Who is the Better Counterpart in Dragon Ball Super: Goku or Vegeta?

In the Dragon Ball Super series, both Goku and Vegeta are formidable warriors driven by a common goal of becoming the strongest in the multiverse. However, their contrasting traits and methods make them excellent counterparts in the series. Let's delve into a comparison of Goku and Vegeta as counterparts, examining their similarities, differences, and their effectiveness in battle.

Why Vegeta Might Be the Better Counterpart

Nature and Goals: Vegeta and Goku share the same ultimate goal of becoming the strongest, but their methods and approaches are vastly different. In the Anime's Battle to Become the Moon saga, Vegeta has consistently made it clear that his true desire is to surpass Goku. This longing for superiority aligns with his character, adding depth to the story as he constantly seeks to outdo the Saiyan prince. The pursuit of becoming the strongest is paralleled by Goku’s journey through the Angelic Path and Vegeta’s Destruction Path, providing a unique narrative that reflects the duality of their characters.

Respect and Trust: Despite their tumultuous relationship, Vegeta has shown a certain level of respect and trust for Goku. Their shared experiences in battling together and facing the fight with immense rigor and trust fostered a bond that strengthens their teamwork in critical moments. This is particularly evident in the Super Doubles arc, where their trust in each other during the fusion dance underscores their deep bond.

Frieza as a Nemesis

While Frieza serves as a compelling nemesis, his role in the series often prioritizes a desire for power and control over individual strength. His desire to rule the multiverse instead of simply being the strongest means that Frieza and Vegeta share some common ground. Frieza is a source of dramatic tension, but his motivations and actions often diverge from the core narrative of strength and unity.

Character Clashes: The contrast between Goku and Frieza’s methods is stark. Unlike the personal and deeply rooted rivalry between Goku and Vegeta, Frieza’s approach tends to be more pragmatic and indifferent to personal development. His pursuit of world domination does not necessarily align with the primary themes of self-improvement and unity that drive the plot.

Physical and Mental Comparison

Physical Capabilities: Vegeta and Goku are both in the same league in terms of power and speed, making them almost evenly matched. While Vegeta has used the Destruction Path in the past, Goku has yet to access the Beyond Ultra Instinct form. This parity in their physical abilities ensures that their battles are always thrilling and unpredictable.

Mental Adroitness: Vegeta is often portrayed as more tactical and cautious, which adds to his strategic value as a counterpart. His awareness of his energy drain and the power put out makes him a more reliable and measured ally in battle. This contrasts with Frieza, who has a more impulsive and aggressive style, which can lead to unpredictable drain situations, as highlighted by the Golden Frieza arc, where the energy drain was a significant issue.

Early Mentions: It is worth noting that before the release of Delane Sykes' insights, Frieza was not specifically noted for mental training related to energy drain. However, the added context of training for Frieza emphasizes the strategic value of both characters as comrades and rivals.

Conclusion: Goku and Vegeta in the Same League

While both Goku and Vegeta offer strong contenders as counterparts, I would lean towards Goku and Vegeta as the better pairing. Their shared history, respect for each other, and similar physical capabilities make them an ideal duo for dynamic storytelling and thrilling battles.