The Ox-King is a shadow of what he once was in the original Dragon Ball anime, but he is still a likable character in Dragon Ball Z. Once a fierce warrior inspired by a character from the classic Chinese tale Journey to the West, he has been diluted into Goku’s father-in-law and Gohan’s loving grandfather.

In the original Dragon Ball, the Ox-King initially tries to kill anyone who approaches his Burning Castle. By the time Dragon Ball Z begins, he feels more like a friendly older man approaching retirement than a legendary warrior. He is shocked and horrified to learn that Goku was killed by his alien brother, and that Goku’s former enemy Piccolo has become the stern guardian and mentor of his grandson, Gohan.

While he was once a warrior comparable in skill to Goku’s adoptive grandfather, Grandpa Gohan, and Master Roshi, throughout Dragon Ball Z he is mostly relegated to the role of a side character. His power level is insignificant compared to threats like Raditz, Vegeta, Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu.

During the final stages of the Majin Buu Saga, the Ox-King is present at the Lookout and becomes one of the many victims who witness Super Buu escape from the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. We do not clearly see his death on screen, but he is likely turned into candy and eaten like the others. Very few characters avoid death in the Dragon Ball franchise, and this was his turn.

Later, he is revived by the Dragon Balls along with the rest of the Earth’s population, and he is still alive by the end of the series. Ironically, he seems to age surprisingly well, especially compared to his own daughter, Chi-Chi.