Dragon Ball Has Its Flaws, But the Anime Did Chi-Chi Dirtier Than Most

The Dragon Ball anime franchise is beloved by millions of fans all over the world for many reasons. Among them, the amazing development that various of its cast members go through is one of the most cited by viewers. Vegeta’s redemption arc is considered by most as one of the best in all history, proving how much of a genius Akira Toriyama was.

Still, not all characters had the same luck throughout the series, as many were barely given any positive traits. Chi-Chi, Goku’s wife, is by far one of the most affected by this trend, as the anime turned her from a strong, determined fighter to a critical and overprotective wife. Most fans agree that Chi-Chi could have been much more than what she ended up in the show.

Chi-Chi’s Changes in Behavior Are Shocking

Goku’s Wife Seemingly Forgot Her Warrior Training

When Chi-Chi was first introduced during episode #7 of the Dragon Ball anime adaptation, she was seen as a kind, gentle, but fierce girl who was trained in the ways of a warrior by her father. Despite not being as proactive in battle as her future husband Goku, the girl proved herself capable and powerful enough to defend herself from any danger. Years later, when she met Kakarot again, the series demonstrated that she did nothing but continue getting stronger. Her hard training was enough to impress Goku, whom she married shortly after.

Chi-Chi is, without a doubt, one of the strongest female characters in the series, even though she is just a regular human. Her strength and past as a warrior are what makes it so shocking for fans what the anime decided to do with her character after marrying Goku. When Dragon Ball Z began, Chi-Chi went from a determined fighter to an overbearing housewife whose only contribution to the story was arguing with Goku. Her attitude changed so drastically that she went from a beloved side character to someone fans could not stand.

Dragon Ball’s Chi-Chi Proves Just How Dangerous She Is In Undeniably Cool New Fanart

Dragon Ball fans around the world continue to show their passion, even for underappreciated characters like Chichi, in this new fanart.

The biggest alteration to her character was her sudden aversion to fighting, which she developed once Gohan was born. While it is understandable for her to want more for her son than to live to protect Earth, the way the show demonstrated this was heavily criticized by the fan base. The anime removed most of the traits that made her relationship with Goku so interesting during the original series and turned her into a comedic relief, one whose main joke was annoying for the audience.

Chi-Chi’s Fighting Is Still Hiding Somewhere

She Demonstrated Her Strength Many Times in the Show

Chi-Chi training Goten during a flashback.

Among the many reasons why the changes in Chi-Chi’s personality shocked fans so much are the various moments in which her roots were shown during the anime. Whenever the show let her take on a more pivotal role, Goku’s wife reminded fans of why they loved her so much. For example, when Goku fell ill during the Android Saga, Chi-Chi took the role of his protector, ready to face 17 and 18 in case they attacked. Her fighting abilities were not necessary in the end, but the show did demonstrate that she was still a natural-born fighter.

Chi-Chi also returned to her origins as a warrior princess when Goten was born. Since their second child inherited Goku’s desire to fight and train, the woman took it upon herself to be his teacher, making sure to turn him into a fighter that Goku would be proud of. This wholesome dynamic was woefully lost, as most of Goten’s childhood was never shown in the anime. Nevertheless, Chi-Chi’s willingness to help one of her kids follow the path of a martial artist proves that the series could have made her character much more complex.

Dragon Ball Super Helped Correct Her Character

This Version of Chi-Chi Was Far More Open to Her Husband’s Attitude

Chi-Chi screams at Goku for trying to go and train with Whis.

The Dragon Ball Super anime pleasantly surprised fans by giving Chi-Chi a more charming personality. Even though her arguments with Goku about training continued, she was far more open to the idea of her husband doing what he loved, if he contributed to the household. The show went as far as to present her constant fights with Goku as a game, with Chi-Chi only acting annoyed to entertain the Saiyan. This was perfectly exemplified in episode #17 of the anime, during which the woman completely changed her personality once her husband left the planet with Whis.

Chi-Chi is and will likely remain one of the most iconic characters in the Dragon Ball franchise. She has been a part of the main cast for many decades, and she and Goku are undoubtedly one of the best couples in anime. If the following entries treat her character better, she could regain the popularity she lost once the original series ended.