Is Broly Canon Now? A Look at Broly's Role in the Dragon Ball Universe

For years, Broly was a character shrouded in mystery for fans of the Dragon Ball franchise. Introduced in the non-canon movie Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan, Broly quickly became a fan-favorite character. With his immense power, tragic backstory, and iconic battles against Goku and his friends, many fans were left wondering: Is Broly canon now?

The question of whether Broly is officially part of the Dragon Ball canon has been a topic of debate, especially after the release of Dragon Ball Super: Broly in 2018. The movie's release raised a number of questions about Broly's place in the larger Dragon Ball universe. Let's take a closer look at Broly’s transformation from a non-canon movie villain to a fully-fledged canon character.

Broly's Origins: Non-Canon in the Movies

Before we dive into the changes made in Dragon Ball Super: Broly, it's important to understand Broly’s origins. Broly was first introduced in Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993), a movie that was never part of the main storyline of Dragon Ball Z or Dragon Ball Super. In this film, Broly was portrayed as a powerful Saiyan who was born with immense strength and a deep hatred for Goku, stemming from their shared childhood. Broly’s powers allowed him to transform into a Legendary Super Saiyan, a form that granted him nearly unstoppable strength.

While the movie was a hit with fans, it was widely accepted that Broly’s story was not considered canon, as it did not fit within the main Dragon Ball continuity. Instead, Broly was relegated to the status of a "movie-only" character, and his storyline was never referenced in the official Dragon Ball series.

The Big Shift: Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)

In 2018, everything changed with the release of Dragon Ball Super: Broly. This movie, which takes place after the events of the Dragon Ball Super anime, reintroduced Broly to the Dragon Ball franchise, but with a major twist: the film was officially part of the Dragon Ball canon.

Written by Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama himself, Dragon Ball Super: Broly redefined Broly’s backstory, motivations, and connection to the main characters. Unlike the original non-canon portrayal, Broly in Dragon Ball Super: Broly is given a new, more tragic backstory, and his role in the Dragon Ball universe is more fleshed out.

Changes to Broly's Backstory

In the 2018 movie, Broly is reimagined as a Saiyan who was exiled from Planet Vegeta by King Vegeta, who feared Broly’s immense power. Unlike the original movie, where Broly’s rage was mainly triggered by Goku’s crying as a baby, this new version of Broly’s anger stems from his years of isolation and the loss of his father, Paragus. His backstory is more tragic, as he was raised in harsh conditions, far from the Saiyan army, which helped explain his uncontrollable rage.

Moreover, the film presents Broly not as a mindless villain, but as a character who is manipulated by his father, Paragus, and is ultimately just a pawn in a larger conflict. This gives Broly more depth as a character, and by the end of the movie, Goku, Vegeta, and Broly are able to form an uneasy alliance, which sets the stage for his future role in the Dragon Ball series.

Broly's Role in the Dragon Ball Super Continuity

The release of Dragon Ball Super: Broly officially made Broly a part of the Dragon Ball canon. This means that Broly’s story is now considered a valid part of the main timeline of the Dragon Ball universe. The film is recognized by the Dragon Ball Super manga and anime, which further solidifies Broly’s place in the continuity.

Broly’s canon status means that his character will likely play a role in future Dragon Ball projects, whether that be in future films, the ongoing manga, or potential future anime seasons. His introduction to the main timeline also opens the door for him to interact with other characters in meaningful ways. Fans are already speculating about Broly's future in the Dragon Ball universe, particularly in relation to Goku, Vegeta, and other powerful characters like Jiren and the Gods of Destruction.

What Does Broly’s Canon Status Mean for Fans?

Broly's transformation from a non-canon movie villain to a major player in the Dragon Ball universe is an exciting development for fans of the series. It means that the character, who was once relegated to the sidelines of Dragon Ball lore, is now a significant part of the official storyline. For fans who have long enjoyed Broly's character and power, this is a huge win, as it validates their love for the character.

Additionally, Broly’s inclusion in the canon allows for more possibilities in terms of storytelling. Will he continue to clash with Goku and Vegeta? Will he become an ally in future battles? There are many exciting questions about his future, and the fact that he is now canon gives fans hope that we’ll see more of him in upcoming Dragon Ball media.

Conclusion: Broly Is Canon, and the Future Looks Bright

Broly’s journey from a non-canon movie character to a mainstay of the Dragon Ball franchise has been nothing short of remarkable. Thanks to Dragon Ball Super: Broly, Broly has been officially added to the canon timeline, giving him a deeper, more meaningful role in the story moving forward. His tragic backstory and immense power make him a compelling character, and with his newfound status, there are endless possibilities for his future in the Dragon Ball universe.

For Dragon Ball fans, this is an exciting time, as it means Broly is now part of the official Dragon Ball lore and will likely have a prominent role in future stories. Whether as a formidable opponent or a powerful ally, Broly’s presence in the Dragon Ball universe is sure to leave a lasting impact on the saga.