Is Turles Canon In Dragon Ball Lore?

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the Dragon Ball universe and settle a burning question that's been on many fans' minds: Is Turles canon? This shadowy Saiyan, known for his striking resemblance to Goku and his menacing presence, has captured the imagination of many. But when we talk about the official Dragon Ball timeline, where does he really fit in? It's a question that sparks debate, and for good reason. Turles hails from the movie Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might, a fantastic installment that introduced us to his formidable power and his insidious plan to conquer Earth. However, movies in the Dragon Ball franchise have a complex relationship with the main storyline. Some are considered non-canon, while others have had elements or characters integrated into the broader lore. So, where does our boy Turles stand? Is he a forgotten legend, a "what if" scenario, or something more? We're going to break down the evidence, explore the arguments, and get to the bottom of this iconic character's canonicity. Get ready to power up your knowledge, because we're about to unlock the truth about Turles!

The Case Against Turles' Canon Status

Alright, let's get straight to it: the primary reason why Turles is generally not considered canon is his origin. He first appeared in Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might, which, like most Dragon Ball Z movies from that era, is considered a non-canon side story. The Japanese release of these films often came with disclaimers or were presented as "Special," indicating they weren't part of the main manga continuity created by the legendary Akira Toriyama. Toriyama himself was heavily involved in the manga, and while he sometimes lent his artistic talents to the movies, he didn't always meticulously weave them into the overarching narrative he was crafting in Weekly Shonen Jump. Think of it like this: the movies were awesome bonus content, fun adventures that expanded the world, but they didn't necessarily influence the core plot points of Goku's journey. Turles' backstory, his motivations, and his ultimate defeat in The Tree of Might all exist within that separate movie timeline. This means that events and characters from the movie don't typically affect or get referenced in the manga or the main anime series that directly adapt the manga. So, when we're talking about the strict, official Dragon Ball timeline – the one meticulously laid out by Toriyama – Turles and his "Crusher Corps" are usually left out. This distinction is crucial for hardcore fans who want to understand the precise evolution of the Dragon Ball saga. It's why you won't find Turles mentioned in discussions about the Saiyan saga, the Frieza saga, or any other major arc that defines the core story. He exists in his own cool, albeit non-canon, corner of the Dragon Ball universe.

What About the "Canon" of Video Games and Super Dragon Ball Heroes?

Now, this is where things get really interesting and a bit fuzzy, guys. While Turles might not be in the main manga or anime continuity, his story doesn't end there. Over the years, Turles has made appearances in various Dragon Ball video games and, more recently, Super Dragon Ball Heroes. These appearances often give him new forms, power-ups, and even alternative storylines. In games like Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi or Dragon Ball Xenoverse, characters like Turles are often included as playable fighters. These games sometimes create their own canon or "what if" scenarios where non-canon characters interact with canon characters, leading to epic battles and interesting dialogues. Super Dragon Ball Heroes, in particular, is known for its multiverse-spanning adventures, where characters from all corners of the Dragon Ball franchise, canon and non-canon alike, can collide. Turles has been a recurring character in Super Dragon Ball Heroes, even receiving new forms and playing significant roles in its storylines. This has led some fans to believe that his presence in these widely popular titles elevates his status. However, it's important to remember that video game and Heroes canon are typically separate from the main Dragon Ball canon. They operate under their own rules and narratives. While they offer exciting ways to interact with characters like Turles, they don't retroactively make him an official part of Akira Toriyama's original manga storyline. So, while you can totally enjoy playing as Turles or seeing him in Heroes, it's best to view these as expansions or "what if" explorations rather than definitive canon entries. It's a fantastic way to keep beloved characters alive and kicking, even if they didn't make the cut for the main story.

