Overview
- Broly’s portrayal in Dragon Ball Super presents a character enriched with depth and a friendlier demeanor in contrast to his original fearsome image.
- The Super Broly narrative aligns more closely with canon, retaining elements of the original’s backstory while introducing a more nuanced and powerful character.
- While both versions of Broly share a passion for combat, Super Broly emphasizes personal growth and camaraderie, particularly with Goku in Dragon Ball Super.
Throughout the Dragon Ball series, Broly’s character has undergone significant transformations, especially when comparing his depiction in Dragon Ball Super to earlier portrayals in the Dragon Ball Z films. This shift has resulted in a character that feels almost entirely distinct from his original form.
Although both incarnations of Broly share a fundamental backstory and immense power, their narrative functions diverge markedly. This has led to a division among fans; some uphold the classic portrayal of Broly as the destructive Saiyan fuelled by vengeance, while others gravitate towards the more complex Super Broly. This article delves into the key differences between these two interpretations within the Dragon Ball universe.
Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan
Exploring the Ancient Lore
When the Super Saiyan transformation was first introduced in the Dragon Ball Z series, the lore surrounding it was steeped in mystery and anticipation.
“I, Vegeta, have finally realized the legend, the legend that you fear… that’s right Frieza, you’re not dealing with the average Saiyan warrior anymore! I have finally become the legendary Super Saiyan!”- Vegeta.
Vegeta reveals that within Saiyan culture, a prophesized warrior with overwhelming strength will emerge, rendering all challengers helpless. Initially, Vegeta believes he is destined for this role but is challenged when Goku attains the Super Saiyan form first. This brings into question whether the legendary warrior’s arrival is a reality.
“No… the Super Saiyans of legend were an invincible warrior race! I am their son, and at long last, I have risen to claim my birthright. I have stepped into the ranks of greatness.” – Vegeta.
This theme is epitomized by Broly, who made his debut in the 1993 film, *Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan*. The film explored the implication of what happens when a Super Saiyan embodies this legendary power as an overbearing threat. Broly emerges as an adversary so potent that it takes the combined efforts of all the Z fighters to defeat him; he relies not on strategy but on brute force, making him a formidable foe.
Integrating Broly into Canon
The Evolution of Broly in Super
Although the original Z Broly achieved a legendary status among fans, his movie appearances failed to align with the main timeline of the series, effectively rendering him non-canon. This loophole was substantially addressed when Broly made his official canon debut in *Dragon Ball Super: Broly* in 2018.
In this new interpretation, Broly retains much of his original backstory but is depicted as a more vulnerable character who struggles with his immense power, showcasing moments of friendship and dialogue. Unlike the previous iteration, whose purpose was primarily to serve as a threat, Super Broly is presented as a character with depth and potential for growth.
Despite their differences, both versions of Broly exhibit a passion for battle. During their first encounter, Super Broly manages to adapt and improve even in the face of Vegeta’s escalating strength, ultimately reaching his own Super Saiyan transformation. Unlike his non-canon films, where he is vanquished by the Z fighters, Super Broly experiences friendship with Goku, hinting at potential future battles instead of enmity.
“I was so sure my strength was getting close to its peak. But then, this guy showed up and was so much stronger than me. And he’s a Saiyan, just like I am. He’s probably even stronger than Beerus.” – Goku’s thoughts on Broly.
In essence, the distinction between Broly and Super Broly lies more in their character traits than in the specifics of their origin stories. Super Broly possesses a naturally gentle persona that can become overwhelming under pressure, whereas Broly from Dragon Ball Z epitomizes a volatile character who revels in chaos when provoked.
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