Dragon Ball is filled with super-powered behemoths that fight to save the world. Their powers are strong enough to take out Earth if they wanted. The thrill of watching these powerhouses fight is what keeps viewers tuning in each week. The creators of the series will even throw us a curveball now and then by showcasing a character who is often seen as weak become stronger.

Krillin is Dragon Ball’s biggest underdog. He’s just a human whose best friends have higher power levels and more moves than he could ever dream of achieving. Where he lacks in powers, he makes up for in heart. While we're sure Krillin would love the ability to turn Super Saiyan, he's strong enough to stand face-to-face with any enemy that dares threaten Earth. Surviving the battle until the end is a whole other story.

Though he has his weaknesses, Krillin is a character many readers and viewers find relatable. We all want to be friends with Goku and Vegeta while marrying one of the coolest women in the series, Android 18.

Krillin has been part of the series since the early Dragon Ball days but there’s still much that many fans don’t know about Krillin. We’ve compiled a list of some mind-blowing secrets you may not have known about Goku’s best friend.

20 Actually, She Wasn’t Good Enough For Him

Don't be fooled when you first see Krillin's blue-haired former girlfriend. That's not Bulma. Before the Android Saga, Krillin had a girlfriend named Maron. She was known to be a less intelligent, but beautiful woman. Krillin saw past her faults. He was so enamored with her that he showered her with gifts. Krillin even tried to dress up for her by wearing expensive clothing.

Unfortunately, Krillin's wallet and self-esteem crashed when he was around her. While standing on the beach, Krillin broke up with her, believing that she could do better. Maron admitted that she wanted to marry him and ran off, only to jump in a sports car with another waiting suitor. She must have stayed on Krillin's mind. His daughter, Marron, shared an eerily similar name to his old flame.

19 Could Have Outshined The Main Character

Goku loves fighting and training. When he's not training with his friends, he's eating obscene amounts of food. Goku isn't a complicated character. That made Akira Toriyama's editor, Kazuhiko Torishima, highly concerned. According to the Dragon Ball Story Guide, Torishima believed that Goku was too bland.

Krillin was introduced to bring some life into the series.

Unlike Goku, Krillin was raised in the Orin Temple. He was forced to battle others that made him question his abilities. Goku had only trained with Master Roshi. Krillin wanted to become stronger to prove his bullies wrong, while Goku wanted to train because he thought it was fun. Krillin being introduced into the series brought in an interesting rivalry that would last into Dragon Ball Super.

18 Can Fuse With Three Different Characters

Watching characters dance and fuse on-screen is one of the most interesting aspects of the Dragon Ball series. Goten and Trunks treat it as a joke. Not all characters think it's so amusing. Caulila and Kale use a fusion in desperation to try and defeat Goku. Krillin isn't seen fusing with characters on the show. Prilin, or Piccilin, a fusion between Krillin and Piccolo, is first seen in a "What-If" special in Weekly Shounen Jump Issue 13.

The Dragon Ball Fusions game debuted two different forms featuring Krillin. Gorillin is the fusion of Kid Goku and Kid Krillin, which seems fitting for best friends. Krigohan is the fusion between Goku's son, Gohan, and Krillin. Though we don't get to see fusion in the show or manga, at least video games offer us some insight on Krillin's fusion forms.

17 Proved His Haters Wrong

Krillin grew up in Orin Temple among monks. It sounds like he has had a calm and peaceful life. Orin Temple was filled with some cruel monks. Krillin wasn't able to get the hang of the fundamentals at a young age. He struggled to get stronger, while others were natural fighters. They bullied Krillin until he reached his breaking point.

Krillin decided to leave the temple and seek out the famous Master Roshi for further training.

Thanks to Roshi's training and Goku's friendship, Krillin managed to keep increasing his power level throughout the series. After the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament, Krillin heads back to the temple. When his bullies try to tease him again, Krillin easily takes them all out, including the Senior monk.

16 Had To Learn To Take Flight Without Nimbus

The power of flight is one of the most commonly used abilities in the Dragon Ball series. Few characters are pure enough of heart to ride on a Nimbus Cloud. Videl and Goten both learned how to harness their ki and fly in a short amount of time. After defeating Piccolo Daimo, Krillin trained for three years with the other Z-Fighters. He wanted to be stronger and help out the rest of his friends when fighting alien threats. Luckily for him, he was surrounded by a team of warriors. Krillin learned how to harness the power of his ki to levitate, and then fly. Since Krillin isn't pure enough to ride on a Nimbus Cloud, learning how to fly was essential to being part of the Z-Fighter team.

15 Has A Powerful Partner

One of the most unfortunate tropes of the Dragon Ball series is how depowered the females become after marriage. Videl put her superhero uniform aside to devote her life to being a housewife. Chi-Chi turned in her helmet and blue armor to raise her sons. Bulma is one of the few characters that continued to invent new technology that could help the Z-Fighters.

Krillin's wife, Android 18, has never stopped fighting.

