Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might
Toei Animation
Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might introduces Turles — a Saiyan who resembles Goku in appearance but is his polar opposite in morality. Turles plants the Tree of Might on Earth, a legendary plant that absorbs all life energy from a planet to produce a single fruit that grants enormously enhanced power to whoever eats it. The similarities between Goku and Turles create an interesting visual dynamic and raise questions the film only briefly explores about the nature of Saiyan identity and whether appearance determines destiny. Gohan and the Dragon Team must stop Turles before the tree drains Earth of all life.
The Tree of Might is one of the more fondly remembered early DBZ films, primarily because of Turles — whose design as a dark mirror of Goku has made him one of the most popular non-canonical characters in the franchise's history. Turles has appeared in numerous Dragon Ball video games and merchandise precisely because of this resonance. The film's thematic interest in the Saiyan race's destructive nature and the contrast between Goku's Earth-raised humanity and Turles' pure Saiyan ruthlessness gives it more depth than most films of its era. Non-canonical but highly recommended for Saiyan-lore enthusiasts and fans of antagonists with genuine philosophical contrast to the protagonist.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Tree of Might released?
Released July 7, 1990 in Japan — the third Dragon Ball Z theatrical film.
Is Turles related to Goku in the manga?
No — Turles is non-canonical and does not exist in the manga. The resemblance to Goku is a film-only concept.
What do fans think of Tree of Might?
One of the more beloved early DBZ films. Turles' popularity has endured for decades in games and merchandise. Fans of the Saiyan lore find it especially rewarding.