Tenshinhan's Appearances

Categories

• General Appearances
• Essential Tenshinhan Episodes
• The Best Tenshinhan Action Figures NEW
• Playable Roles in Video Games

General Appearances

Dragon Ball Manga Volumes: 10-19, 22, 25-35, 40-42
Dragon Ball Series: Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, Dragon Ball Super
Dragon Ball Arcs: Uranai Baba, 22nd Tenkaichi Budokai, Piccolo Daimao, 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai
Dragon Ball Z Arcs: Saiyan, Freeza, Android, Cell, and Buu
Dragon Ball Super Arcs: Beerus, Golden Freeza, Tournament of Power, Galactic Patrol Prisoner
Dragon Ball Movies: Great Mystical Adventure (DB Movie 3)
Dragon Ball Z Movies: The Decisive Battle for the Entire Earth (DBZ Movie 3), The Galaxy's at the Brink!! The Super Incredible Guy (DBZ Movie 9), Battle of Gods (DBZ Movie 14), Revival of 'F' (DBZ Movie 15)

Essential Tenshinhan Episodes

Dragon Ball: Episode 82
The Ferocious Beast, Inoshi Kacho - As the very first appearance of Tenshinhan, this is an essential episode even if it's not that good. The episode has a strange premise and doesn't fit Tenshinhan's character all that well. He was never interested in money or shown to deceive regular people. He was just an arrogant but serious martial artist, as presented in the manga. I can only reason that Tsurusennin was making them do this. The first appearance still must make this list.

Dragon Ball: Episode 84
Aim to Be the World's Best Martial Artist!! - This is his intended first appearance, as shown in the manga. This episode is the beginning of the 22nd Tenkaichi Budokai.

Dragon Ball: Episodes 87-88
Showdown!! Yamucha vs. Tenshinhan - Onwards, Yamucha! The Incredible Tenshinhan - These episodes cover the Tenshinhan vs. Yamucha fight at the 22nd Tenkaichi Budokai.

Dragon Ball: Episodes 93-94
Evenly Matched!! Tenshinhan vs. Jackie - Gegege!! The New Crane Hermit School Technique: Taiyoken - These episodes cover the Tenshinhan vs. Jackie Chun fight at the 22nd Tenkaichi Budokai.

Dragon Ball: Episodes 97-101
The Finals!! The World's Greatest Martial Artist is...?! - The Martial Arts Tournament Comes to an End! And Then...!! - These episodes cover the Tenshinhan vs. Goku fight. One of the greatest fights in the series and Tenshinhan's most detailed, intricate martial arts display.

Dragon Ball: Episode 117
Son Goku Finally Departs!! - Tenshinhan masters the Mafuba technique to attempt to use on Piccolo Daimao.

Dragon Ball: Episodes 118-119
Tenshinhan's Determination - Will it Work?! The Legendary Mafūba - These episodes include Tenshinhan's confrontation with Piccolo Daimao and his newly formed minion, Drum.

Dragon Ball: Episode 121
Son Goku's Greatest Crisis - The episode where Tenshinhan saves Goku's life.

Dragon Ball: Episode 136
The Assassin Taopaipai's Counterattacks - This episode covers the Tenshinhan vs. Taopaipai fight at the 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai.

Dragon Ball: Episode 139-141
Another Fierce Fight! Goku vs. Tenshinhan - Four Tenshinhans - These episodes cover the Tenshinhan vs. Goku fight at the 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai.

Dragon Ball Z: Episode 12
Catnap on the Serpentine Road Goku Takes a Tumble - This is one of the more unique Tenshinhan episodes as it shows him and Lunch interacting in everyday life (in addition to Chaozu). It's absolutely an essential Tenshinhan episode, as we are rarely shown Tenshinhan in his normal day to day life.

Dragon Ball Z: Episode 17
City of No Tomorrow! The Long Road to Victory - This is the episode where Tenshinhan, Kuririn, Yamucha, and Chaozu travel back in time to fight 2 Saiyans in their minds. Sadly, they are all "killed" but there is some decent teamwork on display here between Yamucha and Tenshinhan.

