Gohan

Gohan (Son Gohan) is the elder son of the series' primary protagonist Goku and his wife Chi-Chi, the older brother of Goten, the husband of Videl and father to Pan. Gohan is the first hybrid (half Human, half Saiyan) to appear in the series. He is named after Goku's adoptive grandfather, Gohan.
Unlike his father, Gohan lacks a passion for fighting and prefers to do so only when the need to defend his loved ones arises. Nevertheless, Gohan fights alongside the Z Fighters in the defense of Earth for much of his life. He eventually settles down with a family at the end of Dragon Ball Z, opting for the life of a scholar instead.

Overview

Concept and creation

The name "Gohan" is a homophone for gohan, the Japanese word for "cooked rice" which also refers to meals in general, which continues Akira Toriyama's food naming scheme. In Mandarin, the reading of 悟飯 is homophone for 午飯 (wǔfàn), meaning "lunch". Gohan was meant to replace his father as the main protagonist following the Cell story arc, but Toriyama later decided against it.

Appearance

Most of Gohan's appearances throughout the series

Gohan's appearance changes drastically through Dragon Ball Z, due to the fact that the series starts out with him as a child and ends when he is fully grown, married, and with a child of his own. But Gohan's basic physical appearance pretty much stays the same through the course of the series. Gohan has black hair and black eyes. He has his father's facial features, and also has his mother's light peach complexion rather than his father's light tan. Gohan also is quite muscularly developed for his age. As an adult, he is similar height to Goku, but he is also a fairly thinner. When Gohan is first introduced, he wears a child's outfit with his family name, 'Son', written on the front and the Four-Star Dragon Ball attached to his hat, the same Dragon Ball in which Goku believed that his grandpa's spirit resided.

Gohan as a child

While training with Piccolo, he wears an outfit similar to Goku's original, with the 'Ma' symbol King Piccolo wore. After training with Piccolo, he has a mullet-type haircut and dons a similar attire to the Namek warrior which he continues to wear until the end of the Captain Ginyu Saga, after which he wears Battle Armor given to him by Vegeta. He would continue to wear clothing similar to Piccolo's for the majority of his childhood, but his hair trended closer to his father's wild self-cut style. While training in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, he begins wearing Saiyan training gear, but again reverts to Piccolo's clothing for the Cell Games. As a teenager, he alternates between a school uniform, his Great Saiyaman costume, a blue gi similar to the Piccolo clothing (except larger in size), a replica of the gi his father Goku wore while he was alive, and during the Buu Saga, he wears Kai clothing given to him by Kibito. His hair is much shorter and stands on end in a spiky formation.

Gohan in Resurrection ‘F’

In Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’, Gohan's hair has flattened compared to how it was in the Buu Saga, and he wears a grey collar shirt with red pants and a green tracksuit because he forgot his gi at home. As an adult in the end of Dragon Ball Z and in Dragon Ball GT, Gohan's hair would be similar to how it was in the Buu Arc minus the bang. In GT, he is usually seen dressed as like a professor or a businessman, in a suit and a tie. He also wears eyeglasses, even though he shows no sign of actually needing them, due to the fact that he does not need them to fight. It is possible, however, that these are reading glasses of some kind, as opposed to general corrective glasses. When facing Omega Shenron, Gohan wears a gi resembling that of the ones Goku used to wear throughout Dragon Ball Z. In Dragon Ball Super and Battle of Gods, Gohan's hair is similar to how his hair was in the Majin Buu saga. For clothing, he wears glasses, a blue vest with a long white undershirt, and brown slacks with black shoes.

Personality

Gohan is a shy and studious intellectual child. As a child, he lacks the Saiyan fighting spirit. He must utilize his incredible half-breed Saiyan potential and emotional reserves to protect those he loves, becoming one of the most powerful Z Fighters. As an adult, he achieves his dream career of becoming a great scholar.

Gohan as a teen

Gohan, being only half-Saiyan, is unusual in his values and personality. These unique values and personality separate him from pure Saiyans; as powerful as he is, he does not like fighting much. However, when he is forced to fight, he shows special interest in protecting his family and friends. Like his father, Goku, Gohan has a pure and gentle heart. Also like his father, he has the typical Saiyan appetite and will eat anything. Besides concerning himself with his family (and his studies), Gohan has a strong attachment with his mentor: his father's former archrival Piccolo. After the death of Goku, Piccolo chose to train Gohan as he sensed the boy's potential power, which would be harnessed to help defend the Earth from the attack of the Saiyans. At first, the relationship with Piccolo is a frightening one, but after just one year, Piccolo admits his change because of the friendship he develops with Gohan and even sacrifices himself to save the boy. Because of this, Piccolo can be considered as a surrogate father for Gohan. Krillin also has influence on Gohan, as almost an uncle/nephew relationship, mainly because Krillin is Goku's closest friend. Though he claims he does not share the love of fighting Goku has, Gohan does indeed love martial arts and adventure. It is also clearly obvious he greatly enjoys being a hero. His hobbies are reading, fishing, and research.

Hidden power

"I can't believe it. It's impossible. From out of nowhere, he just explodes with power like I've never seen before." — Vegeta when seeing Gohan pummelling Frieza

Kid Gohan powering up against Raditz

As a child, Gohan is known to have within him a seemingly limitless dormant power, which at first only revealed itself when he experienced fierce rage, and when his rage ended, his power would drop dramatically. The earliest occurrence of this hidden power was when he almost crashed into a tree when his stroller was accidentally released, giving him enough power to plow a hole clean through the trunk to prevent him from being killed by flying into it as an infant.

Gohan unleashes his hidden power

As he got older, he trained hard and gained access to a large portion of his power, and it was not until he was a young adult that his power was fully awakened and he was able to use it all at his own will. He displays exceptional power at a very young age, even surpassing his father Goku by turning Super Saiyan 2 and saving the world from the evil Cell at only eleven years old (he is 9 years old in the manga as it states that Gohan is 16 years old after the 7 years of peace following the Cell Games, though he is most likely around the physical age of 10 due to the time spent (nearly a year) inside the Hyperbolic Time Chamber). Gohan is also the first to ever achieve Super Saiyan 2 on-screen in the series.

Biography

Early life

Gohan as a baby

Gohan was born in May of Age 757, about a year after Goku and Chi-Chi married following the conclusion of the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament. As a newborn, he went on for a time without a name until Goku's grandfather's name was mentioned, which Gohan liked, as opposed to the name his mother chose (Einstein). His early childhood was a pampered one, unlike his father's. His life was relatively well-balanced with a loving family and a nice home. Gohan was well-adjusted and intelligent, but unlike his father as a child, he lacked any affection for fighting and was easily scared at a level that most normal children would be. Goku gave Gohan the four star Dragon Ball and put it into a hat for him to honor his grandpa. Once, Goku and Chi-Chi were walking through a meadow with Gohan on a stroller, but the stroller was accidentally released, causing them to chase after it. Gohan was then sent flying out of the stroller, but his latent powers' brief awakening not only allowed him to survive crashing into a tree, but also plowing a hole through the trunk, amazing Goku at the hidden power of Gohan.

Dragon Ball Z

Saiyan attack

"You stop hurting... MY DADDY!!!" — An enraged Gohan assaults Raditz ("A Life or Death Battle! Goku and Piccolo's Desperate Attack!")

Main article: Vegeta Saga

Gohan getting introduced to Krillin, Master Roshi, and Bulma, by Goku

Despite Goku's protests, Chi-Chi home-schools Gohan to be a scholar until he is four, before Goku takes him to Kame Island to introduce him to Master Roshi, Bulma and Krillin. At this time, he is shown as a shy, but very smart boy who also has a tail like Goku once had before it was removed. He is also very sensitive and appears cowardly at some times. While Goku reunites and talks with his old friends, Gohan rides on Turtle's back, and plays Rock-Paper-Scissors with a crab, enjoying himself. After Goku's brother, Raditz, explains his Saiyan origins and attacks Goku with ease, he kidnaps Gohan, putting Goku at a stalemate, that if he does not kill 100 humans by the next day, Raditz will eliminate his nephew. Gohan soon gets locked up in Raditz's space pod, because Raditz cannot stand his constant crying. It is during this time that Raditz discovers that Gohan is potentially far stronger than Goku himself.

Gohan delivers a devastating blow to Raditz

During the battle between Goku, Raditz, and Piccolo, Gohan becomes angry and breaks free of the space pod he is being held captive in when he spots Raditz torturing Goku by repeatedly kicking one of Goku's broken ribs. He delivers a devastating blow to Raditz, giving Goku and Piccolo time to kill the evil Saiyan, though Goku dies in the process as well.

Gohan trains with Piccolo in preparation for the Saiyan attack

After the battle with Raditz, Piccolo, having seen Gohan's power first hand, decides to take Gohan out training in the wilderness. He leaves Gohan alone to survive against dinosaurs and other dangers for six months, though during this time he watches Gohan carefully. During the first six night, while complaining about the sour flavor of the apples Piccolo has given him, Gohan accidentally looks at a full moon and transforms into a Great Ape. Piccolo destroys the moon, causing Gohan to revert into his normal form before Gohan destroys too much of the land. Piccolo yanks his tail off, then reconstitutes his clothing, giving him a uniform similar to Goku's. The difference: it bears the Demon symbol, to symbolize him being Piccolo's student. For the rest of the year, Piccolo shows no mercy as he teaches Gohan how to fight. Soon, Gohan's bright and cheerful nature makes Piccolo protective over the young boy. As the boy grows on Piccolo, the two of them have a few conversations about Piccolo's past and why he did the things he did and Gohan tells Piccolo he thinks he is not as bad as everyone has told him.

Gohan's first on-screen usage of the Masenko, after becoming enraged by Piccolo's noble death

Eventually, the time comes for the Z Fighters to take on the remaining two Saiyans, Vegeta and Nappa. Piccolo senses the Saiyans making their approach and tells Gohan to be ready, when he suddenly senses a third ki from another direction? They think it is another Saiyan but soon find out that it is Krillin who joins them to fight the Saiyans. The Saiyans find them and before the fight starts, they decide to test their Saibamen against the Z Fighters. Soon Yamcha, Tien Shinhan, and Chiaotzu join them in the fight. While Yamcha and one Saibaman fight, Gohan cannot keep with their speed through his eyes alone, so Piccolo orders Gohan to concentrate and find them using Ki Sense, which Gohan is eventually able to master quickly. When Nappa begins to fight after Yamcha is killed and the six Saibamen are destroyed, Gohan is able to sometime control his fear but becomes frightened and hides behind rocks at times his age catches up with him. This prevents him from being very effective in the battle, except for short intervals, such as a point when he single-handedly kicks Nappa through a boulder. During one part of the battle, Piccolo hatches a plan for Gohan to blast Nappa after Piccolo has kicked him towards Krillin, and Krillin then will kick Nappa towards Gohan for the attack. The first two thirds of the plan work accordingly, but when it is Gohan's turn, Gohan cowers behind more boulders, botching the plan, resulting in Piccolo calling him a worthless coward. When Vegeta gives the group three hours for Goku to arrive, Piccolo loses all hope in Gohan, and after some bickering, he orders Gohan to go home. However, Gohan refuses and even realizes Nappa would not let him go away. 

Goku and Gohan badly beaten by Vegeta

When the fight continues after Goku fails to arrive on time, Gohan regains his confidence and does his best to amend for his previous cowardice. Piccolo hatches another plan for Gohan to attack Nappa after Krillin distracts him and Piccolo grabs his tail. Though Gohan quickly goes on the assault, the plan fails when Nappa is shown to have overcome his tail's weakness. Eventually, when Nappa fires a lethal energy blast at Gohan, Piccolo throws himself in front of Gohan and takes the impact. Gohan watches his mentor slowly die, and while Piccolo confesses his true bond with Gohan, Gohan's emotions once again take over, starting to cry in extreme anger. Once Piccolo slowly passes on, Gohan in turn fires a powerful Masenko at Nappa, which does only minimal damage to his arm. With that last Masenko consuming all the energy he had left, Gohan decides to give up and meet his fate, despite Krillin's protests for him to run. He is almost squashed by Nappa, but is saved by the Flying Nimbus when the resurrected Goku finally arrives to the battle. After eating a Senzu Bean with Krillin, he watches Goku overpowering Nappa. When Vegeta kills Nappa, Goku tells Gohan to let him battle Vegeta alone, not wanting Gohan to get hurt again. Later on, after Vegeta turns into a Great Ape using a Power Ball and injures Goku, Gohan returns to the battle. After Yajirobe chops off Vegeta's tail, making him transform back, Gohan fights Vegeta alone while Krillin and a broken Goku prepare to fire a Spirit Bomb, the last resort. Krillin fires the Spirit Bomb, but misses. Gohan bounces it back, hitting Vegeta, but not killing him. Gohan himself transforms into a Great Ape after looking at Vegeta's Power Ball. He defeats Vegeta by landing on him after Vegeta cuts his tail with a Destructo Disc. Afterwards, Goku lets Vegeta go, hoping to one day face him again.

Journey to Namek

"You killed my Dad. And Krillin too. And the others... Because of you, they're gone! I'm going to make you pay for what you did to them!!!" — Gohan angrily challenges Frieza when believing Goku to be dead ("Goku's Furious Roar! A Last-Minute Resurrection Wish!")

Main articles: Namek Saga, Captain Ginyu Saga, and Frieza Saga

Gohan right after his hidden potential was unlocked by Guru

After recovering from his injuries in West City hospital, Wukong Hospital, Gohan chose to go to the planet Namek with Krillin and Bulma to gather the Namekian Dragon Balls to bring back his friends back to life, because Piccolo's death caused Kami's death too, which caused the Earth's Dragon Balls to turn to stone. Gohan was on a personal mission to wish back Piccolo, and went so far as to wear a copy of Piccolo's dōgi to honor him.

