Turles In Dragon Ball Z: Canon Or Not?
Hey Dragon Ball fans! Let's dive into a question that's been debated for ages: Is Turles canon in Dragon Ball Z? For those who might not know, Turles is a Saiyan who looks remarkably like Goku and is the main antagonist of the Dragon Ball Z movie, The Tree of Might. This movie throws Turles into the mix, presenting him as a rogue Saiyan who plants the Tree of Might to drain a planet's energy and consume its fruit to gain immense power. Now, whether he fits into the official Dragon Ball storyline is a bit of a complicated issue.
What Does 'Canon' Actually Mean?
Before we get too deep, let's define what we mean by "canon." In the world of fiction, canon refers to the officially accepted storyline. Think of it as the core narrative that the original creator and the main series adhere to. Anything outside of this, like spin-offs, some movies, and non-original material, is generally considered non-canon. For Dragon Ball, the primary canon source is Akira Toriyama's original manga series and the anime adaptations that closely follow it, such as Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball Super. So, if something doesn't appear or isn't referenced in these core works, it's usually deemed non-canon.
Why Turles Is Likely Not Canon
Here’s the deal: Turles never appears or is mentioned in the original manga or the main anime series (Dragon Ball Z). The Tree of Might movie, while popular, was a standalone story. This is a big reason why most fans consider Turles to be a non-canon character. The movies often introduce characters and storylines that don't align with the established narrative of the manga. For example, characters like Broly (before his reintroduction in Dragon Ball Super: Broly) and Janemba were also considered non-canon for similar reasons.
Furthermore, Turles' backstory and his methods don't quite fit with the established Saiyan lore in the main series. While Saiyans were known for conquering planets, Turles' approach with the Tree of Might felt more like a plot device specific to the movie rather than a common Saiyan practice. Plus, the power levels and transformations in the movies often deviate from the consistent scaling in the main series, adding to the separation.
Arguments for Turles Being Soft Canon
Now, some fans argue that certain elements from the movies could be considered soft canon, meaning they don't directly contradict the main storyline and could potentially fit in. For instance, the idea of Saiyans surviving the destruction of Planet Vegeta and forming small groups could align with the broader universe. However, this doesn't automatically make Turles canon. It just means some aspects of his story aren't entirely impossible within the Dragon Ball universe.
Additionally, there's the argument that Akira Toriyama was involved in the creation of the movies to some extent. While he might have provided character designs or broad story ideas, his direct involvement in writing the movie scripts was limited. This is different from his central role in creating the manga and Dragon Ball Super, where he had much more creative control. So, while there's a connection to the original creator, it's not strong enough to definitively declare Turles as canon.
Turles' Impact and Popularity
Despite his likely non-canon status, Turles has made a significant impact on the Dragon Ball fandom. His resemblance to Goku, but with a darker, more ruthless personality, makes him a compelling villain. He's a what-if scenario: What if Goku never hit his head as a child and retained his Saiyan programming? This makes Turles an intriguing character to explore.
Turles has also appeared in numerous Dragon Ball video games, such as Dragon Ball Xenoverse and Dragon Ball Heroes, which keeps him relevant and popular among fans. These appearances, while fun, don't change his canon status, but they do show how much the character resonates with the community. It's always cool to see different takes on beloved characters, even if they're not part of the main story. For many fans, Turles is a reminder of the imaginative possibilities within the Dragon Ball universe, canon or not.
Exploring the Nuances of Dragon Ball Canon
Hey guys, let's delve deeper into the fascinating world of Dragon Ball canon. It's a topic that sparks endless debates among fans, and for good reason! The Dragon Ball franchise has expanded so much over the years with various anime series, movies, video games, and spin-offs, making it tricky to determine what's officially part of the main story. Let's break down some key aspects to help clarify this often confusing subject.
The Core of Dragon Ball Canon
First off, when we talk about Dragon Ball canon, we're primarily referring to the original manga series created by Akira Toriyama. This is the foundation upon which everything else is built. The anime adaptations that closely follow the manga, such as Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball Super, are also considered canon because they stick to the main storyline established by Toriyama. So, anything that happens in these core works is generally accepted as part of the official Dragon Ball narrative.
The Murky Waters of Movies and Spin-offs
Now, here's where things get a bit murky. The Dragon Ball movies, like Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan and Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn, often introduce characters and storylines that don't align perfectly with the manga. These movies were usually created as standalone stories to give fans something exciting to watch between the main anime series. As a result, they often feature inconsistencies with the established canon, such as power levels that don't quite make sense or characters who never appear in the main series.
Spin-off series like Dragon Ball GT are another interesting case. Dragon Ball GT was produced after the end of the Dragon Ball Z anime and wasn't directly based on Toriyama's manga. While Toriyama did contribute some designs and ideas, he wasn't as heavily involved as he was with the main series. Consequently, Dragon Ball GT is often considered non-canon by many fans. However, some elements from GT, like Super Saiyan 4, have gained popularity and have even been referenced in later works, blurring the lines a bit.
