Piccolo Takes the Crown as Akira's Beloved Character, Yet Fan Responses Aren't Extraordinary.

Did you know that Akira Toriyama has a personal favorite character, and it's not Goku—the main protagonist of the series? Despite Goku often being the fan-favorite in the world of Dragon Ball, the manga's author has a different preference.
In an interview revealing details about 'Dragon Ball Daizenshuu 2: Story Guide,' Toriyama disclosed that Piccolo is his favorite character, not the famed Goku or Vegeta.

Piccolo was initially introduced as an antagonist in the Dragon Ball universe but later transformed into a crucial ally alongside Goku. He even became Gohan's mentor. The transformation from antagonist to hero is one of the most significant character arcs in the series.
Toriyama's fondness for Piccolo is noteworthy, especially considering Goku's widespread fame and prominence in the franchise.

Furthermore, Toriyama admits to having mixed feelings about Vegeta, seeing the Saiyan prince as a narrative asset rather than a fan-favorite character. This revelation contradicts Vegeta's popularity among fans.
The interview also sheds light on Toriyama's other creative choices, including his humor preferences for characters like Mr. Satan, also known as Hercules in some translations.
This interview provides a deep and intriguing perspective not only on Toriyama's preferences but also on his creative process. It highlights how supporting characters can significantly impact a storyline, reinforcing the idea that character development in Dragon Ball goes beyond the boundaries of heroes and villains.