Dragon Ball: Is Bardock Overrated?

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Dragon Ball: Is Bardock Overrated?

Highlights

  • Bardock’s rise in popularity can be attributed to his role as the father of Son Goku, as well as his rebellious nature against Freeza.
  • Despite his significance in the Dragon Ball universe, Bardock’s character may be considered overrated due to overexposure and intense focus on his relation to Goku.
  • While Bardock’s rebellion against Freeza was impactful, his character may have become too prevalent, leading to debates on whether he is truly underrated or overrated.

As a long-time fan of Dragon Ball, I’ve seen my fair share of debates about characters’ worthiness and popularity. Bardock, the father of our beloved Son Goku, is a character who has had quite an interesting journey from a lower-class Saiyan warrior to a rebellious hero.

In a TV special for Dragon Ball, Bardock was introduced and became a significant character due to the special’s popularity. The story of Son Goku, games, and even more so his own second special where Bardock transformed into a Super Saiyan in the past are all tied to him. Alongside the TV special and the Dragon Ball Minus manga special, Bardock has become a beloved character, often favored over Grandpa Gohan, the original father figure. However, there’s a question that arises about Bardock, one that may spark controversy based on his actions within Dragon Ball.

Is Bardock more highly regarded than he should be, or is he actually underappreciated as a character? Did he play a significant role in the story primarily because he is Goku’s Saiyan father, or is he given too much credit for his contributions, considering that he didn’t have a major impact on the events of the series overall?

What Exactly Did Bardock Do?

And Did It Matter?

Many individuals might contend that Bardock isn’t excessively praised, yet a crucial aspect to consider is his actions. Initially portrayed as a lower-class Saiyan warrior, not dissimilar from the dominant species they were known for, Bardock stood out in an intriguing manner. Despite being Son Goku’s father, what made him captivating was his unique act of rebellion against Freeza – a feat unparalleled among other Saiyans. Although Bardock barely inflicted any harm on Freeza, the resistance he put up left an indelible mark in Freeza’s memory for the rest of his life.

In essence, Bardock took drastic actions, driven by his desire to uphold Saiyan honor and faith in the prophecy that his lower-class son would vanquish Freeza. This rebellion, unwittingly, solidified Freeza’s resolve to annihilate the Saiyans, due to a subconscious dread of a Super Saiyan emerging among them. In the end, Bardock struggled and ultimately failed in convincing his fellow Saiyans of their impending doom at Freeza’s hands, but it made no difference. Alone, he valiantly fought through Freeza’s troops to confront the tyrant. Despite this, Bardock’s legacy has been utilized extensively, from video games, marketing, and even new transformations. However, one might question whether this widespread use is significant or merely a testament to his immense popularity.

Bardock’s Conclusion

And The Answer

Dragon Ball: Is Bardock Overrated?

It’s undeniable that the Saiyan warrior Bardock has seen a significant surge in popularity following his debut in the TV Special. Yet, one might argue that he is excessively admired – here are some possible reasons why this might be the case:

  • Overexposure Over The Years
  • Intense Focus On His Relation To Goku
  • Too Many Roles Despite His Death
  • Resurgence with a Super Saiyan Transformation

Although these factors don’t completely change Bardock’s persona, they do suggest that he might have been more popular than ideal, potentially due to his strong resemblance and relatable aspects for many fans. His tenacity, tough demeanor, and contributions to various Dragon Ball projects have made Bardock a beloved character among fans, surpassing other series characters in popularity. Interestingly, Bardock isn’t renowned for being stronger than his descendants or the younger Saiyans. So, is it accurate to say that his character is overrated? Or does he deserve the title of underrated?

In essence, Bardock has gained a level of popularity among fans that makes it challenging to omit him from future Dragon Ball projects, leading some to view him as overrated. This is primarily due to his extensive presence within the series, which can overshadow other aspects and potentially diminish the impact of his rebellion, despite being a significant event in the franchise. However, it’s important to note that Bardock remains a fan favorite for valid reasons, making it unfortunate that he may appear overvalued due to his prevalence.

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2024-08-07 22:03