Thoughts on Raditz

[dbzfan7]

Used well, under utilized, Raditz is someone I never really think much about. He's the big kick off point to great new heights. The beginning of the aliens and the beings of outer space. He's Vegeta's lackey, and Goku's brother. He really didn't last that very long, and he's hardly ever mentioned again. Kinda odd when he started the big change in the universe. Yet I always forget about him. He's greatly overshadowed by the Nappa/Vegeta portion of the Saiyan arc.

When watching a video that included Raditz's english VA I suddenly started to think/remember, why is he Goku's brother again? Him being a space alien and revealing Goku's race was a big change for the series, but him being Goku's brother means nothing. Considering how Goku treats him that could be considered very fitting, but on the other hand it feels like the same message could get across by them sharing the same near extinct species. Usually a sibling relation brings out big storylines and emotional connections, but with Raditz it could never have been said, and nothing would be different.

It's oddly the video game what if's that kinda bring more interesting stories from the character. I think he was underutilized solely from the fact he was Goku's brother. If that tidbit never existed, then he wouldn't feel so wasted to me. I forget about him a whole lot despite the fact he did a lot for a character that barely was around.

[Onibaku]

Yes, I also wonder why Toriyama left him off like that. Raditz was introduced as a basic wicked character who wished destruction, but with more writing he could have easily become a better character and maybe join Goku and his friends.

Him being the brother of Goku is so forgettable too. Like why did Toriyama even do that?

[TheatreStyleKai]

When watching a video that included Raditz's english VA I suddenly started to think/remember, why is he Goku's brother again? Him being a space alien and revealing Goku's race was a big change for the series, but him being Goku's brother means nothing. Considering how Goku treats him that could be considered very fitting, but on the other hand it feels like the same message could get across by them sharing the same near extinct species. Usually a sibling relation brings out big storylines and emotional connections, but with Raditz it could never have been said, and nothing would be different.

I agree with you that the familial connection was underutilized, but I believe it served its purpose. Raditz is the first Saiyan we are introduced to in the story, and within 1-2 episodes we know that Saiyans are so evil and ruthless that they'll kill their own family in cold blood if it advances their goals, even Raditz's own four year old nephew. I believe Vegeta would later expand on that later, when he said it wasn't uncommon for Saiyans to kill their own parents or children.

[eledoremassis02]

When watching a video that included Raditz's english VA I suddenly started to think/remember, why is he Goku's brother again? Him being a space alien and revealing Goku's race was a big change for the series, but him being Goku's brother means nothing. Considering how Goku treats him that could be considered very fitting, but on the other hand it feels like the same message could get across by them sharing the same near extinct species. Usually a sibling relation brings out big storylines and emotional connections, but with Raditz it could never have been said, and nothing would be different.

I agree with you that the familial connection was underutilized, but I believe it served its purpose. Raditz is the first Saiyan we are introduced to in the story, and within 1-2 episodes we know that Saiyans are so evil and ruthless that they'll kill their own family in cold blood if it advances their goals, even Raditz's own four year old nephew. I believe Vegeta would later expand on that later, when he said it wasn't uncommon for Saiyans to kill their own parents or children.

This is a good point. To be honest, I often forget he even exists even when I randomly see his photo somewhere lol

[sintzu]

Raditz ? I know there's a Broly and a Nappa but I don't remember any Raditz.

Is he the Saiyans' version of Yamcha ? he couldn't be cause that's Gohan.

Was he one of the Saibamen ? I remember hearing that name before Tien and Yamcha fought them.

[Soppa Saia People]

If it wasn't for his VA and design, I wouldn't like him as much. I do wish he got a bigger role. After the Saiyan saga I don't think he's mentioned ever again.

Raditz ? I know there's a Broly and a Nappa but I don't remember any Raditz.

Is he the Saiyans' version of Yamcha ? he couldn't be cause that's Gohan.

Was he one of the Saibamen ? I remember hearing that name before Tien and Yamcha fought them.

