Oolong in Dragon Ball: More Than Just a Shapeshifting Pig
The Pig in Need
Before Saiyans and Super Saiyans graced our screens with planet-shattering battles, there was Oolong, the shapeshifting pig who nearly hijacked the Dragon Ball hunt with an ill-advised wish. While he may not possess the raw power of Goku or the scientific brilliance of Bulma, Oolong holds a unique place in the early arcs of Dragon Ball, often underestimated but undeniably memorable. He’s more than just a perverted, cowardly pig; he provides crucial comic relief and, surprisingly, a relatable perspective amidst the increasingly cosmic scale of the series. This article delves into Oolong’s role, exploring why he’s a more significant component of early Dragon Ball than his cartoonish exterior might suggest, and how his character offers valuable contrast to the ever-escalating power levels of the main heroes.
Oolong’s introduction is anything but heroic. We first encounter him as a terrorizing figure, ruling over a small village and demanding young girls as tribute. His shapeshifting ability allows him to transform into monstrous creatures, solidifying his power and instilling fear in the hearts of the villagers. This initial portrayal establishes him as a villain, albeit a decidedly low-stakes one. He is hardly Frieza or Cell.
The arrival of Goku and Bulma disrupts Oolong’s reign of terror. Recognizing their strength, or more accurately, Goku’s brute force, Oolong is quickly subdued and forced into an alliance with the duo. This unlikely partnership forms the core of some of the earliest and most humorous adventures in Dragon Ball. His motivation isn’t altruistic; he simply wants to avoid further beatings and exploit the opportunity for personal gain. This self-serving nature is a constant throughout his character arc, providing a reliable source of comedic friction within the group. This initial alliance is key to the story because without him Goku and Bulma would not have had as easy a time navigating the lands and dangers that were ahead.
His cooperation is a mix of reluctant compliance and occasional usefulness. He whines, complains, and attempts to escape at every opportunity, yet he also provides valuable insight and, at times, crucial assistance. This dynamic contributes to the lighthearted tone of the early series, contrasting sharply with the later, more serious arcs.
Shapeshifting and its Applications
Oolong’s shapeshifting ability is his defining characteristic. He can transform into almost anything – animals, objects, even other people. However, his transformations are limited to a five-minute duration, followed by a one-minute rest period. This limitation adds a layer of vulnerability to his abilities, often leading to comical situations.
While frequently used for perverted purposes (his obsession with panties is a recurring gag), Oolong’s shapeshifting ability occasionally proves strategically useful. In one memorable instance, he disguises himself as a soldier to infiltrate Pilaf’s castle, buying valuable time for Goku and Bulma. These moments, while rare, demonstrate that Oolong is not entirely useless and that his abilities can be surprisingly effective when applied correctly. He is also able to use this ability to help them evade dangers on their journey and sometimes even distract enemies.
However, it is safe to say that his shapeshifting mostly backfires, leading to slapstick humor and reinforcing his cowardly persona. He often transforms into inappropriate forms or loses control of his abilities at inopportune moments. This inherent weakness is a consistent source of laughter and contributes to his overall comedic appeal.
The Wish for Panties: A Defining Moment
The Pilaf Saga culminates in a tense confrontation for the Dragon Balls. Pilaf, the pint-sized megalomaniac, successfully gathers all seven Dragon Balls and summons Shenron, the eternal dragon. The fate of the world hangs in the balance. It is in this pivotal moment that Oolong, driven by a mix of panic and impulsive desire, jumps in front of Pilaf and shouts out his wish: “I wish for a pair of panties!”
This absurd wish, born out of desperation and comedic timing, saves the world, albeit accidentally. Pilaf’s carefully laid plans are foiled by Oolong’s impulsive act, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the Dragon Ball universe. It’s a moment that perfectly encapsulates Oolong’s character: a cowardly, perverted pig who stumbles into heroism through sheer dumb luck.
The comedic impact of this moment is undeniable. It is one of the most memorable scenes in the entire series, often cited as an example of the absurdist humor that defines early Dragon Ball. It also underscores Oolong’s personality: he is a simple creature with simple desires, and his actions are often driven by immediate gratification rather than long-term consequences. The moment is not a master class in bravery, but it is definitely hilarious!
