Dragon Ball and One Punch Man might seem worlds apart, but both series feature characters who surpass human limits to battle foes of incredible power. While Dragon Ball focuses on long-term character development, transformation, and alien invasions, One Punch Man relies on satire, dark humor, and exaggerated displays of power. The combination of quirky characters, over-the-top abilities, and unconventional motives makes certain Dragon Ball characters a perfect fit for the One Punch Man universe.
This is a top ten list of Dragon Ball characters that would perfectly fit either as part of the Hero Association or as roving martial artists, or even as villains.
10. Krillin

Krillin is not necessarily the strongest character in Dragon Ball, yet his stamina, strategies, and courage are the perfect fit for One Punch Man. He is the soul of an inferior hero who is always trying to save others against odds. Similar to Munden Rider, Krillin is an embodiment of tenacity and bravery, which the One Punch Man universe adores. His legendary Destructo Disc could make him a formidable Class B or Class A hero, valued for his skill and strategy rather than raw power.
9. Yamcha

Yamcha may be the joke of the Dragon Ball fandom, but his skills and personality would flourish in One Punch Man. Satire is the lifeblood of the universe, and the fact that Yamcha has seen his fair share of humorous losses suits the self-referencing humor of the series. His Wolf Fang Fist would grant him a showy combat style that could put him in the Hero Association as a cool but unreliable hero. His role may even be a fan favorite as comic relief.
8. Tien Shinhan

The martial arts schooling of Tien Shinhan and his Tri-Beam attack would leave a special place in One Punch Man. Tien, unlike Yamcha, keeps a certain sense of seriousness and commitment to change reminiscent of characters such as Atomic Samurai or Bang. His stoic character would offset the quirky natures commonly overpowering the Hero Association. This capability of pushing himself further makes him perfect as a respected, mid-to-high rank hero.
7. Android 18

The coolness and superhuman power of Android 18 would immediately make her a formidable force in the world of One Punch Man. Her blend of efficiency, confidence, and unparalleled stamina is comparable to strong heroes like Tatsumaki or Hellish Blizzard. She had no trouble in assuming the level of Dragon threat. Furthermore, her dry wit would be a good fit, and she would be frightening and fun to see in action.
6. Piccolo

The serious-comedic tone of One Punch Man would suit Piccolo well with his tactical thinking, regenerative abilities, and stoic nature. His adaptability in battle resembles that of a hero like Genos, constantly updating and adapting. The magical powers of Piccolo, like energy manipulation and telepathy, would provide an extra intrigue to the roster of the Hero Association. He may be represented as an old warrior bringing wisdom and addressing weird challenges.
5. Frieza

Not many villains of Dragon Ball would fit the antagonist role in One Punch Man as well as Frieza. His pretentious bravura, masochistic wit, and destructive force would suit heroes like Saitama or Tatsumaki perfectly well. The hyperbolic villains will work well with the melodramatic character of Frieza. His alienness would also increase the myth of alien dangers in the setting.
4. Vegeta

The egocentric and power-seeking nature of Vegeta would be a fantastic fit in the world of One Punch Man. He might be a competitive character to Saitama, angry at the easy strength of the latter as he trains himself inexhaustibly. The personality of Vegeta would build comic tension just like other characters, such as Genos, who admire Saitama, only that Vegeta would respond with jealousy and frustration. His devastating ability and hot temper would guarantee a constant flow of rough fights and comic exchanges.
3. Gohan

Gohan would work well in One Punch Man as a character who has equal measures of power and moments of insecurity. His two worlds as a scholar and warrior reflect his theme of regular people in an extraordinary situation. He might be an analog to heroes such as King, whose legend is in opposition to their real power, whereas Gohan would be on the highest level. His appearance would give the satirical world an emotional depth.
2. Beerus

Beerus, the god of Destruction, is a One Punch Man character in a spirit. His great powers combined with his indolence and fondness for food are a close resemblance to the carefree nature of Saitama. Beerus may be depicted as a god or a detached observer who enjoys the spectacle of the world. His character is a perfect fit because he balances menace and comedy.
1. Goku
The first on this list is, of course, Goku, whose carefree nature, limitless power, and passion to fight embody all that One Punch Man feeds off of. Goku would play off with characters such as Saitama, Genos, and King, straining both humorous and serious plots. Whereas Saitama attains power by satire, Goku is a classical shonen hero who pushes boundaries all the time. Their opposition would ensure that the inclusion of Goku is not only appropriate but necessary to tell a story.
Dragon Ball Characters in One Punch Man
Dragon Ball characters like Krillin and Yamcha would be ideal as comedic or underdog heroes, while villains such as Frieza and Beerus could elevate the levels of villainy and godly threats. Among them, Goku and Vegeta would serve as perfect contrasts to Saitama’s effortless power. All ten characters demonstrate that Dragon Ball and One Punch Man are very complementary to each other, and such a crossover would be a dream of the fans of both series.