Recoome pummeling Gohan

After their long trip, with a few sidetracks, they finally make it to Namek, where they find out Vegeta has also come seeking the Dragon Balls, along with his former far more powerful boss, Frieza. While scouting the planet with Krillin, Gohan spots Frieza and his minions, Zarbon and Dodoria, tormenting Namekian villagers. When Gohan sees Dodoria, one of Frieza's top henchmen, attack a little Namekian child named Dende, he goes out and attacks him. Afterwards, Dodoria chases Gohan, Krillin and Dende, but they eventually lose him and Vegeta kills Dodoria. Dende leads Gohan and Krillin to Grand Elder Guru, the ruler of the Namekians, where he unlocks both of their hidden potential. Later, Gohan steals a Dragon Ball that Vegeta has hid in a lake for himself, and even tricks Vegeta who runs into him on his way back from retrieving the ball. Vegeta figures this out eventually and becomes enraged, but the arrival of the Ginyu Force makes Vegeta have to form an alliance with Gohan and Krillin in order to get all the Dragon Balls and put up a fight against Frieza's feared Special Forces. Unfortunately, when they gather all of the Dragon Balls, they are ambushed by the Ginyu Force. The weakest of them, Guldo, is to take on Krillin and Gohan, but fails as Vegeta steps in and decapitates him with his hand. 

Gohan wearing the Battle Armor Vegeta gave him

Then, when Vegeta is fighting a losing battle against Recoome, Krillin and Gohan step in and fight, but it is still not enough. Gohan is on the brink of death until Goku shows up with Senzu Beans. Goku takes on the rest of them, but has his body switched by Captain Ginyu. With Goku completely weak in Captain Ginyu's body, Gohan has to try to fight Captain Ginyu in his father's body (although he is initially reluctant to do so, despite knowing it is not his dad, as he still feels he is injuring his dad by doing so). Captain Ginyu is unable to fully figure out Goku's powers and after a short fight with Gohan, Krillin, and Goku in Ginyu's body, Vegeta kills Jeice and ultimately defeats Ginyu. After Captain Ginyu ends up in a frog's body, Gohan and the others gather the Namekian Dragon Balls and wish for Piccolo to be brought back to life on Namek. Shortly after, Frieza ambushes them, making them stall for Piccolo to come. In the Z Fighters' battle against Frieza's second form, Krillin is injured by the tyrant and is sent into the depths of the water below. Gohan rushes to save his friend from drowning, but Frieza stops him. Getting angry, Gohan attacks Frieza with a barrage of punches and kicks followed by the Gekiretsu Madan (a massive wave of energy blasts) that brings the tyrant to his knees. 

An enraged Gohan unleashes a relentless attack against Frieza

Then, when Vegeta is fighting a losing battle against Recoome, Krillin and Gohan step in and fight, but it is still not enough. Gohan is on the brink of death until Goku shows up with Senzu Beans. Goku takes on the rest of them, but has his body switched by Captain Ginyu. With Goku completely weak in Captain Ginyu's body, Gohan has to try to fight Captain Ginyu in his father's body (although he is initially reluctant to do so, despite knowing it is not his dad, as he still feels he is injuring his dad by doing so). Captain Ginyu is unable to fully figure out Goku's powers and after a short fight with Gohan, Krillin, and Goku in Ginyu's body, Vegeta kills Jeice and ultimately defeats Ginyu. After Captain Ginyu ends up in a frog's body, Gohan and the others gather the Namekian Dragon Balls and wish for Piccolo to be brought back to life on Namek. Shortly after, Frieza ambushes them, making them stall for Piccolo to come. In the Z Fighters' battle against Frieza's second form, Krillin is injured by the tyrant and is sent into the depths of the water below. Gohan rushes to save his friend from drowning, but Frieza stops him. Getting angry, Gohan attacks Frieza with a barrage of punches and kicks followed by the Gekiretsu Madan (a massive wave of energy blasts) that brings the tyrant to his knees. 

Gohan attacks Frieza in anger after he injures Piccolo

Believing the tyrant to be dead, the heroes relax and prepare to go back home to Earth, until Frieza appears on top of a boulder and reveals to be alive. Frieza mortally wounds Piccolo (in the anime, Frieza attempted to fire a Death Beam at Goku, but Piccolo pushed him out of the way and got hit by the laser instead, whereas in manga, Frieza intended to fire the attack at Piccolo), overwhelming Gohan with horror and grief at the presumed death of his mentor and friend. Next, Frieza kills Krillin, by telekinetically blowing him up into pieces, which enrages Goku and allows him to transform into a Super Saiyan. He assertively orders Gohan to take Piccolo and retrieve Bulma and take them to the ship that he traveled in and use it to head back to Earth. Reluctantly obeying his father's wishes, Gohan leaves the battle field with the unconscious Piccolo and manages to retrieve Bulma. 

Gohan returns to the battle field to stall Frieza before planet Namek explodes

Later, when he senses that his father is supposedly dead, Gohan returns to the fight to stall Frieza before Namek explodes. However, despite his best efforts, he is unable to stall Frieza as the tyrant taunts him and he is not fighting, in addition to Frieza deducing the real reason Gohan is attempting to fight him. However, Gohan then senses that his father is still alive and powers up. Next, Gohan attacks Frieza with a barrage of punches and kicks, knocking him to the ground and finally blasting him with a Super Masenko. Unfortunately, Frieza appears unaffected by the attack and powers up to full power again, saying that Gohan is a true Saiyan and that is why Frieza must kill him. However, before Frieza can kill Gohan, Goku rises up from the ocean below and tells Gohan to get off Namek. Gohan flies away from the fight and encourages his father to win. As Gohan is flying back to the spaceship, he and the others are later transported to Earth by Porunga while Goku is left finishing the battle with Frieza on the dying planet Namek. After Goku wins the battle, but is caught in planet Namek's explosion, Gohan and the others mourn the Saiyan warrior's apparent death. Months later, they are allowed to use the Namekian Dragon Balls to wish Goku back to life. However, they are shocked after the Eternal Dragon Porunga refuses the wish that Goku be brought back to life, but everyone rejoices once the Dragon explains that Goku did not die from Namek's explosion. During this time of peace, everyone awaits the arrival of Goku, and Gohan goes back to his studies while Piccolo watches over him and his mother.

Garlic Jr.'s Return

Main article: Garlic Jr. Saga

Gohan prepares to fight The Spice Boys

While everyone on Earth is waiting for Goku to come back, Garlic Jr. escapes from the Dead Zone, and enslaves most of humanity with the Black Water Mist. Gohan, who is unaffected due to hiding in a cave with his dragon friend Icarus, is forced to travel to the lookout point to save his mother and friends, together with Piccolo, Krillin, and his new girlfriend Maron, who is left at Korin Tower. 

Gohan powers up to send Garlic Jr. into the Dead Zone

He has to do battle with Garlic Jr.'s henchmen, the Spice Boys, and after killing them, he has to face his friends: Krillin and Piccolo. Luckily, it turns out that these two are only pretending to be evil so they can free Kami and Mr. Popo. While outmatched at first, after a reunion with his friends, Gohan eventually manages to overcome and send Garlic Jr. back to the Dead Zone by blowing up the Makyo Star that is powering the villain. This would be the first time Gohan has saved the world without his father's help.

The Mysterious Youth

Main article: Trunks Saga

Gohan during the Trunks Saga

A year after (two years later in FUNimation dub) Goku defeated Frieza on Namek, Gohan and Chi-Chi still wait for Goku's safe return to Earth. However, things turn bad when the Z Fighters sense Frieza heading towards Earth, along with another powerful being: his father, King Cold. Gohan and the Z Fighters regroup where Frieza and King Cold's spaceship is landing, at Northern Wastelands, but without Goku's help, the Earth appears to be doomed. 

Gohan trains with Goku and Piccolo for the next three years

However, when Frieza and King Cold land on Earth, they are confronted by a mysterious youth, who transforms into a Super Saiyan and easily destroys Frieza and King Cold along with their henchmen. After the fight, he tells the others to follow him to when and where Goku will be arriving. After waiting two hours (three in the manga), Goku arrives on Earth and he and the youth have a private talk. The mysterious youth reveals himself as Trunks, the son of Bulma and Vegeta from 20 years in the future, who has traveled from the future and explained that a pair of deadly Androids will appear and threaten the Earth in the next three years. Future Trunks then gives Goku an antidote for the heart disease he will soon contract. With the conversation over, Future Trunks departs to his future, but promises to meet them again when the Androids arrive. During the next three years, Gohan trains hard with Goku and Piccolo to prepare for the Android threat.

The Androids

"These guys are ruthless. What happened back in the city will happen everywhere. They'll start torching the whole planet if we walk away." — Gohan responds to Krillin's suggestion to retreat ("No Victory for Android 19! Enter Super Vegeta!")

Main article: Android Saga Three years later, the Z Fighters locate the Androids on an island nine miles southwest of South City. However, not wanting to fight in the city in fear of causing more damage after Gero had already destroyed half of the city, they fly to a wasteland so they can fight. Goku transforms into his Super Saiyan form and dominates Android 19, until the Saiyan contracts the heart virus Future Trunks warned him about three years prior, allowing Android 19 to gain the upper hand and steals some of Goku's energy. Goku, however, is saved by the arrival of Vegeta, who transforms into a Super Saiyan himself and easily destroys Android 19 while the Z Fighters watch in amazement.

Gohan saves Piccolo from Android 20

With Android 19 destroyed, Android 20 (a.k.a. Dr. Gero) becomes scared and retreats, with the Z Fighters in pursuit. During the search, Piccolo is suddenly ambushed by Android 20, who attempts to steal the Namekian's energy and use it against Vegeta. Luckily, Piccolo telepathically contacts Gohan and tells him to come help him. Gohan soon arrives and knocks Dr. Gero down to the ground, saving Piccolo's life as the Z Fighters gather around. Piccolo then fights Android 20 alone and dominates the android with the strength he achieved from the last three years of intense training, cutting off one of Gero's hands. Future Trunks then comes back from the future and arrives on the battle field with the Z Fighters, only to discover that these Androids are not the ones in his future timeline. However, Android 20 manages to escape and the Z Fighters search for him while Gohan flies Bulma, Trunks, and Yajirobe back home to Capsule Corporation. Dr. Gero makes it back to his lab and activates two of his more powerful creations, Android 17 and Android 18. However, the Androids rebel and kill Dr. Gero and proceeded to activate another android, Android 16, whose sole purpose is to kill Goku. The Z Fighters battle the new Androids, only to be badly beaten as the Androids fly away to find and kill Goku.

Waiting at Kami's Lookout

"But, if you could actually go back and destroy the Androids in the past, what would happen to the ones that are already here? In our present I mean. Would they all just, disappear or something? Or, would it be more like they, well, like they never existed?" — Gohan questions Future Trunks' plan to defeat the Androids ("The Hunt for Cell is On! Goku, Back in Action!")

Main article: Imperfect Cell Saga

Gohan, Future Trunks, and Bulma discover Cell's larval state

When the Z Fighters are in an airplane with a weakened Goku, flying away from the Androids, Gohan and Future Trunks leave and meet with Bulma to investigate an old time machine that was used to travel to the past. The time machine is covered in moss and has a large hole at the top. In there, they find a large egg shell split in half, but can not get any conclusions from it. Then, Gohan finds some thing unusual in the distance: the skin of a huge bug (later known as the android, Cell). Bulma takes the shell with her to do some more investigating. After Goku is cured from the heart virus, he takes Gohan, Future Trunks, and Vegeta up at Kami's Lookout, where they are shown by Mr. Popo a special room up at Kami's Lookout, known as the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, in preparation for a new threat: Cell. In the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, Future Trunks and Vegeta both enter the room first for the whole day while Goku and Gohan wait and sense that Piccolo (now fused with Kami and returned to the original nameless Namekian) is fighting against the Androids. Gohan tries to go down to Earth and help Piccolo, but Goku does not let him go and explains he is not strong enough and will only get in Piccolo's way. Goku tells Gohan as soon as they get their training done, they will go down to Earth and help Piccolo.

"NO!!! I can't just sit here and do nothing, I'm going down there! Got it!? I'm done waiting!" — Despite Goku's orders, Gohan prepares to rescue Piccolo and take on Cell ("Run, Android 17! Piccolo's All-Or-Nothing Struggle!")

Gohan tries to help Piccolo back on Earth, but is ordered by Goku to stay on Kami's Lookout

Later, when Piccolo was nearly killed by a powered-up Imperfect Cell, who arrived on the battle field between Piccolo and Android 17, Goku and Gohan sense Piccolo's energy disappear. Believing his mentor to be dead, an enraged Gohan tries to go down to Earth, but is held and calmed down by Goku. Still angered, Gohan flies up into the air and tries to escape from the Lookout, but is punched down to the ground by Goku. As Mr. Popo rushes to help him, he explains to Gohan that Goku is hurting inside too and is even more angry than Gohan about Piccolo's near death. Gohan and Goku apologize to each other for their actions, and Goku promises that he will not let Piccolo's sacrifice be in vain.

The Hyperbolic Time Chamber

"I've gotta be strong! Everyone's counting on me, I can't let them down! Like against the Saiyans... or the Ginyu Force, or Frieza. Whenever my friends needed me most I was always too weak or too scared to help them. I've been letting them down my whole life!" — Gohan's inner monologue as he transforms into a Super Saiyan for the first time ("The Tables are Turned! Witness the Power of Perfection!")

