Dragon Ball: Episode of Bardock – The Origin Story of a Saiyan Legend

Dragon Ball: Episode of Bardock is a short anime and manga special that expands on the story of Bardock, the father of Goku. Released in 2011, this alternate tale explores what might have happened if Bardock survived his presumed death at the hands of Frieza. The special reimagines Bardock’s fate, transforming him into a heroic figure and delving deeper into the lore of the Saiyan race.

This article examines the story, themes, and legacy of Episode of Bardock, highlighting its significance within the Dragon Ball franchise.

1. What is Episode of Bardock?

1.1. Overview

• Episode of Bardock serves as a spin-off and semi-sequel to the original TV special Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku.
• It was first serialized as a manga by Naho Ooishi in V Jump magazine and later adapted into an animated short.

1.2. Connection to Bardock’s Legacy

• Unlike the original special, which portrays Bardock as a tragic anti-hero who defies Frieza to protect his race, this story imagines Bardock as a time-traveling warrior who confronts new challenges and uncovers his potential.

2. The Storyline of Episode of Bardock

2.1. Bardock’s Survival

• The story begins with Bardock being caught in Frieza’s deadly energy blast, which destroys Planet Vegeta. Instead of dying, Bardock is mysteriously transported to the past.

2.2. Arrival on Planet Plant

• Bardock wakes up on Planet Plant, the ancient world that would later become Planet Vegeta.
• He meets a kind alien named Ipana, who nurses him back to health, and discovers a peaceful civilization threatened by the tyrant Chilled, an ancestor of Frieza.

2.3. The Battle Against Chilled

• When Chilled and his forces attack the planet, Bardock reluctantly steps in to protect its inhabitants.
• During the battle, Bardock undergoes a transformation, becoming the first Super Saiyan in Saiyan history.

2.4. Bardock’s Victory

• Bardock’s Super Saiyan transformation allows him to overpower Chilled, saving Planet Plant and earning the respect of its people.
• Before dying, Chilled warns his descendants about the “golden warrior,” planting the seeds for Frieza’s fear of the Super Saiyan legend.

3. Key Themes in Episode of Bardock

3.1. Redemption and Heroism

• Bardock transitions from a ruthless Saiyan warrior to a protector of the weak, mirroring the transformation his son, Goku, undergoes throughout Dragon Ball.

3.2. Origins of the Super Saiyan Legend

• The special ties Bardock’s story to the mythos of the Super Saiyan, positioning him as the figure who inspired the legend that shaped Frieza’s actions in Dragon Ball Z.

3.3. Time and Destiny

• The concept of time travel adds a layer of complexity to Bardock’s narrative, suggesting that his actions in the past may have influenced the future of the Saiyan race.

4. Reception and Legacy

4.1. Fan Reactions

• Episode of Bardock received mixed reactions from fans. While some praised its exploration of Bardock’s character and its creative premise, others criticized its deviation from the original special’s tragic tone.

4.2. Expansion of Bardock’s Story

• The special solidified Bardock’s status as a fan-favorite character and provided a new lens through which to view his legacy.

4.3. Influence on the Franchise

• Bardock’s Super Saiyan transformation in Episode of Bardock paved the way for his inclusion in games like Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 and Dragon Ball FighterZ as a playable character with Super Saiyan abilities.

5. Fun Facts About Episode of Bardock

• Chilled’s Name: Like other members of Frieza’s family, Chilled’s name follows the theme of cold-related terms.
• Canon Debate: The special is considered non-canon within the main Dragon Ball timeline, as it contradicts Bardock’s fate in the manga and anime.
• Tributes to Toriyama: While Akira Toriyama was not directly involved in the special, Episode of Bardock incorporates his stylistic elements and themes.

6. Impact on Dragon Ball Lore

6.1. Bardock’s Popularity

• Episode of Bardock reinforced Bardock’s enduring popularity, making him a staple in Dragon Ball spin-offs, video games, and fan discussions.

6.2. The Super Saiyan Mythos

• By connecting Bardock to the origins of the Super Saiyan legend, the special adds depth to the Saiyan race’s history and Frieza’s fear of their power.

6.3. Modern Adaptations

• Elements from Episode of Bardock, such as Bardock’s heroic traits and Chilled’s character, have influenced subsequent Dragon Ball media.

Conclusion: A New Perspective on Bardock

Dragon Ball: Episode of Bardock offers a fresh take on Bardock’s story, transforming him from a tragic anti-hero into a legendary figure. While it diverges from the original narrative, the special enriches the Dragon Ball universe with its exploration of time travel, heroism, and the origins of the Super Saiyan myth.

For fans of Bardock and the Dragon Ball franchise, Episode of Bardock is a must-watch piece of alternate history that highlights the series’ creativity and its ability to reimagine its characters in new and compelling ways. Whether you view it as canon or a standalone adventure, Bardock’s journey as the “golden warrior” continues to inspire and entertain.

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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。