Dragon Ball: Episode of Bardock – A Closer Look

Dragon Ball: Episode of Bardock – A Closer Look

Dragon Ball: Episode of Bardock is a special spin-off in the Dragon Ball franchise, focusing on the character Bardock, the father of Goku. Released as both a short manga and an anime adaptation, it explores an alternate timeline where Bardock survives his confrontation with Frieza and is transported to the past. The story blends action, nostalgia, and time travel to offer fans a fresh perspective on one of the series’ most intriguing characters.

Background

1. Origin of the Special

• Episode of Bardock was originally a manga by Naho Ooishi, serialized in 2011 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Dragon Ball.
• It was adapted into a short anime, first aired during the Jump Festa 2012 event in Japan.

2. Connection to Dragon Ball Canon

• Episode of Bardock is considered non-canon and acts as an alternate continuation of Bardock: The Father of Goku, a 1990 TV special.
• While the original Bardock story ends with his death, this spin-off imagines what might have happened if he survived.

Plot Summary

1. Bardock’s Survival

• After being seemingly destroyed by Frieza’s massive energy blast, Bardock wakes up on an unfamiliar planet, Planet Plant, in the distant past.
• Planet Plant is the ancestral home of the Saiyans before they colonized Planet Vegeta.

2. Meeting the Locals

• Bardock encounters the peaceful Plantians, a native race, and reluctantly protects them from invaders.
• His interactions with the Plantians highlight Bardock’s gruff exterior and hidden sense of honor.

3. The Arrival of Chilled

• Chilled, an ancestor of Frieza, arrives on Planet Plant, seeking to conquer it.
• Bardock battles Chilled, ultimately tapping into a Super Saiyan transformation fueled by rage and determination.

4. The Legacy of the Super Saiyan

• Chilled warns his descendants about the legendary Super Saiyan before his death, planting the seeds of fear that motivate Frieza’s actions in the future.
• The story closes with Bardock becoming a mythical figure in Saiyan history, inadvertently inspiring the legend of the Super Saiyan.

Key Characters

1. Bardock

• Role: The protagonist, a hardened warrior who shows both brutality and a hidden sense of justice.
• Character Development: Bardock transitions from a vengeful Saiyan to a protector of the Plantians, embracing his role as a savior.

2. Chilled

• Role: The main antagonist, an ancestor of Frieza who shares his descendant’s arrogance and cruelty.
• Significance: Chilled’s defeat by Bardock explains the origins of the Frieza family’s fear of Super Saiyans.

3. Plantians

• Role: The peaceful inhabitants of Planet Plant.
• Notable Character: Berry, a young Plantian who befriends Bardock and inspires his protective instincts.

Themes in Episode of Bardock

1. Redemption and Legacy

• Bardock’s journey reflects themes of redemption as he evolves from a ruthless Saiyan to a hero.
• His actions inadvertently set the stage for Goku’s battles with Frieza and the Super Saiyan legacy.

2. The Origins of Legends

• The special ties the myth of the Super Saiyan directly to Bardock’s actions in the past, creating a cyclical connection between the past and the present.

3. Time Travel

• The time-travel aspect offers a creative way to explore Bardock’s character while expanding the lore of the Saiyan race.

Reception

1. Fan Response

• Fans were divided over Episode of Bardock. While many appreciated the focus on Bardock and the Super Saiyan lore, others felt the story’s alternate timeline and Super Saiyan transformation conflicted with established canon.

2. Critical Views

• Some critics praised the special for its action-packed narrative and nostalgic appeal but noted its limited depth due to its short runtime.

3. Legacy

• Despite its non-canon status, Episode of Bardock has become a memorable addition to the Dragon Ball franchise, especially for Bardock fans.

Fun Facts

1. Super Saiyan Bardock: Bardock’s transformation into a Super Saiyan in Episode of Bardock predates Goku’s transformation by generations, making him the earliest known Super Saiyan in this alternate timeline.
2. Chilled’s Design: Chilled shares many design elements with Frieza, emphasizing the family resemblance and their shared traits of cruelty and ambition.
3. Manga and Anime Differences: The anime adaptation closely follows the manga but adds more visual flair to the Super Saiyan transformation and battle scenes.

How It Fits in the Dragon Ball Franchise

1. Alternate Continuity

• Episode of Bardock is not part of the official timeline but offers fans a “what-if” scenario that deepens the lore surrounding Bardock and the Saiyans.

2. Expanding Bardock’s Story

• While the original Bardock special focuses on his tragic end, Episode of Bardock gives him a more heroic arc.

3. Saiyan Mythology

• The special adds a new layer to Saiyan mythology, explaining the roots of the Super Saiyan legend.

Conclusion

Dragon Ball: Episode of Bardock offers an exciting alternate take on Bardock’s story, showcasing his transformation from a brutal Saiyan warrior to a protector and legend. While it may not fit into the official canon, its exploration of Saiyan lore and the origins of the Super Saiyan legend make it a must-watch for fans of Bardock and the Dragon Ball universe.

Whether you view it as an engaging spin-off or a bold departure from the main storyline, Episode of Bardock remains a fascinating chapter in the expansive Dragon Ball franchise.

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鳥山明さんの大ファン

鳥山明さんの作品をこよなく愛するドラゴンボールが好きな漫画オタクです。世の中のアニメ全般が好きで、クリエイターの皆様を応援しています。