Main article: Perfect Cell Saga

Gohan in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber

After Cell absorbs Android 17 and achieved his Semi-Perfect form, he is about to set his sights on Android 18 when Tien Shinhan arrives and attacks Cell with his Neo Tri-Beam, allowing Android 18 and Android 16 (who was injured by Semi-Perfect Cell) to escape. Goku and Gohan sense Tien's energy decreasing and he finally collapses from exhaustion. Just before Semi-Perfect Cell can kill Tien, Goku uses Instant Transmission to appear on the battle field. He grabs the barely alive Tien and Piccolo and teleports back to the Lookout, where they are fully healed with a Senzu Bean. Piccolo explains that despite their best efforts against Semi-Perfect Cell, they proved useless. 

Gohan transforms into a Super Saiyan for the first time in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber

At that moment, Mr. Popo interrupts and brings the group to the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, where Future Trunks and Vegeta emerge stronger than ever. They are given new Saiyan armor by Bulma (who by this time already arrived) and fly down to the Earth to confront Semi-Perfect Cell. While Vegeta and Future Trunks fight Semi-Perfect Cell, Goku and Gohan enter and train in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber while wearing some new Saiyan armor made by Bulma. In the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, Gohan struggles to transform into a Super Saiyan. Goku informs him that to become a Super Saiyan, it must come in response to a need, not a desire. Gohan realizes the only way to become a Super Saiyan is for his father to fight him at full power. Hesitantly, Goku transforms into a Super Saiyan and fires a powerful Kamehameha at Gohan. Gohan blocks the attack and thinks about all the other times he was not able to help his friends whenever they were in danger while his friends helped him out if he was in danger. Thinking about this, Gohan becomes overwhelmed with rage, allowing him to transform into a Super Saiyan and fire the Kamehameha back at Goku, who dodges the attack and tells his son to focus his energy, making him return to his base form. Goku tells Gohan they can take a break and even gives his son a haircut.

Gohan training in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber as a Super Saiyan

Later, Gohan again transforms into his Super Saiyan form and trains while Goku sits down and watches his son's training in his Super Saiyan form improve. Gohan gets tired and transforms back into his base form when Goku demonstrates the 2nd and 3rd Grades forms (which are the forms that Vegeta and Future Trunks are using against Cell, who by this time had achieved his perfect form by absorbing Android 18). 

Gohan and Goku train in their Super Saiyan forms to attain the Full-Power Super Saiyan state

Seeing this incredible strength and power, Gohan is sure Goku can beat Cell, but Goku says he can not. He explains that because his muscles are now bulky, they slow down his speed, which is obviously important in the fight with Cell. Goku tells Gohan that transforming into a Super Saiyan takes a great deal of energy, but they need all the Super Saiyan energy they can get. Goku comes up with a plan to transform into a Full-Power Super Saiyan, so he tells Gohan to try and stay transformed as a Super Saiyan for the whole day when it starts to feel normal. At some point during their training, Goku prepared to call it a day, but then Gohan then manages to surprise Goku by transforming into an unprecedented Super Saiyan form before collapsing from exhaustion. Although Gohan does not remember it due to the strain of this initial transformation, it ended up being the catalyst that caused Goku to realize that, should Cell achieve his perfect form, Gohan is the only one of the Z-Fighters, including Goku himself, who would stand any chance at defeating Cell in even that state.

Combating Cell

Main article: Cell Games Saga

Goku and Gohan emerge as Full-Power Super Saiyans

With their training finally completed, Gohan and Goku emerge from the Hyperbolic Time Chamber as Full-Power Super Saiyans. As Goku and Gohan are eating food made by Mr. Popo (because they do not really know how to cook when they were in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber), Future Trunks, after being defeated by Perfect Cell along with his father Vegeta, tells them that Perfect Cell is hosting a tournament for the Earth's strongest warriors called the Cell Games, to which Goku thinks of it as an interesting challenge. While Goku wears his trademark orange and blue clothes for the tournament, Gohan asks Piccolo for a copy of his uniform, since he was his first mentor. Piccolo conjures up a uniform similar to his for Gohan, who happily appreciates the new outfit. 

Gohan in his new Piccolo-style outfit (back left)

Goku pays Perfect Cell a visit using Instant Transmission, and after returning, he claims he is no match for the android. Piccolo suggests they can still go in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber for extra training. However, Goku declines and says that he and Gohan can train outside the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, greatly surprising everyone. Goku and Gohan leave the Lookout, (after Goku and Gohan show Korin and Yajirobe their new power) and arrive at the Kame House to pick up Chi-Chi so they can go home. Gohan asks his father if they have a chance of beating Cell if they spend the next nine days resting and training outside. Goku laughs and says they do not have to worry about it now, since they have nine days to relax. Gohan and Goku go inside and meet everyone else (at one point, Oolong and Puar even say that Gohan has, "buffed up.") However, when Chi-Chi sees Goku and Gohan, she freaks out and exclaims that Gohan has become a hair-dyeing punk. In a filler episode, Gohan flies to a village called Chazke Village to run a shopping errand for his mother. He meets Lime and Mr. Lao there, and later encounters one of his father's deadliest enemies in his childhood: Mercenary Tao, rebuilt as a cyborg. Taken over by panic and shock at discovering Gohan is Goku's son, Mercenary Tao flies away on a tree. Goku arrives and he and Gohan are given the groceries by Mr. Lao, who encourages them that they can defeat Cell. Gohan and Goku say their goodbyes to Mr. Lao and Lime and fly back home. 

Gohan receives a gift on his 11th birthday

In another filler, Gohan has his 11th birthday and all of his other memories are revealed. One of his memories include Goku, Chi-Chi, and the Ox-King discussing a name for their newborn son. However, when they mention Grandpa Gohan, Goku's deceased adoptive grandfather, they discover the baby laughs at the name, "Gohan." Seeing as the baby likes the name, "Gohan", Goku, Chi-Chi, and Ox-King name the baby, "Gohan." In another flashback Goku, Chi-Chi, and Gohan are walking in the woods when they look up in a tree at a bird family. However, Goku accidentally lets go of Gohan's stroller, causing Gohan to zoom violently down the hill while Goku and Chi-Chi run for their lives after their crying son. The stroller jumps over a ravine and heads for a tree where it crashes and breaks. The crying Gohan is about to smash into the tree, but he stops crying and uses his hidden power to smash through the tree without injury. Goku catches Gohan on the other side of the tree and he laughs, ending the flashback. Gohan, Goku, and Krillin return home, where they, along with Chi-Chi and Ox-King, celebrate Gohan's 11th birthday. Before he blows out the candles, Gohan makes a wish in his mind. He wishes he would have enough strength to defeat Cell so his family would live in peace. However, when Gohan blows out the candles, he accidentally ends up blowing the cake everywhere on everybody's face. Chi-Chi says a boy would get severely punished for trashing his birthday cake. However, Chi-Chi's mood changes to happy and she says he can not help it because he is Goku's son, to which everyone joyfully laughs.

"Look. I'm giving you the chance to end this without violence. I really don't want to kill you. Even if you are evil, you can still walk away. I'm not interested in fighting you just for the challenge, my Dad's the one who cares about that stuff..." — Gohan gives Cell a chance to surrender ("Get Angry, Gohan! Release Your Hidden Power!")

Finally, ten days have passed and the Z Fighters arrive at the Cell Games for the battle against Perfect Cell. Goku is the first Z Fighter to battle against Perfect Cell and matches the monster blow for blow. To everyone's surprise, Goku forfeits the battle against Perfect Cell after using the Instant Kamehameha (a combination of the Instant Transmission and Kamehameha) which left him and Cell drained. Goku then chooses Gohan to fight Perfect Cell in his place. Gohan states Goku and Cell's battle was not hard to keep up with, leading to the conclusion that Gohan was possibly stronger than Goku, who was fighting at full power.

Gohan fights Perfect Cell

Gohan powers up to the point where his power exceeds even Goku's and reluctantly fights Perfect Cell. As the battle occurs, Gohan does not have the same fighting spirit as his father, allowing Perfect Cell to gain the upper hand. Gohan tells Cell that once he becomes enraged, his hidden power is unleashed, referring to when he attacked Raditz, when he was in training with Piccolo, and when he was fighting Frieza. Gohan did not wish to see this power unleashed, much to Perfect Cell's chagrin. Believing he could see this hidden power, Perfect Cell began smacking Gohan around to get him angry. Gohan finally gets a little angry and kicks Perfect Cell in the face, giving him a bloody lip and fueling his desire to see Gohan's hidden power. When things start to get dangerous, Android 16 sneaks up behind Perfect Cell and gives him a bear hug, attempting to self-destruct and take the monster with him. However, Krillin reveals to Android 16 that Bulma and her father removed the self-destruct bomb, allowing Perfect Cell to break free and blast Android 16 to bits, much to the horror of the Z Fighters. However, the android's head is left still intact and rolls over to Mr. Satan and his gang, who were hiding and watching the fight.

"What are you so afraid of, Cell? Isn't this what you wanted? I warned you. I told you what would happen if you pushed me too far. But you didn't listen. You forced me to awaken my hidden power, and now that you've seen it, you're afraid... because you know that I'm going to destroy you." — Gohan during his battle with Cell

Gohan turns Super Saiyan 2 after witnessing #16's tragic death

Perfect Cell then creates seven Cell Juniors and has them attack the Z Fighters. Gohan watches in horror and becomes angry as his friends are mercilessly beaten by the Cell Jrs. Meanwhile, the head of Android 16 convinces Mr. Satan to throw his head to where Gohan and Perfect Cell are so that he may help Gohan. Now in Gohan's sight, Android 16 tells Gohan to not be afraid of releasing his anger and that it was okay to fight if he wants to protect the people and world he loved. Finally, 16 said to Gohan to drop his restraints and let it go because he has enough power and strength to defeat Perfect Cell. With Android 16's final words, Perfect Cell crushes Android 16's head, ending the peaceful android's life. Touched by Android 16's final words and enraged by the peaceful android's death, Gohan's rage reaches its limits and transforms him into a new level, Super Saiyan 2. 

Gohan kills the Cell Juniors

Now in his new anger-fueled state, Gohan says to Perfect Cell stating that he will never forget what he has done. He approaches the android and quickly snatches the Senzu Beans that Perfect Cell stole from Krillin. Gohan disappears as Cell tries to grab them back and appears in front of a Cell Jr., showing new amounts of speed. The Cell Jr. attempts to strike Gohan, only to be easily killed by the enraged young Saiyan. Gohan moves so fast that it appears that he has teleported to where Krillin is held captive by two of the Cell Jrs., something that Future Trunks realizes about Gohan increasing his strength and power without losing speed. Gohan rescues Krillin and kills another of the Cell Jrs. Seeing this new incredible power that Goku spoke of earlier, Perfect Cell orders all of the Cell Jrs. to take on Gohan all at once; however, Gohan easily kills all of Cell Jrs. without mercy, much to the amazement and shock of everyone, including Perfect Cell. After Gohan gives the stolen Senzu Beans to Future Trunks to heal the Z Fighters, he proceeds to challenge Perfect Cell.

Gohan delivers a devastating blow to Perfect Cell

As the Z Fighters are healed by the Senzu Beans and get to a safe distance, Gohan battles Perfect Cell and gains the upper hand against the android. Perfect Cell unleashes his maximum power and punches Gohan hard in the face. However, Gohan is barely fazed by Perfect Cell's blow and counterattacks with two powerful punches to his stomach and face, severely injuring the Android. Perfect Cell fires attacks used by some of the Z Fighters, including the Destructo Disc, Special Beam Cannon, and Scatter Shot at Gohan, who easily brushes through the attacks. Gohan tells Perfect Cell that he should not have pushed him and because of that, he is going to destroy him. 

Gohan lands a powerful kick to Perfect Cell's stomach, making him regurgitate Android 18

Perfect Cell flies up high into the air and fires a massive Kamehameha down at Gohan in an attempt to destroy the entire Earth. However, just as the huge energy beam is about to hit the Earth, Gohan counterattacks with a bigger and more powerful Kamehameha, overpowering Perfect Cell's Kamehameha and destroying the android's legs, left arm, and the two straight sections on top of his head. Goku yells for Gohan to finish off Cell before he regenerates, but Gohan, still enraged at Perfect Cell's actions, refuses and wants Cell to suffer before he kills him. As Goku predicted, the enraged Cell regenerates and transforms into his Power Weighted form but even with his enormous power, he is unable to hit Gohan, making the same mistake Future Trunks made ten days ago. After Gohan dodges Cell's punches, he delivered two powerful kicks to Perfect Cell's face and stomach, making him regurgitate Android 18 and transform back into his Semi-Perfect form. In a fit of anger and desperation, Semi-Perfect Cell began a Self Destruction technique, planning to blow himself up along with the Earth. Gohan attempts to attack the self-destructing Semi-Perfect Cell, but the android replies that if he is hit, he will immediately explode. Hearing this, Gohan realizes that there is no way that he can save the Earth and blames himself for not finishing Cell off sooner. However, at the last second, Goku uses instant-transmission to transport in front of Semi-Perfect Cell. Goku tells Gohan how proud he is of his son for putting up a good fight and to look after Chi-Chi. After a heart-felt goodbye to his son, Goku transports Cell away from Earth to King Kai's Planet where Semi-Perfect Cell finally explodes, destroying the planet and killing Goku, King Kai, Bubbles, and Gregory in the process. Back on Earth, Gohan and the other Z Fighters mourn Goku's noble sacrifice. Realizing how cocky and arrogant he was, Gohan cries and blames himself for his father's death while Krillin tries to comfort him. 

