Dragon Ball Executive Explains Why Broly Is So Popular
When it comes to Dragon Ball, there are a slew of controversial characters, but few touch Broly. [...]
When it comes to Dragon Ball, there are a slew of controversial characters, but few touch Broly. The Legendary Super Saiyan was introduced in the film Dragon Ball Z: Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan, and fans have been split over the character since. As one of the universe's most famous villains, Broly was introduced as a docile warrior who then transformed into an aggressive tyrant bent on destroying Son Goku. Over the years, the Dragon Ball fandom has asked time and again why Broly is a mainstay for the franchise, and one higher-up is trying to give fans an answer.
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Over at Yahoo! Japan, Shueisha's section chief Akio Iyoku took time to talk about the publisher's plan to expand Dragon Ball Super's popularity. The executive expanded on plans to create a 'Dragon Ball Room' initiative, and Iyoku said one of the department's major roles will be to commercialize certain characters overseas, and Broly was quick to be mentioned.
"Overseas, 'strength' determines [a character's] popularity", he explained. Iyoku then said that Broly was popular overseas in places like America because of his insane physique and overwhelming strength.
"He's got bulging muscles and gives Goku a tough fight, so the Super Saiyan version of Broli is popular."
Of course, plenty of Dragon Ball fans would like to give Broly a piece of their mind. The character was promoted heavily both internationally and stateside through toys and video game cameos. His brute strength enticed people to watch the anime, but fans were quickly disillusioned by Broly once they learnt of his motives. The two-dimensional baddie left fans bored because of his far-fetched hatred for Goku.
And, of course, Bio-Broly did absolutely nothing to bolster his reputation. The feature struck a nerve with Dragon Ball fans, and the movie is widely regarded at the franchise's worst.
With the 'Dragon Ball Room' initiative underway, fans could see more of Broly in the future. Fans have wondered whether the character would rear his massive muscles in Dragon Ball Super somehow, and Shueisha may push Toei Animation to include the character if his popularity continues to climb.
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What do you guys think about the character and his controversially popularity? Are you a fan of the overpowered Saiyan or do you think he's passé? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
Dragon Ball Super airs on Crunchyroll Saturdays at 7:15 p.m. CST. Toonami will begin airing the English dub on Adult Swim Saturdays at 11:30 p.m starting January 7.
[H/T] Kanzenshuu
