How is Gohan SSJ1 vs Dabura, if Dabura=Cell?

[Warmmedown]

Probably been discussed countless times, but how can Dabura roughly = to Cell, if Gohan SSJ1 can compete with Dabura? Was Dabura clowning on Gohan?

 

[SSJ2]

It wouldn't make sense either way you slice it. If we assume the statement is about Super Perfect Cell, Gohan wouldn't have been able to overpower Dabura considering how weak he had become. Dabura being equal to a lower suppression level of Cell also doesn't make sense because Gohan should have been able to turn SSJ2 and one shot him. Since the art displays Gohan as SSJ1, I'm inclined to believe Goku was referencing the Cell that he fought, at least in rough terms. For whatever reason Gohan wasn't able to access SSJ2 after the Budokai though.

 

[GreatSaiyaman123]

When Goku says Dabra is as strong as Cell, it's a general statement. He's on the same tier as Cell, anywhere between Initial Perfect Cell (the one who fought Vegeta and Trunks) to Super Perfect Cell. When Goku says Dabra is stronger than he thought, it's specifically because of the magic.

You know what, I was going to write a small paragraph on why I think Gohan was a SSJ2 despite the artwork being undeniable (Gohan's hair is too short to be SSJ2), but I just changed my mind lol. Kaioshin says Kibito didn't see Gohan's power (Even though Kibito saw SSJ2 Gohan in the Budokai), but Toriyama kept forgetting shit in this saga. He made everybody think Gohan was dead for good right after wishing everyone back...

 

[SSJ2]

I do believe a retcon is possible. It’s still hard to explain it considering Kaioshin recalls holding down Gohan on Babidi’s ship, but then Gohan wasn’t able to turn SSJ2 after that... There was definitely a mix up somewhere.

 

[GreatSaiyaman123]

I do believe a retcon is possible. It’s still hard to explain it considering Kaioshin recalls holding down Gohan on Babidi’s ship, but then Gohan wasn’t able to turn SSJ2 after that... There was definitely a mix up somewhere.

He probably got the forms mixed up or consciously changed his mind. P123 used to suggest there was a retcon and SSJ1 Gohan’s energy was what filled half of Boo’s meter to explain some bullshit about how damaged Goku was vs Majin Vegeta. He also used this to argue Initial Fat Boo ~ 2x SSJ1 Gohan, which I disagree but would still be a neat placement.

 

[SSJ2]

He probably got the forms mixed up or consciously changed his mind. P123 used to suggest there was a retcon and SSJ1 Gohan’s energy was what filled half of Boo’s meter to explain some bullshit about how damaged Goku was vs Majin Vegeta. He also used this to argue Initial Fat Boo ~ 2x SSJ1 Gohan, which I disagree but would still be a neat placement.

Idk, I'd rather go with what the manga directly says. Gohan didn't have the rage required to be like he was at the Cell Games. At the Budokai he showed flashes of it while Spopobitch was gangbanging Videl, somewhat makes sense that he was able to harness that rage not long after.