Dragon Ball: Piccolo’s Special Beam Cannon, Explained (2024)

The Dragon Ball series holds a significant place in the hearts of manga and anime enthusiasts worldwide, largely due to its captivating combat sequences. While not every chapter reaches the narrative depth ofDragon Ball Z (DBZ), the franchise consistently delivers remarkable battles. What distinguishes these battles are their visually appealing animations and the inventive techniques wielded by the characters. Dragon Ball's strength lies in its knack for crafting unconventional and visually stunning attacks, adding positively to the viewer's experience.

Among these, Piccolo's Special Beam Cannon stands out as a formidable signature move, rivaling Goku's Kamehameha and Vegeta's Galick Gun. This signature move showcases Piccolo's might and prowess as a warrior, solidifying its place in his renowned combat repertoire. Despite perhaps not receiving the same level of fanfare as other techniques, the Special Beam Cannon remains an original and highly effective attack in Piccolo's arsenal. Piccolo's Special Beam Cannon has played an important role in all of Piccolo's crucial fights. This move has been there in the franchise since the Dragon Ball Z series.

How It's Been Used Throughout the Series

The creation of the Special Beam Cannon is a testament to Piccolo's growth as a fighter and his commitment to honing his skills, as he developed and mastered this formidable attack over time.

Notable instances of the Special Beam Cannon being used highlight its significance in pivotal battles throughout theDragon Ball series. One such memorable occasion is during the battle against Raditz, where Piccolo, Goku, and even Gohan team up to defeat the formidable Saiyan invader. Despite the risks involved, Piccolo unleashes the Special Beam Cannon, showcasing its piercing ability as it pierces through Raditz and Goku, ultimately leading to Raditz's demise.

The Power of Special Beam Cannon

The strength of the Special Beam Cannon lies not only in its destructive power but also in its unique mechanics. Unlike traditional energy blasts, which rely solely on brute force, the Special Beam Cannon combines Piccolo's immense ki with a focused piercing beam, capable of penetrating even the strongest defenses. This makes it a versatile technique, effective against opponents of varying sizes and power levels.

In addition to its combat prowess, the Special Beam Cannon serves as a symbol of Piccolo's evolution as a character. Once a villainous antagonist bent on world domination, Piccolo's mastery of this technique reflects his transformation into a noble protector of Earth, willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good. This thematic resonance adds depth to the technique's significance within the narrative, reinforcing its status as a defining aspect of Piccolo's character arc.

Gohan's Homage To His Mentor

In Dragon Ball Super, at a crucial moment in the battle against Cell Max, Gohan, in his Beast Gohan form, harnessed Piccolo's Special Beam Cannon, a move he learned from his mentor. With determination and respect for Piccolo's teachings, Gohan unleashed the attack, channeling his energy into a powerful beam. This homage to Piccolo symbolizes their bond and Gohan's growth as a warrior. The Special Beam Cannon pierced through Cell Max's defenses, striking him with formidable force. Gohan's choice to use this technique showcased his reverence for Piccolo and his willingness to utilize what he had learned from him.

Through the successful execution of the Special Beam Cannon, Gohan not only paid tribute to Piccolo but also demonstrated his strength and resolve. The attack played a crucial role in defeating Cell Max and saving the day, marking a significant moment in Gohan's journey as a fighter. Overall, by employing Piccolo's Special Beam Cannon, Gohan honored his mentor, showcased his growth, and contributed to the victory against Cell Max, highlighting the importance of mentorship and the strength derived from learning from others. This also proved the limitless potential that the Special Beam Cannon has as an attack move in the Dragon Ball franchise.

The Dragon Ball manga is available to read on Viz and the Dragon Ball anime is available to stream on Crunchyroll.

Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball is a franchise by Akira Toriyama which follows the adventures of Goku, a powerful warrior who protects the earth with his group of friends. A recent title from the series is Dragon Ball: The Breakers, an action style game where 7 players have to survive being hunted by the Raider.