Who Was the First Super Saiyan: Yamoshi or Bardock?

The debate over who was the first to become a Super Saiyan has been a subject of much discussion in the Dragon Ball fandom. Two popular contenders for this title are Yamoshi and Bardock. Let's explore the origins and transformations of both characters to clear up who was truly the first Super Saiyan.

The Canonical First Super Saiyan: Goku

According to the official storyline of Dragon Ball, the first Super Saiyan to appear in the canon was Goku, the son of Bardock. In the classic series, Goku's transformation into a Super Saiyan is a pivotal moment, marking the beginning of his journey as the hero of Namek and the Earth.

Goku's transformation is triggered by the wish to protect himself and his friends. His Saiyan power is enhanced, giving him incredible strength and speed, which he uses to protect his friends and family.

Yamoshi as the Non-Canon First Super Saiyan

There is a Legends of Dragon Ball movie where it is stated that Yamoshi, the old man of the Z mobilization fleet, is the first Super Saiyan. This movie is non-canon, and thus official canon sources do not recognize Yamoshi or Bardock as the first Super Saiyan in the sense of the main storyline.

Interestingly, this movie explores a different timeline and lore for the Saiyans, suggesting that other circumstances could have led to a different first transformation. However, in the context of the main series, these characters do not play any significant role in establishing the first Super Saiyan.

Bardock: A Myth or Reality?

Bardock, the father of Goku, had a significant role in the original story but not as a Super Saiyan. In the original series, Bardock never transforms into a Super Saiyan; rather, he becomes a Super Saiyan God for a brief moment before his sacrifice. The transformation into a Super Saiyan God is much later in the lore and does not answer the question of who the first Super Saiyan was.

Furthermore, the suggestion that Bardock could have been a Super Saiyan is based on an oft-cited but still non-canon special that mentions he was a Super Saiyan in that special. However, this special does not have an official release, and thus, it does not change the established canon.

Final Verdict: Yamoshi as the First Super Saiyan

Based on the official canon and the main storyline of Dragon Ball, the first Super Saiyan was Goku. However, in the non-canon timeline of the Legends of Dragon Ball movie, Yamoshi is identified as the first Super Saiyan. Yamoshi is an old man who is a part of the Z mobilization fleet and is described to have undergone the ritual to become a Super Saiyan God, which is a form of Super Saiyan transformation.

It's important to note that Yamoshi was a much older generation of Saiyan and is believed to have undergone the ritual to obtain the Super Saiyan God form, which is a more advanced transformation.

Conclusion

While both Yamoshi and Bardock have significant roles in the Dragon Ball universe, when it comes to who was the first Super Saiyan, the official canon follows Goku as the first one. This makes Goku the true first Super Saiyan in the main storyline, making him a key character in the saga of the Saiyan fighters.