Introduction
The image flickers in the mind: Bardock, bathed in golden light, his spiky hair standing on end, a furious roar tearing through the cosmos. The unlikely savior, poised to rewrite destiny. It’s a tantalizing thought, one that has fueled countless fan theories and alternate storylines within the Dragon Ball universe. But how plausible is it, really? Can we envision Bardock, Goku’s father, truly ascending to the legendary status of a Super Saiyan? This article aims to explore the possibility of Bardock becoming a Super Saiyan, delving into the canon established by Akira Toriyama, the non-canon content that has expanded Bardock’s story, and the creative interpretations conceived by fans. We’ll examine his inherent potential, the potential triggers, and the potential consequences for the Dragon Ball saga.
Bardock’s Place in the Core Dragon Ball Universe
Bardock, a low-class Saiyan warrior, is initially depicted as a hardened soldier within Frieza’s army. He is battle-tested, pragmatic, and fiercely loyal to his comrades. His strength, while considerable for a Saiyan of his rank, is nowhere near the levels attained by the elite, such as Prince Vegeta. However, Bardock possesses a sharp intellect and a strategic mind, qualities that allow him to consistently succeed on the battlefield. He leads his own squad of Saiyan warriors and is often tasked with conquering planets in Frieza’s name. His power level, while not definitively stated, is generally considered to be far below the threshold required for a Super Saiyan at the time.
The pivotal moment for Bardock comes with Frieza’s betrayal. Granted precognitive abilities after a brutal assault on Planet Plant, Bardock begins to experience visions of Frieza’s plot to eradicate the Saiyan race. He desperately attempts to warn his fellow Saiyans, but his warnings fall on deaf ears. They are either dismissive of his claims or too preoccupied with their own missions. Realizing the impending doom, Bardock confronts Frieza alone, leading a desperate rebellion against the tyrannical emperor.
Why didn’t Bardock transform into a Super Saiyan during this desperate struggle? The answer lies within the narrative structure and the established lore of the Dragon Ball universe at the time. The Super Saiyan transformation was initially presented as a legendary myth, a power attainable only through extreme emotional turmoil and Saiyan bloodline potential. Goku’s transformation on Namek was portrayed as a singular event, a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence fueled by his rage and grief over Krillin’s death. The idea that a low-class Saiyan, like Bardock, could spontaneously achieve this form during a straightforward confrontation simply didn’t fit the established narrative. It’s crucial to remember that the Super Saiyan transformation was, at the time, depicted as a legendary milestone unique to Goku. The rarity of the transformation and the surprise factor were vital components of the Frieza Saga’s dramatic tension.
Bardock’s Expanded Universe Adventures and Transformations
Outside of the main Dragon Ball canon, Bardock’s story takes a different turn in the *Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku* special. This special reimagines Bardock’s fate, sending him back in time after Frieza’s devastating attack. He finds himself on Planet Plant, the original homeworld of the Tuffles, the ancestors of the race that would become the Saiyans’ sworn enemies. He encounters Chilled, a powerful ancestor of Frieza, and is forced to confront him.
In this non-canon storyline, Bardock doesn’t achieve the full Super Saiyan transformation in its traditional golden aura glory. However, his actions and defiance against Chilled inadvertently sow the seeds of the Super Saiyan legend among Frieza’s lineage. Chilled, defeated and humiliated, warns his descendants about the power of the Saiyans and the threat of a golden warrior. This special plants the seed of a “Super Saiyan ancestor,” indirectly linking Bardock to the legend, albeit without explicitly showing him achieving the transformation. While he doesn’t transform, the special implies a connection to the legend, and some interpret this as the catalyst for the fear Frieza holds for Super Saiyans.
The video games *Dragon Ball Heroes* and *Dragon Ball Xenoverse* further explore the possibility of Bardock achieving Super Saiyan transformations, albeit within the context of their own unique narratives. These games allow players to transform Bardock into various Super Saiyan forms, including Super Saiyan, Super Saiyan Two, Super Saiyan Three, and even Super Saiyan Four (depending on the specific game and its expansions). The implementation of these transformations significantly alters Bardock’s abilities, enhancing his strength, speed, and energy projection capabilities.