"cricket....... cricket"

[Gohanhx]

I actually really like Raditz. He's one of those villains that you want to see more of. I always wanted to see Vegeta and Raditz interact (guess we got that in DB minus but still). It only makes it better that his VA is the great Shigeru Chiba.
Anyways, coming back to the topic on hand, I do agree with you that he was kinda underutilized considering he's Goku brother and the one who started all the Saiyajin stuff. However, seeing as how the series panned out with him being utilized as he was, I think Toriyama did pretty well. Yes, he'll always be that character who could have been used for much more but I think he served his purpose pretty well.

[dbzfan7]

When watching a video that included Raditz's english VA I suddenly started to think/remember, why is he Goku's brother again? Him being a space alien and revealing Goku's race was a big change for the series, but him being Goku's brother means nothing. Considering how Goku treats him that could be considered very fitting, but on the other hand it feels like the same message could get across by them sharing the same near extinct species. Usually a sibling relation brings out big storylines and emotional connections, but with Raditz it could never have been said, and nothing would be different.

I agree with you that the familial connection was underutilized, but I believe it served its purpose. Raditz is the first Saiyan we are introduced to in the story, and within 1-2 episodes we know that Saiyans are so evil and ruthless that they'll kill their own family in cold blood if it advances their goals, even Raditz's own four year old nephew. I believe Vegeta would later expand on that later, when he said it wasn't uncommon for Saiyans to kill their own parents or children.

I think being willing to kill the last of their kind is enough evil, though what you said does make Raditz seem more evil. It's just that while normally that would make him feel more evil, there's no real family connection to make us feel how despicable that is. There is no emotional connection to Raditz. He just happens to be Goku's brother, and that's it. Heck he barely knows Goku or Gohan so it's really not all that surprising honestly that he could kill them.

Anyways, coming back to the topic on hand, I do agree with you that he was kinda underutilized considering he's Goku brother and the one who started all the Saiyajin stuff. However, seeing as how the series panned out with him being utilized as he was, I think Toriyama did pretty well. Yes, he'll always be that character who could have been used for much more but I think he served his purpose pretty well.

I agree he served his purpose, but he yet for a mook who changed so much, he's hardly remembered for much. It's really bizarre. I kinda wonder if it would have been better if Nappa was the one who came, and Raditz was Vegeta's number 2. Honestly that in itself could make an interesting thread. "If Nappa was the opener to the Saiyan Arc, and Raditz was Vegeta's number 2."

[Gohanhx]

I agree he served his purpose, but he yet for a mook who changed so much, he's hardly remembered for much. It's really bizarre. I kinda wonder if it would have been better if Nappa was the one who came, and Raditz was Vegeta's number 2. Honestly that in itself could make an interesting thread. "If Nappa was the opener to the Saiyan Arc, and Raditz was Vegeta's number 2."

I wonder if Vegeta would have gotten the same overwhelming response from fans if Raditz came with him instead of Nappa. Raditz is also a pretty cool guy, you know?

[DBZAOTA482]

Such an underrated and underused character. Would love to see him join the Z-Warriors.

[Lord Beerus]

A enormously wasted character. I mean, he's Goku's brother for crying out loud, he should have played a more integral role in Dragon Ball. Hell, he should have stuck around longer just to provide more lore about the Saiyans and the Planet Trade Organisation.

[IAmTheMilkMan]

I think one of the only purposes Raditz being Goku's brother served was explaining how Raditz was able to find Goku in the first place. We really don't know exactly how the Saiyans used to operate, and if Raditz, Vegeta, or Nappa had never had any connection to Goku, there is a good chance that they never would have known he existed. However, Raditz remembered that his little brother was sent to the planet Earth shortly before Planet Vegeta's explosion, and it was inevitable that he would go looking for him eventually, being one of the last remaining Sayains left (and his brother).

Was that familial connection ultimately underutilized? Maybe. But it definitely helped explain that chain of events.

