When Mr. Popo Was Black
When Mr. Popo Was Still Black: Cartoons and the African Identity
From Black to Blue: Mr. Popo and the Hidden History of Racial Stereotypes in Dragon Ball
More Than Just a Color Swap
If you grew up watching Dragon Ball Z Kai, you probably remember Mr. Popo as a strange blue genie-like figure. But ask an older fan, and they’ll tell you he wasn’t always blue. When Mr. Popo debuted in 1988’s Dragon Ball, his skin was pitch black, his lips blood red, and his features mirrored 19th-century minstrel caricatures. The quiet shift from black to blue wasn’t cosmetic—it reflected how global cartoons once mocked Blackness openly, then later tried to hide the evidence.
The Original Mr. Popo (1988)
Akira Toriyama introduced Mr. Popo as Kami’s loyal assistant in the late ’80s manga and anime. Early episodes portrayed him as a servant with exaggerated lips and wide eyes, a look steeped in racist iconography that had long circulated in Western media. At the time, Japanese creators often borrowed imagery from colonial propaganda without fully interrogating its meaning, reproducing stereotypes that had harmed Black communities for generations.
Why the Change Happened
“The weight you carry is heavy, but calm yourself — strength comes from peace.” — Mr. Popo, offering reassurance to a student
When Dragon Ball Z Kai launched in 2009 for international syndication, Toei Animation recolored Mr. Popo’s skin to cobalt blue. The reason was clear: broadcasters and parents were increasingly vocal about racist imagery in children’s shows. Rather than retire the character, the studio repainted him to soften backlash. The move illustrates how companies often “sanitize” offensive history instead of confronting it directly.
Cartoons and the Legacy of Mockery
Mr. Popo isn’t an isolated case. From Looney Tunes’ blackface gags to early anime “tribal” caricatures, animation has a long record of dehumanizing Africans and their descendants. These images taught generations of viewers that Blackness was either comical, primitive, or dangerous. Even after edits and recolors, the underlying history remains, reminding us to interrogate how entertainment shapes cultural hierarchies.
Why Representation Matters
Today, media creators have greater responsibility—and opportunity—to depict Black characters with dignity and complexity. Diversity in anime and cartoons is growing, from Carole and Tuesday to Yasuke, but real progress means acknowledging past harm rather than erasing it. When we understand how something as small as a character’s skin tone carries centuries of meaning, we hold stories accountable and invite richer worlds for everyone.
Conclusion: Original 1988 Mr. Popo with pitch-black skin and red lips in Dragon Ball
Mr. Popo’s transformation from black to blue is a quiet archive of how society negotiates race in pop culture. The lesson is clear: visibility without respect is no victory. By naming the history behind the color, we create space for honest, respectful representation.
“You must clear your mind. Only then will you see the way forward.” — Mr. Popo, speaking to Goku during early training with Kami