Dragon Ball Z: Episode 23
Yamucha Dies! The Terror of the Saibaimen - Tenshinhan's battle with the Saibaiman.

Dragon Ball Z: Episodes 24-25
Farewell Ten-san! Chaozu's Suicide Strategy - Tenshinhan Cries Out!! This is My Final Kikoho - Tenshinhan's battle with Nappa. The series shows much more fighting than the managa, and really makes it seem like Tenshinhan fought the most of anyone (besides Goku) against Nappa.

Dragon Ball Z: Episode 52
Listen to Me, Goku! Hands Off Freeza - Tenshinhan struggles to think of a pun that will make Kaio-sama laugh. A rare comedic episode with Tenshinhan in a major role.

Dragon Ball Z: Episode 55
Back from the Brink of Death — The Miracle Man, Vegeta - Tenshinhan, Yamucha, and Chaozu spar with Piccolo on Kaio-sama's planet.

Dragon Ball Z: Episodes 94-95
The Incredible Destructive Force of the Genki Dama!! Who Will Survive?! - Transformed At Last!! Son Goku, the Legendary Super Saiyan - These episodes include Ten's battle with Jheese and Butta.

Dragon Ball Z: Episode 127
The Cold-Blooded No. 20's Hideous Atrocities!! Goku's Super Transformation of Anger - Tenshinhan, Piccolo, and Goku face off against the Androids for the first time. Not a ton of action, I just really enjoy how the episode displays the old crew of Ten, Piccolo, and Goku. It feels like an homage to the past. It also makes it feel like Tenshinhan is still really significant part of the Z warriors.

Dragon Ball Z: Episode 136
Nobody Is Able to Stop Them... Is This the End of the Z Warriors!? - Tenshinhan, Piccolo and Trunks take on Androids 17 and 18.

Dragon Ball Z: Episodes 152-153
No. 17 Swallowed... The Transforming Cell is a Super Gourmet - Tomorrow, I Am Going to Pulverize You!! Goku's Challenge - Perhaps Tenshinhan's ultimate moment in the series--his suppression of 2nd form Cell that spans over 2 episodes. He accomplished more than even Piccolo could against 1st form Cell. I love it!

Dragon Ball Z: Episode 184
The Tragic No. 16!! An Enraged Super Gohan Begins Taking Action - The Z warriors battle the Cell Juniors. Tenshinhan and Yamucha have a really cool moment of teamwork, helping Goku. The series should have employed more of this with their large cast of fighters.

Dragon Ball Z: Episode 191
The Battle is Over... Thank You, Son Goku - Piccolo, Tenshinhan, Yamucha, and Kuririn attempt to help Gohan, who is in a Kamehameha struggle with Cell.

Dragon Ball Z: Episode 267
The Miracle Happens Once... Will the Super Combination With Gohan Come About? - Tenshinhan's epic moment in the Buu Arc, saving Dende and Mr. Satan's life.

Dragon Ball Z: Episode 288
You're Late, Goku! Everyone Party!! - Tenshinhan's last appearance in DBZ. He is shown at Bulma's party. Tenshinhan and Kuririn have a little interaction, which I like. They rarely talked to each other, so it's always good to see character interaction (something the series tries to do more of over the manga).

Dragon Ball Super: Episode 89
An Unknown Beauty Appears! The Tenshin-Style Dojo's Mystery?! - This is essentially Kamesennin and Tenshinhan's recruitment episode (for the Tournament of Power). I really like that it gives a glimpse into Tenshinhan's normal life. It's nice to see he's opened up a bit and is teaching martial arts (as well as inviting Kamesennin to visit him).

Dragon Ball Super: Episode 90
See The Wall That Must Be Passed! Goku vs Gohan - When the episode synopsis was first revealed for this episode (before even airing), it was the greatest moment of my Dragon Ball life! Haha! It said it would be a match of Goku and Tenshinhan versus Piccolo and Gohan. Of course, it let me down, because Tenshinhan was not shown accomplishing anything. He was kind of just used (along with Goku) to show how Gohan's intelligent mind and teamwork abilities would benefit the team in the tournament. I still find it quite respectful of Goku, Gohan, and Piccolo to consider Tenshinhan in a similar league.