Within the gameplay mechanics, these transformations function as power-ups, allowing players to overcome challenging opponents and progress through the game’s storyline. While the games don’t always offer explicit narrative explanations for these transformations, they often involve time travel, alternate realities, or the utilization of special artifacts. For instance, in *Dragon Ball Heroes*, Bardock might gain access to a Super Saiyan transformation through the power of the Dragon Balls or through the intervention of a time-traveling character. These video game adaptations provide a platform for exploring the “what if” scenarios and possibilities that exist beyond the core Dragon Ball canon, giving fans a chance to experience Bardock as a Super Saiyan in interactive and engaging ways.
Speculating on a Super Saiyan Bardock: Potential and Fan Theories
The question remains: if circumstances had been different, could Bardock have potentially achieved the Super Saiyan transformation? While the canon storyline dictates that he perished before the events on Namek, we can explore the potential triggers and conditions that might have facilitated his ascension.
Perhaps the most compelling argument lies in the emotional turmoil he experienced leading up to Frieza’s attack. The betrayal of his superiors, the premonitions of his people’s destruction, and the realization that his family and friends were in imminent danger could have served as a potent catalyst. Imagine if Bardock, witnessing the brutal execution of his squad members, had been pushed to the brink of despair and rage. This surge of emotion, combined with his inherent Saiyan potential, might have unlocked the hidden power within him, leading to the Super Saiyan transformation.
Another factor to consider is training. Had Bardock survived Frieza’s attack and dedicated himself to honing his skills, he might have steadily increased his power level and approached the threshold required for Super Saiyan. Saiyans grow stronger after near death experiences, so perhaps he could have grown significantly in strength, especially if he had received proper training from a capable mentor.
The exact nature of Saiyan potential remains somewhat ambiguous, but it’s generally accepted that certain Saiyans possess a greater capacity for growth and power. Goku’s rapid progress and Vegeta’s relentless pursuit of strength suggest that individual potential plays a crucial role. If Bardock possessed a latent potential comparable to Goku or Vegeta, it’s not unreasonable to assume that he could have eventually achieved Super Saiyan through rigorous training and determination.
The Ripple Effect: Implications of a Super Saiyan Bardock
The consequences of a Super Saiyan Bardock would reverberate throughout the entire Dragon Ball timeline. Most obviously, if Bardock had successfully transformed and defeated Frieza, the destruction of Planet Vegeta could have been averted. The Saiyan race might have thrived, escaping the tyrannical control of the emperor. Goku’s trajectory would have drastically changed, as he might have grown up on Vegeta, surrounded by his people, with Bardock as a mentor.
Furthermore, a Super Saiyan Bardock would have profoundly impacted Goku’s heritage. The knowledge that his father had achieved the legendary transformation would have instilled in Goku a sense of pride and purpose. It might have also altered his fighting style and approach to training, knowing that the potential for Super Saiyan resided within his bloodline. The narrative weight shifts from a singular hero in Goku, to a powerful lineage, with Bardock acting as the progenitor of the Super Saiyan transformations.
It also stands to reason that the other Saiyans on Planet Vegeta would have been spared, the timeline altered dramatically, and key villains might not have been born. The survival of powerful Saiyans could have resulted in a significantly different dynamic during the events of Dragon Ball Z, potentially preventing certain threats from emerging or altering the way they were confronted.
In Conclusion: A Saiyan’s Potential, Forever Debated
Ultimately, the question of whether Bardock could have become a Super Saiyan remains a topic of debate. While the core Dragon Ball canon doesn’t explicitly depict him achieving this transformation, the non-canon material and the creative interpretations of fans provide a tantalizing glimpse into the realm of possibilities. His inherent potential, coupled with the emotional turmoil he endured and the potential for rigorous training, suggests that he could have potentially ascended to the legendary status of a Super Saiyan under different circumstances.
The enduring appeal of Bardock lies in his unwavering spirit, his defiance against tyranny, and his potential for greatness. Whether he remains a powerful but ultimately doomed warrior or ascends to the heights of Super Saiyan power, Bardock’s legacy as Goku’s father and a symbol of Saiyan pride will continue to captivate Dragon Ball fans for generations to come. The “what if” scenarios surrounding his character serve as a reminder of the infinite possibilities within the Dragon Ball universe and the enduring power of imagination. What if Bardock *had* achieved that golden glow? What if his rage had unlocked that legendary power? The possibilities are endless, and the debate will undoubtedly continue.
