Pan: The Unfulfilled Potential of Dragon Ball GT
Introduction
Dragon Ball GT, the sequel series to the globally beloved Dragon Ball Z, has always been a topic of heated debate among fans. Some appreciate its attempt to revitalize the franchise with new storylines and transformations, while others criticize its departures from Akira Toriyama’s original vision. Amidst this divided reception, one character consistently draws attention: Pan, the granddaughter of Goku and the daughter of Gohan and Videl. Born into a family of legendary Saiyan warriors, Pan possessed an undeniable potential for greatness. However, her character arc in Dragon Ball GT, while offering glimpses of her inherent strength and fiery spirit, ultimately felt underdeveloped, failing to fully capitalize on her heritage and leaving many fans wanting more.
This article will explore the complexities of Pan’s character within Dragon Ball GT. It will examine her potential, analyze her role in the various story arcs, and delve into the reasons why her character development ultimately fell short of expectations. By understanding these aspects, we can better appreciate the missed opportunities surrounding Pan and her significance within the larger Dragon Ball universe.
Pan’s Saiyan Heritage and Untapped Potential
Pan’s lineage is nothing short of extraordinary. As the granddaughter of Goku, the Saiyan raised on Earth who repeatedly saved the universe, and the daughter of Gohan, the child prodigy who surpassed even Goku during the Cell Games saga, Pan inherited a considerable amount of Saiyan blood and genetic potential. This heritage was evident from a young age. During the final World Martial Arts Tournament of Dragon Ball Z, a very young Pan demonstrated impressive strength and a natural aptitude for fighting. This early display hinted at a future where she could potentially become one of the strongest warriors in the universe.
Comparing Pan’s potential to that of other half-Saiyans, like Gohan and Goten and Trunks, only amplifies the disappointment surrounding her development in Dragon Ball GT. Gohan, despite his initial aversion to fighting, rose to become a powerful warrior, even briefly surpassing his father. Goten and Trunks, through their playful training and fusion abilities, became formidable fighters in their own right. Pan, despite her promising start, never truly reached a similar level of power or influence within the storyline.
Her youthful personality, before embarking on the intergalactic adventure with Goku and Trunks, showed glimpses of determination and independence. She displayed a fiery spirit and a willingness to challenge herself, traits often associated with Saiyan warriors. However, these qualities were not always effectively translated into meaningful growth or significant contributions to the main story of Dragon Ball GT.
Dragon Ball, as a franchise, has often grappled with the portrayal of female characters. Pan presented an opportunity to explore the perspective of a young Saiyan woman navigating a world dominated by male warriors. However, Dragon Ball GT struggled to fully realize this potential, often relegating her to a supporting role that didn’t allow her to showcase her true strength and agency. The show explored the idea of what a Saiyan woman/girl was actually like, and it is up to the viewers to decide whether or not the show captured the essence of Saiyan women.
Pan’s Journey Through Dragon Ball GT Story Arcs
Pan’s involvement throughout Dragon Ball GT’s various story arcs highlights both her strengths and her limitations as a character.
The Black Star Dragon Ball Saga
In the Black Star Dragon Ball Saga, Pan joins Goku and Trunks on their quest to retrieve the scattered Dragon Balls before Earth is destroyed. While she contributes to the journey, her role often involves being rescued by Goku or Trunks, or getting in the way of battles. While these situations help show how much she needs to learn, she rarely has the opportunity to showcase her own strength and ingenuity, and she only has a few opportunities to save the day.
The Baby Saga
The Baby Saga presents a more complex scenario. Baby, a parasitic alien seeking revenge on the Saiyans, possesses many humans, including those close to Pan. While Pan is affected by Baby’s influence, she is not as directly involved in the main conflict as Goku or other Saiyan warriors. Although she shows flashes of resilience and determination, her role remains largely supportive, and she does not experience any significant power boosts.
The Super Seventeen Saga
During the Super Seventeen Saga, Pan’s participation remains somewhat limited. The saga focuses primarily on the battles between Goku and the powerful Android Super Seventeen, leaving little room for Pan to make a significant impact on the outcome. Despite her best efforts, her contributions are often overshadowed by the more experienced fighters.