After having Marron, Android 18 is still one of the first fighters to jump into battle. When Beerus and Buu's fight over pudding grew out of control, Android 18 jumped in to help Buu. Krillin never has to worry about his wife being injured on the sidelines. She's always at his side and fighting any enemy that threatens their planet.

14 Everyone’s Favorite Human Z-Fighter

Krillin was first introduced into the Dragon Ball series to bring life into the cast. It was a move that could have had devastating consequences. If the characters didn't work well together, fans would lose interest. Toriyama's gamble paid off. Krillin quickly became one of the most popular characters of the series.

In Dragon Ball Forever, an interview with Akira Toriyama revealed that Krillin was voted the fan-favorite human of the series. Other polls on Japanese websites, such as Oricon, revealed that Krillin was often voted the top favorite Dragon Ball character among characters from other well-known anime series, like One Piece. Krillin may seem like a weak human among the Saiyan cast, but he's won his place in the hearts of Dragon Ball fans worldwide.

13 You Can Always Count On Him

Goku may be the star of the Dragon Ball series, but Yamcha, Bulma, and Krillin have been by his side from the start. Yamcha disappeared to train by himself for a few years. Bulma became more interested in finding love with Vegeta and raising Trunks.

Krillin has always stayed by Goku's side during each fight.

He may be knocked out of the match before it ends, but he still manages to make an appearance. Krillin knows his power limits are lower than his Saiyan friends. He doesn't let that keep him down, even though he’s scared out of his mind. Krillin is a friend that everyone can count on until the very end. This has continued from Dragon Ball to the presently running series, Dragon Ball Super.

12 Lacks A Distinctive Piece Of Anatomy

Krillin is missing a piece of anatomy that's hard not to notice. He's missing a nose and has no visible nostrils. Krillin is the only human on the show who doesn't have a nose. Fans speculate that Krillin might be an alien. His creator, Akiya Toriyama, has an explanation.

In Volume 20, Chapter 232 of the Dragon Ball Z manga, Toriyama states that Krillin has a "physical idiosyncrasy" that allows him to breathe through his skin. If Krillin's face is covered, he can still smell a good meal through any other area of exposed skin. We aren't sure if Toriyama was kidding and making fun of Krillin's lack of nostrils, but it proves to be another reason why Krillin is so powerful.

11 Made Sure His Ki Could Reach Its Peak

Krillin's hair-free scalp makes him stand out in the series. His head is completely smooth except for his black eyebrows. Krillin's baldness isn't due to a medical issue. Krillin admitted early in the Dragon Ball series that he shaves his head. He believes that serious martial artists must be bald. Not having hair increases a person's ki. Hair will only trap ki, and it won't be available to use.

Krillin took inspiration from Master Roshi for his lack of hairstyle, believing that's why the older man was so strong.

Roshi tried to explain that he was naturally bald. Goku was still powerful with a full head of hair, but Krillin didn't accept those excuses. Krillin believes that being bald equals unlimited strength.

10 Was At Risk Of Being Krillindroid 18

Krillin feared for his life when he first met the Android trio. He knew he wasn't powerful enough to defeat them. He already watched his friends get pummeled by the villains. Android 18 must have believed his fear was cute. After she kissed him on the cheek, he developed a crush on her. As fans know, they eventually end up getting married.

The video game Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai 2 presents an alternative reality. Android 18 has become an android yet again and asked Shenron to make her human. Unfortunately, the request is beyond the dragon's abilities and he refuses. She asks that he make Krillin an android instead, which he also cannot grant. Android 18 gives up and requests that the "Terminate Goku Program" is canceled.

9 No One’s Laughing At Him Now

Krillin's childhood memories haunt him. He's put the past behind him and has continued to train almost daily with Goku and the rest of the Z-Fighter team. According to Volume 18, issue 209 of the Dragon Ball manga, he's only at power level 206 during the Vegeta Saga while he's training. This eventually grows to 1,770 when forced into battle. Krillin's level rises to 5,000 by the time Dragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest is released. His power level only rockets up from there. During the Captain Ginyu Saga, Krillin's power levels increase to a shocking 13,000. Don't be impressed yet.

By the time the Frieza Saga airs, Krillin's power level has reached 75,000.

Krillin may be considered weaker than both Tien Shinhan and Yamcha at the beginning of Dragon Ball Z, but he quickly rises to the top of the human fighter roster.

8 Was One Sneaky Little Kid

Krillin was bullied to tears during his training days in Orin Temple. He didn't think he was good enough. Krillin decided to leave to prove his bullies wrong. Once he arrived at Kame House, he didn't expect Master Roshi to have another student training with him. Krillin believed that he was a much better fighter than Goku.

While they sparred, Krillin cheated to make himself to appear to be better than his partner. He only thought of Goku as a rival. Goku didn't have much experience with social situations. He laughed off Krillin's jokes and kept fighting. Krillin eventually learned that Goku was a true friend. He wasn't like the bullies from Orin temple. Once Krillin realized this, he began to tone down his competitiveness and trust Goku.

