Puar
Puar is a supporting character in the Dragon Ball franchise. Appearing as a small, levitating, cat-like creature, Puar is a skilled shape-shifter and the loyal companion of Yamcha, accompanying him throughout his adventures since the early days of the series.
Overview
Puar is a supporting character in the Dragon Ball franchise. Appearing as a small, levitating, cat-like creature, Puar is a skilled shape-shifter and the loyal companion of Yamcha, accompanying him throughout his adventures since the early days of the series.
Appearance
Puar is a small creature covered in fluffy blue and grey fur, described as having an appearance resembling a hybrid of a cat and a rabbit, with rabbit-like paws. Puar constantly levitates in mid-air, though occasionally shown moving on all fours or hopping on two legs. In the original manga, the feet are grey, whereas the anime adaptation renders the feet in blue (except in the film Dragon Ball: The Path to Power). When shape-shifting into a girl ("pichi-pichi gal"), Puar assumes the form of a young female wearing a red bunny-style strapless leotard featuring a bow, collar, and wrist cuffs.
Personality
Puar is exceptionally loyal and affectionate toward Yamcha, always addressing him with high respect. Initially portrayed as somewhat of a crybaby, Puar originally held a grudge against former classmate Oolong, though the two later bonded while living together at Bulma's estate. Deeply devoted to Yamcha's well-being, Puar is overcome with grief whenever Yamcha is severely harmed. Puar also exhibits a soft spot for sweet treats, particularly karinto.
Abilities
Puar possesses the innate ability to continuously float in mid-air, moving at speeds equivalent to the Bukujutsu levitation used by martial artists. Puar's primary technique is shape-shifting, having successfully graduated from the Southern Transformation Kindergarten. Unlike Oolong, Puar's shape-shifting has no time limit and can reproduce the capabilities of whatever object or person is copied. Demonstrated transformations include a magic carpet used to transport an injured Yamcha, a bat, Son Goku, and a young woman.
Background
Two years before the start of the series, Puar was saved from a pterodactyl attack by Yamcha, leading Puar to become his constant companion. Prior to this, Puar attended the Southern Transformation Kindergarten alongside Oolong. Puar originally acted as Yamcha's partner during his time as a desert bandit. After encountering Son Goku and Bulma during their search for the Dragon Balls, Puar joined the group's adventures and remained at Yamcha's side through various battles and events, including the Tenkaichi Budokai tournaments.
Relationships
Yamcha is Puar's closest companion and master, whom Puar respects immensely and attends to faithfully. Oolong is a former classmate from the Southern Transformation Kindergarten with whom Puar initially quarrelled, but later formed a close friendship. Bulma hosted Puar and Yamcha at her home while she was dating Yamcha. Master Roshi received help from Puar during Dragon Ball Super when Puar transformed into a young woman to assist in his training to overcome perverted impulses.
Trivia
Puar's name is derived from Pu'er tea. Creator Akira Toriyama clarified that Puar is neither a cat nor a mouse, but a unique cat-like creature. In the story, Puar once hilariously mistook the name of Karin Tower for karinto, Puar's favorite sweet. In the asymmetric multiplayer game Dragon Ball: The Breakers, Puar's small body and quiet flight mechanics made the character unexpectedly popular, earning the humorous nickname "pest" among players.
