Bardock, Goku’s father, has undergone major changes since his first appearance in theDragon Ballfranchise was inDragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku. Originally portrayed as a hardened warrior doomed by his Saiyan pride, Bardock’s characterization shifted significantly whenDragon Ball Super: Brolyintroduced a gentler, more introspective version. This rework surprised longtime fans, especially since Bardock’s original depiction was highly praised for adding depth to Goku’s lineage.
Despite the dramatic shift, Bardock’s redesign was not arbitrary. While Akira Toriyama had previously acknowledged the original Bardock, the decision to reshape his character stemmed from a deeper creative intent, according to@Venixyson X. By looking closely at the changes, it is possible to see how Toriyama’s vision evolved and why this new Bardock fits better intoDragon Ball’sever-expanding mythology.
Q: Why did Toriyama create another Bardock? He’s different from the one you designed, but he still canonized your design in a panel of the original manga…
A: Toriyama-sensei acknowledged Bardock in the original manga, and I remember we were all very happy in the studio. I can’t explain why he was later reworked, but even today, I feel very honored that Toriyama-sensei integrated the characters we created into his original work.
Toriyama’s Take on Bardock
How and Why Toriyama Changed the Fan-Favorite Character
Toriyama’s involvement with Bardock was initially minimal. The original version of the character was created forBardock – The Father of Goku, a TV special that was not part of Toriyama’s original manga. However,he liked the design enough to briefly include Bardock in a panel of the manga, making him semi-canon. Despite this, Toriyama later reworked Bardock entirely forDragon Ball Super: Broly, shifting away from the cold-blooded warrior to someone more protective and caring toward Goku.
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This change was not just aesthetic, because it showed a shift inDragon Ball’sstorytelling.The newer Bardock aligns more closely withDragon Ball Super’sthemes of family and destiny.Instead of a vengeful fighter challenging fate, he is portrayed as a father who actively chooses to save his son, reinforcing Goku’s heroic origins.
Why the Change Matters
Bardock’s original incarnation was praised for showing a Saiyan capable of independent thought, but his tragic story placed him firmly in the past. His new version, however, creates a more direct emotional link between Goku and his origins,making Bardock a more significant figure in the series. This reworked version also fits better withDragon Ball’sevolving lore, where family bonds are increasingly emphasized.
Additionally, the change shows Toriyama’s evolving creative plans. His preference for lighter, more heartfelt stories contrasts with the grittierZ-era narratives. Thenew Bardock gives Goku a backstory that highlights compassion rather than pure Saiyan brutality. While some fans still prefer the original, Toriyama’s version cements Bardock’s place inDragon Ballhistory in a way that aligns with the franchise’s current direction.
Source:@Venixys/X
Dragon Ball
From the creative mind of Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball is a mega multimedia franchise that spans back to the 1980s. Dragon Ball expanded quickly, starting as a serialized manga for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan. It made its way overseas via manga and an anime adaptation that is enjoyed worldwide. Dragon Ball was the initial starting animated series that followed the adventures of the young Son Goku as he sought after the Dragon Balls. These mystical orbs would grant the wish of any who gathered them together. Then, the series would branch off into the immensely popular Dragon Ball Z, which followed Goku as an adult and featured high-intensity battles and Goku’s never-ending search to be the strongest. The series has also enjoyed several popular video game adaptations and continues to release several new animated series and theatrical films up to the recent popular Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