The Influence of Akira Toriyama
The extent of Akira Toriyama's involvement is a crucial factor in determining canon. When Toriyama is heavily involved in the creation of a story, it's more likely to be considered canon. For example, Dragon Ball Super is a direct continuation of the Dragon Ball story written by Toriyama, making it a central part of the canon. Toriyama's ideas, character designs, and story outlines carry significant weight in establishing what's officially part of the Dragon Ball universe.
However, when Toriyama's involvement is limited, the canonicity becomes questionable. The movies, for instance, often had input from Toriyama, but he didn't write the scripts or oversee the entire production. This is why they're generally seen as non-canon, even though they might contain elements that Toriyama contributed to. It's a matter of how much control and influence Toriyama had over the final product.
Redefining Canon with Dragon Ball Super
Dragon Ball Super has played a significant role in redefining what's considered canon in the Dragon Ball franchise. With Toriyama at the helm, Super has introduced new characters, storylines, and transformations that have become integral to the Dragon Ball universe. Furthermore, Super has retconned or reinterpreted some elements from the older movies and spin-offs to better fit the current canon.
For example, the character Broly, who was originally a non-canon movie villain, was reintroduced in Dragon Ball Super: Broly as a canon character with a revised backstory and power set. This shows how Toriyama can take popular non-canon elements and integrate them into the main storyline, effectively making them canon. It's a testament to the evolving nature of the Dragon Ball canon and how it can be reshaped by the original creator.
Why Canon Matters (and Why It Doesn't)
Hey everyone! Let's talk about why canon matters and, perhaps more importantly, why it sometimes doesn't matter so much in the grand scheme of Dragon Ball. For some fans, sticking strictly to the canon is essential for maintaining the integrity and consistency of the story. For others, the expanded universe offers exciting possibilities and doesn't need to adhere to the established rules. Both perspectives are valid, and understanding them can help you appreciate the Dragon Ball franchise even more.
Maintaining Story Consistency
One of the main reasons canon matters is that it helps maintain story consistency. When everyone agrees on what's officially part of the main narrative, it's easier to follow the plot and understand the characters' motivations. If you introduce too many non-canon elements, the story can become convoluted and confusing, making it harder to invest in the characters and their journeys. Canon provides a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that everything makes sense and fits together logically.
For example, if a character suddenly gains a new power that contradicts their established abilities in the canon, it can feel jarring and out of place. By sticking to the canon, the writers can ensure that the power levels, transformations, and storylines progress in a way that feels natural and believable. This helps maintain the integrity of the story and keeps fans engaged.
Respecting the Original Creator's Vision
Canon also matters because it respects the original creator's vision. Akira Toriyama created the Dragon Ball universe, and his manga is the foundation upon which everything else is built. By adhering to the canon, fans and creators are honoring Toriyama's work and ensuring that the story stays true to his original intentions. This is especially important for long-running franchises like Dragon Ball, where many different people have contributed to the story over the years.
When creators introduce non-canon elements, they risk deviating from Toriyama's vision and potentially undermining the themes and messages he was trying to convey. By sticking to the canon, they can ensure that the story remains faithful to its roots and continues to resonate with fans in the way that Toriyama intended.
Embracing Creativity and Imagination
However, there's also a strong argument to be made for why canon sometimes doesn't matter. The Dragon Ball universe is vast and full of possibilities, and limiting ourselves to the canon can stifle creativity and imagination. Non-canon stories, characters, and transformations can offer exciting new perspectives and allow fans to explore different aspects of the Dragon Ball world.
For example, the Dragon Ball movies introduce characters like Broly and Janemba, who, while not initially canon, have become incredibly popular among fans. These characters offer unique challenges for Goku and his friends and allow us to see them in different situations. Even if these characters don't fit perfectly into the canon, they can still add value to the Dragon Ball universe and provide hours of entertainment.
The Fun of What-If Scenarios
Non-canon stories also allow us to explore what-if scenarios that would never happen in the main storyline. What if Goku never hit his head as a child? What if Vegeta became a Super Saiyan before Goku? These kinds of questions can lead to fascinating stories and allow fans to see their favorite characters in new and unexpected ways. While these stories might not be part of the official canon, they can still be incredibly enjoyable and thought-provoking.
Ultimately, whether canon matters or not is a matter of personal preference. Some fans prefer to stick strictly to the established storyline, while others are happy to embrace the expanded universe and explore all the different possibilities it offers. Both approaches are valid, and the most important thing is to enjoy the Dragon Ball franchise in whatever way makes you happy. So, whether you're a canon purist or a fan of the expanded universe, there's something for everyone to enjoy in the world of Dragon Ball!
