Bardock

Overview

Bardock is a character from the Dragon Ball media franchise created by Akira Toriyama. He is a low-class Saiyan warrior who is the father of the series' main protagonist Son Goku (Kakarot) and Raditz, making him the grandfather of Son Gohan and Son Goten. Despite his low-ranking background, his vast battlefield experience and incredible resilience lead him to stand alone against the tyrant Frieza in a desperate fight to defy the annihilation of his race.

Appearance

Bardock bears a striking resemblance to his son Son Goku in both physical build and spiky black hair, though he is distinguished by a scar on his left cheek and sharper eyes. He retains a flexible monkey tail wrapped around his waist. His upper armor is a green-and-black Saiyan combat jacket featuring a modified shoulder-strap design without shoulder guards, paired with wristbands, hand coverings, and leg guards. Tied around his forehead is a crimson headband—originally a white armband stained red with his fallen comrade Toma's blood. In various alternate installments and games, he is depicted with blonde hair when transformed into a Super Saiyan or wearing a specialized mask.

Personality

Bardock possesses a rough, fierce, and battle-hardened demeanor typical of the war-loving Saiyan race. Initially, he shows little attachment to those deemed weak, even expressing frustration over his youngest son's low power level. However, he harbors a strong sense of camaraderie toward his squad members and values their bond deeply. Intelligent and tactical under pressure, he can read situations quickly and exhibits an unyielding resolve when confronting overwhelming odds.

Abilities

Despite his status as a low-class warrior, Bardock's countless survivals from near-fatal battles boosted his power level to around 10,000, putting him on par with high-ranking Saiyan elites. He is capable of wiping out entire squads of enemy soldiers with swift physical strikes and immense ki blasts. After being struck by a Kanassan warrior's technique, he gained the ability of foresight, allowing him to perceive future events in visions. His energy attacks include powerful ki spheres and rush combinations such as the Final Spirit Cannon (Riot Javelin) and the Spirit of Saiyan. In certain media, he is also capable of transforming into a Super Saiyan.

Background

While conquering Planet Kanassa with his crew, Bardock receives a precognitive ability from a surviving native, granting him glimpses of the impending destruction of Planet Vegeta. After finding his squad wiped out on Planet Meat by Frieza's forces, he dons his comrade's bloodied fabric as a headband and vows to fight back. Finding no support among his fellow Saiyans who dismiss his warnings, Bardock flies solo into space to confront Frieza's fleet. Facing the tyrant directly, he hurls a full-power energy sphere, only to be swallowed by Frieza's massive attack. Before perishing alongside his homeworld, he foresees his son Goku growing up to face Frieza, dying with a peaceful smile. Alternate storylines feature him traveling back in time to found the Super Saiyan legend or being dragged into outer-temporal events.

Relationships

Bardock is the husband of Gine and the father of Raditz and Son Goku (Kakarot). Though initially distant toward Goku due to his low power, Bardock ultimately entrusts his final wish and Saiyan pride to his youngest son before his death. He shares a profound bond of loyalty with his battle squad—Toma, Serypa, Panbukin, and Toteppo. He regards Frieza and his henchman Dodoria as bitter enemies following their betrayal and the murder of his closest companions.

Trivia

Bardock's name is derived from the English word for the vegetable burdock. Originally created for an animated television special, his tragic story and design impressed series creator Akira Toriyama so much that he was directly integrated into two panels of the original manga. Numerous video games feature alternate 'what-if' scenarios where he interacts with his sons and his grandsons Gohan and Goten.