Dragon Ball Super: Episode 101
The Impending Warriors of Justice! The Pride Troopers!! - Kamesennin and Tenshinhan elimate Puricho in the tournament of Power.

Dragon Ball Super: Episode 106
Find Him! Death Match With An Invisible Attacker!! - A lot of Tenshinhan fans seem to dislike Ten's portrayal in this one, but I was actually quite impressed. There was a team of fighters that was giving most of Univere 7's warriors a serious issue. Piccolo especially was taking the brunt of the damage. It presented an issue that even Goku and Vegeta didn't know how to tackle. Tenshinhan is able to locate the hidden threat and eliminate him (eliminating himself in the process). I found it quite satisfying despite the bizarre happenings (with Goku and Vegeta throwing rocks for instance).

The Best Tenshinhan Action Figures

2021 Bandai Spirits Ichibansho	2016 Banpresto "The Figure Collection" Chozoshu Vol. 6	2015 Banpresto WCF Vol. 3 DBZF15

2021 Bandai Spirits Adverge 14	2021 Bandai Spirits S.H. Figuarts	2017 Bandai S.H. Figuarts

2003 Jakks Pacific Striking Z Fighters Series 4	2003 Jakks Pacific Series 12	2009 Banpresto DWC Vol. 5 DBZ033

2018 Bandai HG Universe 7 Space Warrior Edition Set	2014 Banpresto WCF Battle of God Series Vol. 4 DB027	2010 Banpresto Dragon Ball Kai HSCF Series 4 - #15

2009 Plex Popy Mini Big Head - Extreme Skill Vol. 1	2005 Jakks Pacific Trilogy Series 01	2003 Bandai Mini Figure Selection Set 1

1999 Irwin Toys Mini Figures Series 1	2018 Funko Pop!

Playable Roles in Video Games

Here is the list of video games that Tenshinhan appears in with a playable role. I did not include games where he can be used as an "assist character" (i.e. Extreme Butoden on 3DS). Of course Tenshinhan has appeared in many Dragon Ball videos games, the list just wouldn't be of any real use if I included every appearance. Do note I included Dragon Ball Z: Idainaru Son Goku Densetsu for the PC-Engine, which Tenshinhan is not playable in. He just has such a major role as a boss in the game, it seems like I have to mention it. The sprites and pixel art in this game for Tenshinhan are also really impressive for the time. Below the list, I have ranked my personal top 10 list of DB video games with Tenshinhan in a playable role. My top 10 was created trying to balance how good the game actually is mixed with how good of a role Tenshinhan has in it.

