For all its power-ups, legendary battles, and galaxy-shaking transformations, Dragon Ball also has its fair share of characters who never quite live up to their potential. Some are sidelined early on, others linger as comic relief, and a few never make the impact fans expected. Whether forgotten by the writers or overshadowed by stronger allies, these characters often contribute little when it truly matters.
That does not mean that they are entirely useless, as many still have fan followings, quirky moments, or narrative significance. But compared to the heavy hitters who define the series, they fall into the category of dead weight. From once-promising fighters to baffling inclusions, these are the Dragon Ball characters who never manage to pull their own weight when the universe is on the line.
Yamcha
From Desert Bandit to Eternal Punchline
Yamcha began as a desert bandit with surprising skill, but his decline is infamous. By the time Dragon Ball Z takes center stage, he is little more than comic relief. His first major downfall comes when the Saibamen kill him in an embarrassing scene that cemented his reputation as a joke among fans.
Despite attempts to redeem him, like showing improvement in martial arts or giving him small victories, Yamcha is perpetually sidelined. While his baseball career gives him a unique niche, it also proves that he is irrelevant to Earth’s defense. For someone introduced as a promising fighter, Yamcha fall into irrelevance makes him one of the clearest examples of dead weight.
Chiaotzu
The Psychic Fighter Who Never Grew
Chiaotzu has one of the most consistent patterns of being useless in major battles. His psychic abilities once made him stand out, but by the Saiyan Saga, his power gap is obvious. His attempt to self-destruct against Nappa fails miserably, leaving both his efforts and his sacrifice pointless.
What hurts Chiaotzu most is that he never catches up to his allies. Even Tien, his closest partner, surpasses him by far. Chiaotzu’s training under King Kai is forgotten, and he is left behind during the Cell and Buu arcs. His lack of growth and recurring irrelevance make him dead weight, despite his loyal spirit.
Android 18
The Villainess Who Lost Her Edge
When Android 18 first appears, she is a major threat, effortlessly overpowering Super Saiyan Vegeta. Her introduction suggests she could become one of the strongest long-term fighters in the series. Yet after Android 18 marries Krillin, she loses much of her edge. By the time of the Buu Saga, she is largely relegated to background roles.
Even her participation in the Tournament of Power feels underwhelming compared to her potential. While she provides occasional teamwork and resilience, she never shines as much as her debut implied she would. Android 18 could have been a top-tier fighter, but her inconsistent writing leaves her as more of a bystander than a true force.
Mr. Satan
The World’s Strongest Coward
Mr. Satan is arguably the most entertaining example of dead weight. As Earth’s so-called “champion,” he thrives on deception and bravado. Against enemies like Cell or Buu, his lack of real power is laughable. Yet, somehow, he survives and even gains public adoration as a hero.
Despite his weakness, Mr. Satan does manage to play a role in saving the world by convincing humanity to lend energy to Goku’s Spirit Bomb. Still, his contribution is symbolic rather than physical. While he has value as comic relief and human connection, he remains utterly useless in combat, making him quintessential dead weight.
King Cold
The Emperor Who Never Ruled
As the father of Frieza and Cooler, King Cold should have been an intimidating powerhouse. His design suggests a terrifying figure who could rival his sons. However, when he finally appears, he’s quickly dispatched by Future Trunks. His defeat comes so swiftly that his presence feels like wasted potential.
Unlike Frieza, who dominates multiple arcs, King Cold never proves himself in battle. He’s reduced to a glorified introduction for Trunks’ power, serving as nothing more than a stepping stone. Given his royal status in Frieza’s empire, his lack of impact cements him as a major disappointment and undeniable dead weight.
Garlic Jr.
The Villain Nobody Asked to Return
Garlic Jr. is a strange case of a villain who overstays his welcome. After being the focus of Dead Zone, he returns during the filler Garlic Jr. Saga in Dragon Ball Z. Unfortunately, this comeback highlights his shortcomings. His reliance on the Dead Zone makes him predictable, and he is once again sealed away.
Unlike major villains who evolve with new transformations or tactics, Garlic Jr. feels recycled and stale. His saga is often skipped by fans since it adds nothing to the broader story. With no lasting impact and repetitive abilities, Garlic Jr. is more of a burden than a meaningful antagonist.
Zangya
The Forgotten Henchwoman
Introduced in the movie Bojack Unbound, Zangya initially appears as a competent henchwoman. Her stylish design and confidence suggest she could be a memorable addition. Unfortunately, she quickly fades into the background, overshadowed by Bojack and the rest of his gang. Her role amounts to little more than window dressing for the film’s real threats.
Worse, Zangya is casually eliminated by Bojack himself, showing that she has no real agency or importance. Unlike other secondary villains who at least create memorable moments, Zangya leaves almost no impression. As a character with potential wasted, she ends up being completely dead weight.
Yajirobe
The Sword Without Courage
Yajirobe has a peculiar place in Dragon Ball. Early on, he shows usefulness by cutting off Vegeta’s tail, saving the Z Fighters. However, his cowardly nature quickly defines him. He avoids combat at every turn, preferring to deliver Senzu Beans rather than risk his life. While this role is important, it also highlights his unwillingness to fight.
As battles escalate, Yajirobe’s contributions diminish even further. By the time of the Cell and Buu arcs, he’s mostly comic relief. His skills as a swordsman and fighter are forgotten, and he never trains to keep up. While fans may enjoy his antics, his lack of courage makes him dead weight in every serious battle.
Kefla
A One-Hit Wonder of the Tournament
Kefla, the Potara fusion of Kale and Caulifla, had all the makings of a game-changer. Her fusion produced a warrior with immense power, briefly pushing Goku to new heights. However, her arc ends quickly, with Goku defeating her in a single dazzling moment. This undercuts her long-term importance and leaves her as a one-hit wonder.
Unlike Vegito or Gogeta, Kefla never gains the legendary status of other fusions. Her brief spotlight is exciting but fleeting, and she contributes nothing afterward. While she represents potential, her lack of development or return appearances makes her feel wasted and ultimately more dead weight than lasting or memorable powerhouse.
Goten
The Forgotten Son of Goku
As the second son of Goku, Goten had every chance to be a major figure. He quickly achieved Super Saiyan as a child, suggesting enormous potential. Yet as the series progresses, he’s pushed further into the background. Even his fusion with Trunks into Gotenks becomes more of a gimmick than lasting relevance.
By Dragon Ball Super, Goten barely participates in major storylines. He trains less, fights less, and becomes more of a background character than a true fighter. His wasted potential is perhaps his greatest flaw, being introduced as a prodigy, Goten ends up as little more than a forgotten son, making him clear dead weight for the Dragon Ball franchise.
- Created by
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Akira Toriyama
- Latest TV Show
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Super Dragon Ball Heroes
- First Episode Air Date
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April 26, 1989