[Hellspawn28]

He was alright. He was mainly made to show off that there are forces outside Earth stronger than Piccolo and Goku. And that will be a bigger threat once he is defeated. I would have not killed him off and had him doge Piccolo's attack causing only Goku to die instead then have him return a year later with Nappa and Vegeta.

[omaro34]

It was a crime what they did to Raditz. You would think the person who tells Goku of his origins, what the Saiyans do, and the fact that he's Goku's older brother would play a bigger role.

He literally vanished into thin air after he died. He isn't in any filler, even when they show the Other World.

He's not even mentioned by anyone again either. Its's as if he's erased from the Dragonball universe.

I'm in 100% agreement with the others on this board that said he's an underrated, underutilized, and undervalued character.

[pacz360]

Was really wasted potential the character could gotten something more out him instead killing him like nothing tori should of thought more ways to use him honestly.

[TheMikado]

Raditz ? I know there's a Broly and a Nappa but I don't remember any Raditz.

Is he the Saiyans' version of Yamcha ? he couldn't be cause that's Gohan.

Was he one of the Saibamen ? I remember hearing that name before Tien and Yamcha fought them.

If this is a serious response then you illustrate the problem.

Raditz would have been a much better foil to Goku then Vegeta and him serving as a constant possible menance to Goku and his family would have carried much more wait. Seriously we went through the entire DB series thinking he is a lone monkey boy, find out he is not only and alien but has a brother, then they essentially base the remaining series off of the premise of this alien race but nothing about the brother who kicked it off. Well at least it's not as bad of treatment as the Vegetas brother garbage treatment.. Yikes. The. Again look at Goten. And poor Bra not even existing yet. I think Toriyama just hates siblings...

[DevoSlice88]

It was a crime what they did to Raditz. You would think the person who tells Goku of his origins, what the Saiyans do, and the fact that he's Goku's older brother would play a bigger role.

He literally vanished into thin air after he died. He isn't in any filler, even when they show the Other World.

He's not even mentioned by anyone again either. Its's as if he's erased from the Dragonball universe.

I'm in 100% agreement with the others on this board that said he's an underrated, underutilized, and undervalued character.

I totally agree with you. I've never really put much thought into Raditz but now that he's brought up, it really is crazy to me how underutilized he really was. It really is true that him being Goku's brother really didn't change the story at all. I guess I can buy that the only reason he sought out Goku on Earth is because he remembered that his little brother was sent to Earth as a baby but it's kind of a stretch.

But as was mentioned before, Raditz being Goku's bro and still having no problem with killing him and his own nephew, really does show off the point of how brutally ruthless the Saiyans are. It definitely would have been interesting if Nappa was the one to arrive on Earth first and then Raditz showed up wth Vegeta as his number two. I think it would definitely have added to the tension between Goku and Vegeta if Goku watched Vegeta kill his own brother in front of his eyes. Even though Goku and Raditz would have just met each other, Goku definitely would've had at least a little bit of emotional attachment to his brother if he saw Vegeta ice him for like no reason. Definitely some missed opportunities regarding Raditz. Too bad so sad.

[sintzu]

If this is a serious response then you illustrate the problem.

That was my point, he had so much potential for great development and interactions with Goku but for some reason he was never used or brought up again.

Maybe Toriyama was going to use him more but for some reason decided not to.

He was the 1st big threat in Z and he made the 2 strongest characters at the time look like nothing so I guess he has that going for him.

And like you said look at other sibling characters, they're all underused to the point where I question why they were written in the 1st place.

[Pocket-God]

I find him somewhat sexually attractive....so there's that I guess

[Vijay]

Underutilized, underused, undervalued: 3 words synonymous to almost 99% DragonBall characters

Including Raditz, there are a TON of characters "kept simple in vintage Toriyama style". Ex: Muten Rishi, Pilaf, Commander Red, Black, Silver Shogun, White Shogun, Android 8, Tao Pai Pai, Tsuru Sennin, Babidi, Dabura, Majin Boo the list goes...

Raditz would make an excellent addition to Vegeta-caliber character