Summary
The villains of theDragon Ballfranchise have always been some of the most enticing aspects of the property, so much so that they have stood the test of time to become some of the most iconic villains in all of anime/manga. However, they are often made to be quite simple antagonists who seek to destroy or control as much as they can for their own megalomaniacal reasons.
Though these motivations are very simple and lack depth, these villains are still amongthe most memorable in the entire anime industry. Despite all of them being evil to at least some degree, there are a few whose mere existence poses a threat to the universe, whether through their genocidal ways or just because they want to attain more power. So, let’s take a look at the most evil villains inDragon Balland see just why they’re so dangerous.
Story Arc
Buu Saga
While Kid Buu is undoubtedly an evil and destructive monster, his villainous existence has something deeper behind it that omits him from the title ofDragon Ball’ssingle most evil antagonist; his nature. As a being whose entire existence pertains to destruction and chaos,Kid Buu has no in-built sense of morality, and he proceeds to destroy everything he touches simply because that is all he understands. He is no more than an animal with very basic instincts, though still, this nature of his has caused the deaths of billions.
This is the purely evil, absolutely most powerful, ultimate Majin Buu!
Kid Buu used to be active in the universe around 10 million years ago, where he spread untold devastation across galaxies. However, he was eventually defeated when he absorbed the Grand Supreme Kai and let the Kai’s goodness influence his being, transforming him into the fat and childlike Majin Buu. Although Kid Buu still revels in the destruction he causes around the universe, it is the only thing he knows how to do, so while he’s definitely one of the franchise’s most evil characters, he just acts out of instinct.
Namek Saga
By far the most iconic and one of the most unanimously loved villains in all ofDragon Ball, Frieza is undoubtedly one of the most evil as well. From his very first appearance in the Namek Saga, fans fell in love with the character and his arrogant outlook on everyone elsecoupled with his dastardly ways. Unlike Buu, Frieza isn’t someone who wants to destroy everything, rather he’s a villain who is more concerned with control and having more power than everyone else.
I doubt I need an introduction, but just in case, I am the mighty Frieza, and yes, all the horrible stories you’ve heard are true.
Frieza is also perhaps the most important villain in the franchise, since it was due to him ruthlessly killing Krillin which led to the first Super Saiyan transformation ever. Moreover, his ideals contrast with those of Kid Buu. While the latter only inflicts death and destruction due to that being the only thing he knows, Frieza chooses to do these evil things despite knowing full well what they mean. This acknowledgment of his actions but his refusal to change his ways because he enjoys them is what makes Frieza one of the series' most evil (and best) villains.
Galactic Patrol Prisoner Saga
One of the most terrifying villains of the entireDragon Ballfranchise was Moro the Planet-Eater. Moro was active over 10 million years ago, where he would travel from planet to planet in order to drain them of their life force, which resulted in the deaths of billions of living creatures. Even after being captured and kept as a prisoner for eons, Moro escaped and quickly regained thestrength of his prime self and even exceeded it, becoming the strongest foe the Z-Fighters had faced up until then.
Know this, I do not fear Divine Power! I am Moro, Consumer of Worlds! The God’s creations are mine to devour! I am this galaxy’s supreme life-from!
What truly made him an embodiment of pure evil was his outlook on life. He believed that it was his right to devour the life force of all the creations that the Gods of the universe made, likening all living things as tools for his satiation and pleasure. Due to this lack of respect he had for the sanctity of life, Moro truly set himself apart from otherDragon Ballantagonists despite having very similar motivations that seemed quite simple on the surface. His hatred for living things led to the deaths of innumerable people.
They Planned To Eradicate All Mortals
Zamasu First Appearance
Dragon Ball Super, Episode 52, “Master and Pupil Reunited! Gohan and “Future” Trunks!”
Goku Black First Appearance
Dragon Ball Super, Episode 47, “SOS from the Future! A Dark New Enemy Appears!”
Future Trunks Saga
Much like Moro, both of these versions of Zamasu hated life. However, the difference here was that Zamasu had a prejudiced view against mortals specifically as he considered them a blot on the purity of creation, believing that the universe could never reach its true beauty andfull potential with mortals in it. To correct this, he went on a killing spree in an attempt to destroy all mortal life in the universe and even punish the Gods that created them in the first place.
The way he went about this was methodical, as he wished for his essence to take over the body of the strongest mortal in the universe; Goku. As Goku, he carried out untold destruction on Earth, even killing Goku’s entire family while wearing his face. Eventually, both versions of Zamasu fused and became stronger than ever, although it wasn’t until Future Trunks cut the body in half that Zamasu’s true power was shown to the world.
Mortals receive the Divine gift of intellect, the potential for wisdom, but they misuse it to destroy the beauty of creation. Mortals do not succumb to evil, they are the evil. They create it and spread it with minds they shouldn’t possess.
After his body was destroyed, he became Infinite Zamasu, a version of the villain who was so powerful that he infected the entire universe and even began to corrupt the timeline that Goku and Vegeta came from, all in an effort to complete his plans. He became so powerful thatonly Grand Zeno could have defeatedhim at that stage. Zamasu’s relentless violence against innocents and desire to rid the universe of any mortals is made far worse when he felt this plan was completely justified, making him the most evil character in the franchise.
