Who Is the True Legendary Super Saiyan: Broly or Goku?
The Dragon Ball universe has introduced several powerful warriors, but among them, two stand out as the epitome of the Legendary Super Saiyan (LSSJ) power level - Broly and Goku. The debate over who holds the title of the true Legendary Super Saiyan has been a popular topic among fans for years. Let's dive into the details of these two characters and why one might argue whether Broly or Goku is the rightful holder of the title.
Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan
Broly, the clone of Frieza's own design, is widely recognized as the Legendary Super Saiyan in the Dragon Ball franchise. His immense power and raw strength surpass Goku and Vegeta's level, making him a formidable force. Broly's LSSJ transformation is a central part of his character and storyline, with fans often admiring his stoic, serious demeanor and wrathful aura. Although Broly faces many cowards in his journeys, his LSSJ status comes with a significant caveat.
Broly’s Transformations
Broly has appeared in non-canon films, such as Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan and Broly: Another Legendary Super Saiyan. However, these appearances might not be officially recognized by the canon of the Dragon Ball series. The most significant presentation of Broly as an LSSJ is in the main series Dragon Ball Super, which was actually written by Akira Toriyama. While the concept of Broly as a Legendary Super Saiyan is intriguing, it relies heavily on fan interpretation.
Goku: The Eternal Legendary Super Saiyan
In contrast, Goku, the protagonist of Dragon Ball, is considered the true Legendary Super Saiyan. He was the first to be dubbed as an LSSJ, following his fight against Frieza. Goku's first LSSJ transformation marked the beginning of the Legend, with Akira Toriyama introducing the concept in Dragon Ball. Even before that, the Saiyan Yamoshi transformed into LSSJ approximately 1,000,000 years before Goku's time. Thus, while Goku's legendary status is recognized in the canon, the term "Legendary Super Saiyan" has evolved to mean something different in broader discussions.
Broly in the Canon
Broly, as a non-canon character, was only theorized to be an LSSJ in the movie Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan. However, this status was later overturned by the official canon, which portrays Broly as an LSSJ in Dragon Ball Super. This storyline is pivotal, as it aligns with Akira Toriyama's narrative. Although Kale, a character from DBS, is also sometimes referred to as a Legendary Super Saiyan, her potential and status are more theoretical and less recognized in the official canon.
Theoretical Legendary Super Saiyan Universes
Broly and Kale both appear in universes where they are considered Legendary Super Saiyans. The Dragon Ball Super chapter explains that Universes 6 and 7 are two sides of the same coin, making it logical for both Broly and Kale to be LSSJ within their respective universes. This is further supported by the presence of Saiyan clones in both universes, suggesting they may have originated from the same era.
Real Legendary Super Saiyan
When it comes down to the ‘real’ Legendary Super Saiyan, many fans, including myself, argue that Goku is the true embodiment of the title. His LSSJ transformation, as documented by Akira Toriyama, marks the first recognized LSSJ in the Dragon Ball universe, making him the original and most iconic representation. The concept of the LSSJ has evolved over time, with the transformation becoming more commonplace, which is why Broly and Kale are sometimes referred to as LSSJ in fan circles, but not within the official canon.
The debate around Broly versus Goku as the true Legendary Super Saiyan is a testament to the rich lore and depth of the Dragon Ball series. Whether it's in the grand storytelling of Akira Toriyama or the passionate discussions among fans, the mystery and intrigue surrounding the title remain ever-present.