Raditz

In the vast lore of the Dragon Ball franchise, few characters have left as significant an impact with as little screen time as Raditz. As the biological older brother of Son Goku (Kakarot), Raditz served as the catalyst that transitioned the series from the mystical adventures of Dragon Ball into the high-stakes, interstellar conflicts of Dragon Ball Z. His arrival on Earth effectively recontextualized the entire history of the protagonist, revealing for the first time that Goku was not a human, but a member of a warrior race known as the Saiyans.

Origins and Background

Raditz was born on Planet Vegeta to Bardock and Gine, making him part of a rare family unit within the Saiyan race. Unlike his younger brother, who was sent to Earth as an infant, Raditz was a mid-class warrior who survived the genocide of his people by Frieza because he was off-planet on a mission with Prince Vegeta and Nappa. For years, Raditz served the Frieza Force, conquering planets for sale on the intergalactic market. His journey to Earth was prompted by the need for more manpower to conquer a particularly difficult world, leading him to seek out his long-lost brother.

Appearance and Character Design

Raditz is defined by a striking and imposing visual design that sets the standard for many Saiyan features seen later in the series. He possesses exceptionally long, spiked black hair that reaches down to his waist, a trait that distinguishes him from most other male Saiyans. Like all pure-blooded Saiyans, his eyes are black and his physique is muscular and athletic.

He is typically depicted wearing the standard-issue Frieza Force battle armor, consisting of a brown and black chest plate with shoulder guards and matching boots and gauntlets. A signature piece of his equipment is the Scouter—a wearable computer used to measure power levels—which he wears over his left eye. Additionally, he retains his prehensile Saiyan tail, which he wears wrapped around his waist like a belt.

Character Traits and Personality

Unlike Goku, who was raised with human compassion, Raditz embodies the classic Saiyan traits of arrogance, ruthlessness, and pride. He views weakness as a personal affront and shows no hesitation in threatening his own kin to achieve his goals. Despite his cold demeanor, Raditz is shown to be somewhat dependent on his comrades, Vegeta and Nappa, often deferring to their authority. His personality is a mix of overconfidence in his own power and a tactical, if cowardly, willingness to use trickery when he finds himself at a disadvantage.

Signature Techniques

Raditz’s fighting style is aggressive and utilizes a variety of energy-based attacks. Interestingly, his naming convention for his moves often revolves around days of the week, a unique quirk in the series. His most notable techniques include:

• Double Sunday: A powerful energy wave fired from both hands simultaneously.
• Saturday Crash: A large, slow-moving but highly destructive orb of purple energy.
• Shining Friday: A concentrated blast of energy formed in the palm of his hand used for close-quarters combat.
• Tail Manipulation: Like other Saiyans, he can use his tail to restrain opponents, though it remains a physical weak point if grabbed.

The Saiyan Saga: Major Arc and Legacy

Raditz’s role in the narrative is concentrated in the opening chapters of the Saiyan Saga. Upon arriving on Earth, he easily defeated Piccolo and kidnapped his nephew, Gohan, to coerce Goku into joining his cause. This forced an unprecedented alliance between Goku and his former rival, Piccolo.

The ensuing battle showcased the massive power gap between Earth’s defenders and the galactic warriors. Ultimately, Raditz was defeated only through Goku’s ultimate sacrifice; Goku restrained his brother while Piccolo unleashed the Special Beam Cannon, killing both Saiyans. Though Raditz never returned to the living world in the main canon, his death served as the warning that brought Vegeta and Nappa to Earth, forever changing the destiny of the Z-Fighters.

Cultural Impact

Raditz remains a fan-favorite character due to his role as the “doorway” to the cosmic side of the Dragon Ball universe. He is a staple in Dragon Ball video games, from the Budokai Tenkaichi series to Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, where players can explore his backstory in greater detail. He represents the “what if” of the Saiyan race—a glimpse into the life Goku might have led had he not hit his head as a child and forgotten his mission.