Since their induction into the saga Dragon Ball Z (chapter 337 for Trunks, chapter 424 for Goten), many have noticed the absence of a monkey tail as a characteristic trait of both Saiyans. Why ? Several theories emerge on this subject.
A characteristic feature
How to recognize a Saiyan? Besides his phenomenal power, and his change in hair color as he goes through the stages of transformation into Super Saiyan, these space warriors are characterized by the presence of a monkey’s tail at their birth.
This one, seemingly harmless, allows them to transform into a giant ape when they stare at the full moon. We saw it for the first time in dragonball with Son Gokubut also during the first episodes of Dragon Ball Z with his son Son Gohan (twice), and Vegeta during his invasion on Earth. However, this characteristic feature seems omitted during the appearance of Trunks and Son Goten, (or even Bra later), the respective sons of Vegeta and Goku. Why ?
Prevention is better than cure
Several fan theories have emerged in response to this question. One of them would be due to the fact that their tails were simply cut off when they were born, and the representative scenes of which were not drawn by Akira Toriyama. This ablation avoids their possible transformation into monkeys, and allows them to blend into the earthly mass. Considering the problems caused by Gohan, it is highly plausible that Goku and his people had the presence of mind to prevent all of this. We wonder, however, why Toriyama did not decide to wear this scene on his boards.
An oversight fault?
But another theory, perhaps more plausible, would refer to pure and simple oblivion of the mangaka to add these tails on his characters. We know that the author is known to have improvised a large part of the original series dragonball, and given his very busy schedule, he may have forgotten some details. For example, he previously said that he completely forgot the form of Super Saiyan 2.
It is true that between Gohan’s transformationand the appearance of the new Saiyans, that is to say the Trunks of the future and the Trunks child in the arms of his mother Bulma, many volumes have passed (the Namek arc and the Frieza arc). Thus, time could be the cause of this oversight.
a matter of genetics
Asked, the famous father of the franchise replied that Saiyan tail was a recessive trait. Thus, this would disappear over time, as the mixtures progress. This would explain why Gohan had a tail, but not Goten, but also why other “hybrid” Saiyans, like Pan and Brahave no tail either.
Either way, this absence doesn’t seem to affect the narrative, and it’s unclear if those Saiyan tails will ever reappear. For your part, what is your theory regarding this absence? Do not hesitate to share your impression in the comments.
And if your curiosity permits, feel free to take a look at these 10 issues in the series that are dividing fans.
