Introduction
Ever seen a blue streak whizzing past so fast you barely registered it? Chances are, if it’s in the Dragon Ball universe, that blur of motion is none other than Burter, the self-proclaimed fastest member of the Ginyu Force. Even in a galaxy overflowing with outlandish characters and unimaginable power levels, Burter stood out from the crowd. His claim to be the fastest in the universe, combined with his distinctive long blue hair, made him instantly recognizable. But who *is* Burter beyond the boast and the striking appearance? This article will dive deep into Burter’s role within the infamous Ginyu Force, dissect his speed abilities, ponder the significance of his long blue hair, and ultimately explore his lasting impact on the sprawling Dragon Ball Z saga. He’s more than just a flashy fighter; he represents a specific brand of over-the-top villainy that made the Frieza Saga so memorable. Prepare to go beyond the surface and uncover the nuances of this blue-haired speedster.
Burter: The Ginyu Force Member
The Ginyu Force. The very name conjures images of synchronized poses, outrageous outfits, and truly bizarre combat techniques. But beneath the theatrics, they represented Frieza’s elite fighting force, each member a powerhouse in their own right. They weren’t just strong; they were a spectacle, a demonstration of Frieza’s power displayed with an almost theatrical flair. Their reputation preceded them, inspiring fear and awe in equal measure across the galaxy. They weren’t just muscle; they were performers, and their entrance always meant serious trouble for anyone standing in Frieza’s way.
Burter occupied a specific niche within this eccentric team. His designated role was speed specialist. While others relied on brute strength or quirky special abilities, Burter’s main asset was his unmatched velocity. He was the team’s scout, its vanguard, the one who could close the distance between himself and his opponents in the blink of an eye. A common tactic involved teamwork, most notably alongside Jeice. As the duo Purple Comet Hurricane, Burter provided the raw speed while Jeice supplemented with energy blasts and tracking. The two worked in tandem to overwhelm their foes with a combination of speed and relentless assault. Burter’s personality leaned toward arrogance and overconfidence. He fully embraced his title as “the fastest,” often boasting about his abilities and underestimating his opponents. However, beneath the bravado lay a sense of loyalty to Captain Ginyu and the Ginyu Force as a whole. He wasn’t just fighting for Frieza; he was fighting for his team, his comrades, and the unique camaraderie they shared.
The Long Blue Hair: Design and Significance
Let’s talk about the hair. Burter’s most visually striking feature is undoubtedly his long, flowing blue hair. In a universe filled with spiky hairstyles and unusual color palettes, Burter’s hair still manages to stand out. It cascades down his back, defying gravity with its seemingly perfect sheen and vibrant blue hue. His skin is a deep blue, creating a monochrome effect. His face is angular and almost alien, topped with the striking blue hair. His armor is the standard Ginyu Force attire, complete with a scouter and the distinctive emblem.
The choice of blue, particularly in the hair, is noteworthy. Anime and manga often use hair color to signify personality traits or character archetypes. While there’s no definitive answer, we can speculate on potential influences. Perhaps the blue hair evokes a sense of coolness and speed, mirroring the way water flows, as if his movement is as fluid as water. The association of the color blue with the sky may subtly denote the boundlessness of his claimed speed.
In the world of Dragon Ball, where Saiyan transformations often involve changes in hair color, one might be tempted to draw parallels. While Burter isn’t a Saiyan, the association of blue with advanced power levels might have subconsciously influenced his design. This is especially true considering the eventual introduction of Super Saiyan Blue, and it may be that Akira Toriyama already had ideas about using blue with powerful characters. However, this remains speculation, and Burter’s blue hair stands apart. It’s a symbol of his distinctiveness and plays into the overall outlandishness of the Ginyu Force.
The hair itself is a design choice that screams showmanship. It’s not just blue; it’s long and impeccably styled, contributing to Burter’s overall image of a flamboyant, self-assured warrior. It’s a visual representation of his confidence, his speed, and his dedication to the Ginyu Force aesthetic. Fan theories abound, with some speculating that his hair is a biological adaptation for aerodynamics, though the true answer likely lies in simply wanting a striking design that would make him memorable. Whether rooted in practicality or pure artistic license, Burter’s blue hair has become an iconic part of his character and a talking point for fans.
