When ranking the most powerful warriors in the Dragon Ball universe, names like Goku, Vegeta, and Gohan naturally rise to the top. Yet there’s one character whose contributions often fly under the radar despite decades of dedicated service: Krillin. Many fans dismiss him as comic relief or a perpetual underdog, but a closer look at his journey reveals a fighter of immense courage, tactical brilliance, and unwavering loyalty. This article argues that Krillin deserves far more respect—not just as Goku’s best friend, but as a pivotal force in the Z Fighters’ long history.

Krillin embodies the human spirit in a world dominated by Saiyans and gods. His growth from a cheeky monk-in-training to a seasoned martial arts master rivals that of any Saiyan, albeit on a human scale. He is widely regarded as the strongest pure-blooded human in the series, and his signature technique—the Destructo Disc—has sliced through foes that raw power alone could not handle. Beyond combat, Krillin’s personal life, his marriage to Android 18, and his role as a father ground the series with a relatable humanity that many fans cherish. Throughout this article, we’ll examine his legacy, key battles, relationships, and the enduring respect he commands beyond the manga’s panels.

Key Takeaways

  • Krillin consistently ranks as the strongest human fighter in the Dragon Ball franchise.
  • His creative use of techniques like the Destructo Disc and Solar Flare has changed the course of critical battles.
  • Krillin’s personal relationships—from his bond with Goku to his marriage with Android 18—add emotional depth to the story.
  • Despite the overwhelming power of Saiyans and gods, Krillin’s courage and strategic mind prove that human willpower can still shape the outcome of universal conflicts.

Krillin’s Role and Legacy in the Dragon Ball Universe

Krillin’s place in the Dragon Ball mythos is defined not by sheer power, but by persistence, sacrifice, and an ever-present humanity. Unlike Saiyans who achieve exponential growth through transformations, Krillin’s path is one of steady, hard-earned progress. His journey from a young monk bullied at the Orin Temple to the most respected human Z Fighter is a testament to discipline and heart.

Foundations as an Original Z Fighter

Krillin first appeared as Goku’s rival and eventual best friend during their training under Master Roshi. He was introduced as a cunning and somewhat selfish kid, but Roshi’s tough regimen molded him into a fighter of substance. Alongside Goku, Krillin became one of the original Z Fighters—the first line of defense when Earth’s safety was on the line. In the early arcs of Dragon Ball Z, he proved his mettle against the Saiyans and later the androids, consistently stepping into the fray even when outclassed. For a comprehensive look at his development, the Dragon Ball Wiki’s Krillin profile details how his early tournament experiences shaped his combat style.

What sets Krillin apart from other supporting fighters is his refusal to quit. While Yamcha gradually stepped back and Tien moved toward more solitary training, Krillin remained at the heart of every major conflict. His presence alone often lifted the team’s morale because his friends knew he would give everything he had, even against impossible odds.

Growth Across Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball Super

Krillin’s evolution as a martial artist is one of the most consistent arcs in the entire franchise. In Dragon Ball Z, he survived the Saiyan invasion, fought on Namek, and later faced Cell and Majin Buu—battles where countless stronger warriors perished. Most notably, on Namek he took out multiple Saibamen-level soldiers and held his own against the Ginyu Force long enough for Goku to arrive. As detailed in an IGN roundup of Krillin’s best moments, his resourcefulness on Planet Namek directly contributed to the search for the Dragon Balls, setting the stage for Goku’s eventual Super Saiyan transformation.

In Dragon Ball Super, Krillin continues to train and adapt. Though the threats escalate to god-level beings, he remains an active participant—competing in the Tournament of Power and even taking on opponents like Basil in exhibition matches. His combat sense and experience often provide tactical advantages that brute strength cannot. For instance, his mastery of the Solar Flare and Destructo Disc forced foes like Frieza and Cell to respect him, even if they never feared his raw power level.

Human Limitations Versus Saiyan Abilities

It is impossible to discuss Krillin without acknowledging the biological ceiling that all humans face in Dragon Ball. Saiyans like Goku and Vegeta can access Super Saiyan forms, god ki, and Zenkai boosts that multiply their power exponentially. Krillin, as a full-blooded human, cannot transform. His strength comes from technique, speed, and an unyielding spirit—and that makes his achievements all the more remarkable. He consistently outperforms fighters with higher power levels because he fights smarter, not harder.

Even with these limitations, Krillin’s maximum power level—estimated by some official guides to be around 75,000 on Namek after having his potential unlocked—rivals that of the Ginyu Force’s Recoome. While that pales in comparison to baseline Super Saiyan, it still places him among the most powerful non-Saiyan, non-Namekian warriors in the known universe. When you factor in his razor-sharp Destructo Disc, which can cut through opponents several times his power, his utility in battle becomes undeniable.

Key Moments Where Krillin Proved His Worth

Krillin’s track record is packed with instances where he didn’t just help—he changed the course of the fight. From slicing off a tyrant’s tail to saving Androids who would later become allies, his actions ripple through the entire saga.

Valor in Battles Against Androids and Saiyans

When Vegeta and Nappa arrived on Earth, Krillin was one of the first to engage. He eliminated multiple Saibamen—an impressive feat considering each one matched Raditz, who had easily overpowered Goku and Piccolo together. Later, against the Androids, Krillin repeatedly faced down Android 17 and 18 with nothing but courage and the Destructo Disc. Though physically outmatched, he still managed to land a blow that cut Android 18’s clothes, demonstrating that even an enhanced humanoid could be threatened by his technique.

