Series & First Appearance
Whis (ウイス) debuted in the anime Dragon Ball Z Movie 14: Kami to Kami (2013) and has since appeared in multiple titles, including Dragon Ball Super (2015) and Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018). The character was designed by Akira Toriyama, the creator of the Dragon Ball franchise.
Profile at a Glance
Whis is an angelic being and the attendant to Beerus, the God of Destruction of Universe 7. Though his age is indeterminate, he appears youthful and possesses profound wisdom and abilities. He is primarily portrayed as a supporting character, serving as both a guide and sparring partner for the main cast. Whis is known for his ability to rewind time up to three minutes and is implied to be stronger than Beerus, making him one of the most powerful characters in the series.
Personality & Motivations
Whis is characterized by his calm demeanor, dry wit, and love for Earth’s cuisine, which often leads to humorous moments throughout the series. He is somewhat aloof and detached, exuding an aura of superiority due to his incredible strength and wisdom. His primary motivation is to serve Beerus and maintain the balance of the universe while enjoying the finer things in life, particularly good food.
Abilities / Powers
Whis has several standout abilities that make him unique:
- Time Rewind: He can reverse time by up to three minutes, allowing him to fix events as needed.
- Superhuman Strength and Speed: Whis exhibits extraordinary physical capabilities, easily surpassing most characters in combat.
- Ultra Instinct Training: As Beerus’s mentor, he possesses knowledge of the Ultra Instinct technique, which allows for heightened reflexes and attuned fighting instincts.
- Skills and Preservation: He is adept in martial arts and exceptionally skilled in combat, having trained Beerus.
Whis’s powers have remained relatively consistent, but his influence on the storyline increases as the series progresses, showcasing his unique capabilities against formidable foes.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Whis’s role expands significantly throughout Dragon Ball Super, particularly during the Universe 6 Saga, where he helps set the stage for the tournament between Universe 6 and Universe 7. He plays a key role in the Future Trunks Saga, where he aids Goku and Vegeta in their battle against Zamasu and Goku Black. His teachings and interventions often guide the heroes towards growth and resilience, particularly as they explore new powers and forms.
Notable Relationships
- Beerus: As Beerus’s attendant and teacher, Whis shares a complex relationship that is both mentor-apprentice and companion. He balances Beerus’s destructive tendencies with calm and reason.
- Vados: Whis has an elder sister, Vados, who trained him, thereby impacting his own abilities and philosophies regarding training and battle. Their interactions offer insight into Whis’s background and abilities.
- Goku and Vegeta: Whis serves as a mentor to Goku and Vegeta, helping them refine their techniques and pushing them towards embracing new potentials, most notably Ultra Instinct.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One memorable quote from Whis occurs during his first appearance: "If you want to get stronger, then you must train vigorously." This line encapsulates his role as a mentor and sets the tone for the training arcs that follow.
Another iconic moment is his time rewind during the Tournament of Power, showcasing his ability to save the universe’s fate with grace and nonchalance, marking him as a pivotal character in the scheme of events.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Whis is voiced by Masakazu Morita in Japanese, and has been dubbed in multiple languages, including Ian Sinclair for the English version. He consistently ranks as a favorite character in various fan polls, with his love for food and calm attitude resonating well with audiences. Whis’s design draws inspiration from traditional angelic imagery, including his staff, which is emblematic of his role as a divine keeper of balance.
Whis’s character enriched the Dragon Ball universe, adding depth to the cosmic hierarchy and showcasing the multifaceted nature of mentorship, strength, and wisdom in the face of overwhelming odds.