The Shadow Dragon Saga
In the Shadow Dragon Saga, the final arc of Dragon Ball GT, Pan’s role becomes more emotionally driven. She witnesses the devastating consequences of overuse of the Dragon Balls and the rise of the Shadow Dragons. She remains by Goku’s side throughout the final battles, offering support and encouragement. However, even in this climactic saga, she doesn’t experience any dramatic power leap or character transformation. Notably, Pan is by Goku’s side when he departs with Shenron, marking the end of the Dragon Ball GT storyline. This scene underscores the bond between grandfather and granddaughter but also emphasizes the unfulfilled potential of Pan as a warrior.
An Analysis of Pan’s Character Development
One of the most persistent criticisms of Pan in Dragon Ball GT centers around her perceived underdevelopment. Despite her immense potential, she never achieves the iconic Super Saiyan transformations that her father and grandfather mastered. This absence is particularly frustrating for fans who anticipated her becoming a powerful Super Saiyan warrior in her own right.
At times, her character seems relegated to the role of a damsel in distress, requiring constant rescue from Goku or Trunks. This diminishes her agency and reinforces the perception that she is not as capable as other characters in the series. There is also the element of comic relief that makes her seem ditzy.
Her age and inexperience undoubtedly play a role in her development. As a young girl traveling with seasoned warriors, she is bound to face challenges and setbacks. However, the lack of significant growth or progress throughout the series leaves many viewers disappointed. There is also the matter of whether or not the show focuses too much on Pan’s looks, making her seem more sexualized than she should be. She seldom takes initiative, and she is often told what to do.
Despite these criticisms, there are also positive aspects to Pan’s character. She demonstrates courage and resourcefulness in various situations, often thinking on her feet to overcome obstacles. Her perspective as a young woman in a predominantly male-dominated world of martial arts offers a unique lens through which to view the Dragon Ball universe. Her interactions with Goku reveal his softer, more grandfatherly side, showcasing his affection and concern for his granddaughter.
Compared to other female characters in the Dragon Ball franchise, Pan’s portrayal is somewhat uneven. Bulma, despite not being a fighter, possesses exceptional intelligence and resourcefulness, playing a vital role in many storylines. Chi-Chi, while often portrayed as overbearing, is a strong and independent woman who raises her children with unwavering dedication. Android Eighteen, despite her artificial origins, demonstrates considerable strength and evolves into a complex and compelling character. Pan, while possessing unique qualities, often falls short of these other female characters in terms of agency and significant contributions to the overall narrative.
The Reason Why Pan Was Underdeveloped
Various factors may have contributed to Pan’s underdevelopment in Dragon Ball GT.
The creative team behind Dragon Ball GT differed from the original team that created Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z. This change in leadership may have resulted in different priorities and a different vision for the series. The show may have been nervous about overshadowing Goku, and the show may have had a lack of interest in female characters.
Narrative choices also played a role. The writers may have prioritized nostalgia and familiar characters over developing new ones. The focus on Goku’s transformation back into a child shifted the spotlight away from other characters, including Pan. This emphasis on Goku’s journey may have inadvertently limited the opportunities for Pan to grow and develop as a warrior.
Pan’s Legacy
Pan’s legacy within the Dragon Ball fandom is complex. Some fans feel she was an integral part of Dragon Ball GT and appreciate her contributions, regardless of her power level. Others express disappointment, feeling that her potential was squandered and that she could have been a much more impactful character.
Numerous fan theories and interpretations of Pan’s character exist online. Some fans believe she was secretly holding back her true power, while others speculate that she will eventually unlock her full potential in future Dragon Ball installments. Fan-made content, such as fanfiction and artwork, often explores these alternative scenarios, depicting Pan as a formidable Super Saiyan warrior or delving into her personal struggles and triumphs. In Dragon Ball Super, Pan has more of a support role, which is how she is used best.
Conclusion
While Pan’s portrayal in Dragon Ball GT might not have fully realized her potential as a powerful Saiyan warrior, she remains a memorable character within the Dragon Ball universe. Her lineage, her fiery spirit, and her unique perspective as a young woman contribute to her enduring appeal, and while she is one of the only characters from the main cast who doesn’t reach the Super Saiyan transformation, it isn’t necessary for the story that she does. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the potential for female characters in the franchise and the importance of exploring new perspectives within a beloved series. Pan reminds fans that it is not always about reaching Super Saiyan and that it is okay to be supportive. Will Pan ever get her Super Saiyan moment? The answer is unknown.