Perhaps his most character-defining act during the Android Saga was his refusal to use the shut-down remote on Android 18. Krillin had fallen in love with her humanity—or what he perceived as her emerging kindness—and chose mercy over a tactical victory. That decision not only spared her life but eventually brought a powerful ally into the group while setting up one of the series’ most beloved relationships.

Pivotal Actions on Namek and Against Frieza

The Namek arc is Krillin’s finest hour as a fighter. Traveling across the galaxy with Gohan and Bulma, he faced Dodoria, Zarbon, and the Ginyu Force head-on. His quick thinking repeatedly saved his companions, and his use of the Solar Flare to disorient opponents gave the team precious seconds to regroup. As further explored in an article on CBR highlighting Krillin’s greatest saves, his actions during the Frieza battle were nothing short of heroic.

In direct combat with Frieza, Krillin pulled off a maneuver that no other Z Fighter had managed: he used the Destructo Disc to sever the tyrant’s tail. That act not only stunned Frieza but enraged him—leading to the chain of events that culminated in Goku’s legendary Super Saiyan transformation. Krillin’s death, impaled on Frieza’s horn and then exploded, remains one of the most emotionally charged moments in the entire series. That single scene triggered a power awakening that would echo across the multiverse.

Courageous Standouts in the Buu Saga

The Buu era often gets overlooked when discussing Krillin’s heroism, but he still stood firm. After the World Martial Arts Tournament, he, along with the other fighters, fought against Buu’s minions and later the monster himself. Though he was turned into a chocolate figurine and eaten, his willingness to jump into the fray despite having a wife and daughter at home underscores his character. Krillin never ran from a fight when lives were on the line.

Even after being wished back to life, he remained present during the final battle, providing tactical support and making sure that innocent people were evacuated from the danger zones. His constant presence alongside the main fighters kept the group cohesive, a quiet but essential contribution.

Relationships That Showcase Krillin’s Character

Krillin’s bonds with those around him define him just as much as his battles. His friendships, romance, and mentor-apprentice dynamic all highlight loyalty, compassion, and growth.

Bond with Goku and Son Goku’s Respect

Few friendships in anime rival the depth of Krillin and Goku’s. They met as children under Master Roshi, and from that point on, Krillin was Goku’s most trusted confidant and sparring partner. Goku has repeatedly stated that he values Krillin’s opinion and courage, and their bond transcends power levels. When Frieza killed Krillin, Goku snapped in a way we had never seen before, unlocking a form that would define the franchise.

Goku’s respect for Krillin extends into Dragon Ball Super, where he often seeks out his best friend to test new techniques or simply hang out. Goten and Trunks, as Gotenks, also look up to Krillin, recognizing his experience and steady nature. The trust between these two characters remains an emotional anchor for the entire series.

Impact on and Partnership with Android 18

Krillin’s relationship with Android 18 demonstrates that even in a universe built around fighting, compassion can win the day. Despite her origins as a bio-mechanical weapon, Krillin saw the person beneath the programming. He refused to blow her up, wished for her inner bomb to be removed, and later married her. Their partnership has become one of the healthiest and most stable relationships in Dragon Ball. They have a daughter, Marron, and Krillin works as a police officer while continuing to train—a testament to his ability to balance family and duty.

Android 18 has said on several occasions that Krillin’s unconditional love gave her a reason to believe in life beyond destruction. In the Tournament of Power, the two fought side by side, combining their strengths in ways that highlighted how far both characters have come. Their dynamic proves that Krillin’s influence extends beyond combat; he changes hearts.

Mentorship from Master Roshi

Master Roshi took Krillin in when he was a rebellious boy and instilled in him the values of discipline, respect, and the true meaning of martial arts. The grueling training—delivering milk, swimming with sharks, dodging bees—shaped Krillin’s physical abilities but more importantly his mental toughness. Roshi taught him that true strength isn’t just about power, but about self-control and protecting those who can’t protect themselves.

This mentorship created a moral foundation that Krillin carries into every fight. He often quotes Roshi’s teachings when advising younger fighters, and even in Dragon Ball Super he returns to the old master for wisdom. The student-teacher bond remains one of the most enduring threads in the series.

Enduring Popularity and Influence Beyond Battles

Krillin’s legacy extends far beyond the panels of the original manga. He remains a beloved character in spin-offs, fan works, and the broader Dragon Ball community, often serving as a symbol of human perseverance.

Legacy in the Dragon Ball Franchise and Manga

Creator Akira Toriyama has consistently used Krillin as a benchmark for human potential. In the manga, Krillin’s progress is a direct comparison point when new power levels emerge. His presence in Dragon Ball Super—participating in tournaments, training with Goku, and even earning the respect of Beerus—demonstrates that he is far from obsolete. Toriyama also gave Krillin memorable moments in the Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F' and Broly movies, always ensuring that his humor and heart remain part of the saga.

Commercially, Krillin regularly appears in merchandise, video games, and promotional artwork. He is often the butt of jokes about dying, but fans rally behind him precisely because he keeps getting back up. That resilience has made him an icon for underdogs everywhere.

Representation in Spin-Offs and DB Multiverse

Krillin’s presence in fan works and official spin-offs highlights a thirst for seeing him shine. In the popular webcomic Dragon Ball Multiverse, one alternate universe features a Krillin who becomes Earth’s champion after training in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, showcasing his strategic genius and martial arts mastery on a grand stage. Other fan manga and What-If stories frequently explore versions of Krillin who achieve hidden potential or unlock human transformations, illustrating that fans want to see him succeed.

Even in Super Dragon Ball Heroes and spin-off anime, Krillin gets time to showcase new techniques and team-ups. His popularity endures because he represents the relatable human in a universe of gods, reminding everyone that courage isn’t measured by a scouter reading.