It is indeed surprising to witness Superman adopting one of the most recognizable poses from Dragon Ball. Nevertheless, James Gunn's revival of the DC universe has provided fans with a moment ripe for memes in the initial teaser trailer for the eagerly awaited live-action superhero film.

Following the release of the teaser, which offered a first glimpse of David Corenswet’s portrayal of Superman in action, the internet was inundated with a plethora of viral memes. The trailer opens with a striking scene of the formidable character descending into a frozen landscape. His impactful landing creates a crater-like impression, while Superman is depicted curled up and gasping for breath. Despite the poignant nature of this moment, which presents a slightly bloodied image of the cherished superhero, social media users found humor in it, as nostalgic memories of the beloved anime Dragon Ball resurfaced.

Who is Yamcha? Viral anime discussion after Superman teaser trailer

Audiences promptly recalled Yamcha, a notable character from the works of the late esteemed mangaka Akira Toriyama. This former desert bandit plays a significant role in various adaptations of the Dragon Ball franchise, including Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super. Initially an adversary of Goku, he eventually becomes an ally, showcasing his prowess as a formidable fighter throughout the series.

The newly appointed head of DC Studios, James Gunn, is well-acquainted with the anime fan community. The director of Guardians of the Galaxy has previously expressed his admiration for Toei’s Tokusatsu phenomenon, Kamen Rider. In 2020, he utilized his X account, previously known as Twitter, to share his enthusiasm, stating, “I love that #KamenRider is trending.” This tweet followed the English release of one of Kamen Rider's films, which was featured in a special streaming premiere in the United States.

Yamcha Death Pose lives on

The iconic status of the Yamcha Death Pose is well-established, as evidenced by its frequent references in a multitude of prominent Japanese anime productions. The influence of Dragon Ball extends far beyond the realm of anime, permeating American cartoons and various other media formats that have drawn inspiration from this striking visual, which first emerged in 2009 as a humorous adaptation of a slang term from a Japanese video-sharing platform, used to describe individuals who engage in reckless or absurd endeavors.

Although Gunn is not required to disclose the specifics of his possible Dragon Ball allusion in the Superman teaser trailer, fans are already convinced that its inclusion was intentional, serving to illustrate Superman's brief moment of defeat. In 2011, Know Your Meme similarly pointed out Yamcha's vulnerabilities in contrast to the overwhelming power of characters such as Goku. Nevertheless, the tragic outcomes of his battles with other Dragon Ball characters did not deter him from participating in conflicts, much like Clark Kent.

“Look Up” to catch the new Superman revive the DC universe like never before in theatres on July 11, 2025.

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