Bardock is often regarded as one of the most underappreciated characters in the Dragon Ball franchise. His presence in the series, particularly in Dragon Ball Super, presented a valuable opportunity that many fans believe was overlooked. As Goku’s father, Bardock had a pivotal yet largely background role in the series. He was among the few Saiyans who stood against Frieza during the infamous destruction of Planet Vegeta and ensured the survival of both of his sons.
Throughout the Dragon Ball storyline, Bardock’s significance has often been ambiguous. While it is established that he is Goku’s father and the driving force behind Goku being sent to Earth, the depth of his character remains somewhat vague. He had a notable spin-off where he faced Frieza’s ancestor, Chilled, and achieved the Super Saiyan transformation; however, this particular narrative isn’t widely accepted as canon. Despite this, Bardock made a notable comeback in the Dragon Ball Super manga, yet there was a missed chance for the series to fully leverage his dramatic reappearance.
The Confusing Dragon Ball Timeline
Canon vs. Non-Canon: The Ongoing Debate
The perplexing nature of the Dragon Ball timeline cannot be overstated. Current fans find themselves grappling with what is considered canon and what remains outside of the official narrative. The original run of Dragon Ball smoothly transitions into Dragon Ball Z, which is generally accepted as a continuation of the original manga. However, confusion begins to amplify from there.
Notably, Jaco the Galactic Patrolman serves as a prequel to the overarching narrative, yet none of the numerous Dragon Ball films are accepted as part of the official timeline. Compounding the confusion is the fact that Dragon Ball Z’s concluding segments are set a decade after the final saga. Thus, fans are uncertain about events during this ten-year gap.
Moreover, Dragon Ball GT is often seen as a continuation of the story, denoting a time period subsequent to those ten years, even though it is typically not recognized as canon. Introducing another layer of complexity, Dragon Ball DAIMA claims to occur within this timeline yet possesses contradictions with ongoing narratives established in Dragon Ball Super.
Ultimately, several timelines exist within the Dragon Ball universe, but the question of which is the correct one is mired in uncertainty. A respected animator has even hinted that Dragon Ball Super may represent an alternative conclusion to Dragon Ball Z, yet such claims contribute further to the ongoing confusion.
Bardock’s Super Saiyan Evolutions
Exploring Bardock’s Non-Canon Transformations
Bardock’s character has experienced multiple transformations into Super Saiyan status across various non-canonical events within the Dragon Ball media. Notably, he transforms into a Super Saiyan during his battle against Chilled after a temporal displacement, and also achieves both Super Saiyan 2 and Super Saiyan 3 forms in the game Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2.
Although the events showcased in Dragon Ball video games aren’t regarded as canon, the idea of incorporating Bardock’s transformations into the central narrative is enticing. Given that transformations are a critical aspect of Dragon Ball lore, featuring Bardock’s various forms would have enriched his character further.
Missed Opportunities in Bardock’s Return
The Logic Behind Bardock’s Super Saiyan Potential
Bardock’s long-awaited reintroduction took place in Dragon Ball Super, particularly during the Granolah the Survivor Arc. It was revealed that Bardock was the Saiyan who intervened to save Granolah and Monaito, showcasing his protective instincts. This protective nature is underscored by a poignant flashback, where Bardock parallels Granolah’s plight with his own newborn son, Goku.
During his confrontation with Gas, fans were treated to dynamic fight scenes, where it appeared Bardock was on the verge of transforming into a Super Saiyan. Unfortunately, this transformation did not materialize, although he exhibited a golden aura, hinting at the latent power within.
Bardock: An Underrated Titan of Dragon Ball
Unlocking Bardock’s Full Potential
Bardock’s absence of a transformation in Dragon Ball Super can feel disappointing, despite its narrative coherence. This aligns with the storyline’s development, as Goku’s fight against Frieza on Namek marked the first time Frieza encountered a Super Saiyan. If Bardock had indeed transformed while battling Gas, the potential timeline complications would have escalated considerably.
Nevertheless, Bardock’s reappearance in Dragon Ball was a welcome sight. His wish for the well-being of both his sons, made possible through the Cerelian Dragon Balls, illustrates the fatherly bond that survives beyond time and circumstance. As Goku’s progenitor, seeing Bardock flourish in the series brings joy to fans, illuminating his character as more than just another underling of Frieza. Bardock’s courageous actions signify his willingness to defy authority, embodying the ideals of heroism and familial love.