[quote=AeronFarron]Goku (the character people always pit against Superman) will always lose. That is what his adult character is meant to do though. He embodies strength through sacrifice. Goku is "cool" but think of his most iconic moments during the DBZ franchise. Most remember the Saiyan Saga and the Cell Saga. In both, Goku dies via sacrificing himself for the good of everyone else. And ultimately fails in both cases. 
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Goku in Saiyan Saga did sacrifice himself for the good of everyone else with Raditz. Didn't die fighting Nappa or Vegeta. Cell Saga you have there, but he was making up for his son's mistake in not killing Cell sooner. Only failed once.