Why is Goku tiny in GT?

In Dragon Ball GT, Goku is turned into a child at the beginning of the series. This transformation occurs after the Black Star Dragon Balls are used, and Goku makes a wish to remove the negative energy from the Dragon Balls. However, Shenron, the dragon of the Black Star Dragon Balls, misunderstands the wish and turns Goku back into a child as part of the wish’s unintended consequences.

Why Is Goku Tiny in GT?

1. Plot Device: The transformation of Goku into a child was primarily a plot device to give the series a fresh dynamic and create new adventures. With Goku being physically small again, the writers had the opportunity to explore how Goku interacts with his friends and enemies differently than in Dragon Ball Z, where he is already an adult. This change helped introduce some new interactions and relationships with other characters.

2. Character and Tone: Dragon Ball GT aimed to recapture the spirit of the earlier Dragon Ball series, where Goku was younger and had a more adventurous, playful nature. Turning Goku into a child was an attempt to bring back some of that youthful energy. Additionally, the smaller, childlike Goku serves to bring a sense of innocence and fun to the series, which was sometimes missing from the more intense, battle-focused Dragon Ball Z.

3. Power Level: While Goku’s physical size is smaller, his strength and fighting abilities are still significant. His transformation back into a child doesn’t drastically reduce his power, though it’s implied that Goku has to work his way back to his previous strength. However, his inherent Saiyan abilities allow him to quickly recover his combat skills and power level.

4. Toy and Merchandising Appeal: Another factor might have been the appeal to younger audiences and the merchandising side of things. A younger, more relatable Goku could help sell new toys and products based on his character, appealing to children who watched the series.

In Summary:

Goku’s transformation into a child in Dragon Ball GT serves as a plot device to restart his character, adding a sense of nostalgia and allowing the series to explore new character dynamics and adventures. It reflects the series’ effort to revisit the playful and adventurous tones of earlier Dragon Ball seasons while also providing an opportunity for Goku to rediscover his strength. Though physically smaller, Goku's power and fighting ability remain formidable, which maintains the excitement and action that Dragon Ball fans expect.