15 Dragon Ball Side Characters Who Shined In A Single Episode

Sometimes a supporting face steps forward for just one big moment and then fades back into the crowd. The world of ‘Dragon Ball’, ‘Dragon Ball Z’, and ‘Dragon Ball Super’ is full of quick spotlights where a side character drives the plot, lands a decisive move, or defines a rule in a single showing. These episodes often set up larger arcs, measure a hero’s growth, or introduce tactics that come back later. Here are fifteen times a brief appearance made a lasting impact without turning into a full storyline.

Yajirobe

In ‘Dragon Ball Z’, Yajirobe earns a crucial spotlight when he slips behind Great Ape Vegeta and slices off the tail that keeps everyone pinned down. The episode places him outside the main brawl until that one clean sword strike resets the entire fight. His intervention forces Vegeta back to base form and gives Gohan and Krillin a chance to press the advantage. The moment explains why a seemingly idle ally can swing a battle when no one else can move.

Chiaotzu

Chiaotzu’s one shining episode in ‘Dragon Ball Z’ comes during the battle with Nappa when he grabs the Saiyan’s back and self-destructs. The scene shows his resolve and the limits of his power in a single act. Tien’s reaction then carries the emotional fallout that defines the next exchange. The episode closes the chapter on Chiaotzu’s role in that conflict without extending it into a separate arc.

Tien Shinhan

In ‘Dragon Ball Z’, Tien burns his spotlight by pinning Semi-Perfect Cell with repeated Neo Tri-Beam blasts. The barrage stalls Cell long enough for Android 18 to escape immediate absorption. It also proves that technique and grit can hold off a stronger foe for a short window. The episode treats the stand as a tactical success even as Tien collapses from the cost.

Princess Snake

Goku’s detour on Snake Way in ‘Dragon Ball Z’ gives Princess Snake a full episode to work a trap. Hospitality turns into a chase once Goku sees through the illusion. The episode uses food, dance, and a dream sequence to disguise her plan before the escape. It wraps the interlude cleanly and sets Goku back on the road to King Kai.

Gregory

Gregory gets his own training showcase in ‘Dragon Ball Z’ when Goku tries to tag him with a hammer on King Kai’s planet. The sequence highlights gravity, timing, and precision as real hurdles before advanced techniques. After several misses Goku finally connects and earns the next step. The episode marks a clear checkpoint in his preparation for the Saiyan threat.

Mez

One episode in ‘Dragon Ball Z’ sends Goku into a footrace with Mez in the underworld after falling off Snake Way. The chase tests Goku’s speed and problem solving without a formal fight. It also fleshes out rules and geography beyond Earth while keeping the tone light. The finish gets Goku pointed back toward King Kai with no lingering subplot.

Monaka

‘Dragon Ball Super’ gives Monaka a single episode payoff during the Universe 6 exhibition. Beerus presents him as the team’s ace, and the setup pushes an opponent to fold at the sight of him. The episode uses stagecraft to motivate Goku and Vegeta while ending the match on the spot. Monaka returns to delivery work as the tournament moves on.

Arale Norimaki

Arale steals an episode of ‘Dragon Ball Super’ during the ‘Dr. Mashirito’ incident with gag-manga strength that ignores normal power rules. Her playful taps launch fighters who usually shrug off planet-level hits. The clash resolves quickly once the joke lands and the guest characters bow out. The episode then hands the reins back to the main cast.

Basil

Basil from Universe 9 gets a full ‘Dragon Ball Super’ episode to showcase sharp kicks and a temporary boost against Majin Buu. The match sells Buu’s durability while letting Basil show clean technique. His offense fades as Buu’s stamina holds, and the bell ends the fight. The episode introduces the Trio of Danger and sets expectations for elimination formats to come.

Lavender

The next ‘Dragon Ball Super’ episode features Lavender’s poison tactic that blinds Gohan mid-fight. Gohan adapts by reading ki instead of sight and turns a losing position into an even match. Exhibition rules stop the bout before a final knockout. The episode reinforces how status effects can level a field without raw power.

Bergamo

Bergamo’s ‘Dragon Ball Super’ spotlight arrives in the closing exhibition match where he absorbs attacks to amplify his strength. The setup pressures Goku to hit harder while Bergamo grows in size and confidence. The match ends once the drawback of relying on incoming damage becomes clear. The episode finishes the trio’s introduction and clears the way for tournament stakes.

Botamo

Botamo gets one focused ‘Dragon Ball Super’ episode to explain damage nullification by turning kinetic force into harmless displacement. Goku cannot hurt him with straight punches and has to change tactics. Ring control becomes the answer as Botamo is lifted and carried out. The episode turns a simple rule lesson into a clean elimination.

Auta Magetta

Auta Magetta’s ‘Dragon Ball Super’ episode frames a fighter who overheats opponents inside a sealed arena with lava breath and pressure. Vegeta struggles against the heat and the ring’s confinement until a rule about insults breaks Magetta’s composure. The weakness shifts the fight without undermining his durability. The episode closes with a ring-out and a clear explanation of his strengths and limits.

Hermila

Hermila shines in a ‘Dragon Ball Super’ episode built around long-range sniping in the Tournament of Power. Reflections and decoys let shots bounce across platforms while opponents guess at angles. Goku and Tien coordinate to trace the path and crack the setup. The teamwork ends the threat and restores open combat to the arena.

Prum

In the same ‘Dragon Ball Super’ stretch, Prum’s lenses and light control turn him into Hermila’s spotter for a single standout episode. His role is to redirect beams and mask the origin of each attack. Once the heroes disrupt his equipment the trap falls apart quickly. The episode gives a full demonstration of coordinated utility before the pair is removed.

Share the one-episode cameo from ‘Dragon Ball Z’ or ‘Dragon Ball Super’ that impressed you most and tell us who else deserves a shoutout in the comments.