Broly's Back! Dragon Ball Z: The Second Coming (1994)

Hey everyone! Let's dive into the high-octane world of Dragon Ball Z with a closer look at the 1994 movie, Broly: Second Coming. This film isn't just another entry in the DBZ saga; it’s a power-packed rollercoaster of Saiyan showdowns, intense battles, and the terrifying return of one of the most formidable villains in the Dragon Ball universe. So, buckle up, Saiyan fans, and let's get started!

Story and Setting

Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming picks up some time after the initial Broly movie, Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan. After his supposed defeat at the hands of Goku, Broly, seemingly dead, is actually just critically injured and floating through space. Eventually, he crash-lands on Earth, specifically on a frozen mountain region. He's encased in ice, unconscious but still alive, clinging to the remnants of his immense power. The setting is crucial; the desolate, icy landscape provides a stark contrast to the fiery battles that are about to unfold.

The story truly kicks off when Goten, Trunks, and Videl are on a quest to find the Dragon Balls. Their adventure leads them near Broly's icy tomb. Goten's crying ends up awakening Broly, triggering a violent and chaotic series of events. Broly, still mentally unstable and driven by his hatred for Goku (or rather, the sound of Goku crying as a baby), mistakes Goten for Goku. This sets the stage for a furious rematch, although Goku himself is not around, initially. The film masterfully uses this misunderstanding to fuel the conflict, creating a palpable sense of tension and impending doom. The isolated setting amplifies the feeling of vulnerability for our young heroes, who must confront a legendary Super Saiyan far beyond their current abilities.

Characters

Broly

At the heart of the film is, of course, Broly. He is the main antagonist, and his presence dominates every scene he's in. Broly is a Saiyan of immense power, far surpassing even Goku and Vegeta at certain points in the series. His defining characteristic is his unbridled rage and destructive tendencies. In Second Coming, Broly is depicted as even more savage and relentless than before. His near-death experience has seemingly stripped away any semblance of control, leaving behind a pure, unadulterated force of destruction. He's a towering figure of muscle and menace, an unstoppable juggernaut that our heroes must somehow overcome. His motivations are simple: destroy everything in his path, especially anyone who reminds him of Goku. This singular focus makes him a terrifying and compelling villain. His design, with the bulky frame and glowing green energy, is iconic and instantly recognizable. Broly's legendary status is further cemented by his overwhelming strength, making him a true force to be reckoned with.

Goten and Trunks

The unlikely heroes of this film are Goten and Trunks. These two young Saiyans, the sons of Goku and Vegeta, respectively, bring a youthful energy to the story. While they are incredibly powerful for their age, they are still children, prone to childish antics and overconfidence. Their playful dynamic provides a lighthearted contrast to the otherwise grim atmosphere. However, when faced with the threat of Broly, they step up to the challenge, displaying bravery and resourcefulness beyond their years. They attempt to fight Broly, showcasing their developing Saiyan powers, including their ability to fuse into Gotenks. This fusion provides a glimmer of hope against Broly's overwhelming strength. Despite their best efforts, they are ultimately outmatched, highlighting the sheer power difference between them and the Legendary Super Saiyan.

Videl

Videl, Gohan’s future wife, accompanies Goten and Trunks on their Dragon Ball hunt. While not a Saiyan, Videl is a skilled martial artist and provides a crucial element of groundedness to the group. She initially dismisses Goten and Trunks' boasts of power but quickly realizes the gravity of the situation when Broly appears. Videl's role is primarily to support the young Saiyans and provide a sense of perspective. She represents the normal human reaction to the extraordinary events unfolding around them. Although she can't directly combat Broly, her courage and determination are commendable.

Gohan

Gohan arrives later in the movie to aid Goten, Trunks and Videl. Seeing the grave danger his younger brother and friends are in, he doesn't hesitate to join the battle. Gohan is a seasoned fighter, having faced numerous powerful foes in the past. He possesses immense strength and skill, making him a formidable opponent for Broly. However, even Gohan struggles against the Legendary Super Saiyan's relentless attacks. His presence adds another layer of intensity to the fight, as he desperately tries to protect his loved ones from Broly's wrath. The father-son duo fighting Broly is a spectacle to behold!

Animation and Sound

The animation in Broly – Second Coming is a product of its time, showcasing the classic DBZ style. The character designs are sharp and detailed, particularly Broly, whose imposing figure is accentuated by fluid and dynamic movements. The fight scenes are fast-paced and energetic, with the animators making full use of the characters' superhuman abilities. Energy blasts clash, shockwaves ripple through the landscape, and the destruction is widespread. The color palette is vibrant, with the bright blues of the sky contrasting against the icy whites of the mountains. The animation effectively conveys the power and intensity of the battles.

The soundtrack complements the visuals perfectly, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Heavy metal riffs and adrenaline-pumping beats underscore the action sequences, amplifying the sense of urgency and excitement. Soothing melodies accompany the quieter moments, providing a brief respite from the chaos. The voice acting is also top-notch, with the actors delivering memorable performances that capture the personalities and emotions of their respective characters. The iconic screams and battle cries are particularly effective in conveying the raw power and intensity of the Saiyan warriors.

Fight Scenes and Power Levels

The fight scenes are the main draw of Broly – Second Coming, and they do not disappoint. The battles are a showcase of raw power and Saiyan abilities, with Broly dominating most of the encounters. His sheer strength and relentless attacks overwhelm Goten, Trunks, and even Gohan. The clashes are visually stunning, with energy blasts tearing through mountains and shockwaves shaking the earth. The film does a great job of conveying the power difference between Broly and the other characters, making his eventual defeat all the more satisfying.

In terms of power levels, Broly is depicted as being significantly stronger than Gohan, Goten, and Trunks individually. Even Gohan, who had previously achieved Super Saiyan 2 form, struggles to land a significant blow on Broly. Goten and Trunks, despite their best efforts and fusion into Gotenks, are ultimately outmatched. The film suggests that Broly's power rivals that of a Super Saiyan 3, although this is never explicitly stated. The power scaling may not be entirely consistent with the main series, but it serves to elevate Broly's status as a truly legendary and terrifying foe.

Impact and Legacy

Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming has left a lasting impact on the Dragon Ball franchise. While not considered canon in the original manga timeline, the film has contributed significantly to Broly's popularity as a villain. Broly's imposing design, overwhelming power, and sheer menace have made him a fan favorite, leading to his eventual inclusion in the official Dragon Ball Super canon with a redesigned backstory and motivations.

The film has also been praised for its action-packed fight scenes and its focus on the younger generation of Saiyans. Goten and Trunks' bravery and resourcefulness in the face of overwhelming odds have resonated with audiences, making them memorable characters in their own right. The film's success has spawned numerous video game adaptations, merchandise, and fan theories, cementing its place in Dragon Ball lore. Even years after its release, Broly – Second Coming remains a popular and beloved entry in the Dragon Ball Z filmography.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming is a thrilling and action-packed ride that delivers everything fans love about the franchise. From its intense fight scenes and memorable characters to its captivating story and stunning visuals, the film is a must-watch for any Dragon Ball enthusiast. While it may not be perfect, its flaws are easily overlooked in light of its many strengths. So, if you're looking for a dose of Saiyan power and adrenaline-pumping action, be sure to check out Broly – Second Coming. You won't be disappointed!

Whether you're a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer looking to dive into the world of Dragon Ball, this movie offers something for everyone. Just be prepared for a whole lot of screaming, energy blasts, and one seriously overpowered Saiyan!