In the Dragon Ball universe there are several notable characters and mighty warriors like Goku and Vegeta, as well as formidable villains like Frieza and Cell. Among these well-known figures lies a more obscure character... one that many Dragon Ball fans will find interesting: Tarble, the younger brother of Vegeta, and youngest son of King Vegeta himself.
When Was Vegeta's Brother First Introduced?
Vegeta's brother Tarble was first introduced to Dragon Ball fans in the OVA (Original Video Animation) "Dragon Ball: Yo! Son Goku and His Friends Return!!", which aired in 2008 during the "Jump Super Anime Tour" to commemorate the Dragon Ball manga's 40th anniversary. This special was meant to bridge the gap between the end of Dragon Ball Z and the beginning of Dragon Ball GT, although the latter is now considered non-canon with the advent of Dragon Ball Super.
Tarble's Appearance and Attire
Contrary to the tall, regal stature of his older brother, Tarble's physical appearance leans more toward the diminutive side. He boasts a more youthful facade, perhaps even comparable to the teen versions of Trunks and Goten. Tarble's outfit is reminiscent of classic Saiyan armor. It's complete with the typical protective chest plate but is distinct due to its blue undersuit, setting him apart from other Saiyans like Raditz or Nappa.
Tarble's Background and Character Traits
A stark contrast to the traditional Saiyan temperament, and especially his brother Vegeta, Tarble emanates a gentler aura. His courteous and polite nature deviates from the aggressive, battle-loving stereotype associated with Saiyans, making him an outlier in the Saiyan lineage.
This pacifist nature, however, didn't sit well with King Vegeta, the patriarch of the royal Saiyan lineage. Deeming Tarble's lack of warrior instincts and aggression as a stain on the royal name, he was exiled from Planet Vegeta. This act of banishment underscores the Saiyan culture's emphasis on strength and combat prowess, where even royal blood couldn't shield one from societal expectations.
Tarble's Story Arc
In "Dragon Ball: Yo! Son Goku and His Friends Return!!", Tarble makes his way to Earth. His mission? To seek help from his elder brother, Vegeta. Two adversaries, Abo and Kado, who were former underlings of the galactic tyrant Frieza, had become a menace for Tarble and his adopted home planet. These foes were once considered formidable during Frieza's reign, but by current standards, their strength was comparable to Frieza's initial form.
The ensuing battle showcases the overwhelming growth and power of the Z fighters, especially Goten and Trunks, who take on Abo and Kado and demonstrate the vast gap in power.
Tarble's Family
One of the intriguing facets of Tarble's character is his marital status. His wife, Gure, is an alien with a peculiar appearance, further emphasizing Tarble's divergence from Saiyan norms. Their relationship paints a picture of Tarble's life post-exile, suggesting a peaceful existence on a distant planet, far removed from the chaos and battles that typically entangle the Saiyan race.
Tarble's Power Dynamics
The power level of Saiyans in the Dragon Ball universe varies, with warriors like Goku and Vegeta reaching god-like statuses. Tarble, however, doesn't fall into this elite bracket. His power level remains undefined, but indications point towards it being considerably lower than most Saiyan warriors. Still, his Saiyan lineage ensures a base level of strength, even if it pales compared to the likes of his brother.
Is Tarble "Dragon Ball" Canon
Tarble's existence within the Dragon Ball universe is a subject of debate among fans. While the OVA introduces him and he receives a brief mention in Dragon Ball Super, his character isn't deeply integrated into the main storyline. Thus, Tarble occupies a gray area, neither entirely canon nor entirely non-canon. There hasn't been much in the way of official confirmation, though in 2018 a Dragon Ball family tree was shared that included Tarble, which could make him canon, at least in the eyes of the writers.
While Tarble may not be at the forefront of the Dragon Ball narrative, his introduction and background provide a fascinating glimpse into Saiyan culture and the pressures of their warrior society. As a character, Tarble is a testament to the franchise's ability to continually expand its universe, introducing fans to new characters, each with their unique stories and challenges.
About Dragon Ball
The Dragon Ball phenomenon started in 1984 when the first chapter of Akira Toriyama's famous manga was published in Shueisha's "Weekly Shonen Jump." The manga went on to become a top-ranked title throughout its entire run of publication, which lasted for ten and a half years.
Since then, the popularity of the manga has continued to rise, reaching an astounding record of 260 million copies sold worldwide as of this writing, and the number is still growing. In addition, as the popularity of Dragon Ball continues to rise, the series has moved beyond the realm of manga and into other mediums such as anime, film, video games, and merchandise.
Dragon Ball is still going strong after almost 40 years since it was first published in Toriyama's manga series.