Gohan's arm is badly broken after defending Vegeta from Super Perfect Cell's attack

However, unknown to the Z Fighters, Cell survives the explosion, regenerating from a lone cell in his core. Doing this effectively raised his power higher due to the Saiyan genes he absorbed from Goku and Vegeta, and he also learned Goku's Instant Transmission technique, which he used to head back to Earth. As his first act of return, Super Perfect Cell kills Future Trunks with one blast in front of the shocked Z Fighters. Gohan was in fact pleased to see Super Perfect Cell had returned, hoping to defeat the android so he could avenge his father. Enraged by his son's death, Vegeta in a fit of fury and rage, transformed into to a Super Saiyan and attacked Super Perfect Cell with a powerful barrage of energy blasts. However, as the dust clears, Super Perfect Cell emerges from the blast, unharmed, and smacks Vegeta aside to the ground and fires a powerful blast at the Saiyan prince. Gohan jumps in front of the unconscious Vegeta and takes the full-force of Super Perfect Cell's attack, costing him the use of his left arm and most of his power drained. 

Gohan fires the Father-Son Kamehameha at Super Perfect Cell

Wanting to end the conflict, Super Perfect Cell prepares a massive Kamehameha to destroy Gohan, who loses all hope after having his left arm broken and seeing how much more powerful Super Perfect Cell is now. However, at that moment, Goku telepathically contacted Gohan with the help of King Kai and encouraged Gohan to believe in his power. When Gohan tells Goku it was all his fault that this happened, Goku reminds him that not only do things like this happen, but if anyone is to blame for it, it is Super Perfect Cell. With new found hope and confidence, Gohan prepares a one-handed Kamehameha with the assistance from Goku's spirit. With their attacks finally charged and ready, Gohan and Super Perfect Cell fire their Kamehameha attacks at each other, resulting in a huge Beam Struggle that knocks away everyone else. 

Gohan destroys Super Perfect Cell once and for all

During the Kamehameha duel between Gohan and Super Perfect Cell, Super Perfect Cell has the upper hand against Gohan. However, Gohan, still aided by his father in Other World, is able to charge more of his power into his Kamehameha, seemingly bringing the energy duel to a standstill. The Z Fighters, except for Vegeta, also help out Gohan by blasting Super Perfect Cell, who retaliates by knocking all of them away with his energy, rendering them unable to help Gohan. However, just as Super Perfect Cell is about to destroy Gohan, Vegeta, after regaining his confidence, aims at Super Perfect Cell's head with a small Big Bang Attack, distracting the android. Seeing this opportunity, Gohan (encouraged by Goku) unleashes all the rest of his power into his Kamehameha, completely destroying every cell in Super Perfect Cell's body, dispatching the android once and for all. Having successfully won, Gohan reverts to his normal state and collapses to the ground, breathing heavily and smiling as Goku in Other World expresses how proud he is of his son for finally defeating Super Perfect Cell and saving the world. 

Gohan says his goodbye to his deceased father

Following Super Perfect Cell's defeat, the Z Fighters and Gohan return to Dende's Lookout, where he is healed by Dende. With the newly recreated Dragon Balls, they summon Shenron and wish for all of Cell's victims to be revived. However, Goku does not come back and telepathically contacts the Z Fighters on the Lookout. Goku tells them not to revive him and explains that he seemed to attract evil villains that were after him, so the Earth would be safer if he was not there. He also said that Gohan had greatly surpassed him and if there were any other threats, Gohan would be there to defend the Earth. With the conversation over, Gohan and the Z Fighters say their goodbyes to Goku and to each other before leaving Kami's Lookout and going their separate ways, leaving the Earth safe once more. At that time, in the PSP game Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai, Super Janemba's messing with reality in the future causes Teen Gohan's essence to be dragged into the future two years after Kid Buu's defeat while Gohan was asleep. Gohan is consumed by blind rage when taunted by Cell about the mistakes that he made and, taken over by Janemba's influence, he gains a power boost enough to easily destroy Super Perfect Cell (who had previously beaten Super Saiyan 3 Gotenks thanks to a Zenkai boost). As his rage builds, Teen Gohan begins to lose his memories. Teen Gohan then aids his future self and his friend's future selves in defeating Super Janemba, before his essence is sent back in time by Piccolo's wish to Shenron. He wakes up in the morning with no memories of the events.

Seven Years Later

"Guardian of the city, I am the one and only... Great Saiyaman!" — Gohan displaying his new Great Saiyaman alter ego to some crooks

Main article: Great Saiyaman Saga

Gohan on his first day of high school

Seven years after the events of the Cell Games, Gohan lives at home with his mother and his seven-year-old brother named Goten, born just after the Cell Games. His training has taken a backseat to his studies and his strength has decreased overtime, although he can still compete with Goku and Vegeta, who have trained hard in those years. Chi-Chi decides Gohan needs to attend high school in order to pursue higher education, so she sends him to Orange Star High School in Satan City. On his first day in the city, he turns Super Saiyan (in order to conceal his identity) to stop a robbery, and by the time he arrives at Orange Star High tales of the newest hero, "Gold Fighter", have already spread (which name was actually given to him after two previous incidents while going to the school to take entrance exams). In class, he meets another crime-fighter and the most popular girl in school, Videl. She is the daughter of Mr. Satan, who got rich and famous for stealing Gohan's credit over the defeat of Cell. While at school, Gohan also had to be careful not to reveal his true power.

Gohan as a teenager during the Majin Buu Saga

Videl is highly suspicious of Gohan and spies on him to see if he is really the Gold Fighter. Videl confronts Gohan several times to voice her suspicions, but Gohan nervously denies them. Gohan decides to use a disguise when fighting crime and goes to Bulma to make him a costume. He becomes the Great Saiyaman to hide his identity so that the media will not bother his family. However, while trying to convince Videl to let him return a stolen pterodactyl baby to its two pterodactyl parents, he accidentally reveals his identity to Videl, who then blackmails Gohan to compete against her in the newly revived World Martial Arts Tournament in exchange for her silence. Gohan, having no experience with kids his own age, especially girls, is helpless against the confident Videl, who makes him promise to teach her how to fly.

Gohan teaches Videl how to use her energy to fly

When Gohan tells Bulma about the tournament, Goku, listening in from the Other World, contacts them and tells them he'll compete too, using his one-day pass to the human world. Hearing this, Vegeta also decides to compete. To make it more interesting, and to give them a chance to meet Goku again, Gohan tells all his friends about the tournament, and they all decide to compete. While Gohan trains with Goten, he is shocked to see Goten transform into a Super Saiyan, breaking his record as the youngest Super Saiyan ever, worrying that if he does not train harder, Goten will surpass him. When Videl shows up at Gohan's home to learn to fly, Gohan learns that she has no knowledge of energy, since her father believes it to be just a trick. Gohan begins training her from scratch, though she picks it up pretty quickly. During his training of Videl as well as his brother Goten, Videl learns more about Gohan and grows closer to him. Also when teaching Videl becomes a great flyer, Gohan had thought that Videl was really something special. Despite the relentless teasing from friends (such as Krillin), Videl and Gohan develop a sweet kind of relationship.

The World Tournament

"Last chance for requests! Do you just want to see just a Super Saiyan? Or should I take it up to the next level!?" — Gohan confronting Kibito at the World Martial Arts Tournament

Main article: World Tournament Saga

Gohan angrily turns Super Saiyan 2 after witnessing Spopovich beating up Videl

As the Z Fighters arrive at the World Tournament, Goku, who had been in Other World training for the last seven years, arrives on Earth and after an emotional greeting by Gohan, meets his second son, Goten. As the tournament occurs, the Z Fighters easily brush through their matches. Later, however, when Videl fights Spopovich, she is nearly beaten to death by the large brute. Gohan watches in anger as his friend horribly suffers at the hands of the ruthless Spopovich. Finally, having seen enough, Gohan turns Super Saiyan 2 and tries to save Videl from Spopovich, but before he can, Yamu interrupts and tells for Spopovich to finish the match because they have much more important things in the matter. Spopovich kicks Videl out of the ring and leaves with Yamu, but not before being told by the angry Gohan that he will win the next time they fight.

Gohan transforms into a Super Saiyan 2 in front of Kibito

After rushing Videl to the hospital and giving her a Senzu Bean to heal, Gohan returned to the tournament and found himself set up to fight Kibito. In order for the Supreme Kai and Kibito to find Babidi's spaceship, they are forced into tricking Gohan into turning into a Super Saiyan. However, Gohan states that there is a level beyond a Super Saiyan and transforms into his Super Saiyan 2 form, shocking the audience into thinking that he was the mysterious Gold Fighter. At that moment, Yamu and Spopovich jump into the ring and Supreme Kai paralyzes Gohan when he is about to attack. Yamu and Spopovich steal Gohan's energy, reverting him back to his normal state, and fly off, with Supreme Kai and the other Z Fighters in pursuit. Kibito heals Gohan, restoring his energy and explains they are going after Spopovich and Yamu to find Babidi's spaceship. Gohan and Kibito, along with Videl, fly away to meet up with the Z Fighters.

The Evil Wizard, Babidi

"Come on, Dabura! Show your true power, you can't win at this rate!" — Gohan during his battle against Dabura

Main article: Babidi Saga After flying for a time, Videl gets tired and decides to head back to the World Tournament, seeing as the opponent they are going to face is too powerful for her. However, before leaving, she and Gohan have a conversation about the identity of the Gold Fighter, who is actually Gohan. Figuring this out, Videl comes to the conclusion that seven years ago during the Cell Games, Gohan was the golden-haired boy who had defeated Super Perfect Cell, not Mr. Satan. Gohan and Videl say goodbye to each other and Videl promises that she is not through with him yet, indicating that she has fallen for him.

Gohan faces Dabura

Gohan and Kibito later catch up with the Supreme Kai and the Z Fighters at Babidi's spaceship. They hide and secretly watch as Yamu and Spopovich give the energy to the evil wizard Babidi, who retaliates by killing them. Dabura and Babidi realize the Z Fighters are nearby and decide to steal their energy by killing the weaker fighters and luring them into the spaceship. Dabura flies up to the Z Fighters and kills Kibito with a Evil Impulse blast at point blank range. After a brief fight, Dabura spits on Krillin and Piccolo, turning them to stone, and flies back to the spaceship, with Goku, Gohan, Vegeta, and a reluctant Supreme Kai following behind.

Gohan battling Dabura

When they get inside the spaceship, they are told they must defeat the three fighters if they want to destroy Babidi. The first fighter, Pui Pui, appears and fights against Vegeta, only to be easily killed when the Saiyan prince fires a powerful energy blast on Pui Pui's chest. Goku is the next to fight against Yakon, the second fighter, who has the ability to absorb energy. However, Goku manages to kill him by making him absorb too much of his energy, causing Yakon to explode. With the two fighters defeated, Gohan fights against the last and strongest of Babidi's fighters, Dabura in a mountain area. At first, Gohan is fighting a little rusty against Dabura due to not training during the seven years after the Cell Games, but after transforming into his Super Saiyan 2 form, Gohan manages to fight evenly with the Demon King. However, it is revealed by Goku and Vegeta that Gohan had a lot more power when he faced Cell seven years earlier. Vegeta becomes disgraced with Gohan's lack of motivation and expresses his frustration, believing Gohan to have peaked in power. Dabura notices Vegeta's inside evilness and stops the fight with Gohan to report his findings to Babidi. Soon after the fight, Vegeta's mind is taken over Babidi's magic, transforming him into Majin Vegeta thus releasing the evil in his heart. Babidi transports them to the World Tournament arena, where Majin Vegeta destroys parts of the stadium, killing many people to convince Goku to fight him. Goku agrees and they are transported to a desert area. Before leaving with Supreme Kai to stop Babidi, Gohan is given a Senzu Bean by Goku, who tells him to remember about the people he is fighting for and how much he cares about them and let that be his weapon. Gohan says goodbye to Goku as he and Supreme Kai head down Babidi's spaceship to confront the evil wizard, while Goku and Majin Vegeta fight their intense battle.

The ancient evil, Majin Buu

"But there's people I care about! And this time around, I'm not gonna just stand by and let them all get hurt!" — Gohan rejecting Supreme Kai's order and preparing to attack Majin Buu's cocoon

Main article: Majin Buu Saga

Gohan fires a series of Kamehameha waves in an attempt to destroy Majin Buu's cocoon

After easily defeating many weak henchmen, Gohan and Supreme Kai make it to the bottom of the ship where the Sealed Ball containing Majin Buu is. Babidi and Dabura appear and prepare to release the Majin from the ball. Supreme Kai orders Gohan to retreat and wait for the others to think of a way to defeat Majin Buu, but Gohan, remembering his father's words, refuses and says he needs to protect the people he cares about. Gohan powers up and fires an Electric Kamehameha one after another attempting to destroy the cocoon and Majin Buu along with it, but the cocoon is unaffected. The cocoon finally stops steaming and hatches, but nothing is inside. However, only Gohan knows that something did come out of the cocoon, and it was forming something up into the sky. The steam that erupted from the cocoon forms into a pink, fat creature: Majin Buu.

Gohan trains with the Z Sword on the Supreme Kai Planet

Despite his best efforts to protect Supreme Kai from Majin Buu, Gohan is left nearly killed after Majin Buu fires a devastating attack that blasts him up into the sky. The weakened Supreme Kai uses his psychic powers to destroy the attack and Gohan ends up falling down into a nearby forest, unconscious and severely beaten. Fortunately, when Kibito is brought back to life by the Dragon Balls he locates and heals the Supreme Kai. They eventually find Gohan in the forest and bring him to the Supreme Kai Planet to be healed. After being revived, Gohan is then told he was brought to the Kai Planet to pull out the legendary Z Sword to defeat Majin Buu. At first, Gohan has trouble pulling the Z Sword out, but after transforming into a Super Saiyan 2, he manages to pull it out.

