If Bardock Turned SSJ, Could He Beat Frieza?

In the captivating world of Dragon Ball, one fan-favorite theory has long circulated: what if Bardock had achieved the Super Saiyan SSJ (Super Saiyan Super Saiyan) status during his legendary confrontation against Frieza? This article explores the potential outcome of such an encounter, considering key factors such as power levels, Frieza's forms, and plot context. Additionally, we'll delve into how intense emotions and motivations could influence the outcome.

Power Levels and Transformations

Considering the Dragon Ball lore, Bardock is depicted as a formidable warrior. However, his base power level is not as high as Frieza's during their first encounter. For instance, in Bardock's initial power level, he would be around 10,000. The initial Super Saiyan (SSJ) transformation provides a 5 power boost. Therefore, Bardock, as a Super Saiyan, would likely have a power level of 500,000. This is still quite a significant improvement from his base level and could make him a formidable opponent for Frieza.

However, Frieza has undergone various transformations, with each one increasing his strength exponentially. His first form, at least in non-canonical accounts, has a power level around 530,000. Even despite the 30,000 power level difference, Frieza's transformations and his overall strength would put him at an immense advantage. The gap between Bardock and Frieza's power levels would likely mean that Bardock would struggle to hold his own, especially once Frieza enters his final form.

Frieza's Forms and Their Implications

Frieza's progressive transformations make him a terrifyingly formidable opponent. Starting from his first form, Frieza's power levels increase significantly with each transformation. The gap between Bardock as a Super Saiyan (500,000) and Frieza in his first form (530,000) is not negligible. Moreover, Frieza's final form is often depicted as far beyond this, leading to a substantial power disparity.

In his final form, Frieza's power is unmeasurable, meaning his power level is virtually infinite. This makes it extremely unlikely that Bardock, even in his enhanced SSJ status, could withstand Frieza's ultimate form. Despite a significant power increase, Bardock would still face immense challenges even in Frieza's first form.

Plot Context and Fan Theories

The Dragon Ball storyline is rife with fan theories and alternate storylines. One such theory postulates that if Bardock had achieved the SSJ form during his battle with Frieza, the outcome could have been very different. Fan works and alternate storylines frequently explore this scenario, showing Bardock holding his own and even potentially turning the tide of battle. These narratives often rely on the idea that intense emotions and motivations can fuel the Super Saiyan transformation, potentially giving Bardock the boost he needs to compete with Frieza.

Specifically, Bardock's motivation to protect his people and reclaim his honor could have catalyzed such a transformation. Witnessing the destruction of Planet Vegeta, coupled with his desire for revenge, could indeed have pushed him to reach his peak power level. However, even with these enhancements, the significant disparity in power levels would likely mean that Frieza would still emerge victorious.

Conclusion: The Likelihood of Overcoming Frieza

Considering all the factors, including Bardock's power levels, Frieza's transformations, and the narrative themes of Saiyan transformations and their power boosts, Bardock's chances of defeating Frieza in the Super Saiyan SSJ form are slim. While his transformation would certainly provide a significant boost, the gap in power levels would remain too vast to overcome. Frieza's numerous transformations and ultimate form would likely ensure his victory over Bardock, even in his enhanced state.

Despite the substantial increase in power, the ultimate outcome would be heavily dependent on the specific circumstances and the narrative direction. In a fan-favorite alteration where Bardock remains committed to his cause and faces Frieza without the added elements, the battle would likely remain a formidable challenge for Bardock. Therefore, while Bardock could shock Frieza with his power boost, the sheer disparity in their power levels would likely determine the ultimate victor.