The Nuance of Dragon Ball Canon

Understanding the nuance of Dragon Ball canon is key here. It's not always a black-and-white issue. We have the main canon, which is primarily the manga by Akira Toriyama. Then we have the anime canon, which includes the anime-only arcs and filler, and sometimes anime-original characters who are never in the manga. And then, as we've discussed, we have the movie canon (which is generally non-canon but has exceptions), the video game canon, and the Super Dragon Ball Heroes canon. Turles firmly resides in the movie canon, which is generally considered non-canon to the main manga continuity. However, there have been instances where elements from non-canon movies have been acknowledged or subtly referenced in the main canon later on. For example, characters like Cooler and Android 13 were initially movie-exclusive but have had mentions or integrations in other media. But for Turles himself, direct integration into the main manga or Dragon Ball Super anime has been minimal to non-existent. The creator, Akira Toriyama, has the final say on what is canon, and his original manga is the ultimate source. While Toriyama has been more involved in Dragon Ball Super, his direct input on Turles' canon status hasn't changed his movie-exclusive origin. So, while Turles remains an incredibly popular and significant character in the fandom, his official standing is that of a non-canon character originating from The Tree of Might. It's a shame, perhaps, but it doesn't diminish his impact or coolness one bit. He's a fantastic villain who gave us some memorable moments, and that's what truly matters to the fans, right?

Could Turles Become Canon in the Future?

Now, let's talk hypotheticals, guys. Could Turles become canon in the future? It's not impossible, but it would require a significant shift in how the Dragon Ball multiverse is managed. Akira Toriyama, or the current writing team for Dragon Ball Super, would need to make a conscious decision to incorporate him into the main storyline. This could happen in a few ways. Perhaps a character with a similar origin or background could be introduced in Dragon Ball Super that echoes Turles' Saiyan lineage or his connection to the past. Alternatively, a new arc could be developed that directly references or even features Turles himself, perhaps as a remnant of a forgotten Saiyan history or a cosmic threat that predates Frieza. We've seen Dragon Ball Super explore the multiverse extensively, introducing new Saiyans and new threats. It's conceivable that a storyline could be crafted where Turles is revealed to be a part of this grander cosmic tapestry. However, it would need to be handled carefully to not contradict existing lore established in Toriyama's manga. The biggest hurdle is that Turles' origin as a low-class Saiyan who avoided Planet Vegeta's destruction by chance, and his subsequent villainous path, is quite distinct. If he were to be made canon, his backstory might need some tweaking to fit seamlessly. For instance, he could be a Saiyan who was exiled or who survived in a different part of the galaxy and developed his unique philosophy and power. The sheer popularity of Turles means that the possibility is always there. Fans love him, and if there were a strong creative push from the developers, it's not outside the realm of possibility. But as of right now, based on the established canon and the creator's intentions, Turles remains a non-canon character. Keep your fingers crossed, though – you never know what the future holds in the vast Dragon Ball universe!

The Legacy of a Non-Canon Icon

Even though Turles is not officially canon, his legacy within the Dragon Ball fandom is undeniable. He remains one of the most beloved and iconic villains from the Dragon Ball Z movie era. His unique design, his chilling demeanor, and his role as a dark mirror to Goku made him instantly memorable. The Tree of Might may be non-canon, but the impact of Turles on fans' hearts is very real. He represents a fascinating exploration of what could have been – a Saiyan who chose a path of pure selfish power, untouched by the camaraderie and growth that Goku experienced. This "what if" aspect is a huge part of his appeal. He embodies the darker potential of the Saiyan race, a potential that Frieza also exploited, but Turles did it with a chilling, almost nihilistic, drive. His connection to the Tree of Might, a cosmic entity that grants immense power at a terrible cost, added a layer of mystique and danger. So, while he might not be listed in the official Dragon Ball timeline alongside characters like Vegeta or Piccolo, Turles has carved out his own permanent space in the hearts of fans. His continued popularity is evident in fan art, discussions, and his frequent inclusion in non-canon media like video games and Super Dragon Ball Heroes. He’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most memorable characters don't need to be part of the main story to leave a lasting impression. He's a legend in his own right, a symbol of the awesome power and narrative possibilities that the Dragon Ball universe holds, even beyond the pages of the manga or the main anime series. So, is Turles canon? By the strictest definition, no. But is he a vital and unforgettable part of the Dragon Ball experience? Absolutely, guys. And that's what truly matters.