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Krillin
Dragon Ball character
Krillin, as he appears during the Android and Cell arcs
First appearanceDragon Ball chapter #25: "A Rival? Arrival!!", May 21, 1985 (Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985)
Created byAkira Toriyama
Voiced byJapanese
Mayumi Tanaka
Aki Kanada (Mini; Dragon Ball Daima)[1]
English
See Voice Actors
In-universe information
SpeciesHuman
OccupationPolice officer[2]
SpouseAndroid 18 (wife)[3]
ChildrenMarron[4]
RelativesAndroid 17 (brother-in-law)

Krillin (Japanese: クリリン, Hepburn: Kuririn) (known as Kuririn in Funimation's English subtitles and Viz Media's release of the manga, and Klilyn in Japanese merchandise English translations) is a fictional character in the Dragon Ball manga series created by Akira Toriyama. He is introduced in chapter #25 "A Rival? Arrival!!", first published in Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine on May 21, 1985,[5] as Goku's fellow martial arts student under Master Roshi. As the series progresses, Krillin becomes Goku's closest ally and best friend as he fights every villain along with Goku or before him and is often depicted as the comic relief.

Design and appearance

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Toriyama originally created Krillin along with the Tenkaichi Budōkai as a method to help add depth to the story, as his editor Kazuhiko Torishima had stated that the series' protagonist, Goku, was too plain.[6] Torishima explained that to develop Goku's characterization, they needed someone petty and mischievous to provide contrast, thus leading to the introduction of Krillin.[7] Yūsuke Watanabe, who wrote the screenplay for the film Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods, had originally written the film to take place at Krillin and Android #18's wedding, but Toriyama wrote it to take place at Bulma's birthday party. Watanabe thought Toriyama made the change because he wanted fans to imagine the wedding for themselves.[8] Toriyama cited Krillin and Bulma's older ages at the end of the manga as a reason he chose for Battle of Gods to take place after the Buu arc since they were in their "strongest condition at that time."[9]

Krillin's appearance stays relatively the same for the majority of the series. He is first introduced at age 13, with a shaved head and still dressed in the yellow-and-orange clothing worn at the monastery at which he had been training. He does not possess a visible nose, and has six spots of moxibustion burns on his forehead called jieba, a reference to the practice of Shaolin monks. Toriyama once stated, seemingly humorously, that Krillin's lack of a nose is because he has a "physical idiosyncrasy" that allows him to breathe through the pores of his skin.[10] Later, he wears the orange gi uniform that is presented to both himself and Goku by Master Roshi in honor of their first martial arts competition.[11] Occasionally, he is seen in casual clothes, but for the most part, continues to dress for training or fighting at all times.[12] During the Frieza arc, he wears Saiyan armor provided by Vegeta,[13] but during the Cell arc he returns to wearing the orange gi, accompanied by a blue short-sleeved undershirt and boots.[14] After the defeat of Cell, Krillin stops shaving his head and grows his black hair out, before later shaving it again during Frieza's resurrection.[15] When he settles down with his family, Krillin is shown wearing a workout outfit consisting of a red "Tacos" T-shirt and brown drawstring pants.[16]

Appearances

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In Dragon Ball

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Krillin first appears arriving at Master Roshi's island to become his apprentice,[17] meeting Son Goku, and the two become rivals. However, after doing the hardships that Roshi assigns, the two become friends. After finishing their training, Roshi has Krillin and Goku compete in the 21st Tenkaichi Budōkai.[11] Krillin beats the odored fighter Bacterian, who uses his stench as a weapon, and makes it to the semi-finals. However, he is defeated by Jackie Chun, who is really Roshi in disguise, preventing his students from becoming arrogant with too many victories. Krillin continues to train with Roshi and helps Goku collect the Dragon Balls by fighting against General Blue and participating in Baba Uranai's tournament. However, he is quickly defeated by Dracula Man, who bites down on his head, causing blood to pour out.[18] Three years later, Krillin enters the 22nd Tenkaichi Budōkai.[19] Again, he makes it to the semi-finals by defeating Chiaotzu, but loses to Goku. Soon after, Krillin is killed by a henchman of Piccolo Daimao, who wanted to steal Goku's Dragon Ball.[20] After Goku defeats Piccolo, Krillin is revived by the Dragon Balls. Another 3 years later, Krillin enters the 23rd Tenkaichi Budōkai.[21] This time, however, he only makes it to the quarter-finals, losing to Piccolo Jr.[22] Krillin then tries to intervene in the fight between Piccolo and Goku when Piccolo gains the upper hand, until realizing he is outclassed.[23]

Several years later, in the span of a day, Krillin is attacked by Raditz while attending a reunion,[24] and is unable to save Gohan from Piccolo, who takes him for training.[25] A year afterward, Krillin confronts the Saiyan invaders Vegeta and Nappa along with his friends,[26] following months of training in preparation for their arrival. After Yamcha's death, he avenges his friend by killing most of the Saibamen. In the battle against Nappa, Krillin tries to get involved in his fight with Tien Shinhan after Nappa severs the latter's arm, though is stopped by Nappa.[27] Krillin double teams Nappa with Piccolo, creating multiple copies of themselves with the Tri-Form and failing thanks to the clones cutting their power.[28] Krillin later goes toe-to-toe with Nappa alone, launching a Kienzan at him that Nappa almost catches before Vegeta warns him, and is saved from an attack from Nappa by Piccolo.[29] After Nappa is defeated, and Goku arrives, Krillin requests that he fight Vegeta elsewhere to prevent their friends' corpses from being destroyed. He and Gohan leave the battlefield but return after Gohan worries for Goku, who is being crushed by Vegeta in his Oozaru form. Krillin unsuccessfully attempts cutting Vegeta's tail in a sneak attack,[30] and later is given the Genki-Dama to launch at Vegeta by Goku, which misses initially but is bounded back by Gohan.[31] After Vegeta yields from further conflict given his extensive injuries, Krillin takes Yajirobe's sword and moves in to kill him, but agrees to spare his life per Goku's request.[32] He then travels with Gohan and Bulma to planet Namek to use the Namekian Dragon Balls to revive their dead friends, since the Earth's Dragon Balls vanished due to Piccolo's death.[33] Once there, they save a young Namekian called Dende from death at the hands of Frieza's henchmen. Krillin receives an increase in power from Guru, the grand elder of the Namekians, when he unlocks his hidden potential.[34] After a few close encounters with Vegeta, Krillin and Gohan are forced to team up with him to fight Frieza's strongest warriors, the Ginyu Force. They are overpowered by them until Goku arrives and defeats the Force.[35] After Krillin and Gohan collect the seven Dragon Balls and wish back Piccolo, they begin a battle against Frieza, during which Krillin is stabbed in the chest,[36] removes Frieza's tail following being healed by Dende, thereby distracting Frieza from continuing to crush Gohan to death,[37] and injures Vegeta in an attempt to capitalize on his Saiyan ability to grow stronger when in a near-death state at Vegeta's request.[38] After a long fight between Goku and Frieza, Goku decides to use the Genki-Dama, Krillin giving his energy to Piccolo so he can stall Frieza and attacking Frieza himself with his last bit of strength.[39] When the group recovers from the Genki-Dama, and Frieza emerges unscathed, the latter detonates Krillin from the inside, killing him instantly, which triggers Goku's first ever transformation into a Super Saiyan.[40] After Frieza's defeat, Krillin is revived by the Namekian Dragon Balls.[41]

