The Quest for the Dragon Balls: Who Did Bulma Encounter First?

Bulma, the brilliant inventor and co-founder of Capsule Corp, has a fascinating journey in the Dragon Ball series. Her initial encounters with Goku and Vegeta, two iconic characters, set the stage for her adventures and her romantic inclinations. Let's explore the order in which Bulma met these legendary heroes.

The First Encounter: Goku

Bulma's first significant interaction with a hero from the Dragon Ball universe takes place in her home planet, Earth. In the original Dragon Ball series, Bulma is portrayed as a recovery engineer and an inventor. Her encounter with Goku occurs during her quest to recover the Dragon Balls. During this adventure, she meets Goku, who is searching for the Dragon Balls with the hopes of bringing Zangetsu, his sword, back to life.

In the first episode of Dragon Ball, Bulma is portrayed as a cheerful and determined young woman. She encounters Goku while he is riding on a tiger heist through the jungle. She halts her car and asks who he is. To her surprise, she learns that his name is Goku and that he lives with his grandfather, Grandpa Gohan. Despite Goku's initial hesitation to trust strangers, Bulma's persistence convinces him to join their quest.

Vegeta's Arrival: A Villain and a New Ally

Bulma's next significant encounter is with Vegeta, who makes his debut in the Dragon Ball Z series. In the Universe 7 saga, Vegeta initially appears as a formidable and slightly arrogant villain. However, his character development and ultimate shift to an ally of the protagonists become a key part of the Dragon Ball series' narrative.

The first time Bulma meets Vegeta is when he murders a flamboyantly dressed frog-man in cold blood. This encounter paints him as a ruthless murderer, but later in the series, we see a different side to Vegeta. He teams up with the protagonists, including Bulma, to fight against the forces of Frieza and the Ginyu Force. This alliance eventually leads to the teleportation of the heroes, including Bulma, to Earth using the Dragon Balls.

The Evolution of Relationships: Goku and Vegeta

After Bulma's initial meetings with Goku and Vegeta, their relationships evolve over time. Goku and Vegeta develop a complex bond, marked by rivalry and eventual camaraderie. Their battles, both as teenagers and adults, become significant events in the Dragon Ball series.

Bulma's role in bringing Goku and Vegeta together is pivotal. She watches many of their battles and tournaments, becoming invested in their journey. Over time, she and Vegeta develop feelings for each other, and this relationship plays a crucial part in the Dragon Ball Z storyline.

Conclusion: Bulma first encounters Goku during the original Dragon Ball series, making him her first significant friend in the Dragon Ball universe. Vegeta, in contrast, appears later in the series, during Dragon Ball Z, as a formidable villain who eventually becomes an ally. Their unique relationships and interactions with Bulma form a crucial part of the Dragon Ball narrative and provide a rich exploration of friendship, loyalty, and adventure.

References:

Original Dragon Ball: First Episode of Dragon Ball Dragon Ball Z: Later Episodes Featuring Bulma, Goku, and Vegeta Dragon Ball Timeline: Detailed Timeline of Events