Introduction
Bardock, the father of Goku, stands as a pivotal figure in the Dragon Ball universe, often remembered for his tragic backstory and valiant, albeit ultimately unsuccessful, attempt to thwart Frieza’s genocidal plot against the Saiyan race. However, Bardock is more than just a springboard for Goku’s origin story. He has evolved into a character with his own dedicated following, fueled in part by his appearances in various Dragon Ball media. This prompts a crucial question that continues to resonate with fans: Can Bardock truly be considered a Super Saiyan? This query isn’t merely academic; it dives into the heart of Saiyan potential, alternate timelines, and the very definition of a legendary warrior.
While not part of the Dragon Ball canon in the main timeline we are familiar with, Bardock has indeed attained Super Saiyan forms in alternative realities and supplemental materials. These depictions, especially his transformation in “Episode of Bardock”, have sparked enduring debates and explorations into the latent power residing within this low-class Saiyan warrior. We will delve into the arguments for and against Bardock’s Super Saiyan status, examining his inherent abilities, his appearances in non-canon media, and the underlying reasons why the idea of Bardock as a Super Saiyan holds such a powerful grip on the Dragon Ball fandom.
Bardock’s Latent Strength and Saiyan Capabilities
To properly evaluate Bardock’s potential as a Super Saiyan, we must first understand his inherent strengths and limitations as a Saiyan warrior before any potential transformation. He belonged to the lower ranks of the Saiyan army, yet he consistently distinguished himself through his combat prowess and strategic thinking. Leading his own squad, Bardock conquered numerous planets under Frieza’s command, proving his worth through sheer tenacity and battle experience.
A defining feature of Bardock, particularly within the context of his later transformations, is his unique precognitive ability. This power originated during the Saiyans’ conquest of Planet Plant, where he was struck by a psychic attack. Initially causing him nightmares and hallucinations, these visions evolved into glimpses of the future, allowing him to foresee Frieza’s betrayal and the impending destruction of Planet Vegeta. This foresight fuels his desperation and, arguably, contributes to the intense emotional state that ultimately unlocks his Super Saiyan transformation in certain narratives.
Bardock’s fighting style also highlights his potential. He is an aggressive and relentless fighter, always seeking the most efficient way to defeat his opponents. But he’s not simply a brute; he displays a tactical awareness that sets him apart. Most importantly, he cares deeply for his comrades, evident in his willingness to risk his own life to protect them from harm. This sense of camaraderie and his strong moral compass further contribute to the allure of Bardock as a character worthy of ascending to Super Saiyan status.
Bardock’s Super Saiyan Transformations in Alternate Timelines
The most prominent example of Bardock achieving Super Saiyan status is found in the animated special “Dragon Ball: Episode of Bardock.” This what-if scenario serves as a direct sequel to Bardock’s final stand against Frieza. Instead of dying in the planet’s destruction, Bardock is sent back in time to the ancient Planet Plant. There, he encounters Chilled, an ancestor of Frieza, and finds himself facing a similar threat to his people.
Fueled by his rage and the desire to protect the inhabitants of Planet Plant, Bardock undergoes a Super Saiyan transformation, complete with golden hair and a fiery aura. He then confronts and defeats Chilled, inadvertently sparking the legend of the Super Saiyan that would echo through the generations of Frieza’s lineage. The special provided a captivating twist to Bardock’s story, presenting a timeline where he became the ancestor of the Super Saiyan legend rather than just the father of the Saiyan who would eventually fulfill it. This special’s enduring popularity has cemented the image of Bardock as a Super Saiyan in the minds of many fans.
Beyond “Episode of Bardock”, the *Super Dragon Ball Heroes* promotional anime and card game also features Bardock in various Super Saiyan forms. This includes Super Saiyan Three, Super Saiyan Four, and even transformations utilizing dark energy. However, it’s crucial to remember that *Super Dragon Ball Heroes* exists purely for promotional purposes and is not considered canon to the main Dragon Ball storyline. It pushes the boundaries of character power and transformations in ways that often contradict established lore. Nevertheless, these appearances further contribute to the idea of Bardock’s potential and give fans even more visions of him exceeding his limits. Bardock has also been portrayed as a Super Saiyan in various Dragon Ball video games, further solidifying the notion in fans’ eyes.