Krillin trains for three years to confront Doctor Gero, who tries to use his androids to kill Goku.[42] Krillin is momentarily forced to leave his friends with the androids to take Yamcha away from the battlefield in the aftermath of his deadly encounter with Gero, who Krillin finds the base of and signals the others to his location after fighting with Gero.[43] When the Androids, #16, #17 and #18 are released, Krillin is the only hero present that does not engage #17 and #18 due to his fear. After the duo defeat his friends, Krillin unsuccessfully pleads for the androids to spare Goku's life, and becomes infatuated with the female #18 after she kisses him on the cheek, and he then heals his defeated friends. After Krillin encounters the artificial life form Cell, Krillin and Future Trunks travel to Doctor Gero's laboratory basement, where Krillin kills the present timeline version of Cell and the two discover the weakness to the androids is a deactivating controller, which Bulma constructs and gives to Krillin. Krillin soon after encounters #18 with the module and, after a period of deliberation, destroys it.[44] Because of this, regardless of his efforts, Cell absorbs her and achieves his perfect form.[45] Enraged over her loss, Krillin engages Cell in combat, the latter standing in place while Krillin's attacks have no effect and striking Krillin only once, placing Krillin in a near-death state.[46] After Krillin is revived by Trunks, he warns Trunks of Cell's strength, having been able to sense his true power right before being attacked. He moves Vegeta away from the impending fight between Trunks and Cell, healing Vegeta during the battle between the two.[47] He later participates in the Cell Games, a martial arts tournament created by Cell for entertainment, and fights one of the Cell Juniors who attack him and his friends, but is saved by Gohan.[48] After Gohan punches Cell in the stomach, he regurgitates Android #18, and Krillin cares for her comatose body while Gohan destroys Cell. After Cell's death,[49] Krillin then travels to the lookout, where he uses the second wish from the Dragon Balls to remove the bombs from #17 and #18.[50]

Seven years later, Krillin has quit fighting, settled down with #18, with whom he has a daughter named Marron (マーロン, Māron).[3] This left Goku confused, until Krillin explained that Android 18 is a cyborg (meaning she is human still), and she was able to have a baby with him.[16] However, after learning of Goku's return from the afterlife to compete in the 25th Tenkaichi Budōkai, he decides to also participate, also being encouraged to do so for the money by #18. During Goten and Trunks' match, Krillin worries that Trunks' energy attack will hit the crowd.[51] Krillin wins his sole match, against Pintar, during the competition with ease.[52] After the Kaioshin enlists several of Krillin's friends to help him defeat the wizard Babidi, Krillin joins them, in doing so forfeiting his entry in the tournament, but is stopped from assisting any further thanks to Dabura turning him into stone with his spit.[53] Upon Dabura's death however, Krillin is freed[54] and he saves Goten and Trunks from the impact of Vegeta's self-explosion. Krillin later evacuates Earth after Majin Buu's awakening.[55] When Buu has transformed, he finds the temple and locates Krillin and his friends. After escaping the Room of Spirit and Time, he kills everyone present; in the anime, Krillin is the first to be killed after trying in vain to distract Buu so his friends can retreat. During Goku and Vegeta's fight against Buu, Krillin is brought back to life by the Namekian Dragon Balls and gives his energy to Goku's Genki-Dama attack, which is used to destroy Buu.[56]

In Dragon Ball Super

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In the film, Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods, Krillin attends Bulma's birthday party; he later backs down from engaging Beerus due to not knowing his power. He then watches Goku's battle with the god.[57] In Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F', Krillin works as a police officer[2] and after having his head shaven by Android 18, joins in the fight against the resurrected Frieza afterward, being one of the survivors of Earth's second destruction before its reversal by Whis.[58]

After the events of the last two films, Krillin assists in acquiring two more members for his universe's team in a tournament, namely Piccolo and Majin Buu,[59] after learning about it from Android #18 and reunites with Trunks,[60] who he tries to stop from attacking Android #18 when she greets him, revealing her as his wife.[61] #18 tries to get Krillin a gift with the Dragon Balls until being convinced by Bulma, her presence alone is good enough for him,[62] and Krillin later participates in a baseball game between Universes 6 and 7.[63] Krillin tries stopping a pair of wrongdoers when he is knocked out by an arriving Gohan in his Saiyaman guise.[64] Krillin agrees to train with Goku after some reluctance and the two travel to get Paradise Grass from an island, encountering large, physical versions of past enemies that Krillin becomes fearful of.[65] The two are revealed to be in the "Forest of Fear", Krillin saving Goku from a phantom of Super Shenron that the two destroy together.[66] Krillin is requested by Goku and Gohan for participation in the Tournament of Power; he accepts.[67] Krillin eliminates Universe 4's Shosa and Majora before being eliminated himself by Frost.[68] Krillin's shouts of encouragement for Android 18 contribute to her victory over Universe 2's Ribrianne,[69] and he feeds Vegeta a Senzu Bean after his elimination by Universe 11's Jiren.[70]

Krillin later appears in a flashback after Frieza intends to provoke the wild Saiyan, Broly, into becoming a Super Saiyan, remembering the time that he murdered Krillin, which sparked Goku's own transformation on Namek. He then promptly kills Broly's father, Paragus, to initiate the transformation in Broly, who was fighting Goku at the time.[71]

Krillin appears in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero with his wife and friends, having shaved his head clean again, assisting Piccolo and Gohan during the battle against the monstrous Cell Max.[72]

In other media

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Krillin appears in two of the three Dragon Ball films; in the second, Krillin is used as leverage by Lucifer to convince Goku to give the Sleeping Princess to him;[73] and in the third, Krillin trains for the World Martial Arts Tournament, held in Mifan.[74]

