By 'alien refugee', I'm referring to how Goku was sent to Earth.
The only other notable example of this scenario I can think of would be Superman. He was sent to Earth by his parents to try to save the race. Its no coincidence the planet was dying when you compare it to Goku's story. Planet Vegeta might have been destroyed rather that suffering a natural explosion, but the scenario is the same. I can only assume Akira borrowed the idea from the Superman story.
If this is true, then who originated this 'alien refugee' theme? Are there any stories before Superman that used it? Or was superman the first?
The only other notable example of this scenario I can think of would be Superman. He was sent to Earth by his parents to try to save the race. Its no coincidence the planet was dying when you compare it to Goku's story. Planet Vegeta might have been destroyed rather that suffering a natural explosion, but the scenario is the same. I can only assume Akira borrowed the idea from the Superman story.
If this is true, then who originated this 'alien refugee' theme? Are there any stories before Superman that used it? Or was superman the first?