7 He Inspires Positive Transformations

Krillin may not be strong on his own since he's a human. The other Z-Fighters include aliens and robots. He can't transform into Super Saiyan mode, and his Spirit Ball and Destructo Disc may miss their mark. Krillin assists his friends in other ways. Krillin tried to help the Z-Fighters fight Frieza but was quickly defeated. This defeat was so heart-breaking to Goku that it triggered his very first Super Saiyan transformation.

Krillin inspires his friends to be better people and not just stronger fighters.

After sparing Vegeta, the men become friends. When Krillin is defeated on Namek, it enrages Vegeta. Krillin doesn't have a high power level, but over the course of the series, he has an infinite friendship level.

6 Has Come Face-to-Face With All Of Earth’s Enemies

Krillin may get knocked down, but he always gets back up again. Of course, he doesn't get up without some whining first. He is aware of his limitations but is still one of the original Z-Fighters. Krillin may be human, but he has as much heart as any of his friends. He has faced every single major villain in the Dragon Ball series. He bravely stood face-to-face with Raditz, even though he was quickly knocked down in defeat. Krillin was willing to end Vegeta's assault on Earth, permanently. Goku had to talk Krillin out of it, believing that Vegeta could be reformed. Krillin would also later stand firm to fight Frieza. Frieza only laughed at Krillin's bravery. Krillin also stood with Future Trunks and defeated Present Cell.

5 The Scars Have Been With Him Since Childhood

Krillin has a few distinguishing characteristics that make him stand out. He's one of the shortest Z-Fighters at 5'0". He lacks a nose and has a smooth scalp. On the center of his forehead between his eyebrows are six perfectly placed moxibustion scars. These scars are caused by incense. The technique has been used all over the world. This ancient technique is accomplished by directly placing a cone of moxa onto acupuncture points on the skin. It will burn until the skin underneath blisters.

Krillin may have received these markings because he accomplished a certain level of training in Orin Temple.

Since Krillin has had the marks since he was a child, it proves that he was a tougher than most people and aliens think.

4 Has A Disc Filled With Destruction

Being Goku's best friend probably seems terrible. You might always feel like you're stuck in Goku's shadow. He can transform into several different Super Saiyan levels. Krillin doesn't have a Super Saiyan mode because he's only human. He has managed to learn one of the most powerful attacks in the series: the Destructo Disc. This sawblade forged of ki has the potential to slice any foe. Victims of the blade include Maijin Buu, Nappa's face, and Frieza's tail. Not only can he throw the disc around, but he can split the disc into two parts in the anime series. The Destructo Disc can slice more than his enemies. In the movie Dragon Ball: Yo! Son Goku and His Friends Return!!, Krillin uses the attack to destroy a building to save Android 18 and Marron.

3 Is Often Underestimated By His Foes

Krillin can't help that he was born human. He works with the abilities given to him. Like other humans in the series, he has worked hard to become stronger.

While they gave up or moved on to raise families, Krillin still trained, even when he was tempted to give up.

Krillin's decades of training have paid off. He can use the all-mighty Destructo Disc and Spirit Bomb, which are techniques that some Saiyans can't even pull off. Krillin is the strongest human in the series. This may be hard to believe, but his creators brought truth to the rumor in TV Anime Guide: Dragon Ball Tenkaichi Densetsu. Series organizer Takao Koyama stated that Krillin is the strongest human male, to which Toriyama agreed. He may go through many defeats, but he always comes back, ready to help his friends.

2 The Afterlife Can’t Stop Him From Escaping

One of the longest-running jokes of the Dragon Ball series is how often Krillin is eliminated from battle. There are moments when the fighter is cowardly, but he will step up to fight when his friends get knocked down. His first defeat is in the first Dragon Ball series. King Piccolo's fighter Tambourine, immediately defeats him. Frieza temporarily ends Krillin's fighting days in Dragon Ball Z. Krillin, along with his family, is turned into chocolate and eaten for his third angel halo. He was even destroyed by his future wife's twin, Android 17. Though many fans don't consider it canon, he passed of old age in Dragon Ball GT. Though Krillin has visited the Afterlife five times, he always comes back to life.

1 The Enemy Of My Enemy Is My Wife

Krillin doesn't think that he deserves a beautiful life and a happy family. He breaks up with Maron due to his insecurities.

After receiving a kiss from Android 18, Krillin's heart goes wild.

He didn't want to hurt her and refused to fight her. His refusal to fight caused his fourth ultimate defeat. Bulma gives Krillin a remote to shut down the Androids for good. He couldn't bear to push the button, even though he knows they have bombs hidden inside their bodies. Krillin decides to use his second wish to remove the bombs from their bodies, saving their lives. After a brief time skip, we learn Android 18 is now his wife, and she has given birth to their beautiful daughter, Marron.

Krillin got his happy ending, after all.