Krillin appears in twelve out of the thirteen non-canon Dragon Ball Z films; in the first movie, he assists during the battle against Garlic Junior after he kidnaps Gohan;[75] in the second, Krillin battles Dr. Willow, firing a Kamehameha wave in an unsuccessful attempt to defeat him;[76] in the third, Krillin unintentionally brings Turles to Earth by using the Dragon Balls to restore the forest after a fire and fights the Saiyan's henchmen;[77] in the fourth, Krillin tries to prevent the Earth from being destroyed by a meteorite containing Lord Slug and his henchmen;[78] in the fifth, Krillin shelters Goku after he is injured by Cooler and is defeated in a fight with Salza;[79] in the sixth, Krillin travels to New Namek and combats Cooler's forces;[80] in the seventh, Krillin avoids fighting Android 13 though is injured during the battle;[81] in the eighth, Krillin tours New Planet Vegeta;[82] in the ninth, Krillin participates in a tournament and fights Zangya;[83] in the tenth, Krillin comes to the aid of Trunks and Goten in combating Broly;[84] in the eleventh, Krillin, Android 18, Goten and Trunks combat the bio-engineered Broly in a factory;[85] in the thirteenth, Krillin appears before Hirudegarn is released;.[86] In the anime-only sequel, Dragon Ball GT, an elderly Krillin was once again murdered, this time by a brainwashed Android 17, which angers a tearful Android 18 into fighting her brother. With her assistance, Goku avenges Krillin by destroying the now-transformed #17, called Super 17. Krillin was later resurrected using the Dragon Balls, and later appears on Master Roshi's island, and spars with his old friend, Goku, one last time, until he vanishes suddenly.

Voice actors

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Mayumi Tanaka has been the Japanese voice of Krillin in most Dragon Ball media

Krillin is voiced by Mayumi Tanaka in the original Japanese anime and in all related media, with the only exception being in Dragon Ball Daima, where a mini version of Krillin was voiced by Aki Kanada.[1] Toriyama chose Tanaka after hearing her portrayal of the protagonist Giovanni in the film Night on the Galactic Railroad.[87] When Krillin and Yajirobe, another character voiced by Tanaka, appeared in the same scenes, she gave the latter a Nagoya dialect in order to distinguish them.[88]

Canadian actress-musician Wanda Nowicki performed the English voice of Krillin (here named Bongo) in the rare Harmony Gold dub of Mystical Adventure. When Dragon Ball Z received a short-lived English dub by Saban Entertainment, Funimation, and Ocean Productions in the mid-1990s, Krillin was voiced by Terry Klassen. He reprised his role in the Ocean dub of the latter half of the series produced by AB Groupe for European and Canadian markets. Another short-lived English dub produced by Harmony Gold in the late 1980s featured Wanda Nowicki as the voice of Krillin. In the Blue Water 2003 re-dub of Dragon Ball, he is voiced by Mike Thiessen. Dan Gascon voiced him in the Blue Water dub of Dragon Ball GT. When the series' full production was taken over by Funimation in the US, Krillin was voiced by Laurie Steele as a child in Dragon Ball and Sonny Strait as an adult in all media released to the US. Strait got cast in the role following his audition in Texas. He found the character's constant deaths amusing and thought him comical: "Krillin is the party. If you don’t wish back the party, you’re going to be bored."[89] Other English voice actors include Sharon Mann, Brian Beacock, and Julie Maddalena.

Abilities

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Krillin has many abilities, including super-strength, super-speed, and the ability to fly using his ki energy, known as Bukū-jutsu (舞空術; lit. "Air Dance Technique"). His main techniques include the Kamehameha (かめはめ波; lit. "Kamehame Wave"), an attack he learned from Master Roshi, which enables him to emit a powerful ki energy blast from his hands.[90] Kakusandan (拡散弾; lit. "Scattershots"), another chi attack, involves firing two blasts, one from each hand, and merging them before directing the blast above an opponent where it will break up and rain down on them, he was only seen using this twice—the first time was very successful as he managed to wipe out three Saibamen with it. From Tien Shinhan, he obtained the Taiyōken (太陽拳; lit. "Solar Fist", renamed "Solar Flare" in the English anime dub), is an attack Krillin is capable of using to blind his opponents, sometimes used to make a quick escape.[91] One of his signature techniques is the Kienzan (気円斬; lit. "Energy Disc Razor", renamed "Destructo Disc" in the English anime dub), where he puts a hand in the air to create an electric floating disc, using it to slice through his enemies. Lacking the other protagonists' advantage of getting stronger every time he is injured, Krillin is however the strongest Earthling and was recognized as having a great array of techniques by Vegeta.[92][citation needed] In the later parts of the Dragon Ball Super series, Krillin learns to improve and develop variants of his Kienzan and Solar Flare techniques, giving him a tactical edge in battle.

Appearances in other media

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In a filler episode of Dragon Ball, Krillin trains with Kame-Sen'nin[93] and after the 23rd Tenka'ichi Budōkai, Krillin can be seen on a plane with his friends.

In filler episodes of Dragon Ball Z, during the Saiyan arc, Krillin fails to tell Chi-Chi of Goku's passing after being tasked with informing her,[94] though does inform Yamcha when coming to one of his baseball games followed by recruiting him for training with Kami,[95] and trains for the Saiyans by facing members of their race from the past using the Pendulum Room.[96] Before the Namek arc, Krillin encounters a group of children who help him find Namek[97] and spends some time on a fake version of the planet searching for Dragon Balls during a distraction and preventing his ship from being stolen. After the Namek arc, Krillin is one of a few not affected by the Black Water Mist set by Garlic Jr., Krillin having to fight his friends[98] before journeying to Kami's Lookout, where he appears to fall under the effects of the Black Water Mist, only to be revealed as faking[99] as part of a plan by Piccolo.[100] Krillin's near-death state by the hands of the Spice Boys, Spice and Vinegar, triggers Gohan's power boost and subsequent killing of the pair.[101] During this time, he breaks up with Maron once he becomes convinced she deserves better than himself, learning afterward that she would have married him.[102] During the Cell arc, he stops Cell from murdering a girl and her younger brother[103] and while waiting for the Cell Games, celebrates Gohan's birthday.[104] In the Boo arc, Krillin charges Boo after Boo escapes the Room of Spirit and Time, being easily defeated and attacks Boo again in the afterlife. After Boo's defeat, Krillin attends a gathering with his family.

