Zarbon

Zarbon
“ You ever hear the saying beauty is only skin deep? Well, right now, you're only seeing the beauty. „ ― Zarbon “ As I said, you only saw the beauty side of me before. Now with great pleasure, I introduce you to the beast! „ ― Monster Zarbon
Vital statistics
Names	Zarbon, Zābon
Gender	Male
Race	Alien
Occupation	Elite Soldier, Commander, Guard (Frieza Force)
Origin	Dragon Ball Chapter 247: (DBZ 53) "Planet Namek, Cold and Dark" (暗あん雲うんうずまくナメック星せい An'un Uzumaku Namekku-sei, lit. "Dark Clouds Swirl Over Planet Namek") October 24, 1989 (Weekly Shōnen Jump, 1989 #47)
Alignment	Evil
Age	Over 41
Created By	Akira Toriyama
Height	Not Stated
Weight	Not Stated

Zarbon (ザーボン Zābon) is a prominent member of the Frieza Force in the Dragon Ball series, serving as one of Frieza's top generals alongside Dodoria. He is a cunning and resourceful warrior, often acting as an advisor to Frieza on matters of conquest and strategy. Zarbon is highly intelligent and pragmatic, with a deep understanding of the inter-planetary world trade system that Frieza dominates.

Appearance

Zarbon is known for his striking appearance, which he values above all else. He has long, braided viridian hair, light green skin, and golden eyes that hint at his reptilian ancestry. His attire includes a light blue cape, pink arm warmers, blue leg warmers, and the standard Frieza Force armor, including shoulder pads and a blue scouter. His tiara and earrings reflect his previous status as a high-class prince, emphasizing his vanity and obsession with beauty.

Personality

Zarbon is vain and considers himself of the highest standard due to his noble background and handsome appearance. He is also highly intelligent and pragmatic, advising Frieza on various matters, including the elimination of the Saiyan race to prevent future threats. However, Zarbon is not as sadistic as some of Frieza's other henchmen, such as Dodoria, and is shown to have a more humane side, though he remains arrogant due to his vanity and sense of superiority.

Zarbon harbors a strong disliking for anything he deems ugly, including his own transformation, which he views as a necessary evil for self-defense. When transformed, Zarbon's power increases significantly, but he becomes more violent and overconfident. Despite his vanity, Zarbon is terrified of Frieza, much like the rest of Frieza's subordinates. He is aware of his expendability within the Frieza Force and has shown a willingness to betray Frieza if it benefits him, as implied in his final moments when he offers Vegeta an alliance.

Zarbon's transformation is a significant aspect of his character. Despite his aversion to the form's ugliness, it greatly enhances his strength, speed, and overall combat abilities. He refers to his original form as "the beauty side" and his transformed state as "the beast," highlighting his internal conflict between maintaining his appearance and utilizing his full power. This transformation is primarily used as a last resort when his standard form is not enough to defeat an opponent.

Zarbon's relationship with other members of the Frieza Force is complex. He harbors a rivalry with Dodoria, whom he views as brutish and ugly. Zarbon's disdain for Saiyans, particularly Vegeta, is also evident, with Vegeta recalling years of mockery from Zarbon. Despite his antagonistic nature, Zarbon shows some respect for intelligence and talent, as seen in his interactions with the Future Warrior in "Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2."

Zarbon is indicated to have an aversion to water, possibly even a form of hydrophobia. This trait is highlighted when he leaves Vegeta in a lake to die, choosing not to retrieve Vegeta's body because he doesn't want to get wet. Both Frieza and Dodoria are aware of this fear, with Dodoria even attempting to exploit it.

Biography:

Background

Zarbon is of royal lineage, identified as a prince from his home planet. His background is deeply rooted in the pursuit of power and maintaining his elite status. According to "Dragon Ball: Raging Blast 2," Zarbon's Monster form had been sealed inside him for "eons," suggesting that he is very old, though this might be an exaggeration. In "Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2," Frieza mentions that Zarbon was the strongest of his race, which is why he spared Zarbon's life after invading his planet. Zarbon chose to join the Frieza Force to gain further power, solidifying his role as one of Frieza's top lieutenants.