Gohan holding the broken Z Sword

During his training with the Z Sword, Gohan reunites with his father Goku, who has returned from Earth where he transformed into Super Saiyan 3 to fight Majin Buu. Goku is surprised to see that his son is still alive and discovers Supreme Kai was behind this. Seeing Gohan's excellent progress with the Z Sword, Goku decides to test its strength by throwing a huge boulder, which Gohan easily slices in half. Supreme Kai summons Katchin, the densest metal in the universe, to test if Gohan can slice through it. However, when Goku throws the Katchin at Gohan, the Z Sword snaps in two and from the broken sword emerges Old Kai, who tells them that he will fully unlock Gohan's latent potential in a ritual.
 

A Whole New Gohan

"Fight you? No, I wanna kill you." — Gohan confronting Super Buu

Main article: Fusion Saga

Gohan's hidden power is finally unlocked by Old Kai

As Goku, Supreme Kai, and Kibito observe what is happening down on Earth, Gohan grows increasingly impatient as Old Kai reads and laughs at comics instead of unlocking his power. Gohan soon loses his patience and angrily powers up, displaying an amazing power that illuminates the Supreme Kai planet. However, amazed at realizing that some of his power really was unlocked, Gohan apologizes to Old Kai, and resumes the ritual. After some time, the ritual is finally completed and Gohan is told to power up like he does for the Super Saiyan transformation; however, when he does, his appearance does not change, but his power and strength gain an awesome increase. Gohan says goodbye to Supreme Kai, Old Kai, and his father Goku and is transported back to Earth by Kibito. Before Kibito transports back to the Supreme Kai planet, Gohan asks for the clothes reminiscent of his father's, to which Kibito happily complies. Kibito wishes Gohan good luck and transports back to the Supreme Kai planet. With his power finally released and the fate of the world now in his hands, Gohan flies off to confront the new Majin Buu: Super Buu.

Gohan dominates Super Buu after having his hidden power released by Old Kai

Gohan arrives on the battlefield where he finds Goten, Trunks, and Piccolo, who reveal that all of their friends and family were killed and eaten by Super Buu. Gohan is angry about this at first, until he senses Dende's faint energy signature. Gohan powers up and completely outclasses Super Buu, much to the shock of Goten, Trunks, and Piccolo. No matter how much he tries, Super Buu is unable to land any damage on Gohan, who easily dodges and blocks all of the monster's strongest attacks. In an act of desperation, Super Buu attempts to self-destruct and take Gohan with him, but Gohan sees through this and grabs and flies away with Piccolo, Goten, and Trunks before they are all caught in the explosion.

Gohan battles Super Buu after he absorbs Gotenks and Piccolo

After getting to a safe distance, Gohan explains to Goten, Trunks, and Piccolo how he had become very powerful through Old Kai's magic ritual. Gohan and the others sense Dende's weak life force and decide to fly after him before Super Buu does. Along the way, they meet up and rescue an exhausted Mr. Satan and his adopted dog, Bee, who were strolling around in the desert. They finally locate Dende, who explains to them that he was thrown off of the Lookout by Mr. Popo before he could be hit by Super Buu's Chocolate Beam. After the hour is up, Super Buu arrives and challenges Goten and Trunks to fight him again for a rematch, which the boys agree on and fuse into Super Saiyan 3 Gotenks. At that moment, however, Super Buu absorbs Gotenks and Piccolo, resulting in a massive increase of mental and physical strength.

"I'm tougher than Gotenks and smarter than Piccolo. So I guess the only thing you have to worry about is if I'm stronger than you." — Gohan confronting Super Buu (w/ Gotenks absorbed)

Gohan is strangled by Super Buu

As the battle begins, Gohan manages to fight evenly with the new Super Buu until Buu soon reveals that he was holding back. Buu begins thrashing Gohan, all the while using Piccolo's intelligence to play mind games and further torment Gohan. When he remarks that Dende is healing Gohan's injuries, Buu attacks Dende. Tien Shinhan soon joins the fight, saving Dende and Mr. Satan, but Super Buu quickly defeats him with one kick and prepares an attack capable of destroying the entire Earth. At the last second, however, Goku (after receiving Potara Earrings from Old Kai) appears and slices Super Buu in half. Goku throws one earring to Gohan, but Gohan fails to catch it and Goku is forced to transform into his Super Saiyan 3 form to stall Super Buu, while Gohan searches for the earring. He manages to find the earring, but since Gotenks defused inside of Super Buu, which caused his power to decrease, Goku says there is no need for Potara Fusion, seeing as they can easily beat Super Buu now. However, Super Buu manages to absorb Gohan while he is caught off-guard, vastly increasing his power.

The final battle

Main article: Kid Buu Saga

A picture of Gohan and Videl's wedding at the end Dragon Ball Z

Later, Goku and Vegeta (who had fused into Vegito to dominate Super Buu) enter Super Buu's body and escape with Gohan, Goten, Trunks, and Piccolo. However, this causes Super Buu to undergo a final transformation into his original form – Kid Buu. Gohan is killed when Kid Buu destroys the Earth, but he is soon revived along with the Earth and everyone else by Porunga. When they learn from Vegeta that Goku needs energy for his Super Spirit Bomb, they contribute part of their energy to the Spirit Bomb, but the citizens of Earth are reluctant to give up their energy. However, after Mr. Satan convinces the people to donate their energy, the Super Spirit Bomb is completed, and Goku obliterates Kid Buu once and for all. Ten years later, Gohan has finally become a scholar, married Videl and had a daughter named Pan. At the 28th World Martial Arts Tournament, Goku participates and fights Uub, the reincarnation of Kid Buu. After an equal battle, Goku takes in Uub as his student to train him and better control his power. Goku bids farewell to Gohan and the others before Goku and Uub fly away to Uub's village, ending the Dragon Ball Z series.

Dragon Ball GT

Search for the Black Star Dragon Balls

Gohan is shocked to see that his father has become a child again

Five years (10 years in the FUNimation dub) after Dragon Ball Z, Gohan is employed by Bulma's company as a researcher and, like Trunks, he rarely trains, though apparently, even in the Earth's peaceful time he has not neglected his training.^[7] He now is more concerned about being a good husband and father. He is one of the first to learn about Goku's transformation back into a child thanks to a wish made to the Black Star Dragon Balls by Emperor Pilaf. They all soon learn that if the Black Star Dragon Balls are not collected and brought back to Earth within a year's time, the planet will explode.

Gohan and Videl witness Trunks' spaceship blast off

Gohan, along with the help of Bulma and Videl, works on the spaceship used for Goku, Trunks, and Goten (later replaced by his daughter Pan) to go hunt the Black Star Dragon Balls. Even though he had apparently stopped with his training, he was still far stronger than most of his allies, including Trunks and Goten. He was arguably the closest to Goku and Vegeta's league in strength with Uub and Mr. Buu following in close pursuit.

Baby, the evil parasite

"My mother can overreact some, which is why I didn't say anything earlier. So what have you done with my brother?" — Gohan confronting Baby-possessed Goten

Gohan survives Baby Goten's energy wave

Gohan is later seen again visiting his mother and brother at Capsule Corp. with Videl. They tell Chi-Chi that Goten got into a fight somewhere (with Baby) over at Satan City. Goten returns shortly after, now under the control of Baby. Baby immediately realizes that Gohan is stronger than Goten and could be a little more sufficient body to help him infect Vegeta. Gohan also realizes something is not right with his brother. They two get into a little fight and decide to settle at a remote location. Baby-possessed Goten immediately plays the offensive against Gohan, trying to force him to power up (making it easier for him to takeover Gohan's body). Gohan refuses to do so, realizing that if he uses enough energy, he could hurt Goten. Baby-possessed Goten then powers up to full strength, cornering Gohan. Having no other choice, Gohan powers up to a Super Saiyan. Baby uses this opportunity and easily takes over Gohan's body. Baby tests Gohan's powers by attacking Piccolo in the area.

Baby-possessed Gohan attacks Vegeta

Now with Gohan under his control, Baby seeks out his true target: Vegeta. Baby-possessed Gohan locates Vegeta and fights an even battle with the Saiyan prince. The fight is soon interrupted by the arrival of Goten, who Baby left an egg implanted inside of, rendering him under his control. With the help of Goten, one of Baby-possessed Gohan's attacks pierces Vegeta's skin, which Baby takes the opportunity to liquefy himself and enter Vegeta's body, gaining control of a more powerful host. However, just like Goten, Gohan has an egg implanted inside of him by Baby, bringing him under control of the Tuffle parasite. Later, when Goku, Pan, and Trunks return home from outer space after collecting the Black Star Dragon Balls (which Dende later gave to Baby so he could wish for Planet Plant to be restored), Gohan and Goten appear at their house and transform into Super Saiyans to immediately fight Goku and Pan. Gohan even promises to kill Pan and fires an energy blast at her. However, Goku blocks the attack and the explosion knocks him and Pan down to the ground, rendering Pan unconscious. This angers Goku and he fights at full power, allowing him to gain the upper hand against the controlled Gohan and Goten. However, before Goku fires his Kamehameha at Gohan and Goten, Mr. Satan and Majin Buu show up and explain what has happened.

Piccolo's final farewell to Gohan before he dies

After being purified by the Sacred Water by Kibito Kai, Gohan, along with Goten, Trunks, and Pan help restore Goku's Super Saiyan 4 powers. Eventually, Goku manages to defeat Great Ape Baby, forcing the Tuffle parasite to flee from Vegeta's body, returning him back to normal. Baby then tries to escape in a spaceship, but Goku fires a powerful 10x Kamehameha up at the spaceship, blasting it to the sun while Baby was inside and killing the Tuffle for good.

Gohan weeps over Piccolo's death

Later, Gohan helps in evacuating the population of Earth to the New Planet Plant before Earth's explosion. However, when Goku teleports back to Earth to get a little boy who was left behind during the evacuation, Piccolo suddenly appears, saves the boy, and gives Goku enough energy to teleport back. However, he chooses to share the same fate as the Earth. Moments before his death, Piccolo has a telepathic farewell conversation with Gohan. He tells him that he chooses to remain behind as his death would cause the Black Star Dragon Balls to be eternally turned to stone. This way, no wishes from the Black Star Dragon Balls will be made, saving the Earth from a future disaster. Gohan bursts into tears and pleads for Piccolo to come with them, but Piccolo declines and tells him how proud he is of Gohan for how he has matured and the amazing potential he had displayed over the years. With the conversation over, Piccolo says his final goodbye to Gohan, who screams Piccolo's name in devastating sadness as his mentor dies a dramatic death in Earth's explosion. The Earth is restored back to normal and everybody is back on it. Gohan says to Goku that he still misses Piccolo, but his father comforts him and says that he misses Piccolo, too, cheering him up. With that, Goku and Gohan are happy that the Earth and its inhabitants are safe for now.

Super 17, the Ultimate Android

"We can't let them do this! They've all been beaten before, we can beat them again!" — Gohan, while fighting Super 17

Gohan battles General Rilldo

Gohan observes the 31st World Martial Arts Tournament with Videl and Krillin while Goku fights in the Junior Division and Pan, Mr. Satan and Majuub compete in the Adult Division. Some time afterwards, along with the rest of the gang, Gohan fight the villains that escaped from Hell. He mainly battles a revived General Rilldo, saving Pan and Mr. Satan from him. He and General Rilldo have an evenly matched fight before Rilldo unexpectedly uses his Metal Breath to turn Gohan's right arm and left leg into metal. He is nearly killed, but was saved at the last minute by Majuub. Along with Goten, Trunks, Vegeta, and Majuub, Gohan battles against Super 17, even firing an incredible Kamehameha attack at the Android but it has no effect because Super 17 absorbs it. Gohan is the first to be knocked out. He is saved along with the others by Goku, who, with the help of Android 18, eventually kills Super 17 with a Dragon Fist followed by a Kamehameha.

The Shadow Dragons

Gohan in the Shadow Dragon Saga

Gohan, along with the rest, learns that thanks to the several wishes made to the Dragon Balls over the years, negative energy has overflowed, turning the balls evil, causing seven powerful Shadow Dragons to emerge from them.

Syn Shenron attacks Gohan

Pan and Goku are successful in hunting down and killing most of the dragons, but are no match for the powerful Syn Shenron. Gohan, Trunks, and Goten come to the rescue and revive Goku's energy, while Majuub holds off Syn Shenron. Shenron is, however, relentless at killing Goku, and tries his best to stop the re-powering. He is even successful in landing a devastating blow on Gohan. Syn's efforts are in vain, though, as the three are able to restore Goku's energy. Goku, now at full power, is more than enough to beat Syn Shenron, but things go for the worse when Syn absorbs all seven Dragon Balls, and transforms into Omega Shenron. Not even Goku is able to comprehend his power.

Gohan warns Bulma about what damage Vegeta could cause as a Golden Great Ape

The situation changes when Vegeta arrives and absorbed Blutz Waves from Bulma's new machine, to help him achieve Super Saiyan 4. Gohan warns Bulma that if given too much, he might lose control and become too powerful and uncontrollable (like Baby). However, Vegeta is successfully able to achieve Super Saiyan 4. It is not enough to stop Omega Shenron though, and Goku and Vegeta realize there's only one option: fusion. Gohan, Trunks, and Goten hold off Omega Shenron long enough for the fusion to be successful, forming Gogeta. Gogeta is far more powerful than Omega Shenron, but because he failed to take the fight seriously, the fusion expires before he kills Omega Shenron. It now seems that all hope is lost, but Goku attempts to form an Universal Spirit Bomb. The rest battle Omega Shenron, but all are defeated easily by him. They do however, hold out long enough for Goku's attack to be complete and kill Omega Shenron, once and for all. After the final battle with Omega Shenron, he is last seen in one of the flashbacks in the end of Dragon Ball GT.