In Dragon Ball GT, Krillin is killed by Android #17[105] after succeeding in snapping Android #18 from his brainwashing and trying to persuade him against his developing villainy. His death prompts #18 to seek vengeance and assist Goku in defeating Super 17. Krillin is revived by Shenlong after the defeat of Omega Shenron and has a match with Goku, who decided to leave Earth.[106] He is shown in GT sporting a mustache, wearing grey pants, shirt, and tie with a cardigan in his few appearances.[107]

Krillin, as seen in Dragon Ball FighterZ

Krillin appears in multiple Dragon Ball-related video games, sometimes as a playable character. He also appears in the crossover game Jump Superstars.[108] In the 1992 Videkko game Dragon Ball: Get Together! Goku World, Krillin, along with Goku, Trunks, Bulma, and Gohan, travels back in time to examine events in the past.[109] In the 2002 game Dragon Ball Z: Budokai, Cell has a nightmare where he accidentally absorbs Krillin and becomes Cellin (セルリン, Serurin), the form making him weaker.[110] In the 2015 video game Dragon Ball: Xenoverse, Krillin serves as a mentor to the player character, teaching his Kienzan. He also appears during Android 18's mentorship of the player, fighting them alongside her. In the Frieza arc, Krillin and Vegeta, being defeated by Frieza, leave Gohan alone to fight the tyrant, causing Goku to exit the healing chamber still wounded.[111] In the final fight against Demigra, Krillin gives energy to the player. In the 2016 game Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, during the Frieza arc, the player assists Krillin in battling Zarbon,[112] and Krillin later leaves the player to fight Lord Slug and Turles alone per the player's request.[113] In the 2018 game Dragon Ball FighterZ, after clones of various heroes and villains from the series appear, Krillin investigates the origin of them before being knocked out by his own clone.[114] Following Goku rescuing him,[115] the two rescue various allies from clones until encountering Cell, who Krillin becomes aggressive toward for his defeat of Android 18.[116]

In June 1988, Krillin, along with other Dragon Ball characters, was featured in two public safety announcement shorts. The first was entitled The Goku Traffic Safety (悟空の交通安全, Gokū no Kōtsū Anzen),[117] and the second called The Goku Fire Fighting Regiment (悟空の消防隊, Gokū no Shōbō-tai) where he along with Kame-Sen'nin, Yamcha, and later Goku become volunteer fire fighters.[117]

Krillin also appears in the Dragon Ball and One Piece crossover manga Cross Epoch where he and Tony Tony Chopper run the Kuri-Chopa Marine Train Coster. In 2003, he would appear in the interactive feature entitled Kyutai Panic Adventure! (球体パニックアドベンチャー!, Kyūtai Panikku Adobenchā!; Orb Panic Adventure!). Where he and Gohan attempt to save visitors of at Fuji Television's orb section from drowning, while Goku battles Frieza.[118][119] In the 2004 followup Kyūtai Panic Adventure Returns! (球体パニックアドベンチャーリターンズ!, Kyūtai Panikku Adobenchā Ritānzu!; Orb Panic Adventure Returns!), Krillin is one of the seven Dragon Ball characters who delivers the Dragon Balls to restore the aqua city of Odaiba after Goku and Monkey D. Luffy's battle with Eneru.[120]

Krillin has performed many songs throughout the years. These songs feature his voice actor Mayumi Tanaka in character singing cheerfully about certain thing pertaining to Krillin. First with the song "Asa - Hiru - Yoru - Kimi - Boku" from the album Dragon Ball Z Hit Song Collection IV: Character Special released in 1990.[121] Then with "Ichido wa Kekkon Shitai Manbo" from Dragon Ball Z Hit Song Collection 8: Character Special 2 released in 1991. Where he happily sings about the desire to get married.[122] And the title track from Dragon Ball Z Hit Song Collection 17: Hippy Hoppy Shake!! released in 1995.[123]

Before and after Dragon Ball Z debuting in the U.S. in 1996, Krillin became a part of the country's pop culture. In 1994, the character was featured on the cover of Voodoo Glow Skulls' first full-length album Who Is, This Is?, though his face was removed in the 2012 digital re-release. The song "Blessing" by Chance the Rapper mentions Krillin referencing Android 18 to the lyricist's delight.[124] Krillin appears in an episode of Mad watching the other Dragon Ball characters after they are drafted for the Oakland A's by Billy Beane in a parody of the film Moneyball.[125]

Reception

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Cosplay of Krillin at Romics 2013 - Spring Edition.

Krillin is a popular character in the series; in 2004, Japanese fans voted him the seventh most popular character.[126] In January 2007, Oricon held a poll in which they asked Japanese fans of manga and anime which characters from any series they would most like to see in spin-off series. Krillin ranked third in the men's poll and sixth in the overall poll.[127] In 2016, Krillin was ranked No. 3 on the saikoplus.com list 10 Most Popular Characters in Dragon Ball Z.[128] When younger fans would belittle the character as weak, Krillin's voice actress Mayumi Tanaka said she would explain to them that Krillin and Yamcha are the strongest earthlings, the other characters are all aliens. She also said it was more fun to play Krillin when he was a dirty-minded bad kid, that she was not fond of him growing his hair out, and was shocked when he died for the first time.[88] Manga author Masashi Kishimoto said that when creating the protagonist of his series Naruto, Krillin was more influential than Goku because the former came across as more human than the protagonist, as he showed several flaws.[129]

Various publications for manga, anime, and other media have commented on Krillin's character, adding praise and criticism to his development and traits in the series. Anime News Network writer Carl Kimlinger liked Krillin and Goku's childhood, noting it to be the warmth that the later Dragon Ball Z anime does not have.[130] Also believing the first anime to have more development than the sequel, Tim Jones from Them Anime Reviews cited how Krillin was not a friend to Goku when first introduced.[131] David F. Smith of IGN comments that Krillin and #18's relationship really help make the storyline more interesting. Additionally, he liked Krillin's appearances in the fight against Cell as he has more screen time than the main character, Goku.[132] Although Chris Beveridge from Mania Entertainment thought that Krillin had a drastic change in Dragon Ball GT, he mentioned that fans from the previous series would like some of its episodes due to the appearance of Krillin and other older characters.[133]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Krillin

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Krillin is a fictional artist and one of the central protagonists in the Dragon Ball manga and franchise, created by . Background and Training
Introduced as a young seeking to become a powerful fighter to boost his romantic prospects, Krillin joins in training under the legendary (Kame Sennin) at Kame House, where he hones his skills through rigorous regimens and tournaments like the 21st Tenkaichi Budokai. His signature bald appearance stems from his monastic origins and a desire to "unfetter his mind" for battle focus, while his mischievous and outgoing personality often provides amid intense conflicts. Role in the Series
As Goku's closest ally and best friend, Krillin becomes a core member of the Z-Fighters, bravely confronting escalating threats from villains such as King Piccolo, the Saiyan invaders Raditz and Nappa, Frieza's forces, the Androids, Cell, and across , , , and Dragon Ball Daima. Despite frequently encountering misfortune in fights—earning him a reputation for bad luck—Krillin's resourcefulness shines through techniques like the Solar Flare (Taiyoken), a blinding light attack that disorients enemies, and his contributions to key victories, including healing allies and strategic interventions during the Android and Cell Sagas. Personal Life and Legacy
Post-Cell Games, Krillin settles into a peaceful life, marrying the reformed and fathering a daughter named , while working as a in Satan City. Recognized as Earth's strongest pure human (or ), his growth from a rival to into a devoted family man and unwavering hero underscores themes of perseverance and camaraderie in the franchise.