• 1990 - Dragon Ball Z: Kyoshu! Saiyan - Nintendo Famicom RPG
• 1991 - Dragon Ball Z II: Gekishin Freeza - Nintendo Famicom RPG sequel
• 1992 - Dragon Ball Z: Super Saiya Densetsu - Nintendo Super Famicom remake of the previous 2 games
• 1992 - Dragon Ball Z III: Ressen Jinzoningen - Nintendo Famicom RPG sequel
• 1992 - Dragon Ball Z: Gekito Tenkaichi Budokai - Nintendo Famicom card reader fighting game
• 1994 - Dragon Ball Z: Idainaru Son Goku Densetsu - PC-Engine fighting game (Tenshinhan is boss only)
• 1995 - Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22 - PlayStation fighting game (released in US in 2003)
• 1995 - Dragon Ball Z: Shin Butoden - Sega Saturn fighting game using the sprites of Ultimate Battle 22
• 2002 - Dragon Ball Z: Budokai - PlayStation 2 fighting game (developed by Dimps)
• 2003 - Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 2 - PlayStation 2 fighting game sequel (developed by Dimps)
• 2004 - Dragon Ball Advanced Adventure - GameBoy Advance 'beat 'em up' platformer (developed by Dimps)
• 2004 - Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3 - PlayStaton 2 fighting game sequel (developed by Dimps)
• 2005 - Dragon Ball Z: Sagas - PS2/GC/Xbox action adventure game (developed in the US by Avalanche Software)
• 2005 - Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi - PlayStation 2 arena fighting game (developed by Spike)
• 2006 - Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 - PS2/Wii arena fighting game sequel (developed by Spike)
• 2007 - Dragon Ball Z: Bakuretsu Impact - Arcade card-based fighting game (developed by Dimps)
• 2007 - Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 - PS2/Wii arena fighting game sequel (developed by Spike)
• 2008 - Dragon Ball Z: W Bakuretsu Impact - Arcade card-based fighting game sequel (developed by Dimps)
• 2008 - Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit - PS3/360 'Budokai'-style fighting game (developed by Dimps)
• 2008 - Dragon Ball RPG: Shonen-hen Mobile RPG
• 2008 - Dragon Ball Z: Infinite World - PS2 fighting game described as 'Budokai 4' (developed by Dimps)
• 2009 - Dragon Ball Z: Dragon Battlers - Arcade card-based fighting game (developed by Dimps)
• 2009 - Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans - Nintendo DS RPG (developed by Monolift Soft)
• 2009 - Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo - Nintendo Wii beat 'em up platformer (developed by Media.Vision)
• 2009 - Dragon Ball: Raging Blast - PS3/360 spiritual successor to Budokai Tenkaichi series (developed by Spike)
• 2010 - Dragon Ball Online - South Korean MMORPG
• 2010 - Dragon Ball Z: Tenkaichi Tag Team - PSP arena fighting game (developed by Spike)
• 2010 - Dragon Ball: Raging Blast 2 - PS3/360 arena fighting game sequel (developed by Spike>
• 2010 - Dragon Ball Heroes - Arcade card-based fighting game (developed by Dimps)
• 2011 - Dragon Ball Kai: Ultimate Butoden - Nintendo DS fighting game (developed by Game Republic)
• 2011 - Dragon Ball: Zenkai Battle - Arcade arena fighting game (developed by Bandai Namco)
• 2011 - Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Tenkaichi - PS3/360 arena fighting game (developed by Spike)
• 2012 - Dragon Ball Z For Kinect - Xbox 360 first-person fighting game (developed by Spike Chunsoft)
• 2014 - Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Z - PS3/360/Vita action/arena fighting game (developed by Artdink)
• 2015 - Dragon Ball Xenoverse - PS4/PS3/Xone/360/PC arena fighting game similar to BT series (developed by Dimps)
• 2015 - Dragon Ball Z: Dokkan Battle - Mobile board/puzzle/cards fighting game
• 2016 - Dragon Ball Fusions - Nintendo 3DS RPG (developed by Ganbarion)
• 2016 - Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 - PS4/Xone/Switch/PC arena fighting game sequel (developed by Dimps)
• 2018 - Dragon Ball FighterZ - PS4/Xone/Switch/PC fighting game (developed by Arc System Works)
• 2018 - Dragon Ball Legends - Mobile action RPG fighting game
• 2019 - Super Dragon Ball Heroes: World Mission - Nintendo Switch card-based fighting game (developed by Dimps)
• 2020 - Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot - PS4/Xone/PC action RPG (developed by CyberConnect2)

My Personal Top 10 Video Games with Tenshinhan in a Playable Role

1. Dragon Ball FighterZ

Developed by: Arc System Works Release Date: January 26th, 2018 Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC Genre: 2D fighting game (3D graphics) This isn't even my favorite Dragon Ball game, but because of how well Tenshinhan is represented, it almost has to be the number 1 Tenshinhan game. I was very delighted Tenshinhan was apart of the original 23 fighters (non-DLC). That was quite an honor for him as Arc System Works hadn't given him a playable role in all of the DBZ fighting games they had made before this. I would have REALLY wanted him in Extreme Butoden on 3DS because that game had gorgeous 2D sprites. It had similar gameplay to FighterZ as well, just more simplistic and repetitive. I'd say the gameplay in FighterZ gets too repetitive too, as I find myself going to the standard automatic combos frequently. I don't love FighterZ, but the presentation is the best visual representation of Dragon Ball Z to date. The cel-shading is near perfect. The frames of animation are limited to look like real 2D animation. Backgrounds are gorgeously detailed and have a 'painted' quality to them. Tenshinhan has some dialogue in the story mode too. This is easily the most fun to play DB fighting game as the controls are quick and repsonsive. It's great having Tenshinhan's DB Super outfit in the game as well.

