The Resilient Frieza: How He Continues to Threaten Goku

In the long-running Dragon Ball series, Frieza's return after being defeated by Goku is a significant plot point that exemplifies his formidable resilience and the ongoing rivalry between these two powerful characters. This article delves into the multiple returns of Frieza and explores why his defeat did not result in permanent loss of his form, focusing on his transformations and the methods he used to regain his power.

Initial Defeat and Survival

The first recorded instance of Frieza's defeat was during the battle with Goku on Namek. Despite his apparent death, Frieza survived. The initial defeat saw him floating in space, severely weakened and vulnerable in the vacuum of space. His father, King Cold, found him and rescued him. With the help of the World Trade Organization, Frieza's body was repaired and his missing organs and limbs were replaced with cybernetic attachments. This incident marked the first time he had a significant overhaul, setting the stage for his future returns.

Revival Process and Transformation

The resilience and determination of Frieza are further highlighted in his second return. In the series Dragon Ball Super, Frieza was brought back from the afterlife by Whis. Whis promised to revive him if Frieza fought for Universe 7 and thus Frieza's return is tied to his personal ambitions and motivations. This revival process involved extensive cybernetic enhancements and training in Hell, where he underwent a significant transformation, leading to the emergence of his new form.

New Form and Power Boost

Frieza's new form, often referred to as his 'New Form', showcased a considerable increase in his power. This transformation was not just about physical upgrades but also included substantial power boosts. In Hell, Frieza focused on gaining the stamina and strength necessary to use his advanced transformations more efficiently. The key to Frieza's power lies in his ability to maintain and enhance his transformations, such as Super Saiyan, despite the strain they cause.

Understanding the SSJ Transformation

One of the most intriguing aspects of his return is the question of why losing to Goku resulted in a prolonged absence rather than a permanent loss of his form. Unlike Goku, who can gradually regain his Super Saiyan (SSJ) form after an injury or rest, Frieza's strength and transformations are more complex. The lack of sustained stamina was a factor in his inability to use his SSJ form in previous encounters. Frieza's encounter with Goku during the Ressurection ‘F’ arc demonstrated that he did not 'lose' the SSJ form but rather ran out of it due to exhaustion.

However, over time, Frieza not only regained his endurance but also his ability to use the form effortlessly. This is evidenced by his display in the Tournament of Power (TOP) and in the movie Frieza Movie: Broly and the manga chapters of Dragon Ball Super. In these instances, Frieza's training in Hell, particularly his image training which involved beating up Goku in dreams, significantly enhanced his stamina. This enhanced stamina allowed him to maintain his transformations without the previous strain.

Conclusion

The resilience and determination of Frieza are evident in his multiple returns and transformations. His ability to adapt and overcome challenges, despite being severely weakened by earlier defeats, underscores his importance in the Dragon Ball universe. Whether through cybernetic enhancements or rigorous training, Frieza continues to pose a significant threat to Goku, ensuring their rivalry remains a central theme in the series.

Explore further the world of Dragon Ball and the ongoing saga that keeps Frieza in the spotlight, tested and transformed with each successive battle against Goku.