TheDragon Ballmovies have introduced a wide variety of interesting villains to the series. The majority of these films aren’t canon, making these film-only characters nothing more than fanfare for the most part. Some of these characters have become extremely well-liked among theDragon Ballfan base, with the incredibly popular Broly being reworked into the series through theDragon Ball Super: Brolyfilm.
Cooler stands as anotherbeloved film-exclusive villain, and just like the original Broly, Bojack, Janemba, and many more, it’s fair to assume that Frieza’s older brother isn’t part of Toriyama’s canon universe. What’s most interesting about Cooler isn’t the character himself, but the introduction of his fifth form. In the manga and anime series, Frieza’s race is established as having four forms total. Fans get to see each one on display throughout the Frieza Saga on Namek, butCooler’s Revengeintroduces a newer form that could very well be canon.
RELATED:The Dragon Ball Spin-off That Makes the Series’ Most Pathetic Character Better
Final Form Cooler
Cooler is introduced while in his Fourth Form, lookingincredibly similar to his brotherthough he seems to be a good deal taller and has a different color scheme than the maniacal tyrant. There’s been some confusion as to what this form should actually be referred to, as there are some contradictory statements made in various pieces ofDragon Ballmedia.
TheDragon Ball Collectible Card Gamerefers to it as his 3rd Form, whileXenoverse 2calls it the Fourth Form. The movie-original form seen inCooler’s Revengeis referred to by most as Final Form Cooler, withXenoverse 2and the English localization ofSuper Dragon Ball Heroes: World Mission.This new form looks similar to the Fourth Form, but with a sharper design and bulkier appearance.
RELATED:Why Power Levels Overcomplicate Dragon Ball’s Narrative
Cooler’s Final Form stands as his most powerful. While his Fourth Form was less effective compared to his brother’s, Cooler’s Final Form allows him to make the most of his strength and fighting ability in the same way that Frieza’s Final Form did. In the film, it is implied that Cooler had onlyrecently achieved the transformation, meaning that he would have still had plenty of room to grow and improve had he not been defeated by Goku.
This Fifth Form is referred to as a Super Evolution, and while it’s mostly associated with Cooler, Frieza has used it inDragon Ballmedia as well. This seems to be a natural progression from the Fourth Form, as even King Cold is said to have the potential to acquire it. The means by which members of the Frieza Clan achieve this form is still unknown. It’s likely just a power-up that they can capitalize on once they reach a certain milestone, though the conditions might still be expanded upon as the transformation is explored in otherDragon Ballmedia.
Is it Canon?
With so much attention paid to it in differentDragon Ballmedia, it’s natural for fans to assume that Cooler’s Fifth Form is part of the overall series canon. But with Cooler himself not an official part of Toriyama‘s original universe, what does it mean for the fan-favorite form?
It isn’t the first transformation introduced outside the manga to catch on with the fan base. Broly’s Legendary Super Saiyan andGT’sSuper Saiyan 4might have not been part of the official canon, but captured the attention ofDragon Ballfans with their incredible designs. Broly eventually became part of the series canon, so it’s still possible that Cooler and his Fifth Form are officially introduced into the series at some point.
RELATED:Dragon Ball: Who Is Goku’s Father & What Role Does He Play in the Story?
Cooler achieves his Golden Form while in his Fifth form inDragon Ball Heroes’Prison Planet Saga,further tying it to the actual canon. ButHeroes’place within the canon is contentious at best, and many view it as a side story akin toGTrather than an official part of the narrative.
Though memorable, Cooler’s Fifth Form can’t beconsidered part of the series canonas it has yet to appear in any piece of official material crafted by Toriyama. That hasn’t stopped the people working on the various spin-offs and related pieces of extended universe material from incorporating the memorable transformation and character into the series. While it seems like a long shot for now, Cooler could always get the Broly treatment, and longtime fans might once again see a favorite character re-imagined for the better.
MORE:The Differences Between Dragon Ball Super’s Ultra Instinct & Ultra Ego
