismo]

No shit. lol You need to read the posts better instead of trying to reply rapid fire. Those are in-universe reasons why he went to the past, which was not what I was talking about.

I know right? I'm fucking stupid. But I really don't see how this defeats his purpose.

No, I group them as four Arcs; Saiyan, Freeza, Cell and Buu. The Cell Arc in general, from #19 to Cell, sucks because they barely crack a joke and everything is "OMG Sooo s3rie-us!11!! Androids iz gunna kill us all!!1!". And even though there have been tone shifts before, none of them have been that drastic. Every other arc has enough comedy sprinkled in to counteract the serious moments and lighten things up. Toriyama let things get horribly stale for for that arc because you never really get a break from the constant depressing plot points, possibly due to editor interference. Regardless though, it's not fun to read or watch in comparison to the rest of the series.

Are you saying the Cell saga sucks because it didn't have enough comedy? Honestly, the comedy started to become less prominent when King Piccolo showed up. Having no comedy seriously wouldn't have been a problem by the Android saga.

[Saiyan Prince Vegeta]

Its a bit dark for my liking, but clearly we're all into different things, if i had it my way Vegeta would turn SSJ2 when Cell killed Trunks and help Gohan defeat him. In all honesty I'm sure most people would hate this scenario, but as a huge Vegeta fan I wish he could defeat a main villain and not just be a punching bag to demonstrate the power of a new enemy. But I loved the original story and watching Vegeta's character evolve through out

[Makaioshin]

It'd just be stupid and weak for the story if they were revived with the Namekian Dragonballs. Besides, I could definitely see Vegeta and Piccolo agreeing to not come back to the life. As for Krillin, Yamcha and Tenshinhan, they'd probably go with the flow and agree to stay dead.

And the next saga would have Chiaotzu joining the bad guys, which would be cool. He'd actually do something notable again.

It has happened before and after this part of the story. To me it seems dumb for them not to want to come back given some their motivations and character arcs of the Cell portion. But that is beside the point. How does everyone dieing instead of just Goku dieing make for a stronger ending?

No, I group them as four Arcs; Saiyan, Freeza, Cell and Buu. The Cell Arc in general, from #19 to Cell, sucks because they barely crack a joke and everything is "OMG Sooo s3rie-us!11!! Androids iz gunna kill us all!!1!". And even though there have been tone shifts before, none of them have been that drastic. Every other arc has enough comedy sprinkled in to counteract the serious moments and lighten things up. Toriyama let things get horribly stale for for that arc because you never really get a break from the constant depressing plot points, possibly due to editor interference. Regardless though, it's not fun to read or watch in comparison to the rest of the series.

It isn't my favorite arc but I wouldn't say it being too serious was the problem. There is enough comedy with Satan and just the faces the characters make(especially Cell).

[TheDevilsCorpse]

I know right? I'm fucking stupid. But I really don't see how this defeats his purpose.

Trunks and his whole timeline were a plot device; Created for a reason, to paint a dark, possible picture as the future for our heroes. If the main timeline ends up in almost the exact same predicament as the future timeline, except less destruction and Gohan not dead, then there really isn't a reason for Trunks to even come back into the past. The main timeline could have ended up in pretty much the same situation if Gohan has just landed a lucky blow in the the History of Trunks

In short, Trunks exists for the sake of keeping the main timeline happy, like the rest of the arcs. If it doesn't end up that way, it defeats his out of universe purpose.

Are you saying the Cell saga sucks because it didn't have enough comedy? Honestly, the comedy started to become less prominent when King Piccolo showed up.

That isn't the only reason, but it is the main one to me. The comedy doesn't have to be the main focus, but there does need to be a balance, which even the Daimao, Junior, Saiyan and Freeza Arcs have. I mean, even with Daimao turning up the darkness factor by killing main characters and our Deus Ex Machina, we still get our talking Kuririn skeleton.