In the expansive universe of Dragon Ball, the portrayal of certain characters has significantly evolved beyond the original 42 volumes. Among them, Bardock, Goku’s father, stands out as a particularly controversial figure. Originally depicted as a ruthless warrior, recent adaptations have diluted his fierce persona, igniting debate among fans.
Bardock: The Ultimate Saiyan Warrior
Bardock first appeared in the Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku TV special, which details his journey from the loss of his comrades to his final showdown with Frieza. The impact of this special was so profound that creator Akira Toriyama decided to include Bardock in the manga during the pivotal Goku vs. Frieza confrontation. Later, in the OVA Dragon Ball: Episode of Bardock, he was even established as the first Super Saiyan in history.
Bardock’s popularity among fans stems from his embodiment of the quintessential Saiyan: a merciless warrior known for his planet-destroying abilities. His treatment of Goku, whom he deems weak, reveals his complex character—he is far from a good person, yet remains charismatic, proud, and loyal to his allies. His tragic story, that of a slave who loses everything while seeking freedom, resonates powerfully, although recent adaptations have altered this narrative.
The New Bardock: A Shift in Characterization
In 2014, Toriyama revamped Bardock’s origin and character traits in Jaco the Galactic Patrol. In this iteration, Bardock is depicted as a caring father who, prompted by an intuition, sends Goku to Earth. While the overarching plot retains similarities to the TV special, the character himself has transformed significantly.
Toriyama stripped Bardock of his former ferocity, infusing him with more human characteristics: he shows doubt, love for his son, and even smiles. While this shift isn’t inherently negative, it risks reducing Bardock to a standard narrative, reminiscent of superhero tropes. The recent Granola arc attempts to restore some of his original savagery, but even here, compassion and mercy surface when he reverts to his human form. This alteration fundamentally changes Goku’s character arc; his kindness, previously attributed to his own experiences, is now suggested to stem from his father’s influence. Additionally, the removal of Bardock’s signature bandana feels like a significant misstep for longtime fans.
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