Reflections on Bulma: A Character Analysis in Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z

Growing up, like many fans of the Dragon Ball series, I found Bulma to be a character that was initially difficult to relate to. Early on in the series, particularly in Dragon Ball, her treatment of Goku as a child and her dismissive attitude towards his naivety seemed to border on the negative. Her behavior towards Goku, especially considering that he wasn't raised with the same modern conveniences as her, often seemed patronizing and unhelpful.

Early Stages: A Dislikable Character

There was a time during the early Dragon Ball series where Bulma was portrayed as somewhat of a bitch. For example, when Goku was still a child and needed her help, she often treated him with a level of frustration and condescension. Goku, being a child without much advanced knowledge, was more of a nuisance than a partner in her adventures. Her lack of patience and her tendency to view Goku as an annoyance rather than a potential ally were jarring for many viewers.

Development and Growth: Trust and Appreciation

As the series progressed, and particularly during the events in Dragon Ball Z, there was a significant change in Bulma's character. By the time we reached Dragon Ball Z, Bulma had grown to trust and respect Goku in a way that she had not in the earlier series. This development was a key factor in my personal fondness for her character. It was fascinating to see Bulma's journey from a rather aloof and sometimes harsh character to someone who truly appreciated and respected Goku's efforts and growth.

MIghty Cannon: A Point of Discontent

However, recent viewing of Dragon Ball Z, specifically during the Arc where Goku is fighting Freeza, has reignited some of my earlier frustrations with Bulma. The arc in question, named Mighty Cannon, features Bulma's behavior during the rescue of Gohan from the planet, where her brattiness becomes particularly evident. During the scene where Gohan is rescuing her, Bulma's tantrum and complaints about inconveniences and minor setbacks stand out.

"Yeah right, says the one who didn't have to fight Freeza and his gang while hanging on to their lives," this was my thought during that moment. Bulma’s behavior seemed particularly frustrating and self-centered. Instead of being grateful for Gohan's rescue, she constantly complained about her own problems, even to the point of making Gohan feel undervalued. This behavior bordered on selfishness and lack of gratitude, which was hard to stomach.

Bulma and Gohan: A Self-Centered Tone

Another incident in which Bulma’s self-centered behavior shines through is her reaction to Piccolo’s presence. When they reach the spaceship to escape the planet, Bulma is terrified by Piccolo and tries to make Gohan leave him behind. Despite Piccolo's essential role in saving Gohan and Goku’s lives, her response was to prioritize her own feelings over the lives of others. She even suggested leaving Piccolo to die on the planet because he was a part of Freeza's race.

"Fck you, Bulma." This was my thought, and indeed, it felt like Bulma doesn’t value life. Her selfishness and disregard for the well-being of others became a significant point of frustration. The poignant contrast between her earlier fear and her later selfishness highlighted my disappointment in her character.

The Personification of Ignorance

Bulma's behavior in these scenes is a microcosm of her character—selfish, self-centered, and ignorant. She doesn’t just act ungrateful; she also doesn’t seem to care about the feelings of those around her. This was best illustrated when she refused to acknowledge the significant role Piccolo played in their survival. Even when confronted with the facts, her self-interest took precedence.

Despite my personal disappointment with Bulma in these newer episodes, I cannot deny the overall character development she has shown. Her evolution from a somewhat aloof character in Dragon Ball to a more sympathetic and trustworthy figure in Dragon Ball Z was substantial. However, her recent behavior in the Mighty Cannon Arc has reignited old frustrations, making her less relatable to me in these later episodes.

Conclusion: A Complicated Character

Bulma is a complex character with many layers. While I may not be the only one who dislikes her in the newer episodes, her earlier scenes in Dragon Ball offer a different perspective. She has her redeeming qualities, and the overall story is richer because of her character development. Nonetheless, the recent incidents have made her less endearing to me, and that’s an important part of any character's journey in storytelling.