Creation and design

Conception and development

Krillin was conceived by Akira Toriyama as a new character to revitalize the Dragon Ball manga during its early serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump, following editor feedback that Goku appeared too plain. Introduced in chapter 25, "A Rival? Arrival!!", published on May 21, 1985, Krillin served as Goku's rival and eventual best friend at Kame-Sen'nin's school, adding comic relief through his human perspective in contrast to Goku's extraordinary strength. Toriyama drew inspiration for Krillin's design from Buddhist monk imagery, with the character's shaved head symbolizing discipline and tying into his backstory as a monk from the Orin Temple who left after being bullied, seeking greater martial arts training. Krillin evolves from a tournament fighter in the early arcs to a supporting ally and family man in later sagas.

Design and appearance

Krillin's initial design, introduced at age 13 in the original Dragon Ball manga, features a bald head inspired by traditional monk aesthetics, a notably short stature that persists into adulthood at 153 cm, and no visible nose—a deliberate stylistic simplification by creator Akira Toriyama to streamline facial features in black-and-white illustrations. When questioned about the missing nose in the 1987 Dragon Ball: Adventure Special, Toriyama humorously attributed it to Krillin's "physical idiosyncrasy that allows him to breathe through his skin," emphasizing the character's quirky, memorable silhouette. This bald, noseless look pairs with the iconic orange Turtle School gi, a loose martial arts uniform with blue undershirt and wristbands, which became synonymous with Krillin's early appearances and underscores his role as Goku's plucky rival-turned-ally. Following the Cell Saga, Krillin's visual design underwent a significant update in the Buu Saga, where he grows black, spiky hair that contrasts sharply with his previous bald pate, giving him a more mature and rugged appearance while retaining his compact build. In Dragon Ball Super, this evolution continues with practical attire reflecting his civilian life, including a police complete with and , highlighting a shift from warrior garb to everyday functionality. Krillin's design incorporates variations for de-aged or miniature forms, notably in Dragon Ball Daima (2024), where he is depicted as child-sized with exaggerated proportions—larger head, wider eyes, and amplified cuteness—to fit the series' whimsical, shrunken aesthetic, all hand-drawn by Toriyama before his passing. The of his attire has also evolved across the franchise: the signature orange gi dominates the original series and much of , while Super frequently shows him in casual modern clothes, such as a pink shirt over jeans, emphasizing his domesticated, non-combat lifestyle.

Appearances in Dragon Ball media

Original Dragon Ball series

Krillin is introduced in Akira Toriyama's original Dragon Ball manga, serialized from 1984 to 1995, as a 13-year-old novice monk who flees his temple to pursue greater strength in martial arts. Arriving at Kame House on a small boat, the bald, noseless boy—initially designed by Toriyama as a comic foil with a monk-like appearance—bribes the reclusive Master Roshi with a stack of pornographic magazines to gain acceptance as his student. This marks the start of his rigorous training regimen alongside Goku, where their initial rivalry over Roshi's attention evolves into a deep friendship forged through shared hardships and mutual respect. As part of the core group, Krillin joins , , and in the climactic phase of the Pilaf Saga, aiding in the recovery of the remaining Dragon Balls from Emperor Pilaf's forces and surviving intense pursuits across various terrains. Under Roshi's mentorship, which emphasizes discipline, endurance, and ki control through grueling exercises like carrying milk deliveries on foot, Krillin hones his skills in preparation for the World Martial Arts Tournaments. His bond with shows early romantic undertones, as she occasionally flirts with him during their adventures, highlighting his boyish charm amid the group's dynamic. In the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament, Krillin emerges as a standout competitor, advancing through the preliminaries with clever tactics and demonstrating significant growth from his comic relief roots to a capable fighter. He later teams up with Goku, Yamcha, and others to dismantle the Red Ribbon Army, a global criminal syndicate seeking the Dragon Balls for world domination; during this arc, Krillin provides crucial support in battles against mechanized foes and assassins like General Blue, showcasing his resourcefulness and loyalty. By the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament, Krillin's prowess peaks as he reaches the semifinals, but tragedy strikes immediately after when Tambourine, a demonic spawn of King Piccolo, ambushes and kills him in a brutal attack to eliminate top martial artists. This event galvanizes Goku's resolve against the rising threat, and Krillin is ultimately resurrected through the power of the Dragon Balls gathered by his allies. Throughout these arcs, Krillin transitions from a humorous sidekick reliant on tricks to a skilled warrior whose determination and techniques, including his adoption of the Kamehameha energy wave learned from observing Goku, underscore his enduring role in the series' early narrative.

Dragon Ball Z

In , Krillin emerges as a key supporting character, evolving from a skilled artist into a devoted family man while contributing to high-stakes battles against cosmic threats. During the Saiyan Saga, he joins the Z Fighters in defending from the invaders and Nappa, destroying multiple Saibamen with precise ki blasts and engaging Nappa directly in combat. Despite the overwhelming power disparity, Krillin nearly severs Nappa with his signature Destructo Disc, showcasing his tactical ingenuity before Goku's intervention shifts the battle's momentum. Following the Saiyans' defeat, Krillin travels to Planet Namek with and to gather the Dragon Balls for resurrection wishes, only to confront 's tyrannical forces. There, , Namek's elder leader, unlocks Krillin's latent potential through a that dramatically amplifies his strength, enabling him to hold his own against elite soldiers like Dodoria. In a pivotal confrontation, Krillin deploys the Destructo Disc against , slicing off the tyrant's tail and briefly wounding him, though Frieza retaliates by levitating and exploding Krillin in mid-air to provoke . This brutal death catalyzes Goku's transformation into a Super Saiyan; Krillin is later revived using Namek's Dragon Balls, returning to with enhanced resolve. Shifting to the Androids and Cell Sagas, Krillin's arc emphasizes personal growth amid escalating dangers. He develops romantic feelings for during their encounters, ultimately marrying her after Shenron removes her self-destruct bomb, leading to the birth of their daughter, . In battles against Cell, Krillin supports by fending off the ruthless Cell Juniors and desperately shielding from absorption, highlighting his protective instincts even as the group faces near annihilation. Post-Cell, Krillin retires from constant combat to prioritize family, taking up a position as a in a bustling city, where he balances everyday heroism—such as pursuing petty criminals—with occasional Z Fighter duties. This phase includes brief training sessions with young Trunks to sharpen his skills, alongside comedic interludes like temporary baldness from intense stress during preparations. Notably, his hair begins growing naturally after , symbolizing a shift to a more settled life.

