Introduction to Cooler: The Most Mythical Non-Canon Villain
In the vast multiverse of Dragon Ball, few characters possess the legendary status of Cooler. As the older brother of Frieza, Cooler was introduced in the 1991 film Cooler's Revenge and instantly became a fan favorite. Despite his popularity and his striking fifth transformation, he has remained outside the official storyline for decades. As the series approaches potential new milestones, the demand for Dragon Ball Super Cooler canon status has never been higher. He represents a unique era of Dragon Ball Z cinema, embodying a "mythical" quality as a villain who feels like he belongs in the main narrative but has never been granted entry.
Why Cooler Should Be Canon in Dragon Ball Super
There are several compelling reasons why Cooler should be canon. First, he expands the lore of the Frieza Race, a species that remains largely mysterious despite Frieza's prominence. Bringing Cooler into the fold would allow the series to explore the family dynamics of the cold-blooded tyrants and provide a fresh perspective on their galactic empire. Furthermore, Dragon Ball Super has successfully modernized older concepts, and Cooler’s inclusion would provide a perfect opportunity to re-introduce a high-stakes antagonist without needing to invent an entirely new species. The narrative weight of a "secret brother" provides instant tension and a believable reason for a new power struggle in the universe.
Comparing Cooler vs. Frieza: Power and Personality
When looking at Cooler vs Frieza DBS fans often point to their distinct differences in temperament. While Frieza is characterized by his sociopathic tendencies, ego, and flair for the dramatic, Cooler is traditionally depicted as a more logical and efficient warrior. He doesn't share Frieza's habit of underestimating his opponents—a trait that led to Frieza's initial defeat on Namek. In terms of power, Cooler’s original movie appearances showcased a unique fifth form that outclassed Frieza’s "Final Form" at the time. In the context of Dragon Ball Super, a canonized Cooler could potentially possess a "Platinum" or "Ultimate" form to rival Black Frieza, creating a fascinating dynamic where the two brothers compete for the title of the universe’s supreme ruler.
The Precedent of Broly: Canonizing Iconic Movie Villains
The strongest argument for canonizing non-canon DBZ characters is the massive success of Dragon Ball Super: Broly. By taking one of the most iconic movie villains and completely rewriting his origin to fit the official timeline, Akira Toriyama proved that non-canon elements can be successfully integrated into the main story. Broly went from a one-dimensional powerhouse to a sympathetic, complex character, and fans responded with overwhelming praise. Cooler is the logical next step in this trend of canonization. If the series can reinvent a Legendary Super Saiyan, it can certainly find a meaningful place for the eldest son of King Cold.
Potential Storylines for Cooler in Dragon Ball Super Future Arcs
There are numerous ways to integrate Cooler into Dragon Ball Super future arcs. One possibility is that Cooler has been ruling a distant, forgotten sector of the universe, choosing to remain hidden while his father and brother dealt with the Saiyans. Another angle could involve Frieza himself seeking out his brother to bolster the Frieza Force in the wake of the Tournament of Power. Alternatively, Cooler could be introduced as an antagonist to the "B-Team" of Earth, such as Gohan and Piccolo, allowing the series to showcase high-level battles without always relying on Goku and Vegeta. His arrival could spark a civil war within the remains of the Frieza Force, forcing the Z-Fighters to navigate a three-way conflict.
How Cooler’s Arrival Could Impact the Black Frieza Saga
The current manga storyline has introduced "Black Frieza," a form so powerful it easily neutralized Goku and Vegeta in their strongest states. Introducing Cooler now would add a brilliant layer of complexity to this saga. Cooler could act as a rival to Frieza, potentially teaming up with the Saiyans out of necessity, or even surpassing his brother to become the ultimate threat. A Dragon Ball Super Cooler canon debut during this era would prevent the Black Frieza arc from becoming a repetitive cycle of Frieza vs. Saiyans, instead turning it into a galactic power struggle that tests the limits of every character in the series.
Conclusion: The Necessity of Cooler’s Canonization Before the Series Ends
As the franchise looks toward its future, the necessity of Cooler’s canonization before the series ends becomes clear. He is one of the last remaining "great" pieces of Dragon Ball history that has yet to be fully realized in the official continuity. By bringing him into the fold, the creators can pay homage to the fans who grew up with the movies while providing a sophisticated new antagonist for the modern era. Dragon Ball Super has the tools to make Cooler more than just a "Frieza clone," turning him into a cornerstone of the series' final chapters. It is time to let the elder brother of the emperor finally step out of the shadows and into the canon.