2. Dragon Ball Advanced Adventure

Developed by: Dimps Release Date: November 18th, 2004 (JP) Platform(s): Nintendo GameBoy Advance Genre: 2D beat 'em up/platformer/fighting game While FighterZ is probably a more notable and necessary role for Tenshinhan, Dragon Ball Advanced Adventure is actually my favorite Dragon Ball game ever made. It really feels like it can stand on its own as a video game (regardless of the fact that it's a DB game). There's incredibly well made 2D sprites and backdrops. The gameplay is very satisfying and mixes many genres. The amount of unlockable characters is unprecedented for this style of game (I hear there's close to 30). After beating the game, you can go back in "Extra" mode to use the characters you unlocked. I obviously always choose Tenshinhan. Haha. It's an extremely charming 2D Dragon Ball game that is just simply fun to play. It's gameplay and style is VERY refreshing in a sea of mediocre DB fighting games (Budokai series, Tenkaichi Budokai series, etc.). You can really see passion behind this game. Easily one of my top GBA games.

3. Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo

Developed by: Media.Vision Release Date: July 23, 2009 (JP) Platform(s): Nintendo Wii Genre: 2.5D beat 'em up/platformer/fighting game (3D graphics) I loved Advanced Adventure so much and was really surprised to find how similar this game was to that (in a good way). This feels like a 3D spiritual successor. I think the gameplay is even more satisfying. The fighting seems a bit more complex and works better as a fighting game than Advanced Adventure (Both games have dedicated fighting modes, by the way.). This game was developed by one of my favorite developers, Media.Vision. The backdrops are beautifully detailed for a Wii game. The cel-shaded characters were the most accurate recreation of Dragon Ball at the time (until FighterZ). Tenshinhan is playable in the fighting game mode, which still uses the engine in the main story mode. Regardless of Tenshinhan, this would be my 2nd favorite DB game. I only put Advanced Adventure ahead because it started this style of gameplay. Revenge of King Piccolo takes it further though.

4. Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans

Developed by: Monolith Soft Release Date: April 29, 2009 (JP) Platform(s): Nintendo DS Genre: RPG If I had to be perfectly objective, I would say this is probably the best Dragon Ball game ever. I just happen to like the previous 2 on the list more personally. This is a legitimately fun, straight-up JRPG. It covers a really great time in DB, from the 23rd TB through Saiyan Arc (great era for fans of the Earthlings). The 2D graphics are phenomenal. Every Dragon Ball fan has to play this. For Tenshinhan fans, this is an absolute must and Tenshinhan has a very large role in this game (due to the time period it covers).

5. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot

Developed by: CyberConnect2 Release Date: January 17, 2020 Platform(s): PS4/Xbox One/PC Genre: Action RPG 'Kakarot' is easily the most ambitious Dragon Ball game ever made. It has a massive world to explore and covers the entirety of DBZ's story in detail. It's gameplay is fine. It's just not something I would probably want to play if I wasn't a Dragon Ball fan. Tenshinhan has a lot of dialogue and the character is given the respect and role he deserves. I love it for Tenshinhan's role. I just don't quite like the modern mobile-inspired things like the arbitrary "RPG gameplay systems" and endless amount of items that mean nothing to the core gameplay. It seems a lot of Japanese developers feel the need to add arbitrary gameplay systems to RPGs to make them appear more complex or something. These weird systems just feel meaningless and empty to me though. I've never cared for resources and item management to level up various systems the mean nothing to me. I'm all about the core gameplay and don't like distractions that inflate a game's length. With all that said, 'Kakarot' is still a great 'DBZ' game. It's truly the most ambitious and massive DBZ game to this date. It looks superb too!

