The Dragon Ball franchise, particularly Dragon Ball Z, is renowned for its intense battles, dramatic transformations, and, perhaps most importantly, its iconic tropes. Among these, the āfather-son power-upā is a fan-favorite, and it has now clearly influenced a pivotal scene in the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations anime. Specifically, the legendary Father-Son Kamehameha from Dragon Ball Z has a direct parallel in Boruto’s use of the Father-Son Rasengan.
The Legacy of Dragon Ball Z’s Power-Up Trope
Dragon Ball Z established many of the tropes now common in shonen anime. One of the most recognizable is the power-up transformation, usually accompanied by a visual change, and a massive increase in power. The Super Saiyan transformation is perhaps the most iconic example of this, with its screaming, earth-shaking build-up. These transformations not only amplify the heroās abilities but also serve as emotional peaks within the narrative.
Another key trope is the “power level,” a numerical value indicating a character’s strength. Although the series later moves away from a strict reliance on numbers, the concept introduced a sense of scale to the power dynamics in the show. Characters also undergo intense training sessions with mentors to gain new skills and abilities to overcome their limits, another frequently used anime trope.
The āfather-son power-up,ā as seen with Gohan and Goku, is a specific variation of this. In moments of desperation, a son channels the power of his father, resulting in an explosive and memorable surge of strength, often used to defeat the seriesā most powerful villains. This trope, cemented in the collective memory of anime fans, finds its echo in a crucial scene in Boruto.
The Father-Son Kamehameha: A Defining Moment
The Father-Son Kamehameha, used by Gohan to defeat Cell, is arguably the most climactic and iconic moment in all of Dragon Ball Z. This scene sees Gohan, with Goku’s spirit guiding him, unleash a massive Kamehameha wave that overwhelms Cell and saves the Earth. This moment is not only a turning point for Gohanās character but also a defining example of the power of familial bonds in the face of overwhelming adversity. The scene became so iconic because of its emotional weight, the visual spectacle of the attack, and its place in the narrative. It represented the culmination of Gohan’s training and a major milestone in the battle against Cell.
Boruto’s Homage: The Father-Son Rasengan
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations has, in many ways, been inspired by the narrative structure of Dragon Ball Z, and the parallels are undeniable. Early in Boruto, the series introduces Momoshiki Otsutsuki, a powerful foe who comes to Earth to investigate the absence of Kaguya, another powerful alien being. Like Perfect Cell, Momoshiki demonstrates a significant power gap between him and the shinobi of Boruto. This forces Boruto to step up.
In a scene that directly mirrors the Father-Son Kamehameha, Boruto utilizes his father Naruto’s chakra to perform the Father-Son Rasengan. This attack isn’t just a simple power-up; it’s a direct echo of Gohanās iconic moment in Dragon Ball Z. The scene is emotionally charged, visually impactful, and demonstrates Boruto’s growth as a character. This moment highlights how the bonds of family can give characters strength and also serve as a powerful, emotional focal point.
Similarities and Inspirations
The influence of Dragon Ball Z on Boruto extends beyond this one specific scene. The series has drawn from other elements of Dragon Ball Z‘s storytelling. For example, the Kara organization, with their cybernetic members, resembles Dr. Gero’s Androids. Similarly, the Divine Trees, formed from the chakra of the Ten-Tails, mirror the creation of Cell. The dynamic between Boruto and Sasuke is also reminiscent of Gohan and Piccolo, further highlighting the influence of Dragon Ball Z on Boruto’s character and plot development. There are even comparisons between Boruto and Future Trunks, due to their shared role as figures of hope in times of darkness.
Even the introduction of Momoshiki and Kinshiki, with the latter being a brute underling to the former, parallels Vegeta and Nappa’s arrival on Earth during the Saiyan Saga. The narrative structure of Boruto is often cited as drawing significant inspiration from the Cell Saga in Dragon Ball Z, with the different arcs of the manga mirroring the events of that saga. The consistent power-ups throughout the series, and the intense training sessions, are tropes that Dragon Ball Z popularized, and that Boruto has clearly adopted.
Why the Trope Resonates
The Father-Son power-up trope resonates with audiences due to its emotional impact and symbolic significance. It represents the passing of a torch, a legacy, and the power of familial love. In both Dragon Ball Z and Boruto, these scenes are not just about physical strength, but also about the emotional and spiritual connection between fathers and sons. They highlight the importance of mentorship, the growth of the younger generation, and the ability of characters to overcome even the most formidable odds through a combination of inherited power and their own personal growth.
A Testament to Dragon Ball Z’s Enduring Influence
The direct parallel between the Father-Son Kamehameha and the Father-Son Rasengan is a clear nod to Dragon Ball Z’s lasting legacy. It serves as a reminder of how Dragon Ball has influenced the shonen genre and continues to inspire new generations of creators and fans. The way Boruto has incorporated these tropes demonstrates an understanding of what made Dragon Ball Z so popular. It’s not simply replicating these ideas but also building upon them to create a unique narrative within the Naruto universe.
By echoing such an iconic scene, Boruto pays homage to its roots while also forging its own path. This fusion of nostalgia and innovation is what makes the series resonate with fans, highlighting the importance of recognizing and building upon the legacy of influential predecessors. The Boruto series isn’t shy about taking inspiration from the Dragon Ball franchise, a fact that has been acknowledged by the creators. The influence is clear, the homages are impactful, and the results are some of the most memorable moments in the series.
