Oolong

Overview

Oolong is a character from the manga and anime franchise Dragon Ball, created by Akira Toriyama. A speaking pig-like humanoid, he initially serves as an antagonist before being forced to join Son Goku and Bulma on their search for the Dragon Balls. Although cowardly and perverted, he plays a memorable role in the early story as a comedic companion. Notably, he is famous for interrupting Emperor Pilaf to grant the very first wish to the mythical dragon Shenron, unexpectedly rescuing the world in the process.

Appearance

Oolong is a small pig-like humanoid standing 121 centimeters tall and weighing 32 kilograms with pale pink skin. Upon his initial introduction, he dresses in a uniform resembling a Mao suit complete with a matching hat. In subsequent scenes, he is frequently depicted wearing button-down shirts and trousers held up by suspenders.

Personality

Oolong is fundamentally cowardly, lazy, and cynical, often attempting to avoid dangerous fights or trouble. He is extremely lecherous, harboring a deep fondness for attractive young women while collecting female underwear as a hobby. Conversely, he expresses a distaste for men, unattractive women, and pork. Despite his selfish and opportunistic tendencies, he possesses a surprisingly warm-hearted side, showing genuine concern, empathy, and grief for his companions during moments of crisis.

Abilities

Oolong possesses the ability to shapeshifting into various objects, creatures, and people using transformation techniques. His transformations alter only his physical appearance, leaving his baseline strength and durability unchanged regardless of the form assumed. However, adopting forms such as bats, missiles, or fish grants him functional mobility like flight or swimming. Due to his incomplete training, his transformation is strictly limited to five minutes at a time, requiring a one-minute resting interval before he can transform again.

Background

Oolong originally attended the Southern Transformation Kindergarten alongside Puar, but was expelled after stealing the female teacher's underwear. He later terrorized a rural village by using his shapeshifting power to disguise himself as a terrifying monster and abduct local maidens. His reign of trouble ended when Son Goku and Bulma defeated him. Forced to join their quest after Bulma tricked him into eating a control candy, he served as a guide. When Emperor Pilaf cornered the heroes and summoned Shenron to demand world domination, Oolong intervened by shouting a foolish wish for female panties, inadvertently saving the world.

Relationships

After their initial confrontation, Oolong becomes a long-time companion to Son Goku. His relationship with Bulma began through coercative control, but they developed a durable friendship over their adventures. He shares a childhood history with Puar from their kindergarten days, transitioning from a bully who took Puar's homework into a close friend. Oolong also bonds with Master Roshi over their shared perverted humor, frequently joining him in comedic mischief, while maintaining friendly ties with Chi-Chi and the rest of the Dragon Team.

Trivia

Oolong's name originates from oolong tea, and his character design and concept were inspired by Zhu Bajie from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. Notably, he is the very first character in the series to have a wish granted by the eternal dragon Shenron. Additionally, long before the lore regarding the Saiyans was established, Oolong was the first character to casually ponder whether Son Goku might actually be an extraterrestrial being.