Dragon Ball Z movies

Gohan appears in every Dragon Ball Z film except Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly, in which he only appears during the credits.

• Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone
• Dragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest
• Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might
• Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug
• Dragon Ball Z: Cooler's Revenge
• Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler
• Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13!
• Dragon Ball Z: Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan
• Dragon Ball: Plan to Eradicate the Super Saiyans
• Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound
• Dragon Ball Z: Broly - Second Coming
• Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn
• Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon
• Dragon Ball: Yo! Son Goku and His Friends Return!!
• Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods
• Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’

 

Dead Zone

Main article: Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone

Gohan in Dead Zone

Gohan ended up kidnapped by Garlic Jr. and his henchmen, largely due to his possession of the Four Star Dragon Ball. While held hostage at Garlic Jr.'s lair, he ended up eating some apples that Nikki was eating, unaware that they were filled with an intoxicating substance (resulting in him entering a state comparable to drunkenness). He eventually wakes up and unknowingly peed on Krillin's head. Eventually, Gohan managed to awaken his inner power and send Garlic Jr. into the Dead Zone. Goku, witnessing this, decided to tell Gohan about his power later and took him home.

The World's Strongest

Main article: Dragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest

Gohan in The World's Strongest

After Oolong saw the Dragon Balls being congregated to one spot, Gohan accompanied him to investigate (with Oolong in particular planning to wish for another set of panties). However, upon arrival, they ended up witnessing Dr. Kochin using the Dragon Balls to free Dr. Wheelo's Fortress. Gohan and Oolong later ended up attacked by Wheelo's Bio-Men, but Piccolo ended up saving them, although at the cost of being captured (with Gohan believing him to have been killed). He and Oolong were later confronted by Chi-Chi and Goku regarding the disappearances of Master Roshi and Bulma, where they admitted what they had witnessed.

The Tree of Might

Main article: Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might

Gohan in The Tree of Might

During a camping trip, Gohan ended up, alongside the rest of the Z Fighters, putting out a forest fire (caused by Turles' probe crashing into the forest), also saving a dragon named Icarus from the blaze, befriending it as a result. He later stopped Icarus from attacking Shenron when they attempted to wish the damage from the Forest Fire to be undone. Afterwards, Gohan ended up encountering Turles, and mistook him for Goku. He then was forced to turn into a Great Ape by Turles (the latter using a Power Ball) and then destroying the power ball in order to have Gohan last long enough in Great Ape form to cause immense destruction. However, Gohan was soothed by the presence of Icarus, causing Turles to shoot down Icarus and thus Gohan to attack Turles instead. Gohan was nearly killed by Turles, but Goku arrived and sheared off Gohan's tail to save him from the attack. He then passed out, although not before telling Goku to stop Turles. He later woke up after the Tree of Might was destroyed by Goku (with Turles dying with it) and witnessed alongside Icarus the Earth being restored.

Lord Slug

Main article: Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug

Gohan after firing a Ki Blast at Slug's army

Gohan appears in this film along with Goku, Piccolo and Krillin. When we first see him, he is with Icarus (His dragon friend from Tree of Might.) and he puts on a dance with him for Piccolo. Without noticing, he starts to whistle and the whistling seems to cause Piccolo a great deal of pain. After apologizing, both of them sense the presence of a high power level heading toward Earth. Gohan arrives at the landing site where Lord Slug and his minions begin to terrorize the city. He loses his Dragonball hat that is picked up by Lord Slug. He starts to battle with them, but is taken down by Medamatcha and Angila. When Lord Slug's machine brings the planet to a deep freeze, he takes refuge with his mother in their house, but flies off to battle him wearing Piccolo's Namekian suit. He fights well, but as he is outnumbered, Piccolo comes to his aide. Together they duel the villains until Gohan is over taken by Medamatcha's creations, but is saved by Piccolo. Goku comes to battle Lord Slug himself, but he has a very hard time of it, and Piccolo once again intervenes. When he has Slug's full attention, he rips off his own ears and tells Gohan to whistle. As Gohan begins to whistle, he weakens Slug, and gives Piccolo the chance to give his energy to Goku, aiding him in his victory over Lord Slug.

Cooler's Revenge

Main article: Dragon Ball Z: Cooler's Revenge

Gohan in Cooler's Revenge

Gohan accompanied Goku, Krillin, Oolong, and Icarus on another camping trip (although Goku initially planned to have Gohan finish up his homework first). However, the camping trip was short lived due to Cooler's Armored Squadron ambushing them. Gohan attempted to aid Krillin, but was himself weakened by Dore grabbing his tail (which Krillin had attempted to warn Gohan immediately before he had been knocked out by Neiz), with Dore also spinning him around by the tail until Goku interfered. While the Armored Squadron (who had arrived to kill Goku in the first place) attacked Goku, Gohan remained behind to attempt to restore Krillin to consciousness. Eventually, he flew in an attempt to aid his father, although the then-recently arrived Cooler tried to murder the boy with his Darkness Eye Beam, resulting in Goku taking the blast to save Gohan. They later went into hiding inside of a cave, although they were later trapped inside by the Armored Squadron blasting the landscape. They were later found by the rest of the group by Icarus' scent. Gohan then informed them about Goku's wounded status as well as wanting to know about the survival of the animals in the area. Gohan then, alongside Icarus, travelled to Korin's Tower to get Senzu Beans, also going high into the sky to avoid the Armored Squadron's scouters. Upon arrival, Gohan attempted to get beans, although he was told to descend the tower because he failed to bring Korin a gift (in the Japanese version, it was because he only climbed halfway up the tower), although largely because of Yajirobe's interference, he got a bean satchel and a spare bean. Gohan and Icarus then departed back to Goku's location, but were ambushed by the Armored Squadron, with Icarus being shot down and Gohan nearly killed by Dore's Can-Opener Attack, although Piccolo intervened, also holding off the Armored Squadron so Gohan can successfully deliver the Senzu Beans to Goku. He was also pursued by Dore, although Piccolo finished him off with his Chasing Bullet. He eventually arrived at the cave, but the satchel was destroyed by the Armored Squadron commander and sole survivor, Salza (who had escaped from Piccolo due to Cooler's interference earlier). Fortunately, the spare bean was still intact, which Gohan then proceeded to feed Goku the bean. He then attacked Salza in a rage after witnessing Salza defeat Krillin, but was defeated effortlessly. He then passed out, although not before witnessing Goku emerge from the cave completely healed. Gohan was among those in Goku's mind when he transformed into a Super Saiyan again to defeat Cooler. Gohan later met up with his father after Cooler had apparently been killed, and decided to search the rubble to see if Piccolo was present (due to it shaking), although they soon discovered it was actually Salza preparing to ambush them. However, Piccolo intervened from a distance with his Special Beam Cannon, finishing him off. Gohan then tried to call out to Piccolo.

The Return of Cooler

Main article: Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler

Gohan's punch penetrates a Cyclopian Guard

Gohan goes with the other Z Fighters to New Namek, when they all notice that the entire planet has been taken over by a gigantic planet-eating machine known as the Big Gete Star. All of them set out to investigate, seeing that the Namekians have been taken prisoner. Gohan is the first to act, saving a Namekian from being killed. It wasn't long before they find out that Cooler had returned, and he sent his new mechanized soldiers to kill them. Gohan, Piccolo and Krillin do battle with their metal foes, but it doesn't take long before they begin breaking the Cyclopian Guards apart by upping their attack strength. Though they start doing better, Gohan and Krillin are taken to the Gete Star and imprisoned, ready to be absorbed for their energy. After a long battle between Goku, Vegeta and Cooler, the Saiyans overpower the Gete Star, and Piccolo takes that chance to save Gohan and the rest of the accompanying Z Fighters. They escape before the entire Big Gete Star is destroyed. Together, Gohan and the rest of them return to Earth.

Super Android 13!

Main article: Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13!

Gohan in Super Android 13!

Gohan attended his mom and dad in shopping (as Gohan had earlier agreed to undergo Summer School). While having a meal at a penthouse restaurant with his family, Future Trunks, Krillin, Oolong, and Master Roshi (the latter four having attempted to go to a swimsuit show that actually was not supposed to happen in weeks), Gohan and the others ended up surviving an attempted bombing as well as saved the other patrons. Gohan later attempted to aid Goku and Future Trunks in confronting the entities responsible for the attack: Android 14 and Android 15, who had obviously been targeting Goku due to Dr. Gero's desires of revenge against him. However, Chi-Chi attempted to stop him largely due to his commitment to Summer School. Gohan, however, coldly asked her whether his studies were more important than ensuring Goku survived against the Androids, with Chi-Chi being shocked enough to let Gohan go. Krillin later accompanied Gohan (the latter being forced to tag along by Chi-Chi) to aid Goku, and eventually tracked him, Future Trunks, Android 14, Android 15, and the newly arrived Android 13 to an arctic area. He later interfered and aided Goku when it was becoming clear that Android 13 was having the upper hand in fighting Goku, and was himself saved by Piccolo. Afterwards, when Android 13 transformed into Super Android 13 via parts from Androids 14 and 15 (who had been destroyed by Future Trunks and Vegeta, respectively), he was attacked by the Super Android. Gohan later attempted to aid Goku with the Spirit Bomb by attacking Super Android 13 to distract him long enough to ensure Goku got the energy needed. He later ended up hospitalized for the injuries.

Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan

Main article: Dragon Ball Z: Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan

Broly attacks Gohan

Gohan attended a Hanimani picnic with Future Trunks, Krillin, Bulma, Vegeta, Master Roshi, and Oolong (with Goku and Chi-Chi not attending due to Chi-Chi wanting to ensure Gohan got into a prestigious school). He later bore witness to Paragus' arrival, and attempted, alongside Krillin and Oolong, to stop a drunk Master Roshi (who was himself attempting to stop Vegeta from going to the South Galaxy to rule the new Saiyan Empire and defeating the Legendary Super Saiyan plaguing the Galaxy). Upon arriving at New Planet Vegeta, Gohan, alongside Roshi, Oolong, Krillin, and Future Trunks (the latter accompanying them at the last minute due to being suspicious of Paragus' motives and further attempt to get Vegeta to refuse Paragus' offer). Upon witnessing Vegeta meet Broly, Paragus' son, Gohan could not help but express amazement. Gohan later accompanied Krillin and Future Trunks to investigate the city, due to their distrusting Paragus. They then discover that the "city" was nothing but ruins, as well as stumbled upon a slave quarry. Gohan later interfered on the Shamoian slaves behalf and attacked the slavemaster. Gohan later ended up shocked at Goku's arrival (as well as Goku being accidentally punched in the face by Krillin while using instant transmission to arrive on the planet and showing off, respectively), also learning that Goku himself had been searching for the Legendary Super Saiyan (having been informed of this by King Kai earlier). Gohan, Future Trunks, and Krillin later questioned the Shamoian slaves (after feeding them) about the status of the Legendary Super Saiyan, and had confirmation that the Legendary Super Saiyan was indeed real, as he was responsible for the destruction of their homeworld prior to Paragus enslaving them. Later that night, Gohan and Krillin woke up (presumably to ask Goku something), but ended up witnessing Broly attacking Goku in a fit of rage, also being crushed underneath Goku's (now destroyed) mattress by the irate Saiyan after Broly threw it aside. The next morning, Gohan, alongside Master Roshi, Oolong, Krillin, and Future Trunks brought along several Shamoian slaves before Vegeta to expose Paragus' deception, with the Shamoians also recognizing Broly as the Super Saiyan who destroyed planet Shamo, as well as witnessing Broly's transformation into the Legendary Super Saiyan in a fit of rage. Gohan attempted to prevent Broly from attacking Goku, but Goku ended up pushing him aside due to realizing Broly was far too powerful for Gohan to handle, also being forced to retreat, although not before being hit by one of Broly's Explosive Waves. Gohan later was shielded by Goku from another blast. Gohan then enters his Super Saiyan state to attack Broly, alongside Goku and Future Trunks. However, Goku later forced Gohan to leave after Broly threatened him, with Goku attempting to hold him off. However, Broly caught up and violently attacked Gohan, eventually resulting in Gohan being snagged by the neck on a beam, nearly breaking it. He was nearly killed by one of Broly's Eraser Cannons, although he was saved by Piccolo, also being fed a Senzu Bean. He then, alongside Future Trunks, attempted to use a combined Masenko against Broly, but it did not phase Broly at all other than destroying the building he was on, and ended up clotheslined by the insane Saiyan while he attacked Piccolo. Gohan later ended up knocked out, but then donated his remaining energy to Goku as a last resort to put down the Legendary Super Saiyan once and for all. After Broly's defeat, Goku and Gohan returned to their house via instant transmission, only to encounter Chi-Chi (who was angry at Gohan and especially Goku for missing out on the Parent Teacher Conference), as well as attempting to help his mom after the latter fainted in exasperation.

