Dragon Ball Z introduced characters with galaxy-destroying strength who continue to be relevant in the current series.
Universe 7's Supreme Kai, Shin, has access to divine powers but is weaker than villains like Perfect Cell.
Android 18 transformed from a villain to a powerful, no-nonsense Z-Fighter who now supports the team.
Android 17 returned in Dragon Ball Super as a substantially stronger warrior who won the Tournament of Power.
As the strongest Saiyan generation, their fused form, Gotenks, was the second character to reach Super Saiyan 3.
Uub, the reincarnation of Kid Buu, possesses great raw strength and untapped potential that may soon rewrite the status quo.
Future Trunks' desperation led to the unique Super Saiyan Rage form and the Spirit Bomb-like Sword of Hope attack.
Due to extreme regeneration and absorption, Good Buu is often too powerful to use, but he still possesses immense, surreal strength.
Vegeta has undergone great growth in Dragon Ball Super, mastering Super Saiyan God, Blue, and his own Ultra Ego form.
Gohan achieved Beast mode, a new Saiyan peak that allowed him to destroy Cell Max and humble Ultra Instinct Goku.
Frieza's pure spite fueled a decade of training, resulting in his ultimate Black Frieza form, the current top power to beat.
These characters, introduced in Z, are a testament to the franchise's constantly escalating power and enduring legacy.