The Dragon Ball franchise has given us some of anime's most iconic moments, but few topics spark as much debate as Goku's role as a father. While he's celebrated as Earth's greatest defender, his parenting decisions have been scrutinized by fans for decades. From staying dead to train in the afterlife to pushing young Gohan into life-threatening battles, Goku's choices raise important questions about heroism versus fatherhood.

This analysis explores the nuanced reality of Goku's character. Is he genuinely neglectful, or is he a product of Saiyan culture and narrative necessity? We examine key moments throughout Dragon Ball Z and Super, including his relationship with both Gohan and Goten, his priorities during peaceful times, and how cultural differences in storytelling affect Western audiences' perception of his character. The 'bad dad Goku' meme has become internet folklore, but the truth is far more complex than social media hot takes suggest.