Dragon Ball Z Cosplay Creates The Perfect Bardock

While Bardock has long been deceased in the Dragon Ball franchise, the Dragon Ball Super manga recently brought him back into the spotlight. In the Granolah The Survivor Arc, readers were transported to the past to witness how Goku's father played a pivotal role in saving the life of the future bounty hunter while battling against the Heeters. Although it seems unlikely that the franchise will officially resurrect Bardock in the future, it hasn't deterred cosplayers from incorporating Goku's father into their portrayals.

In the main canon of the Dragon Ball series, Bardock was never depicted as achieving Super Saiyan status. However, in certain parts of the franchise's lore, this was not the case. Dragon Ball: Episode of Bardock, an animated special, presented an alternate scenario where Frieza's energy ball, which destroyed Planet Vegeta, instead sent Bardock back in time. This allowed Bardock, a member of Frieza's lineage, to transform into a Super Saiyan during a fierce battle. The spin-off anime series, Super Dragon Ball Heroes, took it even further by showcasing Goku's father attaining Super Saiyan 3 in a clash against the demon lord Demigra.

Bardock Returns

In the Granolah The Survivor Arc, fans of the manga were treated to a fresh portrayal of Bardock, revealing a newfound desire to safeguard Granolah from impending doom as Goku's father. In a poignant flashback, Bardock expressed how the births of Goku and Raditz had transformed him, instilling a protective instinct towards the Cerealian Race and their plight against the Heeters. Bardock's impactful presence played a significant role in the Granolah Arc, ultimately contributing to Goku's mastery of an elevated form of his Ultra Instinct technique.

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Regrettably, Dragon Ball fans have been met with silence on the anime front, as Dragon Ball Super has not made any official announcements regarding a new anime series or movie in production. With both the Moro and Granolah Arcs yet to be adapted for the small screen, there is a wealth of material awaiting translation. However, enthusiasts can find solace in Bardock's involvement in the Tournament of Space and Time within Super Dragon Ball Heroes, where he has showcased his impressive strength and growth in the spin-off series.