Meet Appule: A Character of Dragon Ball Super Manga
Appule is a minor but memorable character in the Dragon Ball series, appearing briefly in the manga and anime. Known for his distinct purple skin, reptilian appearance, and affiliation with the Frieza Force, Appule’s role, though small, adds depth to the world-building of the Dragon Ball universe. In this post, we’ll explore his background, role in the Dragon Ball Super manga, and why he stands out despite limited screen time.
Who is Appule?
Appule is a member of the Frieza Force, the notorious army led by the tyrant Frieza. This force is responsible for conquering planets and enforcing Frieza’s rule across the universe. Appule first appears in the original Dragon Ball Z series during the Namek Saga. While his role in the Dragon Ball Super manga is minimal, he continues to represent the ordinary soldiers of Frieza’s army.
Visually, Appule has purple skin, yellow eyes, and a reptilian-like face, which makes him instantly recognizable among Frieza’s henchmen. He wears the standard battle armor of the Frieza Force, complete with a scouter—a device used to measure opponents’ power levels.
Appule’s Role in Dragon Ball Super Manga
Although Appule does not have a major role in Dragon Ball Super, his presence reminds us of the vastness of Frieza’s army. His scenes, like those of many low-ranking soldiers, serve as comedic or dramatic moments that showcase the power dynamics within the Frieza Force.
In Dragon Ball Super, Frieza rebuilds his army after being resurrected. Appule, like other soldiers, contributes to this rebuilding effort. While his role is not central to the plot, his appearances highlight the loyalty and fear Frieza inspires in his subordinates. Appule, along with similar characters, helps establish the oppressive atmosphere of Frieza’s rule.
Why is Appule Memorable?
Despite being a minor character, Appule is remembered for several reasons:
Unique Design
Appule’s reptilian features and vibrant color palette make him visually distinctive. Dragon Ball often uses creative designs for side characters, and Appule’s appearance is a great example of how even minor characters can be visually striking.
Humorous Moments
In Dragon Ball Z, Appule has a comedic role when he is tasked with monitoring the healing process of Vegeta in a regeneration chamber. His casual approach and obliviousness to Vegeta’s cunning nature lead to his swift defeat. This scene not only adds humor but also emphasizes Vegeta’s ruthlessness.
Representation of Frieza’s Soldiers
His role reflects the expendable nature of Frieza’s underlings, who are often treated as tools rather than individuals. This dynamic is a key aspect of Frieza’s character and leadership style.
Appule’s Impact on the Series
While Appule does not play a critical role in the story, his character contributes to the larger narrative in subtle ways:
World-Building
Appule’s presence fleshes out the Frieza Force, showing that it is composed of diverse species from across the galaxy. Characters like Appule make Frieza’s army feel more real and expansive.
Comic Relief
Appule’s brief appearances often bring light-hearted moments, balancing the darker themes of the Namek Saga and the Frieza arcs. His comedic scenes help maintain the series’ blend of action and humor.
Frieza’s Leadership Style
Through Appule and other soldiers, we see how Frieza instills fear and obedience in his subordinates. Appule’s loyalty, despite the high mortality rate among Frieza’s henchmen, underscores Frieza’s terrifying reputation.
Appule vs. Other Soldiers
In the Dragon Ball series, many soldiers in the Frieza Force are generic and unnamed, serving as cannon fodder for the heroes. However, Appule stands out because of his recognizable design and brief moments in the spotlight. Compared to other minor characters like Cui or Zarbon, Appule may not have the same level of development, but he is still a memorable part of the Frieza Force.
Fan Perception of Appule
Dragon Ball fans often appreciate Appule for his comedic value and unique design. In fan discussions, he is sometimes jokingly referred to as one of the strongest warriors, highlighting the series’ tendency to exaggerate even the most minor characters for humor. Appule has even appeared in Dragon Ball-related games, further cementing his place as a fan-favorite minor character.
Lessons from Appule’s Character
Although Appule’s role is small, his character teaches us several lessons about storytelling:
Every Character Matters
Even minor characters can leave a lasting impression if designed and written well. Appule’s distinct personality and design make him stand out among countless other henchmen.
Adding Depth to the World
Including characters like Appule enhances the realism of a fictional universe. By showing the daily lives and struggles of low-ranking soldiers, the series gives viewers a deeper understanding of the Frieza Force.
Balancing Tension with Humor
Appule’s scenes often provide comic relief, which helps balance the intense action and high stakes of the Dragon Ball series.
Conclusion:
Appule may not be a hero or a central figure in the Dragon Ball Super manga, but his character plays a vital role in enriching the story. He represents the everyday soldiers of the Frieza Force, adding humor, tension, and depth to the narrative. Fans remember him for his unique design and memorable scenes, proving that even the smallest characters can have a big impact.
As Dragon Ball continues to evolve, characters like Appule remind us of the series’ ability to create a rich and engaging universe where every character, no matter how minor, has a story to tell.
