That is true, except he still won because he got his and took over the world, just as he planned. He even created a Villain World. It only lasted for a short time and according the trope:
Another variant is for the villain to create a Villain World that the heroes must topple in a future story.
It is considered a lighter and softer variation of the trope.
To me, You Can't Thwart Stage One would have only apply if Piccolo got his wish, but was stopped before he could take over the world.
Edited by Ramona122003
Another variant is for the villain to create a Villain World that the heroes must topple in a future story.
"Future Story" is a key part of that. It doesn't take a sequel for Goku to topple him. It doesn't even take another arc. It's an ending trope, and at the end, has Piccolo won? Keep in mind a corollary to this is it's the opposite of The Good Guys Always Win. And, well, the good guys win. Those are quite mutually exclusive. They have a Darkest Hour and a Near-Villain Victory, but it's never the end for them.
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Thing is, Piccolo succeeded in his goals. The only thing is his rule just didn't last long. Calling it a Near-Villain Victory somewhat undermines that since for all practical purposes he did win.
He won... until he stopped winning. Which happened before the end of the arc. When the good guys win.
And you sort of have it backwards. For all practical purposes he lost (what with the whole "dying and everything that he had done is undone), but you're arguing that he technically won because he accomplishes his goals (assuming "live and rule his kingdom" wasn't part of his goals).
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His goal was to take regain his youth and take over the world, which he did. To me, a Near-Villain Victory is if he got his youth and was close to taking over the world, but didn't succeed.
With that said, if this is an ending trope and the arc had to end with Piccolo taking over the world, then I can see it. But I didn't see the trope specifically called an ending trope.
His youth is a means to an end, he doesn't want to be young just for shiggles but specifically so his rule will last.
And seriously? The page has "Ending" in the description 11 times, one of which specifically calls it an Ending Trope.
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Hmm. Fine.
I still disagree for the reasons I've stated and don't find Near-Villain Victory to be inaccurate, but I won't push the issue any more.
It would be true if he didn't immediately die. His ultimate goal isn't just "become" the supreme power, it's to rule for a long time (hence wishing himself young so he can keep his rule). Even if he doesn't say it in his evil goals, unless he's planning on dying, getting killed is not winning. This is an ending trope; everything going well for the villain up to a point is You Can't Thwart Stage One.
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