How do you rank characters.

[Bad Touch Yakushi]

I dont understand why some ignore the Databooks completely. I think they are a good tool for helping evaluate a character and their abilities.

Same. It's a good tool, but it's not designed to be used as the Naruto bible for debates.

 

[soulless uchiha]

They really need to be updated, especially now.

 

[Xlad]

-Manga feats
-Overall Vers.
-DB
I don't make a top ten list as much. I mostly go by tiers at this point.

 

[FlashReturns]

Same. It's a good tool, but it's not designed to be used as the Naruto bible for debates.

Exactly. The stats, for the characters and the time period of DB 3 were pretty accurate IMO. Without even looking at the stats, my list would resemble what the stats suggest afterwards for the most part. Obviously it only does base stats so some tinkering is needed. But like you said it shouldnt be relied upon, but neither should any 1 source of information.

 

[Bad Touch Yakushi]

They really need to be updated, especially now.

If there isn't a final databook released at the end of the series i'll be so disappointed.

 

[RicardoA]

In terms of power i rank them according to:
1 - Feats and versatility.
2 - Hype and portrayal.

As a source i use the manga and the manga only.
The databooks are full of hyperboles and a characters' stats means very little, its not the best way to judge their skill or importance.
And i also place characters above others even if they lose against them. That's where versatility comes into account but happens mostly after the top 15 where the power levels aren't that high and overall skill matters more. Its impossible to make a 100% accurate list regardeless, since there will always be bad match-ups for certain characters.

 

[Xāvî1]

leave that for mr.kishimoto