Self-Destruction

Self-Destruction is exactly what it sounds like: a fighter channels every last drop of their energy into a single catastrophic explosion, destroying themselves in the process. It is the technique of absolute desperation, used only when there is no other path to victory and the fighter has accepted that they will not survive. Many users attempt to grapple their opponent first, ensuring the target takes the full brunt of the blast.

The Saiyan Saga introduces self-destruction through two of the series' most gut-wrenching deaths. First, a Saibaman latches onto Yamcha and detonates itself, killing one of the original Dragon Ball cast in a scene that has haunted the character's reputation ever since. Then Chiaotzu, watching his best friend Tien get brutalized by Nappa, grabs onto the giant Saiyan's back and triggers his own self-destruct. "Tien, take care of yourself. Please tell Launch I love her," he says before the explosion. And then Nappa walks out of the smoke completely unharmed. It is one of the cruelest moments in Dragon Ball history.

Semi-Perfect Cell's self-destruction is a pivotal moment in the Cell Saga. After Gohan's Super Saiyan 2 power reduces him to desperation, Cell inflates his body to the point of bursting and announces he will take the Earth with him. Goku uses Instant Transmission to teleport Cell to King Kai's Planet, sacrificing himself and King Kai in the process. Cell survives thanks to his regenerative nucleus and returns even stronger.

Vegeta's Final Explosion against Majin Buu stands as the technique's most emotionally devastating use. Hugging Trunks one last time, knocking both his son and Goten unconscious to protect them, Vegeta pours everything he has into a golden dome of energy that reduces Buu to fragments. His body turns to stone and crumbles to dust. Piccolo confirms the truth that breaks everyone's heart: Vegeta is gone for good. Of course, Buu regenerates moments later, making the sacrifice ultimately futile in terms of defeating the enemy. But as an act of love and redemption for a lifelong villain, the Final Explosion is unmatched.