Bojack Unbound

Main article: Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound A few months after the Cell Games, Gohan and the other Z-Fighters (including a visiting Future Trunks) proceeded to participate in the Intergalactic World Martial Arts Tournament. Gohan managed to get through the preliminary battles and managed to reach the final round of the tournament, alongside Trunks (who managed to beat Tien Shinhan), Krillin (who won by default after Piccolo forfeited out of disgust for the former's poor attempts at fighting the latter), and a sumo-wrestler named Doskoi. He then proceeded to be warped to a surreal world resembling a toy chest. Gohan then encountered his supposed challenger and one of the Galaxy Warriors: Bido. However, they fought to a stalemate, with Bido also trying to kill Gohan before revealing the "toy chest" was an illusion. Midway through the fight, Gohan managed to sense a far stronger power take out Future Trunks. Gohan then proceeded to rush to the location and discovered the other Galaxy Warriors, alongside the unconscious bodies of Trunks and Krillin, as well as the group's leader, Bojack.

Broly - Second Coming

Main article: Dragon Ball Z: Broly - Second Coming

"So, it is my father you are after! Why is scum like you always want revenge for being put in your place? Well come on, I'll be happy to put you back again!" — Gohan's thoughts before going to fight Broly

Gohan in Broly - Second Coming

Gohan sensed Broly attacking Goten and Trunks, and rushed to stop the trouble. Gohan then arrived and interfered with Broly's Planet Geyser technique against a weakened Goten and Trunks, also discovering Broly's survival. Upon meeting with the boys, he then explained who Broly was, and that Goku had beaten him, although he was later horrified when he discovered that Broly had also fought and injured Videl. Gohan then vowed to "put [Broly] back again" after deducing that Broly most likely wanted revenge against Goku for his earlier defeat, and fought Broly to a stalemate. After launching a blast that destroyed part of the area, Gohan realized that Broly has gotten much stronger since their last encounter, but was later saved by Videl, with Gohan expressing relief at her being alright. Gohan then attempted to stop Broly after he cracked the ground in four with an energy wave by launching into the air, and ended up bracing himself for an apparent attack from the deranged Super Saiyan. However, he then ended up attempting to defend the others when it became apparent that they were the true target, although this failed, leaving Gohan the only one left standing. He then became a Super Saiyan 2 in his rage, with Broly powering up to Legendary Super Saiyan. They then fought, although Gohan was largely getting beaten, eventually being trapped in a backbreaker over the newly formed lava pit. Gohan, however, eventually hit Broly hard enough to temporarily stun him and lured the Saiyan into the magma pit in the hopes of beating him. He succeeded, but was saved by Krillin (whom he mistook for Piccolo due to his wearing Piccolo's attire). However, the victory was short-lived when Broly revealed that the lava did not affect him at all. Gohan eventually was put in the vengeful Saiyan's mercy, but eventually broke free in anger at Videl's injured status (having used the last of her strength to hurl a crystal at Broly). Gohan then entered a beam struggle with the mad Saiyan, with Goten later participating, but were on the losing end. Gohan and Goten later were apparently spiritually aided by Goku, and eventually succeeded in launching Broly into the sun. Gohan later noticed that Goku disappeared, although he was certain Goku had been present. He later reunited with Videl, but then was forced to flee when it became apparent that she was upset with Gohan for not coming to her aid earlier.

Fusion Reborn

Main article: Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn

Gohan in Fusion Reborn

Gohan and Videl appear to fight the dead who return to Earth. Eventually, Frieza arrives and he and Gohan have a brief discussion where Gohan reveals his identity to the tyrant. Frieza sends an army of Hell inhabitants (including former Planet Trade members, Bojack's gang, etc.) to attack Gohan, but Gohan flies through them and defeats Frieza in a single blow. Afterwards, he and Videl hunt down and defeat the other escaped villains.

Wrath of the Dragon

Main article: Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon

Gohan confronts Hirudegarn

Months after the defeat of Kid Buu, Gohan along with the Z Fighters fight against Hirudegarn after he's revived by Hoi.

Yo! Son Goku and His Friends Return!!

Main article: Dragon Ball Z: Yo! Son Goku and His Friends Return!!

Gohan chats with Videl in Yo! Son Goku and His Friends Return!!

Two years after the defeat of Kid Buu, Gohan and his family attend a banquet held by Mr. Satan. During this event, he meets Tarble (Vegeta's younger brother), Gure and soon after Abo and Kado who are remnants of the Galactic Frieza Army.

Battle of Gods

Main article: Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods

Ultimate Gohan attacks

Four years after the defeat of Kid Buu, Gohan and friends attend Bulma's birthday party. There, he gets drunk and in his Saiyaman guise tries to get Mai to fire a bullet as part of a show for the others where she is holding Trunks hostage, though in reality she was in threatening his life despite his superhuman strength making him in no real danger. One of the bullets that Gohan deflects hits Videl in the leg, Dende then heals her and learns she is pregnant. Soon after a fight between Majin Buu and Beerus breaks out, Gohan and the Z Fighters jump into action against the God of Destruction but are heavily outclassed, with Gohan attempting to restrain Beerus in a full-nelson only to be flipped and kicked away. Soon after learning of the Super Saiyan God, he joins with Vegeta, Trunks and Goten in an unsuccessful attempt to help Goku transform, though soon learn that they need another Saiyan to successfully perform the ritual and Dende reveals Videl's preganncy, leading Gohan and the others to cheer in happiness before performing the ritual again, this time successfully transforming Goku into a Super Saiyan God. Later Gohan and the others follow Goku and Beerus' battle.

Resurrection ‘F’

Main article: Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’

Gohan is defeated

At the start of Resurrection ‘F’, Gohan is with Videl, Piccolo, and baby Pan. Gohan tries to get Piccolo to hold his daughter, however Piccolo is not interested. When Frieza is revived Gohan and Piccolo sense his ki, once it leaves the planet Piccolo tells Gohan that he has a bad feeling about what is going to happen. In response to this Piccolo begins training with Gohan in preparation for Frieza's return. Gohan and the other Z Fighters fight against Frieza and his army of a thousand soldiers. Gohan helps Piccolo fight a warrior named Shisami, and Gohan easily defeats him when he goes Super Saiyan. After this, Frieza kills Gohan with one blow and states that Gohan alone would have been more then enough to beat all 1000 of his Super Elite's. Piccolo uses a kiai as a form of chest-compression, which gets Gohan's heart beating and enables him to down the second-to-last senzu. Gohan watched the Goku, Vegeta, and Frieza fight. When Frieza destroyed the Earth, Whis shielded him and the others from being killed.

Video game stories

Dragon Ball Online

Time Breaker Great Ape Gohan

In the computer game Dragon Ball Online, it is revealed that after the demise of his father around Age 801, Gohan reflects on the power he wields and so he devoted himself to scholarly research on the source of that strength, ki. In Age 804, Gohan begins to research the martial arts of the past, organizing them in his book Groundbreaking Science, introducing concepts such as ki control to the general public and ushering in a worldwide revolution in martial arts. Later, when the remnants of Frieza's army launch a full-scale invasion of Earth, Gohan and the other Z Fighters band together and defeat them, using Saiyaman-like costumes to hide their identities. Gohan also appears as a kid in the game during Time Machine Missions in Age 761; in Break Wasteland, Great Ape Gohan is fought after he is made into a Time Breaker by Evil Bardock. The Time Patrol defeat Gohan and he is freed, returning to normal.

Power

Daizenshuu 2 states that Gohan's dormant power is bottomless. As a child during the battle against Raditz, when angered, Gohan's power level raises to 710 and then further to 1,307, before falling to 1 after attacking Raditz. Gohan gets more powerful after training for the battle against the Saiyans with Piccolo: his power level is 1,000 when confronting Nappa and Vegeta, and it rises up to 2,800 when using his Masenko on Nappa. After his potential was unlocked by Grand Elder Guru, Gohan's power level rises to 14,000. After the battle against the Ginyu Force, by the time he, Vegeta, and Krillin begin fighting Frieza, Gohan's power level is 200,000; when his anger rises during his battles with the different forms of Frieza, he is able to knock the tyrant around several times and even cause him some damage. Gohan's power level is 6,000 during the events of the movie World's Strongest, and Turles' scouter later reads Gohan's power level as 10,000 during the events of the movie The Tree of Might. When he has his tail held by Dore in Cooler's Revenge, Gohan's power level drops to 50.
Gohan's power grows even higher before and during the Androids/Cell Sagas, as he trains with his father and attains the Super Saiyan form as a teen. Gohan's potential is greater than his father's and his power surpassed Perfect Cell's when he fought in the Cell Games, but his gentle heart stopped him from fully using it. Gohan eventually attains Super Saiyan 2, at which point he becomes stronger than any of the other Z Fighters and Perfect Cell.
By the time of the 25th World Martial Arts Tournament, due to lack of training, Gohan is no longer as strong as he was during the Cell Games but is powerful enough to fight Dabura and also hold off the fat Majin Buu for a short time. However, after training with the Z Sword, Supreme Kai believes that Gohan will be able to defeat the fat Majin Buu, but Goku is not so sure that he could. After the Z Sword is broken Gohan has his potential unlocked further by the Old Kai, as Ultimate Gohan, he surpasses Super Saiyan 2 and even Super Saiyan 3 (according to the Super Exciting Battle Guide; he is confirmed stronger than Gotenks in the manga/anime). Ultimate Gohan is able to defeat Super Buu in his regular state, and holds his own against him after he absorbs Gotenks and Piccolo, before eventually being bested by Buu's superior strength. Daizenshuu 2 states that Ultimate Gohan is still capable of becoming a Super Saiyan, but even without utilising the form he surpasses Super Saiyan 3 Gotenks in power, if Ultimate Gohan was to become a Super Saiyan his power would likely rise to levels above even Super Buu (Gohan, Piccolo, Goten, and Trunks absorbed).
During Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’, despite Gohan's power falling from its peak in the Buu Saga, he still proved powerful enough to defeat Frieza's super elites that he had brought to Earth by the hundreds, and effortlessly defeated one that was giving Piccolo trouble. Frieza himself state's that Gohan alone would be more then enough to beat all 1000 men. Despite this, due to Frieza's power increase, he was taken out with one shot.
In the story of the PSP game Shin Budokai, which is set two years after Kid Buu's defeat, Piccolo states that Gohan grew even stronger than he previously was the last time they met. In his base form, Gohan is implied to be far stronger than Androids arc Gohan in his base form, as he far surpasses his younger counterpart even when suppressing his power. Majin Vegeta, who has been possessed and further been empowered by an evil copy of himself, states that Gohan is "a monster with power beyond legend" upon encountering him.
In Dragon Ball GT, Gohan in his base form is shown to have similar power to Super Saiyan Baby Goten, as when the two fight they both tire out at the same time and Gohan is able to resist Baby Goten's attacks without much damage. Baby himself references base Gohan as being stronger than Super Saiyan Goten at one point.

Techniques

Main article: List of techniques used by Gohan

Transformations and power-ups

Great Ape

Main article: Great Ape

Gohan in his Great Ape form

This transformation occurs when a person with Saiyan heritage (and with a tail) looks directly at a full moon, or something that simulates its effects, such as Vegeta's Power Ball. The result is the waves from the moon stimulating a gland in their tails, enabling a seemingly unavoidable transformation. This is a complete genetic transformation, so it greatly affects Gohan's mental state. Because Gohan never had any proper training, Gohan loses all form of mental control, becoming a primal beast. However during his fight against Vegeta, Goku's words were able to reach Gohan enough to regain some of his rational thought and focus on his real enemy. Gohan only transforms into this state three times throughout the series, twice while he was training with Piccolo, and one final time when fighting Vegeta. He also transforms into this state the movie Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might when the main villain Turles creates a Power Ball and forces Gohan to see it, transforming him into a Great Ape. Great Ape Gohan gains some rational control over this form when Icarus intervenes, and he eventually ends up specifically targeting Turles after the latter shot Icarus down. He later has his tail cut off by Goku, returning him to normal. Gohan is the only known Saiyan/Human hybrid to ever achieve this transformation, due to having been born with a Saiyan tail.

Unlock Potential

Main article: Unlock Potential

Gohan uses his Unlock Potential enhancement

Unlock Potential, in truth, is not a form of Gohan but is simply an enhancement that he acquires during the Namek Saga. This term is only used in the Budokai games. Gohan acquired this when he visited Guru during his trip on Namek. Guru placed his hand on top of Gohan's head and using his own powers, released Gohan's latent potential. This, however, did not release all of Gohan's hidden power, since he was still only able to unleash his hidden power through fierce rage. Gohan's abilities were enhanced along with the strength of his hidden power, and as a side effect, continuously grew alongside Krillin with each battle, as stated by Vegeta. The first time that he receives this power-up roughly multiplies his power tenfold, allowing him to access a power in around the mid-10,000s range, though with the subsequent battles against Recoome and Frieza, he grows many times stronger. During one bout of rage, he was even able to subdue Frieza's third form. According to FUNimation dub, after this power-up, Gohan was equal to Vegeta's strength when the latter appeared on Earth.

Super Saiyan

Main article: Super Saiyan

Gohan as a Super Saiyan

Gohan became a Super Saiyan at eleven years of age (if including the time spent in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber; in the manga he was only about 10 at the time), during the intense training he endured with his father to help him ascend. Gohan was the youngest to appear as a Super Saiyan until the appearance of his brother Goten, who accesses the state effortlessly at seven years old. In this state, Gohan was called the Gold Fighter by the residents of Satan City during the Great Saiyaman Saga.

Full-Power Super Saiyan

Main article: Full-Power Super Saiyan

Gohan as a Full-Power Super Saiyan

Gohan is one of the first people to display full mastery over the Super Saiyan. Gohan had learned to perfect the Super Saiyan form with his father, when his father suggested that they remain transformed for extended periods of time so that they could master Super Saiyan, including all the unwanted behavioral effects. This mastery of the Super Saiyan enables full control over the energy output and consumption, completely diminishing strain on the body. Gohan continues to use this form during the Buu Saga, particularly when training with Goten.

