Piccolo’s new form in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero breaks an old rule that dates back to the original Dragon Ball anime. What happened to Piccolo in Super Hero wasn’t the first time he’s gotten an upgrade, but it was still a game-changing moment for the character. Finally, the fan-favorite Z-Warrior has his very own transformation.
Piccolo has been lagging behind Goku and Vegeta since the Buu Saga, and unfortunately for the character, the monumental difference in power levels felt unavoidable.
After all, Saiyans like Goku and Vegeta can reach new heights by unlocking transformation after transformation, whereas Namekians can only gain power by fusing or training. Or at least, that was the status quo before Super Hero changed it. Making a wish to the Dragon Balls awakened Piccolo’s true potential and secretly gave him access to a brand-new ability. Unlocked during the heat of battle, the “Orange Piccolo” form gave the Namekian the means to defeat Gamma 2 and physically challenge Cell Max in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero’s ending.
Exactly how Piccolo obtained his new transformation actually goes against a long-standing rule in the Dragon Ball franchise. Looking at how Shenron has been utilized since the very beginning of the Dragon Ball franchise, it’s always been understood that while the Eternal Dragon will grant any wish that’s asked of him, but going above and beyond that isn’t how he operates. In other words, it’s in Shenron’s nature for him to do as he’s told and nothing more. Super Hero, on the other hand, saw him make him an unprecedented decision by tossing in “something extra” for Piccolo. Piccolo never asked for a transformation, yet he received one regardless.
Why Did Shenron Break His Own Rules For Piccolo?
Shenron giving Piccolo not one, but two upgrades in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero raises the obvious question: why would he make an exception now when he’s never done it before? The reason can be found in the glowing orange symbol on Piccolo’s back that triggered the transformation. The emblem combines the symbols for Shenron and the Namekian race, which is a sign that Shenron did it because of his innate connection to Piccolo’s people. The Namekians created the Dragon Balls, which means that Piccolo in turn has a unique, special connection to Shenron that no other Z-Warrior shares. That alone can explain why Shenron would gift Piccolo a free power-up.
Regardless of why Shenron did it, Piccolo’s new form in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero was a boost that the character desperately needed if he had any hope of remaining relevant. With the gains Goku and Vegeta have been making as of late, the anime was making it harder and harder for Piccolo to bring anything meaningful to the table. But becoming “Orange Piccolo” has changed everything for the Z-Warrior. At last, his power level is comparable to that of Goku and Vegeta, thus making him someone who could be instrumental to their next fight in the franchise.