Superman vs. Goku, a debate that has been raging for many years, and not just among fans. Recently, during the DC: Celebrate Superman panel at C2E2 2025, DC Comics artist Dan Mora asserted that the comparison between the two heroes was misplaced. According to him, Superman's true rival isn't Goku, but another character from Dragon Ball.
Superman's Equivalent Isn't Goku
What if Superman's true counterpart in Dragon Ball isn't Goku, but Gohan? At least, that's what Dan Mora thinks. Thinking about it, it makes sense. Unlike his father, Gohan has always had to juggle his public life with his role as the Z-Fighter, the character switching between the two, even removing his glasses like Clark Kent. He's not a warrior looking for a fight, but a hero ready to intervene to protect his loved ones or save the Earth, like Superman. This connection becomes even more evident with Great Saiyaman or Clean God, as shown in the latest chapter of DBS, two elements that reinforce the Saiyan's superheroic aspect. If we push the comparison to the DC multiverse, Gohan's pacifism is also reminiscent of Val-Zod, the last Kryptonian in his universe. It is therefore clear that Goku's son has a superhero nature that his father does not. This is why Dan Mora is convinced that he is much closer to Superman than he is.
Now, let's talk combat. Can Gohan replace Goku in a face-off with Superman (the basic one, omitting his other versions)? Before answering, we must first ask ourselves if Goku's son is capable of defeating his father. If we stick to the end of the Buu arc, the answer is yes, because at that point, Gohan is the most powerful non-fused character in the series. Regarding DBS, it's a little more complicated. Toyotaro indicated that Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, Broly, and Gohan were more or less on the same level, which doesn't allow us to say that Gohan is the strongest. On the other hand, we can say without hesitation that he has the greatest potential of all, and his transformation into Beast is proof of this. This makes him a credible opponent for Goku, and therefore a serious candidate to face Superman. Nevertheless, in this lineage with the DC superhero, Goku has not said his last word.
Superman and Goku: Two Inseparable Characters
It's clear that Gohan and Superman share many similarities, but so does Goku. Kakarot shares almost identical origins with Kal-El, as well as similar enemies, between members of his own race and super-powered aliens. Personality-wise, their goals obviously differ, but according to some versions, they are not so different. This connection comes in particular from the American dub of DBZ, where Goku is presented as a superhero. "I am the hope of the universe," as he exclaims to Frieza on Namek, while in Japanese it is not at all that. Based on this Western version of the character, he looks almost exactly like Superman. However, it is difficult to draw conclusions from an interpretation that does not respect the original work. In fact, Goku does not need to be someone else to embody, in his own way, the spirit of Superman.
What Dan Mora's words miss is the cultural impact of the characters. Goku and Superman are, and will forever be, linked by the fact that they each represent their respective mediums. Superman is the ultimate superhero, while Goku is the quintessential shonen hero. Both are extremely popular characters, icons that inspire and leave a lasting impression on anyone. While Gohan shares similarities with Clark Kent in personality and lifestyle, he will never have the notoriety of Clark Kent, or even his father. This goes beyond pop culture. Therefore, Goku will forever be Superman's counterpart and rival... well, if you don't count the legendary Suppaman from Dr. Slump. Tell us in the comments section.
0 Comments