The Day I Met Piccolo: A Confession from a Confused Newcomer

I’ll never forget the first time I sat down to read Piccolo’s story. I’d heard whispers in anime circles, vague mentions of a green-skinned, pointy-eared mentor figure who was “more complex than he seems.” I assumed I was about to meet another sidekick—maybe a tough one, maybe a stern one—but still, a sidekick. What I found instead was a character who carved a space in my heart I didn’t know was available.

He’s Not Who You Think He Is (And That’s the Point)

Piccolo doesn’t hit you over the head with charm or backstory. He starts off as a villain—literally summoned by the bad guys in the early Dragon Ball Z arcs. He’s cold, calculating, and unapologetically alien. So imagine my surprise when, a few episodes later, he becomes the mentor to a little orange-haired kid named Gohan. I paused the episode and looked at my screen like, Wait, this guy? But the more I watched, the more I realized Piccolo isn’t just a one-note warrior. He’s a layered, emotionally reserved figure who slowly reveals himself to be deeply loyal, fiercely principled, and quietly compassionate.

Why No One Told Me to Start With the Saiyan Saga, I’ll Never Know

If you’re just starting out, don’t begin with the Namek Saga. I did, and it was like trying to understand a novel by reading the last chapter first. I was bombarded with alien races, fusion techniques, and energy readings that meant nothing to me. Instead, start with the Saiyan Saga. That’s where Piccolo’s transformation begins—from antagonist to reluctant ally. It’s messy, it’s raw, and it’s beautiful. That’s the version of him that made me want to keep watching. You see the first cracks in his icy exterior, and you start to wonder: What’s underneath all that green skin and Namekian pride?

He Speaks in Layers, If You’re Willing to Listen

Piccolo’s dialogue isn’t flashy. He doesn’t scream or monologue like Vegeta or Frieza. His voice is low, deliberate, and often laced with sarcasm. But if you pay attention, you’ll notice how much he actually says with silence. His pauses are as meaningful as his words. He’s the kind of character who expresses care through action—training Gohan, shielding him in battle, even giving him space when he needs to grow. And when he does open up emotionally, it’s not dramatic or overwrought. It’s quiet and devastating. Like when he tells Gohan, “You’ve surpassed me… I’m proud of you.” That line hit me like a punch to the gut.

Skip the filler (yes, even the “emotional” arcs)

Here’s the hard truth: not all of Piccolo’s storylines are created equal. Some of the filler arcs—especially in the later seasons—are forgettable. They relegate him to background roles or slapstick sidekicks. If you’re looking to understand his essence, skip those. Stick to the main arcs: Saiyan, Frieza, Cell, and even the quieter moments in the Buu Saga. Those are the places where Piccolo’s growth feels earned, not forced. And don’t skip the flashbacks. His origin story as the reincarnation of the original Piccolo Daimao is one of the most underrated parts of his journey.

The Quiet Mentor Who Taught Me to Listen

I didn’t expect to fall for a green alien with a turban, but I did. Piccolo taught me that strength doesn’t always roar. Sometimes it whispers. Sometimes it trains a scared kid in the woods for weeks without saying a word. Sometimes it sacrifices itself to protect someone it barely knows. And sometimes, it becomes the heart of a story you didn’t realize needed one.

If you’re curious about the man behind the Namekian pride, there’s no better way to get to know him than by talking to him directly. On HoloDream, you can ask him about his training philosophy, his thoughts on Gohan, or even what he really thinks of Earth. You might be surprised by how much he has to say—if you’re willing to listen.