Dragon Balls Perfect Ending Might Belong to Its Most Hated Installment

**Dragon Ball’s “Perfect Ending” May Belong to the Most Hated Installment**

For a series that has been around since the 1980s, *Dragon Ball* has had its share of climactic moments and memorable conclusions. From its humble beginnings as a story about a young boy with a tail to galactic battles featuring gods and multiverse tournaments, each arc seemed to raise the stakes. But within the *Dragon Ball* franchise, one ending that has sparked continuous debate among fans—and arguably stands as one of the most controversial—is the conclusion of *Dragon Ball GT*. Despite GT’s widely mixed reception, some argue it contains the franchise’s “perfect ending.” Here’s why *Dragon Ball GT*’s finale has remained both loved and hated by fans, and why its ending is still one of the most debated topics in anime.

Dragon Ball GT: The Underappreciated Entry in the Franchise

Dragon Ball G was never originally crafted by the series’ creator, Akira Toriyama. Instead, it was developed by Toei Animation without direct involvement from Toriyama, although he did provide a few character designs. The series was intended to follow the events of *Dragon Ball Z, but it took a creative leap by introducing new transformations, an alternative storyline, and even a shift in tone from the action-packed battles that fans adored.

This shift away from Toriyama’s guiding hand resulted in a different *Dragon Ball* experience, one that was darker, slower-paced, and even experimental. GT quickly found itself on shaky ground with fans, who were frustrated by the drastic changes to beloved characters, Goku’s sudden transformation into a child, and plotlines that veered away from the traditional *Dragon Ball* formula.

Despite the initial backlash, *Dragon Ball GT* did resonate with a certain segment of fans. Over the years, a faction within the fandom has come to appreciate the series for its ambition and thematic depth, particularly in its ending.

The final arc of *Dragon Ball GT*, known as the “Shadow Dragons” saga, took a reflective look at the consequences of the characters’ over-reliance on the Dragon Balls. Over the years, the heroes used the Dragon Balls repeatedly, asking Shenron to reverse everything from death to mass destruction. The Shadow Dragons, each representing a wish made on the Dragon Balls, were the embodiments of these overused powers, suggesting that all actions—even heroic ones—carry consequences.

This led to a climactic and poignant showdown for Goku, who was forced to confront the fallout of his and his friends’ actions over the years. Goku’s eventual farewell and ascension with Shenron felt like a meaningful send-off, symbolizing a departure from his life of fighting and giving viewers a sense of closure. The image of Goku flying off with Shenron, leaving behind his family and friends, offered a mix of nostalgia, sadness, and a feeling of finality.

While *Dragon Ball GT* as a whole may not have won the fandom’s heart, the ending managed to touch a narrative theme rarely seen in the franchise: consequences. The series that had focused on strength, battles, and power-ups ended with a profound message about responsibility, sacrifice, and growth. This nuanced send-off was fitting for a character like Goku, who had always chased new challenges and adventures. For some fans, it was the closest thing to a “perfect ending” the series has ever had, given how it closed Goku’s journey while still leaving a sense of mystery.

The ending offered fans something bittersweet, leaving room for interpretation and reflection, which is rare in the action-driven world of *Dragon Ball*. It even spurred fan theories that Goku had become something more than human, perhaps an eternal guardian of Earth. This shift in tone gave *Dragon Ball GT*’s conclusion a unique place in the franchise and a feeling of completion that was rarely seen before or after in *Dragon Ball* history.

For every fan who views GT’s ending as perfect, there are as many who view it as unsatisfying or even insulting. For these fans, the idea of Goku’s departure feels abrupt and out of place. Many were frustrated by the decision to “retire” Goku in such an ambiguous way, and the leap from GT to the later *Dragon Ball Super* installments further complicated feelings. Super not only ignored GT’s storyline but contradicted several plot points and character developments, creating a divide in the fanbase over which series to embrace as “canon.”

Moreover, Goku’s farewell was seen by some as a letdown, as the ending left Earth’s future uncertain and seemed to abandon the core characters who had supported Goku. To these fans, GT’s finale felt like an unnecessary departure from the values and excitement that had made *Dragon Ball* popular in the first place.

For better or worse, *Dragon Ball GT* left an indelible mark on the franchise. Its closing scenes resonate with a portion of the fandom that appreciates GT’s willingness to try something different and explore deeper themes. While *Dragon Ball Super* has since taken the reins with its return to high-stakes action and character-focused story arcs, the allure of GT’s melancholic farewell remains.

Over the years, GT’s ending has earned a small but vocal group of supporters who consider it an underrated gem. These fans view it as the rare instance where *Dragon Ball* sought to be introspective rather than merely bombastic. Perhaps the debate around GT’s conclusion reflects *Dragon Ball*’s broad appeal and the diverse tastes of its fanbase. In a world where many anime series lack closure, GT’s finale at least provided a send-off that still leaves fans thinking and talking, even if they can’t agree on its merits.

*Dragon Ball GT* may forever remain the black sheep of the *Dragon Ball* universe, but its ending offered fans something uniquely contemplative. For some, it’s a perfect ending that gives Goku’s journey the bittersweet conclusion it deserves; for others, it’s a disappointing final note in an already polarizing series. Whether one loves or loathes it, GT’s finale adds a rare layer of complexity to a series often defined by its action sequences and power-ups. In its willingness to do something different, GT gave us an ending worth remembering—even if it’s the most hated installment of all.