Here's every time Goku lost his tail in the Dragon Ball franchise. The Akira Toriyama created Dragon Ball manga arrived in 1984 and followed Saiyan warrior Goku on his epic - and fight-filled quest - to find the Dragon Balls of the title. An anime adaptation quickly followed in 1986 and the franchise has been running pretty much non-stop ever since. Over the years there's been numerous sequels, animated movies, spinoffs, video games and more and the series easily ranks among Pokemon in terms of evergreen popularity.

In the early 2000s a live-action American adaptation was put in development with names like Zack Snyder and Stephen Chow (Kung-Fu Hustle) linked to the director's chair at different points. Ultimately, James Wong helmed a cast that consisted of Emmy Rossum, Justin Chatwin and Chow Yun-fat in a film that proved to be a massive disappointment. Dragonball Evolution lacked the spirit and energy of its source material and came across as a chintzy attempt at a blockbuster. The movie's screenwriter Ben Ramsey (Blood And Bone) later gave an apology for his role in its production to the fanbase.

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In the Dragon Ball franchise Saiyans are an alien race consisting of powerful warriors, and if they activate their Super Saiyan form they greatly enhance their powers. Universe 7 Saiyans are also born with a monkey-like tail that can actually be quite useful, though it could also be a weakness in combat as an opponent grabbing it could cause crippling pain. Goku had a few tails throughout the Dragon Ball anime series, but he always ended up losing it.

dragon ball goku giant ape vertical

The first time Goku lost his tail on the Dragon Ball anime is when he transformed into a Great Ape during a full moon (long story). The tail is the cause of this transformation, so Puar shapeshifts into a giant pair of scissors and snips it off during a battle, returning him to his regular form. It later grows back but during a fight with his mentor Grandpa Gohan, the latter grabs the tail and uses it to toss Goku around until it comes off.

It was removed for good by Kami in a later Dragon Ball episode to stop another Great Ape transformation - which is a valid concern. The tail did grow back during Dragon Ball GT, though since this sequel series is considered a side story to the rest of the saga - and is generally unpopular amongst the fanbase - this regrown tail isn't considered canon.

Next: How Old Goku Is In Each Dragon Ball Saga