Dragon Ball GT: Misplaced Canons and Alternate Continuities

The world of Dragon Ball is vast, rich in plot twists and crossovers, with each installment offering unique adventures. However, when it comes to the Dragon Ball GT, many fans find themselves questioning its place in the canon story. Created as a sequel to Dragon Ball Z, GT does not fit seamlessly into the main storyline that culminates in Dragon Ball Super. This article explores why GT is not considered canon and how alternate interpretations could fit within the universe, though not in the official timeline.

Why Dragon Ball GT Isn't Canon

Determining the canon status of an installment or continuation can be complex. For Dragon Ball GT, the primary reason for its non-canon status is the change in character ages and storyline. Specifically, in GT, Bulma's (Bra's) daughter, Pan, is visibly younger than GT's main characters, especially Brolla (Bulla). Additionally, in the main storyline, Pan is shown to have been born before Brolla, a detail that cannot be reconciled without major alterations to the plot.

Another key factor lies in the series' consistency with Akira Toriyama's established storyline. The Dragon Ball GT storyline introduces significant changes in character development and plot that deviate from the mainstream narrative. These inconsistencies make it difficult to integrate GT into the official timeline, as it doesn't align with the ongoing development of characters like Goku and Vegeta.

Exploring an Alternate Continuity: What If GT Happened?

What would happen if we set aside the core problem of character ages and explore a hypothetical continuity where Dragon Ball GT still exists? Here are some ideas to consider:

Keibito's and Kaioshin's Reconciliation

In the original Dragon Ball GT, the Kibito appears as a critical plot point. In an alternate continuity, we could envision a situation where Keibito and Kaioshin reconcile, leading to a slightly different introduction of the Kibito's role. This wouldn't change much, as the core concept of Keibito as a divine protector remains consistent.

Happy Times for Goku with Mai

Another interesting aspect is the relationship between Goku and Mai. If we pretend that Goku had better personal life moments, he might not need to search for the Black Star Dragon Balls as desperately. This scenario allows for a more laid-back life for Goku, akin to the peaceful moments seen with Trunks and his girlfriend, Mai.

No Opposition to Goku from Baby

One of the significant plot points in Dragon Ball GT involves Goku facing off against Baby and Super C-17. In an alternate continuity, Baby might not pose the same threat, leading to a different set of challenges for Goku. Without the need to face Super C-17 and the Shadow Dragons, the narrative could focus on different aspects, perhaps highlighting the power of friendship and the importance of Earth's natural defenses.

What If Goku Got Turned into a Kid?

Another hypothetical scenario is what would happen if Goku were turned into a Kid in an alternate universe. This could happen through different means, not necessarily by Kid Pilaf but perhaps by another character. Here’s how this alternate continuity might play out:

Goku's Kid Years

Goku staying a child might make him slightly stronger, but not enough to use Super Saiyan Blue. He might, however, have some temporary access to God Ki. Baby Gohan still fights against Vegeta, who doesn't feel the need to use either God or Blue, and gets turned into Baby Vegeta. Goku faces Baby and is defeated twice - once without the Tail and once with the Tail. However, Goku still becomes Super Saiyan 4. Super C-17 and the Shadow Dragon are killed by Vegeta in his Super Saiyan Blue form. This ends the saga without Goku's intervention.

Vegeta's Superiority

Ultimately, these hypothetical changes highlight Vegeta's continued dominance. Even with Goku becoming Super Saiyan 4, Baby Vegeta remains superior, ensuring that Goku would need to find a way to surpass this new level or use God Ki.

In Conclusion

The world of Dragon Ball offers endless possibilities for fan theories and alternate continuities. While Dragon Ball GT is not considered canon due to character age inconsistencies, exploring these alternate scenarios can provide fascinating insights into the potential directions the series might have taken. Whether one agrees with these scenarios or not, it’s clear that the rich storytelling of Akira Toriyama has left room for countless interpretations and fan theories.