Service Under King Cold and Frieza Before Frieza took control of the Cold Force, Zarbon served under King Cold alongside Dodoria and the Ginyu Force. When King Cold retired and passed control to his son, Frieza, the Cold Force was renamed the Frieza Force. Due to his power and intelligence, Zarbon quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of Frieza's highest-ranking officers and personal advisors. This made Zarbon one of Frieza's most trusted and powerful subordinates, effectively serving as Frieza's right-hand man alongside Dodoria.

During his service, Zarbon became one of the few individuals aware of Frieza's ability to transform. This knowledge placed him in a unique position within the Frieza Force, further emphasizing his importance to Frieza.

Interactions with the Saiyans Zarbon played a significant role during the rebellion of King Vegeta, the Saiyan king. When King Vegeta demanded an audience with Frieza, Zarbon was the one who reported the situation to his master. Despite his initial hesitation and questioning whether the extermination of the Saiyan race was necessary after King Vegeta's death, Zarbon ultimately deferred to Frieza's judgment. He witnessed Frieza effortlessly kill King Vegeta and his elite warriors, solidifying his fear and respect for Frieza's power.

Zarbon's disdain for the Saiyans, particularly Vegeta, was evident throughout his interactions with them. When Vegeta, Raditz, and Nappa returned from destroying Planet Shikk, Zarbon mocked them for taking three days to accomplish the task, which he claimed he could have done in one day. His condescending attitude towards the Saiyan prince was a recurring theme, often leading to tense encounters with Vegeta, who barely restrained himself from attacking Zarbon in retaliation.

Dragon Ball Z:

Frieza Saga

Zarbon's Role on Namek

Zarbon, alongside Dodoria, accompanies Frieza to Planet Namek with the goal of obtaining the Namekian Dragon Balls. Frieza's ultimate desire is to use the Dragon Balls to wish for immortality, ensuring his dominance across the universe. Zarbon plays a crucial role in this mission, helping Frieza gather most of the Dragon Balls by ruthlessly slaughtering Namekians to extract information from them.

However, things take a turn when Vegeta arrives on Namek, also seeking the Dragon Balls for himself. Vegeta, who had previously betrayed Frieza by going to Earth without orders, now aims to use the Dragon Balls to gain immortality and free himself from Frieza's control. Vegeta quickly eliminates Cui and Dodoria, leaving Zarbon as the only remaining elite henchman of Frieza.

Zarbon vs. Vegeta: First Encounter

Frieza orders Zarbon and Appule to search the remaining Namekian villages for the last two Dragon Balls. Zarbon, realizing the threat posed by the stronger Namekians, instructs Appule to contact him if he finds any villagers, to avoid being killed. During his search, Zarbon encounters Vegeta, who challenges him to a fight. Vegeta, confident in his newfound strength, boasts that he has become what Frieza fears most—a powerful Saiyan. Despite Zarbon's initial disbelief, Vegeta gains the upper hand in their battle, deflecting Zarbon's attacks and slamming him into the ground.

Realizing that Vegeta is a significant threat, Zarbon reveals his ability to transform, though he despises the form's ugliness. Once transformed, Zarbon's power increases dramatically, and he easily overwhelms Vegeta with a brutal assault, culminating in an aerial piledriver that leaves Vegeta severely injured and submerged in the waters of Namek. Believing Vegeta to be dead, Zarbon reports his victory to Frieza.

Frieza's Orders and Vegeta's Escape

Upon hearing of Zarbon's victory, Frieza is relieved but demands confirmation of Vegeta's death. When Zarbon admits that he didn't confirm it because Vegeta's body was underwater, Frieza becomes suspicious, fearing that Vegeta may have survived and hidden a Dragon Ball. Frieza orders Zarbon to retrieve Vegeta's body and to bring it back for further interrogation, warning him of the consequences if he fails.

Zarbon returns to the battlefield, finds Vegeta's battered body, and brings him back to Frieza's ship. Vegeta is placed in a rejuvenation chamber, but upon recovering, he escapes, killing Appule in the process. Zarbon, now desperate, is ordered by Frieza to find Vegeta or face execution. Vegeta, meanwhile, uses the chaos to his advantage, stealing Frieza's Dragon Balls and escaping with them.

