In
Dragon Ball, Goku trains himself in various martial arts at his home in the jungle. He meets
Bulmawho is searching for the Dragon Balls. Bulma
noticesGoku's power and asks Goku to join her after explaining the legend of the Dragon Balls. As Goku matures, he becomes one of the
universe'smightiest warriors and protects his adopted home planet,
Earth, from
villainswho wish to harm it. Goku is depicted as carefree and aloof when at ease but quickly serious and strategic-minded when fighting. Goku is able to concentrate his
Kiand use it for devastatingly powerful energy-based attacks, the most prominent being his signature
Kame Hame Hatechnique, in which Goku launches a blue energy blast from his palms.
As the protagonist, Goku appears in most of the episodes, films, television specials, and
OVAsof the
animeseries
Dragon Ball,
Dragon Ball Zand
Dragon Ball GT, as well as many of the
franchise's
video games. Due to the series' international popularity, Goku has become one of the most recognizable and iconic anime characters in the world. Outside the
Dragon Ballfranchise, Goku has made
cameo appearancesin Toriyama's
self-parodyseries
Neko Majin Z, has been the subject of other parodies, and has appeared in special events. Goku's critical reception has been largely positive and he has been
recognizedas the greatest manga/anime character of all time.