Krillin

Lore & Background

Born an orphan on Earth, Krillin was sent to Master Roshi's island for training alongside Goku. His early life was defined by a fierce rivalry with his childhood friend, which quickly transformed into a deep bond forged in the fires of combat and shared hardship. He faced down tyrannical kings, demon kings, and intergalactic warlords, often serving as the emotional anchor for the group when their power levels seemed insurmountable.

Krillin's life took a tragic turn during the Frieza Saga on Namek, where he was killed by Frieza. This event followed the earlier deaths of Yamcha, Tien, and Chiaotzu during the Saiyan invasion, marking him not as the first human to fall, but as a crucial figure whose sacrifice galvanized Goku's transformation into a Super Saiyan. His resurrection via Dragon Balls became a recurring motif, yet his death highlighted his mortal fragility in a universe of immortals. Later, he found stability as a husband to Android 18 and father to Marron, balancing his warrior past with domestic life while serving as an active police officer on Earth.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled across the rocky plateau, carrying the acrid scent of ozone and burnt fabric from recent energy clashes. Krillin stood panting, his gi tattered and scorched, staring down a foe that loomed like an insurmountable mountain. His muscles screamed for rest, but his spirit refused to yield. With a calm breath, he raised his hands, feeling the familiar, electric hum of ki gathering at his fingertips—not as a god's hammer, but as a human's shield. 'I may not be a Saiyan,' he thought, eyes narrowing with fierce resolve, 'but I'll protect what matters until my last drop of energy is spent.' The air crackled violently as he prepared to unleash the Destructo Disc, ready to stand as the thin line between destruction and those he loved.

Reader's Guide

Krillin began his journey as a nervous orphan seeking strength at Master Roshi's Turtle School, quickly evolving from Goku's rival into his most trusted confidant. While Goku constantly ascended toward godhood, Krillin mastered the art of human limitation, refining technique and strategy to become Earth's premier martial artist in the absence of Saiyans. He was instrumental in turning the tide against formidable foes like Tambourine and Frieza, often delivering critical blows when others were incapacitated or outmatched.

His arsenal is defined by precision over brute force: the Destructo Disc (Kienzan), a razor-sharp energy blade capable of slicing through near-invulnerable armor; the Solar Flare to blind overwhelming threats; and high-speed movement techniques that allow him to outmaneuver faster opponents. Beyond combat, Krillin's true strength lies in his tactical genius and unwavering leadership, consistently acting as the group's voice of reason and the glue holding the Z-Fighters together during their darkest hours.

Did You Know?

• Krillin was originally designed with six eyes before Akira Toriyama simplified his appearance to match Goku's style, though this quirk remains a famous piece of trivia among fans.
• While Yamcha, Tien, and Chiaotzu were killed during the Saiyan Saga, Krillin holds the distinction of being the first Z-Fighter to die in the Frieza Saga, a pivotal moment that triggered Goku's legendary transformation.
• In current canon (Dragon Ball Super), Krillin serves as an active police officer, utilizing his martial arts skills and tactical mind to maintain law and order on Earth alongside his fellow officers.
• His marriage to Android 18 was a pivotal narrative moment that humanized a former villain-turned-ally and demonstrated Krillin's unique ability to find love and build a family beyond the battlefield.

Origins and Character Purpose

Krillin was introduced in May 1985 within Weekly Shōnen Jump as a pivotal addition to Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball narrative, specifically designed to provide necessary contrast to the protagonist. Editor Kazuhiko Torishima felt Goku was too plain and suggested creating a character who was petty and mischievous to deepen the story's emotional resonance. Consequently, Krillin arrived at Master Roshi's island as a fellow martial arts student, initially serving as a rival before evolving into Goku's closest ally and best friend throughout the series. His debut in chapter 25 marked the beginning of a journey where he would fight alongside or even ahead of Goku against every major villain. While often depicted as comic relief to balance the intense action, his role extends far beyond humor; he represents the grounded human element within a world increasingly dominated by super-powered aliens and gods. This dynamic relationship with Goku highlights themes of loyalty and perseverance, establishing Krillin not merely as a sidekick but as an essential emotional anchor for the series' core cast.

Visual Identity and Evolution

Krillin's distinctive appearance has remained largely consistent throughout his long history, characterized by his shaved head and complete lack of a visible nose. Toriyama humorously explained this unique trait as a physical idiosyncrasy allowing him to breathe through skin pores, while the six moxibustion burns on his forehead serve as a direct reference to Shaolin monk practices known as jieba. Initially appearing at age 13 in monastery attire, he soon adopted the iconic orange gi uniform gifted by Master Roshi for their first martial arts competition. His wardrobe shifted during the Frieza arc when he donned Saiyan armor provided by Vegeta, only to return to his traditional orange gi with a blue undershirt and boots during the Cell saga. A significant visual change occurred after defeating Cell, where he grew out his black hair before shaving it again later in the series. In his settled life, he is often seen in casual workout gear, including a red T-shirt emblazoned with the word "Tacos," marking his transition from a constant warrior to a family man.

Combat History and Sacrifice

Krillin's combat history is defined by relentless bravery against overwhelming odds, beginning with his early victories at the Tenkaichi Budōkai where he defeated opponents like Bacterian before falling to Master Roshi in disguise. His journey includes tragic moments, such as being killed by a henchman of Piccolo Daimao and later revived, underscoring his role as a recurring casualty who always returns stronger. During the Saiyan invasion, he avenged Yamcha by eliminating most Saibamen and attempted to aid Tien Shinhan against Nappa, utilizing the Tri-Form technique alongside Piccolo despite their eventual failure. In a desperate bid to save Earth, Krillin launched his signature Kienzan at Nappa and later assisted in the Genki-Dama attack against Vegeta. His courage extended to Namek, where he unlocked hidden potential under Guru's guidance and fought alongside Vegeta against the Ginyu Force. Even when outclassed by powerful enemies like Frieza or Raditz, Krillin consistently steps forward to protect his friends, often sacrificing himself or risking death to ensure their survival.

Narrative Significance and Legacy

Beyond his physical battles, Krillin holds immense narrative significance as the bridge between the human world and the cosmic scale of Dragon Ball. His introduction was a strategic editorial decision to add depth to Goku's characterization, yet he evolved into one of the most enduring figures in the franchise. The character's life trajectory reflects the series' shift from martial arts adventure to intergalactic warfare; he travels to Namek to revive fallen friends and eventually settles down with Android #18. Interestingly, while screenwriter Yūsuke Watanabe originally planned for Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods to center on Krillin and 18's wedding, Toriyama chose Bulma's birthday party instead, perhaps allowing fans to imagine the nuptials themselves. This decision highlights Krillin's status as a beloved figure whose personal milestones are respected even when not explicitly shown. As one of the few humans to survive multiple galactic threats, his legacy is that of resilience and unwavering friendship, proving that even without super Saiyan powers, he remains indispensable to the Dragon Ball universe.