Among the many prominent figures in the Dragon Ball Z universe, Thalès stands out as a fascinating enigma, blending mystery, power, and a darkness unique to his identity. This Saiyan warrior is often seen as the sinister counterpart to Goku, offering fans an alternate perspective on what the hero might have become without the defining events of his childhood. His role in the Saiyan saga introduces a dramatic and complex dimension to this iconic manga universe, enhancing the narrative richness where Saiyan combat transcends the simple opposition between heroes and villains. Let’s dive into the story and abilities of this dark Saiyan who became a hidden icon of Dragon Ball Z.
This character first appeared in the film “The Dragon’s Offensive,” where his familiar but darker silhouette immediately strikes fans. Originating from Planet Vegeta, he represents a sort of inverted echo to Goku. Beyond his visual aspect, it is his journey, motivations, and battles that make Thalès a valuable subject of analysis for Dragon Ball manga aficionados. His Saiyan power, unique techniques, and the way he interacts with other key characters paint a captivating picture of the rich Dragon Ball Z universe.
Throughout this article, we will explore in detail the identity of Thalès, his formidable combat techniques, intense rivalries, his place in video games, and finally, his lasting legacy that continues to fuel fan discussions and theories in 2025 and beyond.
- 1 The origins of Thalès: an alternative Saiyan from the Dragon Ball Z Universe
- 2 Thalès’ combat techniques and Saiyan power in Dragon Ball Z
- 3 The epic duel between Thalès and Goku: the ultimate confrontation of the dark Saiyan
- 4 Thalès in the Dragon Ball video game universe: an essential character
- 5 The complex relationships of Thalès with other Saiyans in the Saiyan saga
- 6 The legacy and impact of Thalès in the Dragon Ball Z universe in 2025
The origins of Thalès: an alternative Saiyan from the Dragon Ball Z Universe
Thalès is a character who intrigues from his earliest appearances, notably thanks to his unique origin that sets him apart from the majority of Saiyans presented in Dragon Ball Z. Unlike Goku, who grew up on Earth with a pure heart, Thalès finds his roots in a darker trajectory. A former warrior of Frieza’s army, he abandoned the strict ranks of the galactic empire to become a space pirate, a renegade pursuing his own quest for power.
This origin makes him an alternative version of Goku: in a hypothetical parallel universe, Thalès embodies what Goku might have been without the famous accident that changed his behavior. Where Goku became the hero we know, defender of planet Earth and its inhabitants, Thalès remains faithful to his brutal Saiyan instincts, seeking to conquer rather than protect.
His arrival in the Dragon Ball Z universe, therefore in the Saiyan saga, disrupts the traditional perspective we have on Saiyans. He is that wild, dark force, who fights mercilessly and disregards moral issues.
Notably: Thalès is often accompanied by his group, the Turles Crusher Corps, a team of warriors loyal to him, further reinforcing his aura as a ruthless space pirate. This entourage highlights his distance from the honorable codes of classic Saiyan society, as illustrated in the epic battles where his goal is clear: to establish domination through force and intimidation.
His appearance in Dragon Ball Z is not limited to the film but extends to video games, reinforcing the idea that he is a necessary element to understand an alternative facet of the Saiyans. With Thalès, the Dragon Ball universe is presented to us in a graver and more conflicted light, bringing new depth to the Dragon Ball manga craft.
Thalès’ combat techniques and Saiyan power in Dragon Ball Z
The true heart of a Saiyan battle lies in mastering unique and lethal abilities, and Thalès is no exception. This dark Saiyan warrior unveils an arsenal of techniques that highlight his limitless ambition and desire to surpass even the most powerful opponents.
The primary major source of his power comes from the Fruit of the Power Tree, a mysterious artifact he plants in the Earth’s soil. This fruit grants him a phenomenal boost in strength, capable of raising his power level to over 500,000 – a threshold that rivals or even surpasses Frieza at his peak. We then understand how dangerous Thalès is, especially when he uses the planet’s life force to his advantage.
Among his most distinctive techniques are:
- The Calamity Blaster: a powerful energy beam that can rival Goku’s iconic Spirit Bomb. This attack demonstrates Thalès’ mastery over cosmic energies and his ability to concentrate devastating force.
- The Power Ball: a unique technique mimicking the full moon, which allows Thalès to transform into a Great Ape (Oozaru). This transformation, typical of Saiyans, multiplies his power but also brings out a wild instinct that is hard to control.
- “I’m going to dig your grave!”: an ultra-fast combination of blows, as brutal as it is deadly, leaving little chance for the opponent. Its very name illustrates the ruthlessness of this Saiyan warrior.
These abilities demonstrate that Thalès does not just seek to win, but to annihilate, to impose his law in every confrontation. His fighting style is marked by a fierce will to crush his opponents through raw strength and refined technique. The Dragon Ball manga thus offers its fans a new interpretation of the Saiyan warrior, darker and more intense.