Dragon Ball Super

In Dragon Ball Super, Krillin leads a more domestic life compared to his earlier adventures, working as a while raising his daughter with . This peaceful routine is disrupted during the 'F' arc, where he joins and in battling Frieza's revived forces on . Krillin reunites with during the conflict, and the ordeal prompts him to briefly resume training under 's guidance to sharpen his combat skills, highlighting his lingering ties to the Z Fighters despite his retirement from full-time fighting. During the Universe 6 Tournament arc, Krillin represents Universe 7 in a five-on-five matchup against Universe 6's warriors, facing off against , Frieza's counterpart from the rival universe. Despite his tactical prowess, Krillin is swiftly eliminated by 's underhanded poison needle attack, underscoring the vast power gap between fighters like himself and alien combatants in the . This early exit emphasizes Krillin's role in demonstrating the limits of strength amid escalating cosmic threats. In the Tournament of Power arc, Krillin participates as part of Universe 7's ten-member team in a survival battle royale across multiple universes, where elimination means universal erasure. He provides support by protecting from attacks by Universe 6's fused warrior Kefla and others, but is ultimately knocked out of the ring by Universe 2's Ribrianne and a group assault led by Sour. Following Universe 7's victory, Krillin's contributions earn him recognition, positioning him as a candidate for Earth's guardian in subsequent developments. In the manga's original story arcs, Krillin's police duties intersect with larger threats, as seen in the Galactic Patrol Prisoner (Moro) arc where he deploys guided Destructo Disks to combat Moro's escaped minions invading . His involvement in the Granolah the Survivor arc is more peripheral, focusing on coordination with and others amid interstellar conflicts. Throughout , Krillin's family dynamics provide comedic relief, such as domestic scenes where he navigates parenting alongside Android 18's pragmatic demeanor, balancing everyday humor with occasional heroic interruptions.

Dragon Ball Daima

In Dragon Ball Daima, Krillin is de-aged into a miniature child form through a wish made by Gomah, the new Supreme Demon King, as part of a conspiracy to weaken 's strongest warriors and seize control of the Demon Realm. This transformation occurs one year after the defeat of Kid Buu, during a peaceful gathering on , leaving Krillin with his adult mindset intact but his physical abilities severely diminished. Alongside and other affected allies like , , and Tenshinhan, Krillin embarks on an adventure to the Demon Realm to collect its Dragon Balls and reverse the curse, navigating unfamiliar territories filled with demonic inhabitants and traps. Krillin's mini form leads to several comedic struggles, such as difficulties in combat and daily tasks due to his reduced stature and strength, often providing humorous relief amid the high-stakes journey. He participates in battles against Gomah's forces and his associate Degesu, the brother of Supreme Kai Shin, relying on his tactical ingenuity and support role rather than overpowering force to aid the team. Notable character moments include Krillin's frustrated reactions to the de-aging's inconveniences and his clever contributions, like using environmental elements or coordinated attacks with fellow s, which underscore his enduring resourcefulness despite the odds. Throughout the series, Krillin interacts closely with Supreme Kai Shin, who guides the group through the Demon Realm, and forms alliances with new allies like the Namekian Panzy, emphasizing themes of teamwork and adaptation in the face of conspiracy-driven threats. By the conclusion in episode 20, the size curse is lifted after the group defeats Gomah and destroys the Oculus, restoring everyone to their adult forms and allowing Krillin and the core cast to return home and strengthen their bonds forged in the ordeal.

Feature films and Dragon Ball GT

Krillin appears in several Dragon Ball feature films, often providing heroic support in battles against major antagonists while highlighting his role as a loyal Z Fighter. In Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013), Krillin joins the other warriors in gathering the s to summon Shenron, seeking knowledge about the Super Saiyan God transformation to aid against , the God of Destruction. His involvement underscores the team's collaborative effort, though he avoids direct confrontation with Beerus due to the overwhelming power gap. This non-canon depiction emphasizes Krillin's strategic contributions over frontline combat, diverging from the main continuity by integrating the film's unique ritual for the divine form. In Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F' (2015), Krillin plays a more active combat role, battling members of Frieza's revived army alongside , , and others during the invasion of Earth. He demonstrates enhanced prowess against the soldiers, who have trained for four months, using techniques like the Destructo Disc to hold the line before and arrive. This sequence showcases temporary power boosts for human fighters in the film's alternate scenario, allowing Krillin to perform feats beyond his canonical limits at the time, such as efficiently dispatching multiple foes. The movie also features comedic elements, including Krillin's exaggerated reactions to Frieza's golden form, reinforcing his role as amid high-stakes action. Krillin's presence continues in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022), where he defends his wife, , and brother-in-law, Android 17, during the Army's assault led by Cell Max. Arriving as a police officer, Krillin teams up with the android Gammas to counter the bio-android's rampage, employing his and other ki blasts to create openings for the main heroes. This portrayal highlights family-driven motivations, with Krillin's protective instincts driving his involvement, and includes non-canon revivals and alliances unique to the film's "what-if" revival of Cell, blending humor—such as his initial panic—with earnest support. In the non-canon Dragon Ball GT series (1996–1997), Krillin's roles span multiple arcs, often involving possession, death, and revival tied to the storyline's divergences from the main continuity. In the Baby arc, Krillin falls under Baby's possession, joining the Tuffle parasite's control over Earth's population, including his wife Android 18. He is eventually freed by Goku's intervention during the climactic battle on the Golden Great Ape form, highlighting GT's non-canon exploration of mind control and redemption without the series' typical revival mechanics. This possession arc features comedic undertones in Krillin's altered behavior, contrasting his usual loyalty. The Super 17 arc sees absorbed into Super Android 17, prompting Krillin's sacrificial stand that leads to his death by Super 17's energy blast. Revived later via the Dragon Balls, this sequence emphasizes temporary power boosts from emotional rage, allowing Krillin to land hits on the fused android before his demise, a trope unique to GT's hell-gate crossover. Finally, in the Shadow Dragon arc, Krillin assumes a minor supporting role in the ultimate confrontation against Omega Shenron, providing logistical aid and brief combat assistance to and during the on . His aged appearance and limited involvement underscore GT's focus on newer protagonists like Goku's child form, with non-canon revivals ensuring his survival amid the destructive shadow entities born from overused Dragon Balls.

