More Than a Punching Bag: Why Krillin is Still Stronger Than He Gets Credit For

In the vast, power-creeping universe of Dragon Ball, Krillin has become something of a running joke. As Goku and Vegeta ascend to godhood, the bald-headed Z-Fighter is often left behind, a human relic in a world of Saiyan, Namekian, and cosmic-level beings. He’s been the butt of countless memes and is often referred to as “the weakest Z-Fighter.” Yet, to dismiss Krillin entirely is to misunderstand his true strength. While he may not be able to trade blows with a Super Saiyan Blue, he is, in fact, an absolute powerhouse in his own right, and far stronger than many other characters in the series who get more screen time or a better reputation.

Krillin’s journey is a testament to the power of human potential. He’s the strongest human on Earth, a fact confirmed by Yamcha himself, who, despite his own considerable abilities, acknowledges Krillin’s superiority. While he may struggle against the most elite fighters in the universe, his legacy is built on skill, intelligence, and an arsenal of unique techniques that have, on several occasions, proven capable of threatening even the most powerful foes.

The Forgotten Power: Characters Krillin Can Still Defeat

The list of characters that Krillin can comfortably defeat is far longer than most fans realize. These are not just fodder villains, but characters who, at one point, posed a significant threat to our heroes or were believed to be powerful in their own right. Krillin’s power, honed through rigorous training and his unlocked potential from Grand Elder Guru on Namek, far surpasses the strength of these foes.

• Yamcha: The most obvious entry on this list. While Yamcha was once a formidable warrior, he has not kept up with the relentless training of his peers. Krillin’s power level was already higher than Yamcha’s during the Saiyan Saga, and the gap has only widened over time. Yamcha’s infamous defeat by a Saibaman is a moment of humiliation that Krillin, who easily dispatched several Saibamen at once, would never suffer.
• Yajirobe: A great swordsman and a valuable asset for delivering Senzu Beans, Yajirobe’s fighting prowess is limited. While he once managed to cut off Great Ape Vegeta’s tail, a feat of incredible timing and luck, he has largely abandoned his martial arts training. He is no match for Krillin, whose mastery of Ki and physical combat is on an entirely different level.
• Chiaotzu: The diminutive friend of Tien is a powerful psychic, but his abilities are no match for a true fighter of Krillin’s caliber. His self-destruct attack against Nappa, while a moment of heroic sacrifice, failed to even scratch the Saiyan. Krillin, on the other hand, was able to hold his own against much stronger enemies and even draw blood from Nappa with his signature Destructo Disc.
• Guldo: The weakest member of the Ginyu Force, Guldo relied on his psychic abilities to freeze time and defeat his opponents. While he gave Krillin and Gohan a tough time, he was ultimately defeated by Vegeta, a sign of his immense weakness compared to the rest of the Ginyu Force. Krillin, who had already received his potential unlock on Namek, had a power level far exceeding Guldo’s.
• Raditz: It may seem absurd to think that Krillin could defeat the first major villain of Dragon Ball Z, but a look at the numbers tells a different story. Raditz’s power level was just over 1,500. By the end of the Frieza Saga, Krillin’s power level had skyrocketed to 75,000, a number that is over 40 times greater than Raditz. Krillin would be able to defeat Raditz with a single punch.
• Dr. Gero: As the creator of the Androids, Dr. Gero was a formidable scientific mind, but not a front-line fighter. While he was stronger than Krillin when they first met, Krillin’s post-training power would easily overwhelm the scientist.
• Mr. Satan: The reigning champion of the World Martial Arts Tournament and the self-proclaimed hero of Earth, Mr. Satan is a master martial artist in a world of normal humans. However, his lack of Ki control and superhuman abilities makes him completely irrelevant in a real fight against any of the Z-Fighters.

The True Value of Krillin

What makes Krillin truly powerful is not his raw strength, but his intelligence and tactical ingenuity in battle. He is a creative and resourceful fighter who uses his brain to overcome his physical limitations. His signature move, the Destructo Disc (Kienzan), is a razor-sharp disc of energy that can cut through almost anything and has been shown to be able to slice off Frieza’s tail and nearly decapitate a Super Saiyan. This is a weapon that is terrifyingly effective against enemies with a high power level but low durability. His Solar Flare is also a brilliant defensive move that has been used to blind even the most powerful villains, allowing him and his friends to escape or gain a momentary advantage.

In the grand tapestry of Dragon Ball, Krillin may be a supporting character, but he is far from a weak one. His journey is a testament to the fact that strength isn’t just about power levels; it’s about courage, determination, and the will to fight for what you believe in. For all the jokes about his height and his constant defeats, Krillin remains one of the most capable and formidable fighters on the planet, a true hero who has earned his place beside the most powerful beings in the universe.