King Piccolo Saga, vols. 12–14

Right after the tournament, Krillin is murdered by a demon who steals the Four-Star Ball. Pilaf has freed King Piccolo, the Demon King that Roshi and his master sealed away centuries ago. Piccolo wants the Dragon Balls to regain his youth. Goku goes after revenge, loses and nearly dies. Roshi tries to seal Piccolo with the Evil Containment Wave and dies trying. Piccolo makes his wish, becomes young again, kills the dragon Shenron and takes over. Goku climbs Korin Tower, drinks a dangerous water that unlocks his potential and returns for the final fight. He punches straight through Piccolo and wins, but before dying, the demon spits out an egg. Goku then looks for a way up to Kami to bring Shenron back.

1. Behind the scenesInspired by Nero

   Toriyama wanted a truly bad villain, since the earlier ones were too likable. Torishima suggested cruel historical figures and brought up Emperor Nero, who enjoyed watching people suffer. King Piccolo came out of that.

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2. Behind the scenesOr on the author himself

   Another account, from the Shenlong Times #2 pamphlet, says the Demon King was modeled on Toriyama himself.

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3. Behind the scenesThe most fun to draw

   Toriyama saw King Piccolo as the series' first truly evil villain and said his part of the story was the most fun to draw.

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