Vegeta dons a pink shirt in Dragon Ball Super Episode 70: “Champa’s Challenge! This Time with Baseball!”, marking a surprisingly lighthearted departure from his typically stoic demeanor. This iconic moment has become a beloved meme and a testament to Vegeta’s evolving character throughout the Dragon Ball franchise.
The Pink Shirt Episode: A Deep Dive
Dragon Ball Super Episode 70 is arguably one of the most memorable in the series, primarily due to the unexpected sight of Vegeta, the Prince of Saiyans, sporting a bright pink shirt. The episode revolves around a baseball game organized by Beerus and Champa, the Gods of Destruction from Universe 7 and Universe 6, respectively. The purpose? To settle a feud (in a less destructive manner than usual, at least).
While the premise itself is amusing, it’s the character interactions and the sheer absurdity of the situation that truly shine. Vegeta’s participation, or rather, his initial reluctance followed by his begrudging acceptance, is a highlight. He’s forced to comply with Bulma’s request to wear the pink shirt, designed as a symbol of team unity (or perhaps, more accurately, to humiliate him).
The episode isn’t just about the visuals; it showcases Vegeta’s growth. He’s still proud and competitive, but he’s also willing to compromise and even engage in silliness for the sake of his family and friends. The contrast between his warrior spirit and his participation in a baseball game while wearing a pink shirt creates a comedic and heartwarming moment that resonates with fans. He even demonstrates surprising athletic prowess, showcasing his Saiyan strength in unexpected ways.
Beyond the Surface: Why the Pink Shirt Matters
The pink shirt is more than just a visual gag. It’s a symbol of Vegeta’s character development. In Dragon Ball Z, he was a ruthless villain consumed by pride and a desire to surpass Goku. However, Dragon Ball Super depicts a Vegeta who has learned to value family, friendship, and even the occasional lighthearted competition.
His willingness to wear the pink shirt, despite its affront to his Saiyan pride, demonstrates a significant shift in his priorities. He’s no longer solely driven by a thirst for power; he’s also motivated by a desire to protect and support those he cares about. This episode is a testament to his transformation and a reminder that even the most stoic characters can have moments of vulnerability and humor. It highlights that Vegeta, the mighty Saiyan prince, is capable of adapting and embracing the lighter side of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section aims to answer common questions surrounding Vegeta’s pink shirt moment and its implications.
1. Why did Vegeta have to wear the pink shirt?
Bulma designed the pink shirts for the Universe 7 baseball team as a form of team uniform. Vegeta, initially reluctant, was forced to wear it by Bulma, likely using a combination of threats and persuasive arguments (considering her influence and his love for her). The shirt served as a comedic element, highlighting Vegeta’s discomfort with anything remotely frivolous or un-Saiyan-like.
2. Was Vegeta embarrassed to wear the pink shirt?
Absolutely. Vegeta’s discomfort was palpable throughout the episode. He consistently grumbled and expressed his displeasure, even while demonstrating impressive baseball skills. His facial expressions and body language clearly indicated his embarrassment at being forced to wear something so incongruous with his warrior persona.
3. Did Vegeta play well in the baseball game?
Despite his initial reluctance and embarrassment, Vegeta actually proved to be a surprisingly effective baseball player. His Saiyan strength and agility translated well to the sport, allowing him to hit powerful pitches and make impressive catches. He showcased his competitive spirit, even while wearing the pink shirt.
4. What was the overall tone of Dragon Ball Super Episode 70?
The tone of Episode 70 was primarily comedic and lighthearted. It deviated significantly from the more serious and action-packed arcs of Dragon Ball Super, offering a welcome break and allowing the characters to engage in silly and unexpected situations.
5. Did other characters comment on Vegeta’s pink shirt?
Yes, the pink shirt was a recurring source of amusement for the other characters, particularly Goku and Bulma. They frequently teased Vegeta about it, adding to the comedic effect of the episode. Even Whis offered subtle, polite observations about the attire.
6. Is the pink shirt a popular meme in the Dragon Ball fandom?
Yes, Vegeta’s pink shirt has become an incredibly popular and enduring meme within the Dragon Ball fandom. It’s often used to represent Vegeta’s character development, his moments of vulnerability, and the overall comedic tone of Dragon Ball Super. Fan art, cosplay, and online discussions frequently reference the pink shirt.
7. Did the pink shirt ever reappear in later episodes of Dragon Ball Super?
While the pink shirt wasn’t explicitly worn again in subsequent episodes, it has been referenced and alluded to in various ways, often serving as a callback to the humor of Episode 70. It remains a significant visual identifier associated with that specific moment.
8. How does Vegeta’s pink shirt compare to other comedic moments in Dragon Ball?
Vegeta’s pink shirt stands out due to its visual impact and the character it’s associated with. While Dragon Ball has always had comedic elements, the sight of the usually stoic Vegeta in such an outfit is particularly striking. It arguably surpasses many other comedic moments in memorability.
9. Does the pink shirt appear in any Dragon Ball Super merchandise?
Yes, the pink shirt has inspired various forms of Dragon Ball Super merchandise, including t-shirts, figurines, and other collectibles. This further solidifies its status as a popular and recognizable symbol within the Dragon Ball franchise.
10. How did the baseball game end in Dragon Ball Super Episode 70?
The baseball game ended in a no-contest, largely due to Beerus and Champa’s escalating antics and their attempts to manipulate the game in their favor. The Gods of Destruction ultimately prioritized their own amusement over fair play, leading to the game’s premature conclusion.
11. What universe was Beerus the God of Destruction of during the episode?
Beerus was the God of Destruction of Universe 7 during the baseball game shown in Dragon Ball Super Episode 70. His rivalry with Champa, God of Destruction of Universe 6, was the driving force behind the humorous contest.
12. Does Bulma ever wear a similar shirt in any episode?
While Bulma designs and provides the pink shirts, she herself is never depicted wearing one in any Dragon Ball Super episode. Her role is primarily as the orchestrator of the team uniform and the source of Vegeta’s initial embarrassment. The focus remains on Vegeta’s reaction to wearing the shirt.