His transformation into Great Ape is moreover a dimension rarely highlighted in the manga but omnipresent in video games, where it enriches gameplay with a wilder and more unleashed approach. It perfectly symbolizes the unbridled Saiyan power that slumbers within him.
The epic duel between Thalès and Goku: the ultimate confrontation of the dark Saiyan
The battles between Thalès and Goku have become emblematic, embodying not only a clash of power but also an ideological confrontation. This duel reflects what a fight between two opposite paths in the Dragon Ball Z universe would be: heroic light against conquering shadow.
With an initial power level close to that of Goku (about 30,000), Thalès quickly surpasses this gap thanks to the Fruit of the Tree, propelling his energy beyond classical limits. Facing him, Goku must then deploy all his arsenal, notably accessing Kaio-ken x10, a very demanding technique that temporarily multiplies his power but at the cost of great physical risks.
| Character | Initial power level | Power level after boost |
|---|---|---|
| Goku | 30,000 | 300,000 (Kaio-ken x10) |
| Thalès | ≈30,000 | +500,000 (after the fruit) |
This dynamic creates extreme tension and combat moments that remain etched in fans’ memories. Thalès, being a dark mirror to Goku, pushes the latter to tap into unprecedented resources and shows that the quest for Saiyan power knows no limits.
The fight is also rich in emotions, as it questions Goku’s very origins and his destiny. The face-off invites reflection on the very nature of Saiyans and on the individual choice versus imposed destiny.
Thalès in the Dragon Ball video game universe: an essential character
Thalès’ popularity is not limited to his appearances in the manga or the film. In 2025, he remains a major figure in the pantheon of playable characters in Dragon Ball Z video games, where fans can experience his power and transformations.
His first incursion took place in classic games, like those on the Famicom, before he gained interest with more recent titles such as Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2. It is in this game that his Great Ape transformation was introduced, offering a new gaming experience where raw power blends with a wild technique.
He then reappears in Budokai Tenkaichi 3 and Dragon Ball: Raging Blast 2, where his personality, dialogues with other Saiyans – notably Vegeta – and fighting style are highlighted. His ability to bring together fans of intense Saiyan battles and his unique design quickly make him a player favorite.
In these games, Thalès also offers variety in possible strategies:
- Exploiting his massive energy attacks like the Calamity Blaster.
- Using his Oozaru transformation to briefly dominate the battlefield but with phenomenal power.
- Combining speed and fast attacks with his deadly combos.
This technical diversity makes his gameplay stimulating and invites a reconsideration of the role of Saiyans in the Dragon Ball combat universe currently.
The complex relationships of Thalès with other Saiyans in the Saiyan saga
What makes Thalès even more fascinating as a character is not only his individuality but also his interactions with other key figures of the Dragon Ball Z universe. His relationship with Goku is central, as it crystallizes the vision of an evil twin, an abandoned path, and often a lost brother or clone according to some adaptations.
Toei Animation has repeatedly clarified that Thalès is a sort of alternative version of Goku, an embodiment of what the latter might have become had he remained true to his violent Saiyan heritage rather than adopting Earthly values.
In several games, Thalès also exchanges significant words with Vegeta. Their rivalry goes beyond mere animosity to become a relationship both strategic and personal. Vegeta does not hesitate to criticize his appearance and methods, while Thalès tries to convince Vegeta of an alliance, aiming to become the ultimate power in the universe. Vegeta, loyal to his pride and independence, categorically refuses, creating antagonism regularly explored in game dialogues.
These exchanges add to the dark character of Thalès, who is not content to be a one-dimensional simple villain. He is a character with a clear vision of his goals, grandeur in his ambitions, and a moral complexity accentuated by rivalry with other Saiyans.
The legacy and impact of Thalès in the Dragon Ball Z universe in 2025
Despite his limited appearance in the main work, Thalès has managed to impose his presence in the collective imagination of fans and in the Dragon Ball video game landscape. In 2025, his legacy extends far beyond his initial role in the film “The Dragon’s Offensive.”
His figure is often mentioned in theories and fan fiction, fueling reflections on alternative possibilities for the Dragon Ball story and on the very nature of Saiyan power. He embodies duality, raw strength mixed with fierce determination, making him an emblematic character to understand all facets of the Dragon Ball manga’s development.
In games, his Great Ape transformation and techniques continue to inspire content creators and fans, who praise the complexity and realism of his fighting style. He shows that even non-canon characters can leave an indelible mark, offering new and enriched experiences.
Thalès thus challenges the community on the real meaning of identity in the Dragon Ball universe, and on the fact that every Saiyan warrior can chart a distinct path, between light and darkness. His legacy is therefore one of constant questioning and fascination for the Saiyan transformation and Saiyan power in all their forms.
