There are three Dragon Ball movies that feature Broly as a central character. These movies showcase varying iterations of the character, from the original Legendary Super Saiyan to his modern, revamped version introduced in Dragon Ball Super: Broly.
The Broly Saga: A Dive into Legendary Power
Broly, with his immense power and tragic backstory, has become one of the most popular and recognizable characters in the entire Dragon Ball franchise, despite not being part of the original manga storyline. His initial appearances were in non-canon theatrical releases, cementing his status as a formidable foe for Goku and the Z Fighters. The character’s evolution culminated in a canonized and reimagined form in the Dragon Ball Super era, further solidifying his place in Dragon Ball lore. Let’s dissect each film in detail.
Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993)
This is the film that introduced the world to Broly, the Legendary Super Saiyan. The movie follows Paragus, Broly’s father, as he attempts to use his son’s uncontrollable power to exact revenge on Vegeta. Broly, controlled by a special device, is initially presented as a docile figure, but his suppressed rage eventually explodes, unleashing his devastating power. Goku and the Z Fighters are forced to confront this seemingly unstoppable force.
Broly: Second Coming (1994)
Picking up where the first film left off (in a way), Broly: Second Coming sees Broly’s near-death experience on Planet New Vegeta leading to him crash-landing on Earth. Frozen in ice for seven years, he awakens when Goten’s cries stir memories of Goku. He then goes on a rampage, facing off against Goten, Trunks, and Gohan. This film lacks the depth of the first but provides another opportunity to witness Broly’s sheer power.
Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)
This film is a significant departure from the previous iterations. Dragon Ball Super: Broly retcons Broly’s backstory, bringing him into the Dragon Ball Super canon. He is now portrayed as a Saiyan with immense potential, exiled by King Vegeta due to fear of his power. The film re-establishes Broly’s relationship with his father, Paragus, but presents it in a more nuanced and tragic light. Goku and Vegeta are forced to fuse into Super Saiyan Blue Gogeta to defeat Broly, showcasing a battle of unparalleled scale and intensity. The film ends with Broly under the care of Whis, hinting at a potentially brighter future for the character. This modern Broly is far more complex and sympathetic than his previous incarnations.
Unpacking the Broly Mythos: Frequently Asked Questions
To further clarify Broly’s role in the Dragon Ball universe and address common queries, here are some frequently asked questions:
FAQ 1: Are the original Broly movies canon?
No, the first two Broly movies, Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan and Broly: Second Coming, are considered non-canon, or alternate universe stories. They are not part of the main Dragon Ball timeline established by Akira Toriyama’s manga and the Dragon Ball Super anime series.
FAQ 2: What makes the Dragon Ball Super: Broly movie different?
The Dragon Ball Super: Broly film is canon, meaning it is an official part of the Dragon Ball storyline approved by Akira Toriyama. It reinterprets Broly’s character, his history, and his motivations, placing him within the current Dragon Ball continuity.
FAQ 3: Is the Broly from the first two movies the same as the one in Dragon Ball Super: Broly?
No, they are different versions of the same character. While both share the name Broly and immense power, their origins, personalities, and relationships differ significantly. The Dragon Ball Super Broly is a reimagining, not a continuation of the original non-canon version.
FAQ 4: How powerful is Broly in Dragon Ball Super: Broly compared to the original movies?
It’s difficult to directly compare power levels across non-canon and canon universes. However, the Dragon Ball Super Broly is arguably more powerful. He is capable of pushing Goku and Vegeta to their limits, even forcing them to fuse into Super Saiyan Blue Gogeta. This level of power is consistent with the power scaling established in Dragon Ball Super.
FAQ 5: Will Broly appear in future Dragon Ball Super installments?
This is highly likely, given his immense popularity and the film’s ending, which sees Broly training with Whis. The Dragon Ball Super series and subsequent films have left the door open for Broly’s return, potentially as an ally or a continuing rival to Goku and Vegeta. His development as a character and his relationship with others could be explored further.
FAQ 6: What is Broly’s Saiyan lineage in the Dragon Ball Super movie?
In Dragon Ball Super: Broly, Broly is a Saiyan warrior from Planet Vegeta. His extraordinary power led King Vegeta to fear him and banish him to the remote Planet Vampa. This backstory is a key element of his tragic narrative in the canon universe.
FAQ 7: Why is Paragus so important to Broly’s story?
Paragus is Broly’s father, and his influence is crucial to understanding Broly’s actions in both the non-canon and canon versions. In the original movies, Paragus uses Broly’s power for his own revenge plot. In Dragon Ball Super: Broly, their relationship is more complex, with Paragus driven by a desire to protect and control his son, ultimately leading to their downfall.
FAQ 8: What are some of Broly’s most iconic moves and attacks?
Broly is known for his brute strength and devastating energy attacks. Some of his signature moves include the Eraser Cannon, Gigantic Meteor, and Gigantic Roar. His transformations, particularly his Legendary Super Saiyan form, are also instantly recognizable. In Dragon Ball Super: Broly, he demonstrates even more refined control over his energy and fighting techniques.
FAQ 9: Where can I watch the Dragon Ball Broly movies?
The Dragon Ball Broly movies are available on various streaming platforms and for purchase on Blu-ray and digital download. Popular options include Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Google Play Movies & TV. Availability may vary depending on your region.
FAQ 10: What’s the correct order to watch the Dragon Ball Broly movies?
For chronological viewing, watch them in this order: Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993), Broly: Second Coming (1994), and then Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018). Keep in mind that the first two are not part of the canon storyline.
FAQ 11: How does Broly compare to other powerful Dragon Ball villains like Frieza and Cell?
Broly’s power is often considered to be on par with, or even surpassing, characters like Frieza and Cell, especially in his Legendary Super Saiyan form. His raw power and seemingly limitless energy make him a formidable opponent. In Dragon Ball Super, his power is explicitly stated to be comparable to that of a God of Destruction, making him one of the strongest antagonists ever faced by Goku and Vegeta.
FAQ 12: What impact has Broly had on the Dragon Ball franchise?
Broly’s impact on the Dragon Ball franchise is undeniable. He has become one of the most popular and iconic characters, despite his initial non-canon status. His inclusion in Dragon Ball Super has solidified his place in the official storyline and opened up new possibilities for his character development and role in future arcs. His immense power and tragic backstory have resonated with fans, ensuring his continued popularity and influence within the Dragon Ball universe.