In the world of Dragon Ball, there is no hero more popular than Son Goku. The oblivious yet powerful Saiyan is the de facto protagonist of the series, and millions of fans idolize Goku for his strength. To many, Goku goes toe-to-toe with superhero legends like Superman or Iron Man, but that doesn't mean the hero is without his flaws. This past weekend, fans were given a sharp reminder of Goku's failings, and it has some fans asking a rather somber question:

Could Goku become a villain?

In the newest arc of Dragon Ball Super, Goku find himself bored half to death while training as usual. When inspiration strikes, the Saiyan foregoes all warnings from his friends and asks Zen-Oh to instate a multiverse martial arts tournament for him to fight in. The Saiyan is more than pleased to have the event going, but fans soon learn the tournament will come with a price; If your universe's team loses in the event, then their home will be obliterated - and it doesn't seem like Zen-Oh will be willing to retcon the decision.

For once, it seems like Goku is at a standstill. He must train to get stronger because there is no other recourse; The franchise's strongest being has said he will destroy universes as a whim, and there is no one who can challenge Zen-Oh. Fans wonder if this innocuous decision of Goku's might lead him on a path towards evil, making him no better than Goku Black or Zamasu.

But, when it comes down to it, there is very little chance of Goku becoming a full-on villain. Not only would the switch give long-time fans whiplash, but Goku's portrayal in the anime is a heroic one. While the Dragon Ball manga may represent the hero as a more chaotic-neutral being, Goku has come to represent the best of superheroes over the year.

Still, there is an opportunity for Dragon Ball Super to play with Goku's flaws. Even the best comic book heroes have to face their demons, and Goku's singleminded desire to fight has put his entire universe at stake. With so much at risk, Goku may finally be asked a question fans have been wanting answered for years: Does the character's love for fighting overtake that he feels for his friends and family?

In the coming months, Dragon Ball Super has an opportunity to explore more complicated facets of Goku's personality while reeling in gags for younger audiences. The 'Universal Survival' arc has already set up parallels between Goku and his villainous brother Raditz with a foreboding easter egg. And, as the weeks pass, fans will be interested to see whether Goku rises up to consciously use his powers for good...or if he will sink back into shallow oblivion.

MORE ANIME: Dragon Ball Super Toonami Premiere Date Announced / English Dub Sneak Peek Revealed / Voice Cast Announced / Simulcast Confirmed / New Saga Synopsis, Key Visual Released / Here's What Happens To Nappa's Hair When He Goes Super Saiyan

As for the saga's start date, the new arc premiered on February 5, 2017. The "Universal Survival" saga is part of the recent simulcast agreement that sites like Crunchyroll and Funimation have scored. Dragon Ball Super airs on Crunchyroll Saturdays at 7:15 p.m. CST. Toonami will begin airing the English dub on Adult Swim Saturdays at 11:30 p.m.

Dragon Ball SuperSunday at on Fuji Television Network

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