Summary

• Mr. Satan undergoes personal growth, showing bravery and comion beyond physical strength in Dragon Ball series.
• Despite being weaker than Z-Warriors, Mr. Satan's influence and actions as a hero play a vital role in key moments.
• Through his friendship with Majin Buu, Mr. Satan demonstrates that anyone can change and be a hero in their own way.

Despite being the world martial arts champion, Mr. Satan (also known as Hercule in the Funimation dub) is mostly known by fans as an annoying and weak character throughout Dragon Ball, since his strength is insignificant compared to that of the Z-Warriors, who possess superhuman powers, can fly, launch energy waves, and defeat enemies that can destroy planets. On the surface, Mr. Satan may be seen as a con artist who serves as comic relief, but his personal development is vital in Dragon Ball and a key to understanding the true message of the series, self-improvement.

Dragon Ball establishes training and suring physical limits as crucial aspects of Goku and Vegeta's development as warriors and individuals, which come naturally to them due to their Saiyan blood driving them to reach a higher strength. However, Mr. Satan offers another, more human perspective on personal growth in the series.

From his introduction in the Cell Games to the end of the Majin Buu Saga, Mr. Satan is the best example of Dragon Ball's themes: the true value of a hero isn’t his strength but how he strives to improve himself.

Mr. Satan Goes From Being a Liar To Becoming the Savior of the Universe

Satan’s Efforts at the End of Dragon Ball Z Are Recognized by Goku

Mr. Satan is a character who lives for his reputation, so in the Cell Games Saga, he lies to maintain his facade as an invincible hero, despite his cowardice and being aware of his own abilities compared to Cell and the Z-Warriors. However, Mr. Satan changes upon listening to Android 16's request. Although terrified, Mr. Satan demonstrates moral growth and humanity by deciding not to escape and instead risking himself by bringing Android 16's head closer to Gohan, an act that, although small, represents a great moment of bravery for him given his selfish nature.

Mr. Satan’s actions end up being the emotional trigger for Gohan to awaken the Super Saiyan 2 transformation. Later, Mr. Satan gained fame after claiming he was the one who defeated Cell and bragging about being the strongest man in the world, and his influence became key during the final battle against Kid Buu, since he used his popularity to persuade humanity to donate their energy to Goku's Spirit Bomb. Additionally, Mr. Satan also willingly carries Vegeta away from Kid Buu so that he will not be hit by the attack, which earned him recognition from Goku.

Not bad, Mr. Satan! Maybe you're the savior of the universe after all! - Goku

Not only wouldn't Goku have had enough ki for the Spirit Bomb if it weren't for Mr. Satan, but also Vegeta may have been killed during the blast without him. While Mr. Satan is not as powerful as the Z Fighters, he grows to become someone capable of acting despite his fears to protect others, finding his value in being a hero in his own way by using his influence for the good of humanity and ing the true heroes when they need it most.

Mr. Satan Shows Genuine Change Through His Friendship With Majin Buu

Mr. Satan Teaches That Everybody Can Change

In the Majin Buu saga, Mr. Satan shows empathy and kindness that contrast with his selfish behavior. Hercule, despite his fears, really intends to defeat Buu and save the world by using his brain, since he knows his strength isn't enough, even if it is in part for his reputation and fame. Mr. Satan initially approaches Buu with the aim of gaining his trust and eventually betraying him; however, he begins to see in him something more than an enemy and an emotionless, cruel being.

Because Mr. Satan genuinely cares for Buu and teaches him comion, he responds with loyalty and begins to develop a moral conscience and a sense of friendship, resulting in the subsequent separation of his inner evil and his eventual transformation into Good Buu. This bond humanizes them both and leads Mr. Satan to act with true bravery to protect his friend when, at the end of the saga, he implores Vegeta not to kill Buu and vows to take care of him.

Dragon Ball Teaches Through Mr. Satan That Anyone Can Be a Hero

The Self-Improvement in Dragon Ball Isn’t Always About Power

Unlike Goku and Vegeta, physical improvement is not a central focus for Mr. Satan, despite being considered strong only among humans, since he is aware of his lack of power and doesn’t seek to gain more. Mr. Satan, who was initially seen as a comical and selfish character, develops and shows humanity and courage, being able to risk his life to protect others and demonstrate through his friendship with Buu, that everyone is capable of changing and people can positively influence others without using force but through kindness and acceptance.

Mr. Satan keeps being a con artist, since he loves the attention and popularity. However, his journey shows that he is more than just a weak fighter, proving Dragon Ball's message that people just need to keep trying to improve themselves to eventually become a hero.