Zarbon vs. Vegeta: Final Battle

Zarbon eventually tracks Vegeta to a cave where Krillin and Bulma are hiding. The two engage in a final battle, with Zarbon transforming once more to ensure victory. However, Vegeta, who has grown even stronger after recovering from his near-death experience, overwhelms Zarbon. Despite Zarbon's desperate attempts to convince Vegeta to form an alliance against Frieza, Vegeta sees through the lie and delivers a fatal blow to Zarbon, blasting a hole through his body and sending him to his death in the Namekian sea.

Dragon Ball Super:

In a flashback during the "Special Comic" bonus chapter, Zarbon is seen alongside Dodoria as they prepare a group of combatant soldiers for the invasion of Namek. During this preparation, Zarbon and Dodoria partake in the assault on Moori's village. When a Warrior-type Namekian blasts Cranberry, one of their soldiers, sending him flying toward Zarbon, Zarbon kills Cranberry by kicking him into a nearby lake, displaying his ruthless nature and disdain for incompetence.

Golden Frieza Saga

Zarbon makes a brief cameo along with Dodoria and the Ginyu Force during the Golden Frieza Saga. This occurs when Sorbet describes the significant loss Frieza's army suffered on Namek. Zarbon's silhouette is visible in a flashback image alongside Frieza, Dodoria, and the Ginyu Force, representing Frieza's vanquished forces. Sorbet later mentions Zarbon again when comparing Tagoma's power to that of Zarbon and Dodoria. This comparison insults Frieza, who blasts Tagoma for showing cowardice, a trait he claims neither Zarbon nor Dodoria exhibited.

Super Dragon Ball Heroes:

Supreme Kai of Time Saga

Zarbon appears as one of the competitors in the Super Space-Time Tournament alongside other familiar faces like Mecha Frieza, Dodoria, and others. In the manga, Zarbon battles Zangya in a forest. However, Zarbon and his team fail to advance to the second round of the tournament, leading to their erasure along with their space-time.

Dragon Ball GT:

Super 17 Saga

In the Super 17 Saga of Dragon Ball GT, Zarbon escapes from Hell along with Dodoria and other past villains. They wreak havoc until the Dragon Team arrives to face the resurrected foes. Zarbon is presumably defeated once again and sent back to Hell.

Film Appearances

Bardock - The Father of Goku

Zarbon, alongside Dodoria, appears in the film Bardock - The Father of Goku. They are shown briefing Frieza on the growing power of the Saiyans and the implications it may have for Frieza's rule. Zarbon advises Frieza to eliminate the Saiyans before they become a significant threat. This leads to Frieza's decision to destroy Planet Vegeta, with Zarbon and Dodoria being the only ones to witness the planet's destruction without any sympathy.

Fusion Reborn

Zarbon makes a cameo appearance in Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn when the residents of Hell escape to Earth. Alongside other villains, he is presumably defeated and sent back to Hell by Gohan, who arrives to stop Frieza's onslaught.

Broly

In Dragon Ball Super: Broly, Zarbon and Dodoria appear on Planet Vegeta as members of the Cold Force under King Cold's leadership. They accompany King Cold when he informs King Vegeta of his plans to retire and hand over leadership to his son, Frieza. This marks the beginning of Frieza's tyrannical rule over the Saiyans.

Other Dragon Ball Stories:

Dragon Ball SD

In Dragon Ball SD Chapter 6, Zarbon makes a brief appearance in both his normal and monster forms. However, this is revealed to be Oolong disguised as Zarbon, adding a humorous twist to the scene.

Dragon Ball Online

Zarbon appears in the fifth Time Machine Quest of the computer game Dragon Ball Online. In this quest, he is brainwashed by Towa through a special beam and transformed into a giant just before his battle with Vegeta. The Time Patrol defeats Zarbon, and he transforms into his monster form. However, this transformation interferes with Towa's magic, causing him to shrink in size. Displeased, Towa abandons Zarbon, and he is eventually defeated by the Time Patrol.

Dragon Ball Fusions

In Dragon Ball Fusions, Zarbon can be encountered as a powerful enemy in Area 2F of the Timespace Rift, near Frieza's abandoned spaceship. After completing the Sub-Event "A Villain's Pride," Zarbon can be recruited to Tekka's Team by being KO'd with a Zenkai Attack. After joining, Zarbon will appear on the team's spaceship and recognizes it as being similar to Frieza's, though he dismisses the possibility that it could be the same ship.