Super Saiyan 2

Main article: Super Saiyan 2

Gohan as a Super Saiyan 2

Gohan was the first and the youngest character in the Dragon Ball series to reach Super Saiyan 2, achieving it at the age of 11 (9 in the manga). This occurred when his dormant power was fully awakened through his rage at Perfect Cell for hurting his friends and killing the peaceful Android 16 (though it was revealed in an anime-only flashback by Goku that Gohan actually achieved the transformed state while training in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, but was too exhausted to maintain the form). While in this form, Gohan's hair stands straight up with the exception of one lock that hangs down, and he is surrounded by aura electricity all the times. One thing is quite noticeable when he in particular manifests this transformation: his nature is prone to complete change, giving him an almost sadistic sense of mind. This is completely opposite of his natural reluctance and innocence when he is not transformed. The most noted example of this happening is his desire to watch Perfect Cell suffer before he was going to kill him, while prior to ascending to Super Saiyan 2, he made it quite clear that he did not want to hurt or even fight Cell. In addition to his battle with Cell, Gohan uses this form to defeat Bojack in Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound and to fight Broly in Dragon Ball Z: Broly - Second Coming. Famously, he also used it during the 25th World Martial Arts Tournament when Kibito asked him to demonstrate his Super Saiyan powers so that they may lure out Babidi's men; he instead makes the full jump to Super Saiyan 2, only to have Supreme Kai paralyze him so that his power may be drained (and subsequently returned, by Kibito) as to lure out Spopovich and Yamu, and lead them towards Babidi's spaceship. He also fights Dabura and Majin Buu in this state, but loses to the latter and is nearly killed. In Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods, Gohan turns Super Saiyan when he and the other five Saiyans gather their power for Goku to turn Super Saiyan God. In Dragon Ball GT, Gohan uses the Super Saiyan form to stop a Baby-possessed Goten from destroying the planet, to fight Vegeta when possessed by Baby, and later to fight Super 17 as well as Omega Shenron. From all of Gohan's Super Saiyan forms, this is easily considered his most powerful form besides his Ultimate Gohan form, which is not a Super Saiyan form. Gohan's Super Saiyan 2 form can be differentiated as an adult in that his Super Saiyan form has one large lock clinging from his head followed by a thin one, as opposed to his Super Saiyan 2 form which only has one large lock.

Possessed by Janemba

Main articles: Janemba and Super Saiyan 2

Gohan while tainted by Janemba

In the PSP game Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai, after travelling into the future, Teen Gohan is consumed by blind rage when taunted by Cell about the mistakes that he made and tainted by Janemba's influence, he transforms into a Super Saiyan 2 and gains a power boost enough to easily destroy Super Perfect Cell (who had previously beaten Super Saiyan 3 Gotenks - though he was messing around - thanks to a Zenkai boost). Like anyone else who is overtaken by evil energy, Gohan starts to transform into Janemba and begins to forget his friends and family, however he is freed from Janemba's influence by Goku, who manages to snap him out of his blind rage.

The Great Saiyaman

Gohan as the Great Saiyaman

The Great Saiyaman (Gureto Saiyaman) is Gohan's alter ego and an attempt to hide his true identity from his classmates when he attended school in Satan City. The Great Saiyaman was first born when Gohan transformed himself into a Super Saiyan in order to disguise himself as he fought some bank robbers on the morning on his first day to school. However, his classmates (and in particular, Videl) began to note strange similarities between himself and the mysterious "Gold Fighter" (as they described his Super Saiyan form). Concerned that his identity might be figured out, but wanting to protect the city from random crime, he approached Bulma and asked her if she could invent a device that could instantly change his appearance. With his new costume ready and easily accessible with the press of a button, he could now protect the city without his identity being easily discovered. Despite the new disguise and protection of his identity being discovered, the Great Saiyaman identity still did not ensure Gohan's identity from being safe. Juggling between his school and superhero life proved to be difficult, and his classmates and teachers noticed that he was gone for a long period of time when he asked for bathroom breaks. Also, Videl proved to be a thorn in Gohan's side, as she was both reluctant to accept assistance from him and most importantly wanted to discover his true identity. At one time, the Great Saiyaman's true identity was in jeopardy of being discovered when he changed from being the Great Saiyaman to his normal form and noticed that his classmate Angela was standing in front of him during his change; however, he was saved when she revealed that she did not have her contact lenses on at that time and could not see anything, and that her big secret about Gohan was the fact that he wears teddy bear underwear. Gohan's luck ran out when Videl eventually discovered his true identity when she noticed that Gohan had a band-aid to cover up a scratch to the face he received while fighting alongside with her under his disguise. Alternately, in the manga, Videl discovers his true identity much sooner. The first time Gohan sneaks out of school to help Videl with some criminals, she recognizes his voice (implying he was not altering it like in the anime). She then tricked him into revealing his identity by asking "By the way, Gohan...how'd you sneak out of class?", which he responded to honestly before realizing what had happened. However, she promised him that she would not reveal his identity if he promised her two things: to enter in the World Martial Arts Tournament and to teach her how to fly, to which he reluctantly agreed. During the Tournament however, his friends learned of his true identity when they noticed the great similarities between Gohan and the Great Saiyaman (Gohan forgot to put his bandanna on after turning Super Saiyan in anger after seeing Videl's match with Spopovich). Incidentally on the same day, he transformed into a Super Saiyan again at Kibito's behest, confirming to both Videl and his friends that he was also the Gold Fighter as well. Videl then realized that Gohan was the young boy who also competed in the Cell Games tournament, and therefore questioned whether her dad really won the Cell Games Tournament or not (even going so far as to realize that it was Gohan who defeated Super Perfect Cell in the anime). After the demise of Kid Buu, Gohan continued to fight crime as the Great Saiyaman alongside Videl, who now had the identity of the Great Saiyaman 2; nonetheless, he eventually retired from heroics to become a scholar.
All the incarnations of the Great Saiyaman costume were made by Bulma. The costume initially consists of a green tunic, black tights, white gloves and boots similar to those used in Battle Armor uniform, a red cape, and an orange-and-black helmet with a visor. Because the rules of the World Martial Arts Tournament forbid any type of armor, Gohan swapped out the helmet in favor of a white bandana and sunglasses; similar to the hero of the 1960s TV show Kaiketsu Harimao. He maintained the sunglasses and bandana look for the Saiyaman identity after the defeat of Kid Buu, and subsequently abandoned the red cape.
The name "Saiyaman" is a reference to Gohan's Saiyan heritage. He thought up the name on the spot while confronting two youths who were speeding in a car, and was easily offended when they laughed at his name. Later, the name was frequently mistaken for others, such as the "Great Soyman" or the "Great Singing man", which further aggravated Gohan. He was also noted for his comical poses (comparable to or even more ridiculous than the poses of the Ginyu Force) he would perform when introducing himself, and was generally written off as hilarious or weird. Nonetheless, he was still a respected hero within Satan City. While in this disguise, Gohan still uses his energy-based techniques, such as the Super Explosive Wave and Ki Blasts.

Potential Unleashed

Main articles: Old Kai's Unlock Ability, Super Saiyan, and Super Saiyan 2

Ultimate Gohan

Gohan's ultimate power up when the full extent of his dormant power is released during the Fusion Saga. In this state Gohan is referred to as Ultimate Gohan (Kyūkyoku no Gohan). This power up was achieved by a special ceremony performed by Old Kai. Although technically this ability is not exclusive to Gohan alone as the ceremony can be used to unlock anyone's sleeping powers, his was unusual in the amount of time it took to unlock due to his amazing potential unlike any other person who had undergone this ritual before. Gohan activates this ability in a similar fashion to the Super Saiyan transformation, however the colors of his aura, hair, and eyes do not change (though his eyes go green the first time he powers up in anger at Old Kai). Only subtle differences are present, including more pronounced facial features, more upright hair, and a large, uncolored aura. This power up is referred to as Mightiest Warrior in Daizenshuu 2, Super Gohan (Chou Gohan) in Daizenshuu 7, Strongest Warrior in Dragon Ball Z: Legendary Super Warriors, Elder Kai's Unlock Ability in the Budokai series, Ultimate Gohan in the Budokai Tenkaichi series and the remastered Dragon Ball Z Kai series, and Mystic Gohan in FUNimation's booklet for the Dragon Ball Z Season 9 DVD. When first attained, Gohan's strength easily surpasses all of his other forms. Gohan's power in this form is such that he completely outclassed Super Buu in his base form, casually pummeling the monster into submission, is said to be superior to Super Buu (Piccolo, Goten, and Trunks absorbed), and it is on par with that of Super Buu after absorbing Gotenks and Piccolo, though Super Buu eventually outmatches Gohan due to his unique techniques and his absorbed victims' skills.

Ultimate Gohan goes Super Saiyan

Daizenshuu 2 states that Ultimate Gohan can still transform further into a Super Saiyan, however, even without transforming his power still surpasses Gotenks. Ultimate Gohan is rarely shown transforming into a Super Saiyan form throughout his appearances, though he does when found as a necessity as seen in Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods when he helped contribute to making Goku become a Super Saiyan God. Later, not keeping up with his training during Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’, he became a Super Saiyan when fighting Shisami and effortlessly beats him. Gohan going Super Saiyan in his Ultimate form was powerful enough as to where it concerned and made the newly empowered Frieza to attack and kill Gohan so his men could have a chance as Frieza himself says Gohan alone is more than capable of beating all 1000 men by himself. Gohan was brought back to life by Piccolo moments later.

Ultimate Gohan as a Super Saiyan 2

In Dragon Ball Z: Dokkan Battle, Ultimate Gohan (Resurrection ‘F’) is also able to further power up into a Super Saiyan 2 form. In the movie Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon, Gohan is shown "powering up" into his ultimate state on several occasions during the battle against Hirudegarn, neglecting his multiple available Super Saiyan transformations (Supplemental Daizenshuu says Ultimate Gohan is stronger than Super Saiyan 2). The databook Dragon Ball: Extreme Battle Collection refers to Ultimate Gohan as having fantastic power surpassing even Super Saiyan 3 (it is confirmed in the manga/anime that Ultimate Gohan is stronger than Super Saiyan 3 Gotenks), however, Super Saiyan 3 Goku may be more powerful than base Ultimate Gohan in Wrath of the Dragon; Gohan cannot hit Hirudegarn or block any of his attacks, while Super Saiyan 3 Goku single-handedly defeats the monster using his Dragon Fist when discovering Hirudegarn's weakness.

Villainous Mode

Main articles: Demigra's Dark Magic, Villainous Mode, Super Saiyan 2, and Old Kai's Unlock Ability

Villainous Teen Gohan

During Dragon Ball: Xenoverse, Towa turns Gohan into a darker and more evil version of himself in the game, also giving him a power up. It happens during the Cell Games, when Gohan is in his Super Saiyan 2 form, he fights against Dark Super Perfect Cell until Towa removes the power up from him, taking some of his energy.

Villainous Ultimate Gohan

During the finale of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse, Démigra transforms Ultimate Gohan into the full Villainous Mode, forcing him to fight the Future Warrior and Goku.

Infected

Main articles: Baby, Tuffle parasite, and Super Saiyan

Infected Gohan

During the events of Dragon Ball GT, Gohan is possessed by Baby (while under Baby's control he is named Baby Gohan), and then later by a regular Tuffle parasite. This form of Gohan is playable in Dragon Ball Heroes; in the game, this form is always in the Super Saiyan state and has red eyes.

Hypothetical fusion

Buuhan is a hypothetical fusion of Gohan and Majin Buu. It is a "Fusion Frenzy" card in the Dragon Ball Z Collectible Card Game, however, the card itself does not depict the fused character, instead showing the two fusing characters beside each other.

Appearances in other media

Krillin, Oolong, and Gohan in an eye drops commercial

Gohan is used in eye drops commercials and Dragon Ball Z school supply commercials, which is a part of the Dragon Ball series' good influence on education and is one of their reach outs. He has also been used in promotional merchandising at fast-food chain Burger King. Collectible cards, such as the Dragon Ball Z Collectible Card Game, have featured Gohan frequently, and he also appears in almost every Dragon Ball Z video game. Gohan also appears in the 2010 live action battle show Dragon Ball Kai: Super Battle Stage, which is loosely based on the 1993 movie Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan.

Video game appearances

Gohan battles Cell in Ultimate Tenkaichi

Gohan is playable in almost every Dragon Ball Z video game; see the list of video games where Gohan is playable. He appears in the trailers of Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Tenkaichi, seen in the Saiyan and Frieza Sagas of the game.

Reception

In 1993, Gohan placed first in an official Shonen Jump character popularity poll; the closest Dragon Ball character to rank behind him, Goku, took fifth. Due to the popularity of Gohan, other merchandise, such as action figures, video games, and clothing have featured Gohan in Japan and in various countries around the world. In an interview featured in the second Dragon Ball GT Perfect Files, a companion book released in December 1997 by Shueisha's Jump Comics Selection imprint, Masako Nozawa, Gohan's voice actor, stated that her favorite episode voicing Gohan was "Sorry, Robot-san - The Desert of Vanishing Tears", an episode originally cut from the American release of Dragon Ball Z. Saffron Henderson, Gohan's original Ocean Group voice actor, has stated she felt protective of the role and considers it to be one of her favorites.
IGN's writer, D. F. Smith, liked how during the Cell Games Gohan has more screentime than Goku, and praised his scenes as one the biggest moments from such story arc. Theron Martin from Anime News Network celebrated Gohan's development in the Cell Games as he has grown up and has become stronger.