Bardock

Bardock served as a squad commander under the Frieza Force, leading his team on planet-conquering missions across the galaxy. Unlike most Saiyans, Bardock developed a sense of compassion, particularly toward his wife Gine and his youngest son Kakarot. When he learned that Frieza intended to destroy Planet Vegeta and exterminate the Saiyan race, Bardock took desperate action.

In the original TV special "Bardock: The Father of Goku," Bardock gained the ability to see the future after defeating the alien Kanassan warriors. These visions showed him the destruction of his planet and his son's eventual confrontation with Frieza. Despite his foreknowledge, Bardock could not convince his fellow Saiyans of the threat. He launched a solo assault on Frieza's ship, fighting through waves of soldiers before being consumed by the Supernova blast that also destroyed Planet Vegeta.

The Dragon Ball Super: Broly film and the Dragon Ball Minus manga chapter reimagined Bardock's final moments. In this version, Bardock and Gine sent baby Kakarot to Earth not as a conqueror, but to save his life. This retelling softened Bardock considerably, portraying him as a father who, in his final act, chose to protect his son rather than fight for vengeance.

In the Granolah the Survivor Saga of the Dragon Ball Super manga, new details emerged about Bardock's past. He was revealed to have spared the young Granolah and his mother during the Saiyan invasion of Planet Cereal, further establishing his gradual departure from typical Saiyan brutality.

As a low-class warrior, Bardock was not expected to be particularly powerful by Saiyan standards. However, he consistently exceeded expectations, with his power level rising significantly throughout his career. He was a skilled hand-to-hand combatant and possessed a natural tactical mind that made him an effective squad leader.

Bardock's signature technique is the Final Spirit Cannon, a concentrated energy blast fired from one hand. In various video games and spin-off media, he has been depicted achieving Super Saiyan and even Super Saiyan 3 transformations, though these are not part of the main continuity.

Bardock's legacy in the franchise extends beyond his combat abilities. He represents the tragedy of the Saiyan race, a people who were destroyed not by a stronger enemy in fair combat, but by the treachery of the very tyrant they served. His face, which is nearly identical to Goku's, serves as a visual reminder that the hero of Earth descended from a warrior who tried and failed to save his own world.