Piccolo: The 5 Best Works to Start With

If you're new to Piccolo, the Namekian guardian of Earth from Dragon Ball Z, diving into his story can feel a little intimidating. He’s got a long history, deep lore, and some surprisingly tender character development hiding under that stern exterior. I remember when I first started watching Dragon Ball, I thought Piccolo was just a green villain with a turban — turns out, he’s one of the most compelling figures in the entire series.

Here are five of Piccolo’s best narrative arcs and character moments, ranked by how easy they are for a newcomer to jump into and appreciate. Whether you're catching up or starting fresh, these sections of the story showcase who Piccolo really is — and why he matters.

## 1. The Saiyan Saga (Post-Training Gohan)

This is where Piccolo starts to become more than just a warrior. After agreeing to train Gohan — the son of his greatest enemy — Piccolo begins a journey of unexpected growth. He’s still tough and unyielding, but you start to see the heart beneath the bark. Watching him bond with Gohan, teach him discipline, and eventually fight to protect him is one of the most emotionally resonant arcs in the series.

If you're brand new to Piccolo, this is the perfect entry point. You get to see him in his mentor role, which is both action-packed and deeply human (or Namekian). He’s not soft, but he’s not cold anymore either.

## 2. The Cell Saga

By the time Cell arrives, Piccolo has become a seasoned protector. This arc gives him a chance to show off both his tactical mind and his moral compass. He’s the one who explains Cell’s origins, and later, he makes one of the most selfless moves in the series — sacrificing himself to buy Gohan time to fight.

This is a powerful moment in Piccolo’s story. It proves how far he’s come from being a villain to someone willing to die for the greater good. If you want to see Piccolo at his most heroic, this is the arc to watch.

## 3. The Buu Saga (Mentoring Uub)

After the Cell Saga, Piccolo doesn’t disappear — he evolves. In the Buu Saga, he plays a key role in the final arc, but even more interesting is his decision to train Uub, the reincarnation of Goku. It’s a callback to his bond with Gohan and shows how much he values passing on strength and wisdom.

For newer viewers, this arc might feel a bit more niche, but it’s a great way to see Piccolo in a teacher’s role again — and it gives him a satisfying ending in the Dragon Ball timeline.

## 4. The Frieza Saga (Post-Sensu Bean Recovery)

Before he became a mentor, Piccolo was a fighter — and in the Frieza Saga, you get to see him in his prime. After recovering with a sensu bean, he joins the battle on Namek and becomes one of the few warriors able to stand against Frieza’s early forms.

This is where his strength really shines. If you’re into action and want to see Piccolo in a high-stakes battle, this is a solid choice. It’s also a great place to learn about Namekian culture and Piccolo’s origins.

## 5. The King Piccolo Saga (His Origins)

This is the hardest entry point for a newcomer, but it's essential for understanding who Piccolo was before he changed. As the reincarnation of King Piccolo, he starts off as a villain with a plan to destroy Goku and take over the world.

Watching this arc helps you appreciate how far he comes. It’s not the easiest to jump into, but it’s incredibly rewarding if you want to understand the full scope of his transformation.

Want to talk to Piccolo and hear his thoughts on these moments yourself?