Is Bardock canonically a Super Saiyan?

In the Dragon Ball franchise, Bardock is a prominent character known for being Goku’s father. While Bardock has appeared in multiple Dragon Ball adaptations, his status as a Super Saiyan has been a topic of debate among fans. Let's dive into whether Bardock is canonically a Super Saiyan and the different iterations that have shaped this concept.

The Original Bardock in Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku

In the 1990 Dragon Ball Z TV special Bardock – The Father of Goku, Bardock is depicted as a tough, battle-hardened Saiyan warrior who is far from a Super Saiyan. In this version, Bardock is shown leading a group of Saiyan soldiers to destroy a planet, only to be betrayed by Frieza and ultimately killed by a powerful blast. There is no mention of Bardock being a Super Saiyan in this adaptation.

The special was well-loved by fans, and it provided important background information about Goku’s heritage, but Bardock was not shown transforming into a Super Saiyan. Instead, he was a standard Saiyan warrior, though we do see hints of his inner strength, especially in his determination to fight Frieza despite knowing he was facing certain death.

Dragon Ball Minus and the Super Saiyan Concept

In Dragon Ball Minus, a chapter of the Jaco the Galactic Patrolman manga that was later adapted into the Dragon Ball Super anime, Bardock's backstory was expanded. This iteration is part of the official Dragon Ball canon.

In Dragon Ball Minus, Bardock is depicted as a more emotional and caring father, contrasting with the cold, ruthless version seen in the original TV special. While this version of Bardock gives more depth to his character, it still does not confirm him as a Super Saiyan. Instead, Bardock is shown as a normal Saiyan soldier who begins to question Frieza’s intentions after learning of the destruction of Planet Vegeta. Super Saiyan abilities were not mentioned or demonstrated in this retelling.

Dragon Ball Super: Bardock – The Super Saiyan

However, things took a surprising turn in the Dragon Ball Super manga, particularly in the "Granolah the Survivor" arc. In Chapter 73, Bardock is shown in a flashback battling against the forces of Frieza. During this flashback, Bardock is revealed to have achieved the Super Saiyan transformation, making him the first Saiyan to ever transform into a Super Saiyan. This was a monumental revelation since Bardock’s transformation into a Super Saiyan was never previously established in the original series or Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku.

In this flashback, Bardock, while fighting to protect his comrades and family, experiences a surge of power and emotional turmoil, leading to his transformation into a Super Saiyan for the first time. It is an important moment that ties Bardock’s legacy into the broader Dragon Ball mythology and introduces the idea that he, too, had access to the legendary power of the Super Saiyan.

Is Bardock Canonically a Super Saiyan?

Yes, as of Dragon Ball Super and the manga's "Granolah the Survivor" arc, Bardock is now officially considered a Super Saiyan in the Dragon Ball canon. This marks a significant change from previous depictions, where Bardock was never shown as one. This version of Bardock, as a Super Saiyan, adds more depth to his character and aligns him with the legendary warriors of the Saiyan race, further cementing his importance in Goku's lineage.

Why Is This Significant?

Bardock's transformation into a Super Saiyan is crucial for a few reasons:

1. Lineage Connection: It connects Bardock more closely to Goku, as both share the Super Saiyan bloodline. Goku's own transformation into Super Saiyan is one of the defining moments of the Dragon Ball Z saga, and now it can be said that his father also carried this potential.

2. Saiyan Lore: Bardock’s Super Saiyan transformation also adds an extra layer to the mystery of the Super Saiyan legend. The transformation had long been considered a rare and legendary power, but with Bardock now canonically a Super Saiyan, it shows that the potential was present even before the rise of Goku and Vegeta’s era.

3. Bardock’s Legacy: This revelation solidifies Bardock’s role as a key figure in Saiyan history, potentially influencing the destiny of the entire race. It also further emphasizes the emotional depth of his character, especially in the context of his final moments before the destruction of Planet Vegeta.

Conclusion

While Bardock was originally depicted as a regular Saiyan warrior in earlier Dragon Ball Z adaptations, Bardock is now canonically a Super Saiyan in Dragon Ball Super. This transformation, revealed in the manga's "Granolah the Survivor" arc, adds a new layer to his character and ties him closer to Goku's legacy. The shift in Bardock's portrayal as the first Super Saiyan further enriches the lore of the Saiyan race, giving fans a deeper connection to Goku’s origins and his powerful bloodline.