If courage were measured by power level...

Krillin would still be one of the bravest characters in all of Dragon Ball.

Introduced near the beginning of the original Dragon Ball, Krillin begins as Goku's friendly rival while training under the legendary Master Roshi. What starts as a competitive friendship quickly grows into one of anime's most enduring bonds, with the two pushing each other to become stronger while remaining loyal friends through every adventure that follows.

And they've been through... a lot.

What makes Krillin so lovable is that he's the most relatable member of the Z Fighters. While Goku is a Saiyan, Piccolo is a Namekian, Vegeta is an alien prince, and later heroes possess incredible supernatural gifts, Krillin is simply a human who refuses to quit.

That's his superpower.

Despite constantly facing enemies who vastly outclass him, Krillin never stops showing up. Whether battling the Saiyans, standing against Frieza, facing the Androids, or helping defend Earth against impossible odds, he repeatedly chooses courage over comfort.

Even when he knows the odds are terrible.

Especially then.

Krillin is also one of Dragon Ball's funniest characters. His quick wit, occasional panic, and grounded perspective provide the perfect counterbalance to the increasingly cosmic scale of the series. He reminds the audience what it would actually feel like to stand next to beings capable of destroying planets.

Usually something along the lines of:

"Uh... this seems bad."

Fans love Krillin because he represents perseverance. He may never be the strongest fighter in the room, but strength has never been the point. His loyalty to his friends, his willingness to protect others, and his determination to keep fighting make him every bit as heroic as the gods and Saiyans around him.

Sometimes more so.

Also... yeah... inventing one of the coolest techniques in anime history and naming it the Destructo Disc is an all-time branding decision.