The Canon Conundrum: Why Bardock Isn’t Officially a Super Saiyan
Despite these compelling portrayals, it is crucial to understand the distinction between canon and non-canon material within the Dragon Ball franchise. The primary canon consists of Akira Toriyama’s original manga and the main anime adaptations, *Dragon Ball*, *Dragon Ball Z*, and *Dragon Ball Super*. Everything else, including “Episode of Bardock” and *Super Dragon Ball Heroes*, exists outside of this established continuity.
The “Episode of Bardock” creates an alternate timeline stemming from Bardock’s time travel. This means that the events depicted in the special do not directly affect the main Dragon Ball timeline where Goku ultimately defeats Frieza and fulfills the Super Saiyan prophecy. In the main timeline, Bardock perishes during the destruction of Planet Vegeta, preventing him from ever achieving Super Saiyan status.
Furthermore, the original prophecy surrounding the Legendary Super Saiyan specifically referred to a Saiyan with a pure heart who would rise to challenge evil. While Bardock undoubtedly displayed courage and a desire to protect his comrades, his initial motivations were often rooted in survival and a desire for revenge against Frieza. Goku, on the other hand, more closely aligned with the prophecy’s description, embodying a sense of justice and a willingness to fight for the innocent.
While Akira Toriyama has designed Super Saiyan forms for Bardock for promotional material, there have been no official statements cementing Bardock’s position as a “true” Super Saiyan in the main series. These factors collectively contribute to the prevailing understanding that Bardock’s Super Saiyan transformations, while exciting and intriguing, remain confined to alternate realities.
The Enduring Appeal of Super Saiyan Bardock
So, why does the idea of Bardock as a Super Saiyan continue to resonate so strongly with fans? The answer lies in several factors, including his tragic backstory, the potential for “what if” scenarios, and the inherent appeal of seeing a powerful Saiyan ancestor achieve legendary status.
Bardock is a tragic hero. He is a warrior who fights against overwhelming odds, trying to save his people from annihilation. His desperate attempt to warn the Saiyans about Frieza’s treachery, only to be met with disbelief and ridicule, makes him a sympathetic and relatable character. His struggle against fate, even in the face of certain doom, embodies the Saiyan spirit of never giving up.
This tragic narrative invites fans to speculate about “what if” scenarios. What if Bardock had survived the destruction of Planet Vegeta? What if he had trained as a Super Saiyan? What if he had joined Goku in his battles against powerful foes? The possibilities are endless, and they allow fans to explore different aspects of the Dragon Ball universe through the lens of Bardock’s character.
The idea of Goku’s father being a legendary warrior also adds depth to the Dragon Ball universe. It suggests that the potential for greatness runs in the Saiyan bloodline and that Goku’s power is not simply a random occurrence. It provides a tangible connection to the past and reinforces the idea that the Saiyans were a race of warriors capable of extraordinary feats.
Finally, there’s the undeniable “cool” factor. Bardock’s rugged design, his battle-hardened demeanor, and his rebellious spirit make him a visually striking and compelling character. The Super Saiyan transformation only amplifies these qualities, transforming him into an even more imposing and powerful figure. The image of Bardock with golden hair and a fiery aura is simply iconic and has become a popular subject for fan art and cosplay.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Bardock has achieved Super Saiyan forms in non-canon media like “Episode of Bardock” and *Super Dragon Ball Heroes*, it remains outside the main Dragon Ball timeline established by Akira Toriyama. His Super Saiyan status is therefore a matter of alternate realities and “what if” scenarios rather than an integral part of the official Dragon Ball story.
Nevertheless, Bardock *is* a Super Saiyan within those alternate narratives, and this undeniable fact has fueled countless fan theories and analyses exploring his untapped power. Whether considered canon or not, Bardock’s potential for Super Saiyan transformation embodies the Saiyan spirit of pushing beyond limitations and constantly striving for greater strength, solidifying his place as a beloved and iconic figure in the Dragon Ball legacy. The question of Bardock, the Super Saiyan, is one that will continue to be asked and debated, ensuring his enduring relevance in the hearts and minds of Dragon Ball fans for generations to come.