Portrayal

Japanese voice actors

has been the primary Japanese voice actress for Krillin since the character's debut in the original anime series in 1986. She first portrayed the character in episode 14, "Goku's Rival," where Krillin arrives at Kame House as Goku's new training partner, delivering an initial high-pitched, childlike performance that captured the young monk's energetic and somewhat whiny personality as . Tanaka's vocal style, characterized by its lively expressiveness and nasally inflections, has become iconic for emphasizing Krillin's humorous traits amid intense battles and emotional moments throughout the franchise. Over the series' progression, Tanaka adapted her portrayal to reflect Krillin's growth, transitioning from squeaky, youthful tones in the original Dragon Ball to a more mature, grounded delivery in Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super, while retaining the character's signature enthusiasm and vulnerability. In a 2018 interview ahead of Dragon Ball Super's conclusion, Tanaka reflected on the role's enduring appeal, noting Krillin's upfront emotional honesty and family devotion as key elements she enjoyed voicing, particularly in arcs like the Tournament of Power where he balances support for allies like Android 18 and Goku with his own limitations. By 2025, Tanaka had voiced Krillin for nearly 40 years across anime, films, and video games, occasionally commenting on the challenges of maintaining the character's consistency amid a dedicated fanbase that scrutinizes even minor changes. For Dragon Ball Daima (2024), which features a de-aged "mini" version of Krillin, Aki Kanada took over the role with a higher-pitched, childlike to suit the character's miniaturized form. This casting variation was announced on October 18, 2024, marking a brief departure from Tanaka's longstanding tenure for the specific mini design, while Tanaka continued voicing adult Krillin in crossovers and other media. Kanada, known for roles in Hetalia: Axis Powers and , brought a fresh, playful energy to the pint-sized iteration, aligning with the series' whimsical tone.

English dub voice actors

In the English dubs of the series, Krillin has been portrayed by several voice actors across different productions, reflecting the evolution of dubbing efforts in . The original dub of (1995–2003) featured Laurie Steele as the young Krillin, delivering a high-pitched, energetic performance suited to the character's initial childlike portrayal during the 21st Tenkaichi Budokai arc and early adventures. Mike Thiessen also provided voice work for Krillin in select episodes of this dub, contributing to the more cartoonish tone of the early syndication release. For Dragon Ball Z, the initial Ocean Group dub of the first 67 episodes and several movies (produced 1996–1998 for Saban Entertainment and Pioneer) cast Terry Klassen as Krillin, employing a distinct, somewhat nasally delivery that emphasized the character's comedic relief role in battles against the Saiyans and Frieza. This dub highlighted regional differences, as it was primarily aired in Canada and parts of the U.S., contrasting with the later full-series Funimation dub starting in 1996, where Sonny Strait took over the role from Dragon Ball Z onward. Strait's portrayal, known for its gravelly timbre and humorous inflections, has become iconic, continuing through Dragon Ball GT, all Dragon Ball Z films, Dragon Ball Super (2017–2018), and recent movies like Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022). In the 2024 series Daima, which depicts characters in miniature, child-like forms, Lara Woodhull voices the mini Krillin in the English dub, adopting a youthful, squeakier adaptation to match the de-aged aesthetic while maintaining core personality traits. This recast aligns with the production's focus on refreshed performances for the transformed cast, which premiered on in January 2025 without altering the established adult Krillin voice from prior streaming updates. Strait's tenure parallels the of the Japanese voice actor, spanning nearly three decades across the franchise.

Abilities and techniques

Physical abilities and combat style

Krillin underwent rigorous training under as part of the Turtle School, focusing on building endurance and physical conditioning through tasks like delivering heavy loads of milk across remote island locations to enhance stamina and speed. This foundational regimen emphasized practical, real-world applications of , transforming Krillin from a bullied temple novice into a disciplined fighter capable of sustaining high-intensity efforts over extended periods. Later, on Planet Namek, Grand Elder Guru unlocked Krillin's latent potential in a that released suppressed abilities, elevating his overall power level to 13,000 and amplifying his physical capabilities exponentially. As the strongest pure human in the Dragon Ball universe, Krillin exhibits superhuman physical attributes honed to extraordinary levels. His strength allows him to deliver devastating punches and strikes capable of cracking stone and overpowering opponents far larger than himself, while his speed enables rapid dodges and maneuvers that approach relativistic velocities in combat scenarios. Durability is another hallmark, permitting him to withstand extreme impacts, falls from great heights, and environmental hazards that would incapacitate ordinary humans, as evidenced by his survival during high-gravity conditions on Namek and intense training simulations. During the Namek saga, supplemental sources such as V-Jump place his power level at 75,000 when confronting Frieza's forces, reflecting these enhanced physical parameters though derived from supplemental materials outside the core canon. In , Krillin undergoes additional rigorous training, further enhancing his physical capabilities and ki control, allowing him to compete against stronger universal threats. Krillin's combat style is inherently strategic and tactical, prioritizing and adaptability over brute force due to his position as an against adversaries. He relies on superior agility for evasion and positioning, employing feints and misdirection to create openings, often coordinating with allies like and for combined assaults that maximize efficiency. This approach highlights his weaknesses against overwhelmingly powerful god-level foes, where raw output disparity limits direct confrontation, but underscores his role as a supportive tactician who turns battles through clever positioning rather than solo dominance. Over time, his style evolved from aggressive tournament-style brawling in his youth to a more defensive, supportive framework in later conflicts, incorporating practical tactics from his career as an to outmaneuver criminals and threats with precision and restraint.

Ki-based techniques and inventions

Krillin's mastery of ki-based techniques stems from his rigorous training under Master Roshi and subsequent experiences, allowing him to manipulate life energy for offensive and defensive purposes despite his human limitations. One of his earliest acquired techniques is the Kamehameha, a concentrated beam of ki originally developed by Roshi, which Krillin learned by observing Goku and Roshi before replicating it during the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament against Chiaotzu. In Dragon Ball Z, he demonstrates a one-handed variation against Nappa, showcasing improved control under pressure, though its power remains constrained by his base ki reserves compared to Saiyan users. Krillin's signature invention is the Destructo Disc (Kienzan in Japanese), a razor-sharp, spinning disc of ki designed to slice through durable opponents, first employed against Nappa during the Saiyan invasion. This technique nearly severs Frieza's tail in his second form on Namek, highlighting its cutting potential independent of the user's overall strength, and in , a homing variant allows remote guidance for increased accuracy against agile foes like . Other notable ki manipulations include the (Taiyoken), a blinding burst of light generated from ki to disorient enemies, adapted from Tien Shinhan's Crane School arsenal and frequently used by Krillin for tactical escapes, such as during his confrontation with in the 22nd Tournament. The Scattering Bullet (Kakusandan) unleashes a barrage of ki orbs that scatter mid-flight to target multiple adversaries, as seen in his vengeful assault on and the Saibamen following Yamcha's death. Additionally, post-training with , Krillin gains telepathic abilities for mind reading, enabling him to extract information by placing a hand on a target's head, a skill applied sparingly for . In terms of inventions, Krillin contributes to practical applications of ki technology. The Spirit Saucer represents an advanced ki construct, allowing remote control of a disc-like for extended pursuit, though primarily featured in supplemental media as an evolution of his Destructo Disc. As a , Krillin's ki control reaches exceptional heights but is inherently capped without access to transformations like Super Saiyan, limiting his techniques' scalability against escalating threats while emphasizing precision and ingenuity.