6. Dragon Ball Kai: Ultimate Butoden

Developed by: Game Republic Release Date: February 3, 2011 (Japan Only) Platform(s): Nintendo DS Genre: Fighting game For me, this is the most charming of the DB fighting games. Even if it's not as complex and responsive as FighterZ, I find this game more enjoyable. It's during a time when DLC isn't a thing either, so you have a massive number of fighters already on the cartridge. I find the combat much more enjoyable than the Budokai series, even though it does have a similar feel. Ultimate Butoden just seems to represent an actual DB fight better. The graphics are also some of the best 3D we've ever seen on the DS. The cel-shaded, chibi-style characters look incredible! Backgrounds are very detailed for DS hardware too. This is easily my favorite game in the long running 'Butoden' series of DB fighting games. This is one of those few Dragon Ball fighting games that you can really sense passion was behind and stands alone as simply a great game. Tenshinhan also looks great in his Android-era outfit (Shin Kikoho is pretty epic in this game too).

7. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3

Developed by: Dimps Release Date: November 16, 2004 Platform(s): Sony PlayStation 2 Genre: Fighting game At the time, I thought Budokai 3 was incredible. It hasn't aged well for me though. The gameplay has kind of a sluggish feel to it. It seemed fine at the time though! I pick Budokai 3 (out of all the Budokai style games) because it was the one that really seemed to get it all right first. It had a great selection of characters, great graphics, and interesting game modes. I enjoyed all the Budokais up until this one too. After Budokai 3, there was just too many Budokai style games made for me to care anymore. They oversaturated this series. Burst Limit very well may be technically better (I'm not sure), it's just not doing anything different enough to warrant its existence. I hear Infinite World, which is essentially a Budokai 4, is supposed to be quite good. Again though, is it really doing something that substantially different? I value originality and after 3, there just doesn't seem to be a reason to keep making the same game over and over.

8. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3

Developed by: Spike Release Date: October 4, 2007 (JP) Platform(s): Sony PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Wii Genre: Arena fighting game Similar to the Budokai series, it seems like Budokai Tenkaichi hits it's stride in the 3rd game. I personally, was already over buying Dragon Ball Z fighting games by the time Tenkaichi 3 was around (the market became WAY oversaturated). BT3 is still undeniably a good DBZ fighting game. At the time, it's roster was unparalleled. The gameplay is pretty fun. I don't quite like the viewpoint in terms of seeing your character. You're mostly seeing their back. It makes sense though having a large 3D area to fight in. After BT3, Spike continued to develop more and more games of this style. Xenoverse even has a similar style to the BT series. It's just hard to care about something that isn't bringing something new to the table. That's why my cutoff point, similar to the Budokai series, is at the 3rd game for the Budokai Tenkaichi series.

9. Dragon Ball Z: Shin Butoden

Developed by: TOSE Release Date: November 17, 1995 (Japan Only) Platform(s): Sega Saturn Genre: Fighting game Along with Ultimate Battle 22, this was really the first legitimate fighting game to showcase Tenshinhan. The sprites were hand drawn and fairly large. Graphics looked nice. There admittedly isn't a lot of frames of animation though. With how detailed the sprites are, it's understandable for the time. While Shin Butoden and Ultimate Battle 22 share the same character sprites, they aren't the same game. Shin Butoden has 2D backgrounds, some extra modes, and shares more in commmon with the rest of the Butoden series (the screen splits when you get far away from opponents). I prefer Shin Butoden over Ultimate Battle 22 because the 2D backgrounds work better visually with the 2D sprites. The game isn't all that fun to play, but I still pickup and play frequently for graphics and novelty of playing as Tenshinhan in a fairly early Dragon Ball game.

10. Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22

Developed by: TOSE Release Date: July 28, 1995 (JP) Platform(s): Sony PlayStation Genre: Fighting game I was aware of this game before Shin Butoden on Saturn. When I was a teenager, a friend had imported it and I was in awe at the time. I couldn't believe Tenshinhan was one of the 22 fighters! He looked great too. Large, detailed sprite. The 3D backgrounds seemed fine at the time, but they look pretty bland now. With Shin Butoden, this game isn't actually all that fun when played today. It's sluggish like the earlier Butoden games and just doesn't FEEL satisfying to control. I would say the earliest DB fighting game that has a decent feel is Hyper Dimension on Super Famicom. Unfortunately, Tenshinhan was not in that game. If he was, that would have been WAY up on my list top Tenshinhan games.