When we think back to the beginnings of Dragon Ballthe image that immediately comes to mind is that of a small Son Goku with a monkey tail. This visual detail has long defined the Saiyan race: a hairy tail, a full moon, and presto, transformation into a giant ape. However, a few years later, his own spiritual sons, Goten And Trunksappear on screen without the slightest monkey tail, to the point that many fans believed it was an oversight.Akira Toriyama.
The contrast is even more disturbing when we remember that Gohanhe was indeed born with a tail, despite his mixed heritage Saiyan Earthling. It also allowed him to become Ozarubefore being cut to remove this weak point. Why then the next generation of half Saiyans, of Goten has Trunks through Bra and Pan, never carried this animal signature, although it was central to the beginning of the saga? The answer lies as much in the Saiyans’ fictional genetics as in their creator’s sketchbook.
Dragon Ball: why don’t Goten and Trunks have monkey tails?
Among the Saiyansthe tail is not just an accessory: exposed to the full moon, it triggers the transformation into Ozaruthis giant ape which multiplies the power of the warrior. But it also represents an Achilles heel. Grasping this tail firmly is enough to drain a Saiyan of his energy, unless specific training like that of Vegeta or Nappa.
According to the Dragon Ball Compendium 1 and Daizenshuu type guides, this tail becomes a recessive genetic trait in hybrids. Concretely, this means that a half-Saiyan child can be born with or without it, depending on the combination of genes inherited. Gohan would have drawn the “correct” number in the lottery, when Goten And Trunks have received a heritage where the tail gene is no longer expressed.
These same guides specify that from a certain power level, the tail no longer provides any real combat gain. Once the transformation into Super Saiyan accessible, the Ōzaru loses its strategic interest. The Saiyans then face enemies capable of destroying planets with the snap of their fingers.
Without a monkey tail, are Goten and Trunks really stronger?
The guides add that the mixing of genes Saiyan and Terrien produces ultra-gifted children. Without a tail, Goten And Trunks already possess extraordinary power. Become Super Saiyan child almost seems like a simple game to them.
Tactically, the absence of a tail mainly removes a weak point. No adversary can paralyze them by squeezing it, nor drive them into a rage ofOzaru. Their earthly blood makes this power calmer, less bestial.
In theUniverse 6Saiyans no longer have tails. Cabba, Caulifla and Kale, however, remain extremely powerful. Less wild, more controlled: just like earth hybrids.
What does this choice of Toriyama for Saiyan heritage reveal in Dragon Ball?
Akira Toriyama found it difficult to visually manage all these monkey tails. Removing them simplifies everyday drawing. This shift especially favors transformations of Super Saiyanmuch clearer to illustrate. The fights become more readable. Goten And Trunks thus embody a heritage Saiyan light but powerful.