Reception and legacy

Popularity and cultural impact

Krillin has maintained a strong presence in fan polls throughout the franchise's history. In the DB Forever character popularity poll conducted in , he ranked 7th with 736 points, behind , , , Trunks, , and Goten. More recently, in Media's 2021 manga character poll, Krillin placed 10th among 25 options, demonstrating his enduring appeal in global fan voting. Fans are drawn to Krillin's relatability as the "everyman" hero—a martial artist who perseveres despite being outpowered by allies—making him a standout in the series. His frequent defeats and deaths have inspired popular memes, such as the "Krillin Owned Count" from TeamFourStar's Abridged parody series, which humorously tallies his misfortunes and has become a staple in online communities. Krillin's design also lends itself to widespread , with his bald head, orange gi, and expressive personality making him a favorite at conventions and Halloween events. Krillin's cultural reach extends to influencing tropes in , where human sidekicks embody grit and loyalty amid escalating superhuman battles. Dragon Ball's impact, exemplified by Krillin, has led to parodies and references in , including fan mash-ups blending characters with shows like . In 2025, Spirits launched a History Box figure featuring Krillin. As a symbol of human perseverance, Krillin has shaped sidekick archetypes in anime, highlighting themes of courage and friendship that resonate beyond the series' power-scaling focus.

Critical reception and analysis

Critics have praised Krillin's character arc for evolving from Goku's initial rival in the original Dragon Ball series to a steadfast family man and emotional anchor for the Z Fighters, highlighting his growth in maturity and loyalty. In Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, his partnership with Android 18 is lauded for showcasing a balanced, supportive dynamic that strengthens both characters amid high-stakes battles against the Red Ribbon Army remnants. However, Krillin's frequent deaths—occurring six times across the franchise—have drawn criticism as a repetitive to motivate Goku's transformations, often reducing his role to sacrificial fodder without deeper consequences due to the s' revivals. Reviewers note that while early instances, like his murder by in , effectively propel the narrative toward King Piccolo's defeat, later ones in risk diminishing his agency. In the "god-era" arcs of , his underutilization amid escalating power levels for Saiyan and divine characters has been flagged as sidelining the fighters, limiting opportunities for his tactical style to shine. Thematically, Krillin embodies "ordinary" heroism in a world dominated by superhumans, representing perseverance and through consistent participation despite overwhelming odds, which underscores the series' exploration of beyond raw power. Feminist analyses interpret his relationship with as a progressive model of equality, where her superior strength does not undermine their egalitarian bond; instead, it challenges toxic masculinity by portraying Krillin's emotional vulnerability and 18's agency as complementary strengths that foster mutual respect. This approach avoids the "fridge trope" pitfalls of prior deaths by emphasizing ensemble dynamics over individual sacrifice, enhancing his thematic resonance in later entries.

Appearances in other media

Video games and crossovers

Krillin has appeared as a playable character in multiple video games, often showcasing his agile combat style and ki-based techniques. In the Budokai series, particularly : Budokai Tenkaichi 3 (2007), he is featured with a diverse moveset that incorporates his signature Destructo Disc, allowing players to execute ranged energy attacks in aerial and ground battles. The character received further prominence in (2018), where he was introduced as (DLC) in the FighterZ Pass 1, enabling tag team synergies with , including joint supers that highlight their partnership. In the Xenoverse series, Krillin serves primarily as a non-playable mentor NPC, training the player character in Time Patrol missions and providing guidance on human-class skills and tactics. Krillin's appearances extend to crossover titles, such as (2005) for , a Shonen Jump multiplayer fighter where he functions as a support character alongside Dragon Ball teammates like , aiding in battles against icons from series including and . More recent entries, like Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero (2024), include him as a fully playable fighter with updated combos and what-if scenarios exploring alternate timelines, such as Dragon Ball GT paths in related titles like Raging Blast (2009). These portrayals contribute to the Dragon Ball video game franchise's overall success, which has surpassed 95 million units sold worldwide as of November 2025, with ongoing releases like Daima-themed DLC in early 2025 further integrating Krillin into story-driven mini-form adventures alongside other Z-Fighters.

Merchandise and parodies

Krillin's likeness has been extensively commercialized through action figures and collectibles. 's S.H.Figuarts line includes the 2022 release "Krillin – Earth's Strongest Man," depicting the character in his bald, battle-ready form from the series. In 2025, a new S.H.Figuarts figure of Krillin was announced, featuring an all-new sculpt in the orange uniform from the Saiyan and arcs, with interchangeable bald and haired head options for display versatility. Additionally, introduced mini figure lines tied to Dragon Ball Daima in early 2025, including compact Krillin variants as part of broader character assortments. Pop! vinyl figures of Krillin, such as the edition with his Destructo Disc accessory, have become popular among collectors, often bundled in family-themed sets alongside and . Apparel and casual merchandise further extend Krillin's presence in consumer products. T-shirts featuring Krillin often incorporate humorous slogans like "Krillin Owned," referencing his frequent defeats in the series, and are sold through major retailers. The 2018 collaboration with produced gi-inspired apparel lines based on training outfits from the series, which contributed to renewed interest in character-themed clothing. Post the 2022 : Super Hero and the 2024 anime premiere, Krillin-inclusive merchandise drove a notable uptick in toy sales, with reporting increased demand for figures in 2024–2025. Krillin has inspired numerous parodies across media, emphasizing his comedic role as the underdog human fighter. In the web series by , Krillin's character is satirized through exaggerated death montages, highlighting his recurring fatalities in hyperbolic, meme-driven sequences that have garnered millions of views. has referenced elements in cutaway gags, including absurd power-scaling battles as part of broader spoofs like "It's Over 9000!" has parodied tropes with over-the-top voice acting in episodes mocking stylized fights, contributing to cultural satire of series like . Cultural parodies extend to digital and late-night formats. On , 2025 trends featured Krillin memes focusing on his "human limits" in superpowered battles, often remixing clips to underscore his resilience and humor, amassing widespread engagement among fans.

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  71. https://en.dragon-ball-official.com/news/01_2784.html
  72. https://www.walmart.com/browse/shop-by-tv-show/krillin/5984018_2951100_9273089_9443099
  73. https://www.amazon.ca/krillin/s?k=krillin
  74. https://news.adidas.com/originals/adidas-originals-announce-dragon-ball-z-collaboration/s/29914a39-9660-4eba-931c-8f0f962b6735
  75. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpoI-d2Ap-4
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