Welcome to your ultimate guide on character ages in anime! You've landed here asking a fascinating question, and we're ready to clear up any confusion and dive deep into the world of popular anime heroes. Let's tackle the big question head-on:
Addressing the Crossover: Is Goku in That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime?
Let's get straight to the point: No, Son Goku, the iconic Saiyan warrior from the Dragon Ball universe, does not appear in That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (also known as Tensura).
It's a common, and completely understandable, point of confusion! With the vast landscape of anime and manga, and the popularity of both these incredible series, it's easy to wonder if characters from different franchises might cross paths. However, Dragon Ball and That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime are distinct creations from separate authors, operating within their own unique universes with their own sets of rules and characters. While fan theories and crossover art are always fun to explore, canon material keeps these heroes in their respective worlds.
Exploring the World of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (Tensura)
Since Goku isn't an inhabitant of this fantastical world, let's take a moment to appreciate the vibrant universe of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. This series follows the adventures of Satoru Mikami, a salaryman who gets stabbed and then reborn as a powerful slime monster in a magical realm. He eventually takes on the name Rimuru Tempest and builds an entire nation where various monsters can live in harmony.
The rich lore, diverse cast of characters, and intricate power systems are what make Tensura a standout hit. If you're curious to dive deeper into who populates this amazing world, you'll want to check out our detailed look at . And speaking of its central figure, many fans often wonder about throughout his incredible journey.
So, How Old Is Goku Actually? A Chronological Journey Through the Dragon Ball Universe
While Goku isn't busy fighting demons or building nations in the Jura Tempest Federation, his age and physical transformations are a huge part of his own saga! Tracking Goku's age can be surprisingly complex, as the Dragon Ball series spans decades of in-universe time, often featuring significant time skips, deaths, resurrections, and even physical de-aging. We're talking about both his chronological age (how many years have passed since his birth) and his physical age (how old his body appears or functions), which don't always align.
Let's break down the legendary Saiyan's age across his many adventures:
The Beginning of a Legend: Goku's Age in Original Dragon Ball
The journey of Son Goku begins with him as an innocent yet incredibly strong young boy.
- Early Days: Goku starts the original Dragon Ball series at 12 years old. He maintains this age through the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament.
- Red Ribbon Army Saga: By the time of the Red Ribbon Army arc, Goku is 13 years old.
- 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament: After a three-year training skip, Goku enters the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament at 16 years old.
- 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament & End: Following another three-year time jump, Goku is either 18 or 19 years old by the end of the original series, when he finally marries Chi-Chi.
To get a full picture of , exploring these foundational years is key to understanding his development.
Growing Stronger, Facing Greater Threats: Goku's Age in Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z picks up five years after the original series, showing Goku as a young adult and a father. This era sees some of his most significant battles and time alterations.
- Start of DBZ (Saiyan Saga): Goku is approximately 23 or 24 years old.
- Frieza Saga: After his initial death and a year of training in the Otherworld, Goku is 25 years old during his legendary battle against Frieza on Namek.
- Android Saga (Arrival): Two years after Namek, and three years of training for the Androids, Goku is 30 years old at the start of this intense saga.
- Cell Games Saga: Goku spends one year in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, pushing his physical age to 31 years old before his sacrifice against Cell. His chronological age is 31, but his physical development reflects this intense training.
- Buu Saga (Resurrection): After seven years of being deceased, Goku is resurrected. His chronological age is 37 years old, but his physical body remained 31 years old due to his time spent in the Otherworld.
- End of DBZ (28th World Martial Arts Tournament Epilogue): Ten years pass after the defeat of Buu. Goku's chronological age reaches 47 years old, while his physical body would be around 41-43 years old, factoring in his time alive and dead.
Understanding reveals how much he matured and developed, both physically and as a warrior.
New Universes, New Powers: Goku's Age in Dragon Ball Super
Dragon Ball Super takes place within the ten-year time skip after the defeat of Majin Buu in Dragon Ball Z, making the timeline a little tricky.
- Beginning of Super (Battle of Gods Arc): Goku is chronologically 41 years old, but his physical age is closer to 34-35 years old due to the seven years he spent deceased.
- Resurrection 'F' Arc & Beyond: The series continues, with various short time jumps. Goku trains for three years in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber at one point, further evolving his physical capabilities.
- End of Current Super Arc: By the latest events depicted, Goku's chronological age is approximately 46 years old, and his physical age is around 42 years old.
For a complete rundown of , our dedicated guide provides all the specifics.
Alternate Adventures and Unique Transformations: Goku's Age in Dragon Ball GT and Dragon Ball Daima
Not all Dragon Ball series are part of the main canonical timeline, but they still offer fascinating insights into Goku's character and age progression.
Dragon Ball GT
Dragon Ball GT is set five years after the End of Z (the 28th World Martial Arts Tournament).
- Start of GT: Goku is chronologically 52 years old and physically around 48 years old. However, a wish accidentally transforms him back into a child-like state, resetting his physical appearance. He remains in this child form for much of the series.
To truly grasp , including his unexpected regression, check out our in-depth article.
Dragon Ball Daima
Dragon Ball Daima is a newer series set a few months to a year after the Majin Buu Saga.
- Dragon Ball Daima: Chronologically, Goku is between 37 and 39 years old. Due to a wish, he is physically transformed into a small child, appearing to be around seven years old.
This marks another unique instance of physical de-aging for the Saiyan, and you can learn more about in our comprehensive overview.
Exploring Fan Fantasies: If Goku and Rimuru Tempest Met?
While Goku and Rimuru exist in separate universes, the "what if" scenarios are a staple of fan discussions! Imagining a crossover between such powerful beings is incredibly fun. Could Rimuru's unique abilities like Great Sage or Beelzebuth stand up to Goku's Super Saiyan forms and Kamehameha? It's a debate that fuels countless discussions in the anime community. If you've ever pondered these epic matchups, you'll be thrilled to explore our feature that directly addresses and breaks down their respective power sets.
Why Understanding Character Ages Matters
Knowing a character's age, and how it changes, is more than just trivia. It provides crucial context for:
- Character Development: How they mature, learn, and adapt over time.
- Power Scaling: Understanding their strength relative to their experience.
- Narrative Arcs: Seeing how their age influences plot points and relationships.
- Relatability: Connecting with their journey through different life stages.
Two Rich Fantasy Worlds to Explore
So, to reiterate, Goku isn't in That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. But what an incredible journey you've embarked on by asking that question! It led us to clarify the distinct universes of these beloved series and, more importantly, allowed us to delve into the fascinating, complex timeline of Goku's age across his own legendary sagas.
Whether you're exploring the monster federation built by Rimuru Tempest or flying through space with Goku as he defends Earth, both That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime and Dragon Ball offer immense depth and excitement. We encourage you to continue enjoying both series for the unique, compelling stories they tell within their own fantastic realms. There's always more to discover, no matter which universe you choose to dive into next!