Goku was created by Akira Toriyama as the main protagonist of the manga series Dragon Ball, first appearing in Weekly Shōnen Jump.
The Dragon Ball anime, featuring the character Goku, began airing in Japan, significantly boosting the character's popularity.
The sequel series Dragon Ball Z, which follows the adult adventures of Goku, started airing, cementing the character's global fame.
Dragon Ball Z was dubbed and released for English-speaking audiences, introducing Goku to Western viewers.
A new anime series, Dragon Ball GT, was produced without direct input from Toriyama, featuring Goku's adventures post-Dragon Ball Z.
Dragon Ball Super, a new series continuing Goku's story, launched, revitalizing the franchise.
A popular film featuring Goku was released, receiving critical acclaim and expanding his story in the Dragon Ball Super timeline.
Goku is born on Planet Vegeta as the Saiyan named Kakarot.
Goku is sent to Earth as a baby to conquer it, but suffers head injury and forgets his mission, growing up kind-hearted.
Goku is found and adopted by Grandpa Gohan, who raises him in the forest.
Goku begins learning martial arts and survival skills under Grandpa Gohan.
Grandpa Gohan is killed, inspiring Goku to continue training and become stronger.
At age 12, Goku meets Bulma and starts the journey to find the Dragon Balls.
Goku defeats Emperor Pilaf who tried to wish for world domination with the Dragon Balls.
Goku meets Master Roshi and trains under him to improve his martial arts.
Goku competes and fights strong opponents in the first World Martial Arts Tournament he attends.
Goku meets Krillin during training and they become close friends and rivals.
Goku battles and destroys the Red Ribbon Army who seek the Dragon Balls for evil purposes.
Goku wins the 22nd tournament showing great skill and strength.
Goku battles King Piccolo, an evil demon threatening the world, and defeats him.
Goku reunites with Chi-Chi, whom he promised to marry as a child, and they eventually marry.
Goku's first son, Gohan, is born.
After sacrificing himself fighting Raditz, Goku trains on King Kai's planet to learn new techniques like the Kaio-ken and Spirit Bomb.
Goku returns from training and defeats Saiyan invaders Vegeta and Nappa to protect Earth.
Goku battles Frieza, the tyrant threatening the universe, ultimately defeating him after transforming into a Super Saiyan.
After Namek saga, Goku returns to Earth and participates in the 25th tournament.
Goku battles Androids and Cell, powerful foes threatening Earth, achieving Super Saiyan 2 during Cell Games.
Goku dies temporarily due to a heart virus but trains in the Other World with King Kai.
Goku returns to Earth and wins the 28th World Martial Arts Tournament.
Goku battles the ancient creature Majin Buu and uses the Super Spirit Bomb to defeat him and save the universe.
After years of peace, Goku trains and masters new God forms including Super Saiyan God and Super Saiyan Blue.
Goku fights in the multiverse Tournament of Power representing Universe 7 to prevent its erasure.
Goku defeats Jiren by achieving Ultra Instinct form, helping Universe 7 win the Tournament of Power.
Goku battles the energy-absorbing wizard Moro and prevents universal destruction.
Goku continues training to perfect the Ultra Instinct technique for future battles.
