Dragon Ball Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan
Broly, the Legendary Super Saiyan, is one of the most iconic and powerful characters in the Dragon Ball franchise. Originally introduced in the non-canonical movies of the 1990s, Broly gained immense popularity among fans for his overwhelming strength, unique design, and tragic backstory. With the release of Dragon Ball Super: Broly in 2018, Broly was reimagined and integrated into the official Dragon Ball canon, solidifying his place as a central figure in the series.
This article explores Broly’s origins, story arcs, transformations, and impact on the Dragon Ball universe.
1. Who is Broly?
1.1. Origins in the Original Movies
- Broly first appeared in Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993), a movie set outside the main continuity.
- He is depicted as a Saiyan born with an abnormally high power level, leading to his banishment alongside his father, Paragus, by King Vegeta.
- His rage and destruction are fueled by his traumatic experiences and a deep-seated grudge against Goku, whose crying as an infant disturbed Broly in the Saiyan nursery.
1.2. Reimagining in Dragon Ball Super
- In Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018), Broly’s story is rewritten, making him a canonical character.
- His new backstory portrays him as a misunderstood and kind-hearted Saiyan raised in isolation under his father’s strict control.
2. Broly’s Key Storylines
2.1. Dragon Ball Z Movies
- In the original trilogy of Dragon Ball Z movies, Broly is a ruthless berserker consumed by his Legendary Super Saiyan power.
- Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan: Broly’s immense power threatens the Z Fighters and the galaxy.
- Broly – Second Coming: A revived Broly seeks revenge but is ultimately defeated by Goku, Gohan, and Goten.
- Bio-Broly: A clone of Broly becomes the antagonist in this lesser-known installment.
2.2. Dragon Ball Super: Broly
- Broly’s character is deeply humanized, focusing on his struggles with his uncontrollable power and his bond with his father.
- Goku and Vegeta encounter Broly on a remote planet after Frieza manipulates Paragus into bringing him to Earth.
- Broly battles Goku and Vegeta, showcasing unprecedented strength, forcing the Saiyans to fuse into Gogeta to defeat him.
- After the battle, Broly is spared by Goku, who befriends him and provides him with resources to live peacefully.
3. Broly’s Transformations
3.1. Legendary Super Saiyan
- Broly’s signature transformation is characterized by his green aura, immense muscle mass, and unmatched power.
- This form grants Broly limitless energy, allowing him to grow stronger as the battle continues.
3.2. Wrathful State
- In Dragon Ball Super, Broly exhibits a “Wrathful” form that channels the power of the Great Ape without transforming into one.
- This state combines raw power with controlled combat skills.
3.3. Full Power Super Saiyan
- Broly’s ultimate transformation in Dragon Ball Super: Broly, where his power reaches its peak, overwhelming even Goku and Vegeta in their Super Saiyan Blue forms.
4. Broly’s Personality and Relationships
4.1. Complex Personality
- In the original movies, Broly is portrayed as a one-dimensional villain driven by rage.
- The reimagined Broly in Dragon Ball Super is a more nuanced character with a kind and innocent nature, shaped by his harsh upbringing.
4.2. Relationship with Paragus
- Paragus serves as both a mentor and manipulator, using Broly as a tool for revenge against King Vegeta.
- Despite Paragus’s controlling behavior, Broly harbors loyalty toward his father.
4.3. Friendship with Goku
- After their intense battle, Goku extends his friendship to Broly, offering him supplies and encouraging him to harness his power for good.
5. Impact on the Dragon Ball Franchise
5.1. Fan Favorite
- Broly’s overwhelming power and tragic backstory have made him one of the most beloved characters in the Dragon Ball fandom.
- His reintroduction in Dragon Ball Super further cemented his popularity, appealing to both new and longtime fans.
5.2. Cultural Influence
- Broly’s iconic design, with his green hair and bulging muscles, has inspired countless fan art, cosplays, and merchandise.
- The term “Legendary Super Saiyan” has become synonymous with unbridled strength in anime culture.
5.3. Future Potential
- Broly’s integration into the Dragon Ball canon opens possibilities for his role in future arcs, potentially as a key ally to Goku and Vegeta.
6. Fun Facts About Broly
- Voice Actors: Broly is voiced by Bin Shimada in Japanese and by Vic Mignogna (original movies) and Johnny Yong Bosch (Dragon Ball Super: Broly) in English.
- Merchandise: Broly is one of the most merchandised characters in Dragon Ball, with figures, apparel, and video game appearances.
- Power Comparisons: Fans often debate whether Broly is stronger than characters like Jiren or Beerus, adding to his legendary status.
Conclusion: The Legendary Icon of Dragon Ball
Broly stands as one of the most compelling characters in the Dragon Ball franchise. From his destructive debut in the original movies to his reimagined portrayal in Dragon Ball Super: Broly, Broly’s journey reflects themes of power, tragedy, and redemption.
As a character, Broly embodies the essence of Dragon Ball: awe-inspiring battles, emotional depth, and limitless potential. Whether as an antagonist or a misunderstood hero, Broly’s story continues to resonate with fans, ensuring his place as a legendary figure in the Dragon Ball universe.