Why Does Turles Look Like Goku? Unpacking the Mystery Behind Their Similarities

If you’ve ever watched Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might movie, you may have noticed something intriguing about the character Turles—he looks strikingly similar to Goku. This has led to many fans wondering: Why does Turles look so much like Goku? Is he a long-lost relative, or is there something more behind the design choice? Let’s take a closer look at the reasons behind this resemblance.

Who is Turles?

Turles is introduced as the main antagonist of the Dragon Ball Z movie The Tree of Might. He’s a Saiyan who is considered to be a mercenary, traveling from planet to planet. Unlike other Saiyans, Turles does not have a noble background or a connection to the established Saiyan warriors like Goku or Vegeta. He seeks to grow more powerful by using the "Tree of Might," a mysterious entity that allows him to harvest the energy of planets and gain strength.

Despite his villainous role, Turles' appearance and power set him apart. But what truly stands out is how much he resembles Goku, leading to fans speculating about their connection.

The Resemblance: An Artistic Decision

The primary reason Turles looks so much like Goku is largely a creative decision by the Dragon Ball team. Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, has a distinctive art style, and it’s not uncommon for him to reuse designs or tweak certain features to create new characters. In the case of Turles, his design is intentionally similar to Goku's, though with a few subtle differences, such as his darker hair and more sinister appearance.

1. Saiyan Nature: A Shared Heritage

Turles and Goku are both Saiyans, which means they share a similar physical appearance by nature. Saiyans are a warrior race, and many Saiyans have similar facial features, hair types, and body builds. The differences in appearance between various Saiyan characters tend to come from their personalities or unique traits (like Vegeta’s upright posture or Goku’s cheerful expression).

Thus, Turles having a similar appearance to Goku is not unusual when considering that both characters are from the same species. However, the design choices are accentuated by the fact that Turles is a rogue Saiyan, and his look serves as a visual reminder of his connection to Goku and the story's themes.

2. A Mirror Image of Goku's Potential

Turles' resemblance to Goku could also be seen as symbolic. The movie presents Turles as an evil version of Goku, a Saiyan who chooses to use his power for selfish and destructive purposes. He represents what Goku could have become if he hadn’t been raised with kindness and strong moral values. In this sense, their similar appearance emphasizes the idea that Goku, had he fallen down a darker path, could have become just like Turles.

This contrast helps to highlight the theme of Dragon Ball Z—the difference between the potential for good and evil in people, especially when it comes to Saiyans, who have immense power but also a history of destruction.

Is Turles Goku's Brother?

Despite their striking physical similarity, Turles is not Goku’s brother. At the time of the movie’s release, some fans speculated that Turles could be Goku’s long-lost brother due to the resemblance, but this was never confirmed in the official storyline. Instead, Turles is portrayed as an entirely separate character with no familial ties to Goku.

Interestingly, the notion of Goku having a brother did become a part of the Dragon Ball series later on, with the introduction of Raditz, Goku’s actual brother, in the main Dragon Ball Z storyline. However, Turles’ resemblance to Goku remains purely a design choice, not a plot point.

Why Does This Resemblance Matter?

The visual similarity between Turles and Goku isn’t just about aesthetics—it serves a narrative purpose. The movie The Tree of Might explores the theme of power, choices, and moral alignment. Turles is a powerful Saiyan, but instead of using his power to protect or grow, he seeks to exploit and destroy. The fact that he looks like Goku emphasizes how close he is to Goku in terms of potential but is set on a completely different path.

By mirroring Goku's appearance, Turles stands as a cautionary reflection of what Goku might have become had he not grown up in a different environment. It reinforces the notion that it’s not just power that defines a hero, but the choices they make and the values they uphold.

Conclusion: An Intentional Design Choice

In the end, the reason Turles looks like Goku is a combination of artistic choice and narrative symbolism. As a Saiyan and a rogue warrior, Turles shares many visual traits with Goku, but his darker intentions and use of power set him apart as an antagonist. The visual similarity serves as a reminder of the path Goku could have taken, highlighting the impact of environment, upbringing, and the moral choices that define who we become.

Whether you're a fan of Dragon Ball Z or a casual viewer, the design of Turles as a mirror image of Goku adds another layer of depth to the story and characters.

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