Broly, the Legendary Super Saiyan, has appeared in five canonical and non-canonical Dragon Ball movies. These appearances have solidified his status as one of the franchise’s most formidable and popular villains, undergoing significant reinvention over the years.
Broly’s Cinematic Journey: From Rampaging Villain to Tragic Figure
Broly’s story in the Dragon Ball universe is far from simple. His origins, motivations, and even his power levels have been subject to change and reinterpretation. This section dives into the specifics of each film he appears in, highlighting his role and impact on the storyline.
The Original Trilogy: The Non-Canonical Broly
The initial appearances of Broly are considered non-canonical, meaning they are not part of the main Dragon Ball storyline as envisioned by series creator Akira Toriyama at the time of their release. These movies, while popular, exist in a separate continuity.
-
Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993): This is where it all began. Broly is introduced as a rampaging Saiyan fueled by a deep-seated hatred for Goku stemming from their shared incubators as infants. His immense power dwarfs that of Goku and the Z Fighters, presenting a seemingly insurmountable challenge.
-
Broly – Second Coming (1994): Despite his apparent defeat in the first film, Broly returns, crash-landing on Earth and being frozen in ice. He later awakens and terrorizes Goten, Trunks, and Gohan. This film solidified his reputation as an unstoppable force of nature.
-
Bio-Broly (1994): Arguably the weakest entry in the Broly filmography, this movie features a clone of Broly created through bio-technology. While visually similar, Bio-Broly lacks the character depth and impact of his predecessor.
Canon Reinvention: Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)
The game changed in 2018 with the release of Dragon Ball Super: Broly. This film marked the canonical debut of Broly, re-imagined by Akira Toriyama himself. He is no longer driven by infantile hatred, but rather is a victim of circumstance, manipulated by his father and used as a weapon by Frieza. This version presents a more sympathetic and complex character, exploring his untapped potential and tragic past.
A Glimpse in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022)
While not a starring role, Broly makes a brief appearance in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. He is shown training with Goku and Vegeta on Beerus’s planet, further solidifying his place within the current Dragon Ball canon and hinting at his continued development as a character. This is his fifth and, to date, most recent appearance in a Dragon Ball movie.
Broly’s Power and Impact on Dragon Ball
Broly’s sheer power has always been a defining characteristic. However, the nature of that power and its impact on the Dragon Ball narrative have evolved significantly.
The Legendary Super Saiyan’s Untamed Fury
In the non-canonical films, Broly’s power is seemingly limitless and fueled by uncontrolled rage. He effortlessly defeats Goku and the Z Fighters, requiring extraordinary efforts and sometimes questionable plot devices to be stopped. This portrayal emphasizes his raw strength and destructive potential.
A Controlled Powerhouse in Dragon Ball Super
The canonical Broly, while still incredibly powerful, is presented as having a potential for control and growth. He possesses a raw, untamed power that rivals even Goku and Vegeta in their Super Saiyan Blue forms. However, he also displays the capacity to learn and adapt, hinting at even greater heights he could reach with proper training. His appearance in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero further demonstrates his progress towards mastering his immense strength.
Frequently Asked Questions About Broly
Here are some frequently asked questions about Broly, addressing common inquiries and providing further clarification on various aspects of his character and appearances.
1. Is the original Broly canon?
No, the Broly from the movies Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan, Broly – Second Coming, and Bio-Broly is not considered canon to the main Dragon Ball storyline. These movies exist in their own separate continuity.
2. What makes the Dragon Ball Super: Broly version different?
The Dragon Ball Super: Broly version is a complete reimagining of the character created by Akira Toriyama himself. This version has a different backstory, motivations, and overall character arc, making him a vastly more complex and sympathetic figure.
3. How strong is Broly compared to Goku and Vegeta?
Both versions of Broly are incredibly powerful. In the original movies, he’s often depicted as virtually unstoppable. In Dragon Ball Super: Broly, he pushes Goku and Vegeta to their limits, requiring them to fuse into Gogeta to defeat him. He currently appears to still be below Goku and Vegeta based on his training.
4. Why does Broly hate Goku in the original movie?
In Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan, Broly’s hatred for Goku stems from their shared incubators as infants. Goku’s crying apparently disturbed Broly, leaving him with a deep-seated resentment that manifested later in life.
5. What is Broly’s power level?
Officially, power levels are no longer a reliable metric in Dragon Ball Super. However, it’s safe to say that Broly’s power is immense, rivaling and even surpassing that of Super Saiyan Blue Goku and Vegeta. He represents a significant threat and a considerable challenge for the Z Fighters.
6. Will Broly appear in future Dragon Ball media?
Given his popularity and his canonical status following Dragon Ball Super: Broly, it’s highly likely that Broly will return in future Dragon Ball projects, whether in new movies, the anime series, or other forms of media. His continued training with Goku and Vegeta suggests a larger role in future events.
7. What is Broly’s relationship with his father, Paragus?
Paragus has a complicated and abusive relationship with Broly. He controls Broly using a mind-control device and uses him as a tool for revenge against King Vegeta. While he claims to love Broly, his actions are ultimately selfish and manipulative.
8. What’s the difference between LSSJ and regular Super Saiyan?
LSSJ (Legendary Super Saiyan) is a unique transformation believed to be exclusive to Broly (in the original continuity). It grants him an immense power boost and a hulking physique. While both forms are visually distinct, the Dragon Ball Super iteration simplifies this distinction, treating Broly’s transformation as a unique manifestation of Saiyan power rather than a distinct transformation separate from Super Saiyan.
9. How did Broly survive the events of Broly – Second Coming?
In Broly – Second Coming, Broly survives his apparent defeat by being frozen in ice. The extreme cold preserved him until he was awakened by Goten’s crying.
10. Is Broly evil?
While the original Broly is portrayed as a ruthless and destructive villain, the Dragon Ball Super version is more of a tragic figure. He is manipulated and controlled by his father and Frieza, and his actions are largely driven by fear and survival. He possesses good intentions but struggles to control his immense power.
11. Can Broly control his power?
In the original movies, Broly has little to no control over his power. However, the Dragon Ball Super version is learning to control his power through training with Goku and Vegeta. He still has a long way to go, but he is making progress.
12. What potential does Broly have for future growth?
The canonical Broly has tremendous potential for future growth. His raw power and untapped potential, combined with the guidance of Goku and Vegeta, suggest that he could become one of the strongest fighters in the Dragon Ball universe. He could potentially achieve new forms and surpass even the strongest Super Saiyans.