Analyzing Burter’s Speed
Burter’s claim to be “the fastest in the universe” is a central part of his identity. It’s the boast he makes, it’s the title he holds onto, and it’s the characteristic the other Ginyu Force members acknowledge. It’s not just empty talk, though. In the Frieza Saga, he displays incredible bursts of speed. He leaves afterimages, covers vast distances in seconds, and generally overwhelms his opponents with his velocity. One memorable scene sees him circling Goku and Jeice at incredible speed, creating a whirlwind effect that disorients them both. Even Vegeta, known for his pride and power, acknowledged Burter’s speed as a significant threat.
But is he *really* the fastest in the universe? At that point in the Dragon Ball Z storyline, the claim holds a degree of weight. Goku, prior to mastering Kaioken x20 or achieving Super Saiyan status, struggled to keep up with Burter’s speed. Even with techniques like the Kaioken, Goku pushed himself beyond his limits, but he was still outclassed by Burter’s raw velocity.
However, after Goku transforms into a Super Saiyan, the power balance shifts dramatically. Super Saiyan Goku’s speed far surpasses Burter’s, rendering his claim obsolete. Later in the Dragon Ball timeline, characters like Perfect Cell, Super Buu, and Beerus all demonstrate speeds that dwarf anything Burter ever achieved.
Burter doesn’t have any specific, named techniques directly related to enhancing his speed. His fighting style relies on simply moving faster than his opponent can react. He uses his speed to deliver rapid punches and kicks, creating a flurry of attacks that are difficult to defend against. He and Jeice combine his speed with Jeice’s energy blasts to form the Purple Comet Hurricane, in which Jeice follows behind Burter, firing attacks. This technique uses both character’s attributes in unison, showcasing the duo’s combined power. While he may not have elaborate techniques, Burter’s mastery of his speed is undeniable, making him a formidable opponent during his time in the spotlight.
Burter’s Impact on the Dragon Ball Saga
The arrival of the Ginyu Force on Namek marked a turning point in the Frieza Saga. It signaled a significant escalation in the conflict, demonstrating the immense power that Frieza commanded. Burter, as a key member of this elite squad, played a crucial role in raising the stakes. The Ginyu Force’s flamboyant entrance, complete with their signature poses, injected a dose of campy fun into the otherwise grim narrative.
Burter’s battles against Goku, Vegeta, and others were instrumental in showcasing the Saiyans’ growth and the challenges they faced. His fight with Goku forced Goku to push the Kaioken to its limits, revealing his hidden power and determination. Although Vegeta, Krillin, and Gohan quickly dispatched the remaining squad, their very presence added another layer of tension and danger to the Frieza Saga. He contributed to the overall arc by providing a memorable stepping stone on the path to facing Frieza himself.
Despite his relatively short screen time, Burter has remained a surprisingly popular character among Dragon Ball fans. His unique design, his boastful personality, and his association with the iconic Ginyu Force have all contributed to his enduring appeal. He has appeared in numerous Dragon Ball video games, often as a playable character, allowing fans to experience his speed firsthand. His image has been used on merchandise, from t-shirts to action figures. Burter has spawned countless memes, fan art, and parodies, a testament to his lasting impact on the Dragon Ball fandom. The fandom remembers him fondly, and the Fastest Man in the Universe lives on through fan creations.
Conclusion
Burter, the blue-haired speedster of the Ginyu Force, represents a unique blend of power, personality, and visual flair that has cemented his place in Dragon Ball Z history. His role within the Ginyu Force showcased his arrogance and loyalty. His defining speed made him a formidable opponent, pushing Goku to his limits. And his long blue hair made him instantly recognizable.
While his claim to be “the fastest in the universe” was ultimately surpassed, his impact on the Dragon Ball Z storyline remains significant. He helped to raise the stakes of the Frieza Saga, challenged the Z Fighters, and contributed to the overall spectacle of the series. Burter’s character isn’t necessarily deep, but he is memorable. He’s a testament to the creativity and outlandishness that define the Dragon Ball universe. From his unique design to his flamboyant personality, Burter’s impact on the Dragon Ball universe is undeniable. He serves as a reminder that even in a world filled with incredible power, a bit of style and a good boast can go a long way. Whether you remember him for his speed, his hair, or his signature poses, Burter is a character that Dragon Ball fans will continue to remember.
