15 Dragon Ball Side Characters Who Shined In A Single Episode

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As a lifelong fan of the Dragon Ball series, I’ve always been fascinated by how even minor characters can have surprisingly huge moments. It’s common to see someone pop up, play a crucial role in a single event – maybe they push the plot forward, deliver a game-changing blow, or establish a key rule – and then disappear again. These episodes aren’t about building a whole new story for that character, but they often lay the groundwork for bigger arcs, show how much the heroes have grown, or introduce strategies that pay off later. I’ve put together a list of fifteen times a quick appearance really stuck with me, even without becoming a full-blown storyline.

Yajirobe

In ‘Dragon Ball Z’, Yajirobe has a key moment when he unexpectedly cuts off Vegeta’s tail while he’s in his Great Ape form. This simple act changes everything, as the tail was holding everyone down and stopping the fight from progressing. By doing this, Yajirobe forces Vegeta back to his normal state, allowing Gohan and Krillin to take control. It’s a perfect example of how even someone on the sidelines can completely turn the tide of a battle when everyone else is helpless.

Chiaotzu

Chiaotzu has one truly memorable moment in ‘Dragon Ball Z’: sacrificing himself by clinging to Nappa and exploding. This act perfectly demonstrates both his determination and the extent of his abilities. Tien’s subsequent grief powerfully impacts the following fight. This sacrifice effectively concludes Chiaotzu’s involvement in that particular battle, and his story isn’t drawn out further.

Tien Shinhan

Okay, so as a huge ‘Dragon Ball Z’ fan, one of my favorite moments is when Tien really goes all out against Semi-Perfect Cell. He just keeps firing those Neo Tri-Beams, and it’s incredible! It doesn’t defeat Cell, but it buys Android 18 enough time to avoid getting absorbed right away. What I love is that it shows even a weaker fighter can hold their own with skill and determination, even if just for a little while. The episode makes it clear it was a smart move, even though it completely wipes Tien out. It’s a total sacrifice play, and it’s awesome.

Princess Snake

In ‘Dragon Ball Z,’ Goku’s journey along Snake Way includes a whole episode where he encounters Princess Snake, who tries to trick him. She initially appears welcoming, but Goku quickly realizes it’s a trap. The episode cleverly uses food, dancing, and a dream to hide her true intentions before Goku manages to escape. This detour is neatly concluded, allowing Goku to continue his training journey to King Kai.

Gregory

In ‘Dragon Ball Z,’ Gregory gets a special training session while Goku attempts to hit him with a hammer on King Kai’s planet. This scene emphasizes the importance of gravity, timing, and accuracy – showing how difficult mastering advanced skills can be. After many failed attempts, Goku finally succeeds, unlocking the next stage of his training. This episode is a key moment in his preparation for the upcoming battle against the Saiyans.

Mez

In one memorable ‘Dragon Ball Z’ episode, Goku ends up racing Mez through the afterlife after accidentally falling off Snake Way. This isn’t a typical fight; it’s a test of Goku’s speed and quick thinking. The episode also expands the show’s world beyond Earth, revealing more about its rules and locations, all while maintaining a fun and upbeat mood. Ultimately, the race sends Goku right back to training with King Kai, resolving the situation quickly and cleanly.

Monaka

In ‘Dragon Ball Super,’ Monaka briefly becomes a surprisingly effective fighter during a friendly match with Universe 6. Beerus introduces him as the team’s star player, and his reputation alone is enough to make an opponent forfeit. The episode cleverly uses dramatic presentation to inspire Goku and Vegeta, ultimately ending the fight quickly. After his moment in the spotlight, Monaka goes back to his job as a delivery driver as the tournament continues.

Arale Norimaki

During the ‘Dr. Mashirito’ storyline, Arale unexpectedly appears and, thanks to her cartoonish strength, easily defeats opponents from ‘Dragon Ball Super’. She casually sends powerful fighters flying with simple taps, ignoring the usual rules of combat. Once the humor of the situation fades, the guest characters politely exit, and the episode returns to focusing on Goku and the others.

Basil

As a Dragon Ball Super fan, I always appreciated that episode focusing on Basil from Universe 9. It was cool to see him get a whole episode to really show off his amazing kicking skills and that temporary power-up against Majin Buu. The fight did a great job of showing just how tough Buu is, while still letting Basil look really good with his precise moves. Eventually, Buu’s endurance just proved too much, and the fight ended. Plus, that episode introduced the Trio of Danger, and it definitely hinted at the exciting elimination battles that were coming up. It was a solid episode overall!

Lavender

The upcoming ‘Dragon Ball Super’ episode shows Lavender using poison to impair Gohan’s vision during their battle. Gohan cleverly adjusts by fighting using his ability to sense energy, or ‘ki,’ rather than relying on sight, allowing him to even the odds. However, the rules of the exhibition match prevent either fighter from achieving a knockout. This episode highlights how conditions that affect a fighter’s abilities can make a fight more balanced, even if one fighter is generally more powerful.

Bergamo

In a climactic exhibition match, Bergamo from Universe 9 showcases his unique ability: he gets stronger by absorbing his opponent’s attacks. This forces Goku to increase his power, while Bergamo grows larger and more confident. The fight concludes when Bergamo’s strategy of relying on damage proves unsustainable. The episode wraps up the introduction of the Trio from Universe 9 and sets the stage for the real tournament to begin.

Botamo

The episode dedicated to Botamo clearly explains how his ability cancels damage by redirecting energy. Goku quickly learns that his usual attacks don’t work on Botamo and needs to find a new strategy. Ultimately, Goku wins by controlling the ring and maneuvering Botamo out of bounds, turning a straightforward explanation of the rules into a decisive victory.

Auta Magetta

As a Dragon Ball Super fan, I thought the Auta Magetta episode was really interesting. It featured a powerful fighter who basically traps opponents in an arena and attacks with super-heated lava breath and intense pressure. Vegeta had a tough time, not just with the heat, but also feeling closed in. What really turned the fight around wasn’t a power-up, but when someone broke the rule about trash-talking and Magetta lost his cool. It was cool because it showed Magetta was incredibly durable, but he did have a mental weakness. The episode ended with a classic ring-out finish, and it really clarified what Magetta was capable of, and where his limits lay.

Hermila

In a recent ‘Dragon Ball Super’ episode from the Tournament of Power, Hermila uses tricky long-range attacks. She bounces shots off surfaces and creates illusions to confuse her opponents. Goku and Tien work together to figure out her strategy and break through her defenses. Their teamwork eliminates the threat, allowing for more direct fighting in the arena.

Prum

During the same arc in ‘Dragon Ball Super,’ Prum uses his special lenses and light manipulation to help Hermila for one memorable episode. He acts as her support, redirecting energy beams and concealing where attacks are coming from. However, once the heroes disable his equipment, their plan quickly fails. The episode showcases a well-coordinated teamwork strategy before Prum and Hermila are defeated.

Tell us about your favorite one-episode guest appearance from either ‘Dragon Ball Z’ or ‘Dragon Ball Super’, and let us know in the comments who else you think deserves recognition!

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2025-10-30 18:46