Summary
- Broly's character has evolved in Dragon Ball Super, showing more depth and friendliness compared to his original monstrous portrayal.
- Super Broly is more canon-friendly, with a backstory similar to the original but showcasing a gentler yet powerful temperament.
- Both Broly and Super Broly share a love for battle, but the latter showcases growth and friendship with Goku in Dragon Ball Super.
Broly in the Dragon Ball series has gone through a number of changes over the years, to the point that he is almost a different character now in Dragon Ball Super compared to his portrayal in the Dragon Ball Z movies.
While both versions have a similar backstory and immense power, in practice, the characters function completely differently in the narrative. These differences have divided some fans. Some prefer the classic Broly portrayal as a monstrous saiyan who only lives for battle and revenge, while others appreciate Super Broly more for the extra depth in his character. This article will examine how the two characters differ in the world of Dragon Ball.
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Broly the Legendary Super Saiyan
Fulfilling the Ancient Lore
During the lead up to the introduction of the super saiyan transformation in the Dragon Ball Z series, we are told much about it before it is finally shown.
"I, Vegeta, have finally realized the legend, the legend that you fear... That's right Frieza, you're not dealing with the average Saiyan warrior anymore! I have finally become the legendary Super Saiyan!" -Vegeta.
Vegeta explains a legend that among his people, a powerful warrior will emerge whose power is so oppressive that no one can defeat him. Originally, Vegeta believes this warrior to be him in the future, and struggles after Goku becomes the first one to achieve the super saiyan form. To Vegeta, a super saiyan is supposed to use his abilities to claim power, which calls into question whether the legend had actually come to pass.
“No... The Super Saiyans of legend were an invincible warrior race! I am their son, and at long last, I have risen to claim my birthright. I have stepped into the ranks of greatness.” -Vegeta.
This idea is further explored with the character of Broly, who first appeared in the 1993 movie Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan. The movie attempted to answer the question of what if a super saiyan acted with the unstoppable monstrous power that was described in the original legend. The result was Broly, a character who took the combined might of all the Z fighters to defeat. Broly didn’t rely on technique or skill to defeat his opponents; instead, he utilized his legendary super saiyan transformation to shrug off everything that was thrown at him effortlessly.
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Making Broly Canon
How Broly Has Changed in Super
The original Z Broly became an extremely popular Dragon Ball character, and more movies were made about him. However, one problem with these movies is that they didn’t fit neatly into the main continuity of the anime series. This essentially made one of Dragon Ball’s most iconic characters non-canon, a fact that would be remedied in later years.
Broly finally got his canon debut in the Dragon Ball Super series with the 2018 film Dragon Ball Super: Broly. Although much of the backstory remains similar to his original incarnation, this new Broly is less self-assured and worries about losing control of his powers. Broly is also shown making friends and speaking more than before. Super Broly has more going on with his character than Dragon Ball Z Broly, who essentially just existed as a threat for the Z fighters to vanquish in his original introduction.
While they have many differences, Broly and Super Broly both share their affinity for battle. Super Broly can continually improve and overcome Vegeta in their initial meeting, even after Vegeta starts transforming. Super Broly eventually achieves a super saiyan transformation of his own. However, unlike Broly’s non-canon movies, where he is killed by the combined might of Goku and the Z fighters, Super Broly makes friends with Goku by the end, promising to fight against him again.
“I was so sure my strength was getting close to its peak. But then, this guy showed up and was so much stronger than me. And he's a Saiyan, just like I am. He's probably even stronger than Beerus.” -Goku speaking about Broly.
Overall, the difference between Broly and Super Broly has more to do with their personalities than details of their backstories. Super Broly has a naturally gentle and kind temperament that can get out of control with his power, whereas Dragon Ball Z Broly has a psychotic dual nature that embraces being a monster when pushed to his limits.
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