From Villain to Reluctant Hero
Oolong’s journey is one of reluctant redemption. He begins as a self-serving tyrant, exploiting the weak for his own benefit. However, his forced alliance with Goku and Bulma gradually exposes him to a different way of life. While he never fully embraces altruism, he does begin to show moments of genuine concern for his companions, albeit often masked by his usual cowardice and self-preservation.
He is not transformed into a noble warrior or a selfless hero. He remains fundamentally the same: a perverted, cowardly pig. However, he learns to work with others, to contribute to a team, and to occasionally put the needs of others before his own. This subtle character development, while not as dramatic as Goku’s transformation into a Super Saiyan, is nonetheless significant. His fear motivates him to sometimes act in ways that protect the group or allow them to move forward on their quest.
A Static Character in a Dynamic World
One of the most striking aspects of Oolong’s character is his lack of significant evolution throughout the series. While Goku and other characters undergo radical transformations, physically and emotionally, Oolong remains largely the same. He is a constant, a reminder of the ordinary amidst the extraordinary.
This static nature can be seen as both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, it provides a sense of stability and familiarity in a series that is constantly evolving. Oolong is a reliable source of comic relief and a reminder of the simpler times of early Dragon Ball. He is the “everyman” of the group.
On the other hand, his lack of development can be seen as a missed opportunity. Some fans argue that Oolong could have been given a more significant role in later arcs, perhaps by mastering his shapeshifting abilities or developing into a more courageous fighter. However, his role remained largely unchanged.
Oolong’s Relationships
Oolong’s interactions with Goku, Bulma, and other Z Fighters are a crucial element of his character. His relationship with Goku is particularly humorous, as the naive Saiyan often misunderstands Oolong’s perverted jokes and cowardly antics. Bulma, on the other hand, frequently berates Oolong for his lechery and lack of bravery.
Despite these clashes, a bond forms between Oolong and his companions. He becomes a part of their makeshift family, providing support and comic relief in equal measure. His presence adds a layer of levity to the often-serious situations they face, reminding them (and the audience) to not take themselves too seriously.
Comic Relief and Audience Surrogate
In a series increasingly dominated by epic battles and world-ending threats, Oolong provides essential comic relief. His presence lightens the mood and offers a break from the intense action. He’s the character who voices the audience’s own fears and anxieties, reacting to the escalating power levels with disbelief and terror.
Oolong can also be seen as an audience surrogate, a character who reflects the perspective of the average viewer. He is not a super-powered warrior; he is an ordinary pig caught up in extraordinary circumstances. His reactions to the incredible events unfolding around him are often the same reactions the audience would have.
Contrast to the Saiyans and Power Creep
Oolong’s lack of power serves as a stark contrast to the Saiyans and other powerful characters in the Dragon Ball universe. His inability to fight highlights the extreme power levels of Goku, Vegeta, and their allies, making their achievements all the more impressive.
He is a grounding element, reminding the audience that not everyone in this world is capable of destroying planets with a single punch. He represents the ordinary people who live in fear of the powerful beings who roam the Earth. This contrast is essential to the series’ overall dynamic, preventing the power levels from becoming completely detached from reality.
The “Normal” Perspective
Unlike the other main characters, who are constantly focused on training and fighting, Oolong has more mundane concerns. He wants to survive, to eat, and perhaps to indulge in his perverted fantasies. His simple desires provide a relatable perspective amidst the constant struggle for power.
He is a reminder that not everyone is driven by ambition or a desire to protect the world. Some people are simply trying to get by, to live their lives in peace and comfort. This perspective is valuable, as it grounds the series in a sense of normalcy and prevents it from becoming too detached from the everyday concerns of ordinary people.
Conclusion
Oolong, the shapeshifting pig, is far more than just a comedic sidekick in Dragon Ball. He is a crucial element of the series’ early arcs, providing comic relief, a relatable perspective, and a contrast to the escalating power levels of the Saiyans. He is a reminder that even the most cowardly and perverted individuals can play a significant role in saving the world, even if it’s by accident.
Despite his flaws, Oolong is a beloved character in the Dragon Ball fandom. His antics and reactions resonate with viewers, reminding them that it’s okay to be afraid, to be selfish, and to occasionally wish for a pair of panties when the fate of the world is at stake. While Goku may be the hero who saves the universe, Oolong is the pig who reminds us that sometimes, all you really need is a good distraction…and maybe a Senzu Bean. His enduring appeal speaks to the power of comic relief and the importance of ordinary characters in even the most extraordinary stories. He serves as a constant, providing both laughs and a dose of reality.
