Biodata
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Nappa (那巴) |
| Species/Race | Saiyan |
| Gender | Male |
| Affiliation | Vegeta's Saiyan group; later Raditz's allies and the North Galaxy Delegation 1 175 |
| Occupation/Role | Saiyan warrior |
| First Appearance | Chapter 1 |
Power Progression
| Stage / Realm / Level | Chapter | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Improved battle power | 87 | Training in a Gravity Chamber and having his potential awakened by the Namekian Grand Elder make him strong enough to fight Turles alongside Tien Shinhan. |
| Super Saiyan, first stage | 218 219 | Achieves the transformation through continued training after the Galactic Martial Arts Tournament, with Ariel's support; reveals it while fighting the androids. |
| At least the third stage of Super Saiyan | 315 | By his rematch with Pikkon, his strength has increased to at least the third stage, with Full Power intensity. |
| Super Saiyan 2 | 550 | Fights in this state during a tactical showdown, even clashing directly with Goku. |
Background / History
Nappa comes from a prominent Saiyan family and begins the story as Vegeta's experienced, conceited comrade. Both look down on the lower-class Raditz. While conquering a planet together, Nappa suggests recruiting Raditz's younger brother, Goku, for future campaigns 1.
After receiving Raditz's staged death message, Nappa and Vegeta travel to Earth seeking the Dragon Balls. Nappa brings Saibaman seeds to test Earth's fighters, then attacks Gohan on Vegeta's order. Goku intercepts him and leaves him badly injured 9 17 19.
Raditz subsequently guides Nappa's training rather than humiliating him. On Namek, Nappa fights Turles alongside Tien Shinhan and repeatedly rises despite severe injuries; Raditz intervenes before Turles can finish him 87. Nappa later joins Raditz's North Galaxy Delegation, but Pikkon eliminates him from its tournament. The loss strengthens his resolve to become a Super Saiyan 175 181 200.
During a peaceful period, Nappa develops feelings for a shop owner in the Feeda System. His friends help him change his appearance and encourage him to speak to her 150 151. He later becomes the father of a son, Napaton, and takes to parenting with unusual caution and gentleness 473.
Appearance
Nappa is a large, muscular, bald Saiyan whose imposing build is prominent both in and out of combat 19 151 181.
- Wears a Saiyan Battle Suit in combat 17 181.
- Keeps facial hair, though Raditz shaves his beard during Nappa's makeover; it later grows back 151 213.
- His eyebrows and mustache turn golden when he transforms into a Super Saiyan 370.
Personality
Initially proud and dismissive of weaker fighters, Nappa is also wary of Vegeta's anger 1 16. His defeat by Goku damages his confidence, but persistent training helps him rebuild it. Against Turles, he refuses to stay down even when he knows he cannot withstand another blow 19 87.
Nappa remains eager to demonstrate his strength, particularly in front of Ariel, and can underestimate opponents: Pikkon defeats him decisively at the North Galaxy tournament 181. Outside battle, his awkwardness around the woman he likes contrasts with his usual forcefulness. As a new father, he becomes notably gentle and protective 151 473.
Abilities & Skills
Physical Combat and Endurance
Nappa favors forceful close-range attacks and can withstand considerable punishment 19 44 87.
- Charges opponents head-on, using his muscular build to absorb and deliver heavy blows 19 44.
- Continues standing after repeated injuries against Turles 87.
- Grows stronger during his prolonged fight with Bujin and breaks free of Bujin's psychic restraint 318.
Ki Techniques
Super Saiyan Transformations
- His first-stage Super Saiyan form gives him an early advantage against Android 20, though the android's strategy and eye beams cause him trouble 219.
- As a Super Saiyan, he overwhelms Turles, whose strength depends on Sacred Fruits 370 371.
- Later fights in a Super Saiyan 2 state 550.
Equipment / Items
- Saiyan Battle Suit — his usual combat armor 17 181.
- Scouter — detects battle-power readings and receives communications 9 16 18.
- Saibaman seeds — carries and plants them to test Earth's defenders 17.
Relationships
- Vegeta — former superior and longtime comrade; Nappa initially fears his wrath and follows his orders 1 16 19.
- Raditz — former teammate who later guides Nappa's training, saves him from Turles, and recruits him for the North Galaxy Delegation 1 87 175.
- Goku — defeats Nappa during the Saiyans' arrival on Earth; the two later fight on the same side 19 550.
- Tien Shinhan — fights alongside Nappa against Turles on Namek and encounters him again during Turles's attack on Earth 87 370 371.
- Ariel — the woman Nappa seeks to impress; her encouragement helps him break Bujin's psychic restraint 175 318.
- Napaton — his son, born with a Saiyan tail and unusually high battle power 473.
Notable Quotes
“I haven't fallen yet!” 87