Introduction
A golden aura blazes, electric sparks dance, and a Saiyan warrior, weathered and fierce, stands defiant against an impossible foe. This image, emblazoned across fan art and fueling countless discussions, represents Super Saiyan Bardock. But how much of this legendary transformation is rooted in the official Dragon Ball story, and how much is purely the product of imagination?
Bardock, the father of Goku, is a character steeped in tragedy and resilience. Introduced as a low-class Saiyan soldier with a hardened edge, his ability to see the future granted him a glimpse into Frieza’s impending betrayal and the destruction of Planet Vegeta. His desperate attempt to prevent this catastrophe cemented his place as a tragic hero, a symbol of Saiyan pride facing impossible odds.
The idea of Super Saiyan Bardock holds immense appeal for fans. It speaks to the desire to see a Saiyan warrior, robbed of his potential, finally reach his full power. It’s a “what if” scenario that ignites the imagination, leading to countless fan creations and theories. This article explores the origins of Super Saiyan Bardock, examines Bardock’s inherent power, and delves into the hypothetical possibilities of this transformation, all while distinguishing fact from fiction.
The Genesis of the Super Saiyan Bardock Phenomenon
The primary source for Super Saiyan Bardock’s existence lies within Dragon Ball Heroes, a Japanese arcade game that serves as a promotional platform for the Dragon Ball franchise. This arcade game often introduces alternate storylines, fusion characters, and new transformations that are not considered part of the main canon of Dragon Ball. Dragon Ball Heroes is where the idea of Super Saiyan Bardock first took hold.
In Dragon Ball Heroes, Bardock, through various circumstances often involving time travel and encounters with powerful opponents, achieves the Super Saiyan transformation. He’s even depicted reaching higher Super Saiyan forms, such as Super Saiyan Three and even Super Saiyan God. These appearances, while exciting and visually impressive, are important to contextualize. Dragon Ball Heroes operates outside the core narrative established by Akira Toriyama, and its storylines are generally considered non-canon. They’re designed for entertainment and to showcase the potential of the Dragon Ball universe, even if it means diverging from established lore.
Beyond the arcade game, the concept of Super Saiyan Bardock thrives within the fan community. Fan art depicting Bardock in various Super Saiyan forms is plentiful. Fanfiction explores different scenarios for his transformation, often involving his rage at Frieza, his desire to protect his son, or his unique ability to see the future. The possibilities are as endless as the imagination of the fans creating these stories and visuals.
But why Bardock? Why has he become the focus of this particular transformation fantasy? The answer likely lies in his tragic backstory and unrealized potential. He was a warrior on the cusp of understanding Frieza’s evil, a father desperate to save his son. The thought of him harnessing the power of Super Saiyan, of finally being strong enough to change his fate, is incredibly compelling.
A Look at Bardock’s True Strength
To understand the potential of Super Saiyan Bardock, it’s crucial to examine his canon power level before the destruction of Planet Vegeta. Bardock was considered a low-class Saiyan warrior, but he was exceptionally skilled and experienced. He led his own team and participated in numerous battles, demonstrating remarkable fighting prowess and a knack for strategy. He wasn’t on par with the Saiyan elite, like Vegeta or Nappa at the time, but he was far from weak. He consistently pushed his limits, becoming stronger with each encounter.
Adding to Bardock’s unique abilities was his premonition. After receiving a blow from a surviving alien, Bardock gained the ability to see glimpses of the future. These visions showed him Frieza’s betrayal and the destruction of his home planet. While this power didn’t directly increase his physical strength, it gave him invaluable knowledge and motivation. It fueled his desperate attempt to warn his fellow Saiyans and confront Frieza, even though he knew the odds were stacked against him. Some fans argue that this foresight, coupled with his Saiyan physiology, could have acted as a catalyst for unlocking the Super Saiyan transformation under extreme emotional duress.
The Hypothetical Power of a Super Saiyan Bardock
If Bardock had achieved the Super Saiyan transformation, the implications for the Dragon Ball story would be profound. He would have been a force to be reckoned with, potentially capable of defeating Frieza. This single change would have created a ripple effect, altering the course of Dragon Ball Z, Super, and beyond.
The power scaling implications are staggering. At the time of Planet Vegeta’s destruction, Frieza in his final form was considered the strongest being in the universe. A Super Saiyan transformation would have granted Bardock a massive power boost, potentially closing the gap between them. Whether he could have definitively defeated Frieza is debatable, but he would undoubtedly have posed a serious threat.
If Bardock had survived and joined the Z Fighters on Earth, the Dragon Ball saga would have unfolded very differently. He would have been a powerful ally against the Saiyans, Frieza, Cell, and the other threats that emerged. His interactions with Goku, his son, would have been fascinating to witness, exploring themes of family, pride, and the Saiyan legacy. The potential for new storylines and character development is immense. Fan-made power scaling often places Super Saiyan Bardock at levels surpassing those reached by Goku and Vegeta in early Dragon Ball Z, creating a power dynamic that challenges the established hierarchy. Some fans even speculate on potential transformations beyond Super Saiyan for Bardock, fueled by his unique experiences and Saiyan heritage.
Clearing Up Misinformation: Separating Fact from Fiction
It’s important to reiterate that Super Saiyan Bardock, as depicted in Dragon Ball Heroes and fan creations, is not part of the official Dragon Ball canon. The main storyline, as overseen by Akira Toriyama, has not confirmed or incorporated this transformation. Distinguishing between canon and non-canon material is crucial for understanding the Dragon Ball universe. Canon refers to the officially established storyline, while non-canon encompasses spin-offs, adaptations, and fan-made content that exist outside the official narrative.
The appeal of “what if” scenarios is undeniable. It’s fun to imagine alternate realities and explore the potential of characters like Bardock. These scenarios allow fans to engage with the Dragon Ball universe in a creative and imaginative way. However, it’s essential to remember that these are ultimately fan interpretations, not official developments.
In Conclusion: The Legacy of a Saiyan Dream
Super Saiyan Bardock remains a fascinating and enduring concept within the Dragon Ball fandom. While his transformation is not officially recognized, it speaks to the character’s potential, the enduring power of the Super Saiyan legend, and the creativity of the fans who continue to imagine new possibilities within the Dragon Ball universe. Whether he remains a figure confined to Dragon Ball Heroes and fan creations, or whether he might one day be officially incorporated into the Dragon Ball canon, Super Saiyan Bardock serves as a reminder of the boundless imagination and passionate dedication of the Dragon Ball community. Ultimately, does the lack of canonicity diminish the appeal of Super Saiyan Bardock, or does it enhance his allure as a symbol of untapped Saiyan potential?