Xenoverse 2

Ruckus on Planet Namek Saga:

In an alternate history of Age 762, Zarbon accompanies Dodoria in chasing after Krillin, Gohan, and Dende on Namek. When Krillin's Solar Flare fails to blind Zarbon, he blocks their escape path. The Time Patrol sends the 2nd Future Warrior to assist, and eventually, Krillin manages to escape. The Warrior keeps Zarbon busy, and Zarbon is later killed by Vegeta, restoring the original timeline.

Frieza's Siege:

Zarbon, along with the rest of the Frieza Force, invades Conton City.

What-if Scenarios

Episode of Bardock:

Zarbon briefly appears in the first chapter of Dragon Ball: Episode of Bardock during Bardock's last stand against Frieza. Unlike in Bardock - The Father of Goku, Zarbon and Dodoria are shown alongside Frieza when he destroys Planet Vegeta.

Supersonic Warriors 2:

In Cooler's story mode, Zarbon is revived by the Big Gete Star along with Dodoria and the Ginyu Force. Zarbon sarcastically insults the Ginyu Force and mocks Dodoria. He alerts Cooler to the strength of Perfect Cell, and in the end, he joins the Ginyu Force in their Fighting Pose after Cooler promises them to do so if they help defeat Cell.

Budokai Tenkaichi 2:

In Budokai Tenkaichi 2, Zarbon has his own story mode titled "Beautiful Treachery." He seeks the Dragon Balls to obtain eternal beauty. Zarbon manipulates events by involving the Ginyu Force, Cooler, and Frieza in a conflict. He uses Krillin, Dende, and Gohan to help him achieve his wish. However, when Frieza becomes angry, Zarbon realizes his mistake. As Cooler and Frieza battle, Zarbon and Goku attempt to escape Namek, but Zarbon is left behind to perish when the planet is destroyed.

Powers and Stats

Tier: 5-B, higher after transforming

Powers and Abilities: Superhuman Physical Characteristics, Acrobatics, Skilled in hand-to-hand combat, Ki Manipulation (Master Level), Flight, Explosion Manipulation (Capable of detonating ki attacks), Heat Generation (Via ki attacks and aura), Transformation (Can transform to boost his power), Information Analysis and Extrasensory Perception (Via Scouter; The Scouter can be used for the following: communicate to other Scouters near or as far as deep outer space, detect power level, location, distance, and velocity). Resistance to Cold and Radiation (Capable of fighting in the upper atmosphere, where temperatures are very cold and radiation levels are exceedingly high)

Attack Potency: Planet level (Stronger than Saiyan Saga Vegeta and Dodoria), higher after transforming (By drawing upon his full, dormant power, Zarbon's Ki skyrockets "through the roof", his strength, speed, and ability dramatically magnifying, being of the transforming-type alien; after transforming, his power amplifies by several-times, an increase in strength far too high for Vegeta to even calculate, and with this strength, Zarbon effortlessly manhandled Vegeta, beating the Saiyan to near-death, after previously being humiliated easily)

Speed: At least Supersonic flight speed (Flew at speeds comparable to Krillin) with FTL combat speed (With a power level of 23,000, Zarbon should be faster than Saiyan Saga Vegeta), higher after transforming (Overwhelmed early Namek Saga Vegeta)

Lifting Strength: Unknown

Striking Strength: Planet level, higher after transforming

Durability: Planet level, higher after transforming

Stamina: Superhuman

Range: Standard Melee Range; Planetary with ki blasts and attacks

Standard Equipment: His Scouter

Intelligence: Very skilled hand to hand fighter with years of experience in battle. His intelligence, cunning, and resourcefulness is noted worthy enough to act as an advisor to Frieza.

Weaknesses: Sometimes overconfident, values beauty over everything.

Notable Attacks/Techniques

• Elegant Blaster - Zarbon puts his hand forward with the other supporting it in a manner similar to the Explosive Demon Wave. Then, he charges an orange energy sphere and fires it in the form of an energy wave at the opponent, inflicting a high amount of damage.
  • DUAL Elegant Blaster - A two-person team attack which appears as Zarbon's Dual Ultimate Attack skill in Xenoverse 2 after the 1.09.00 Update.
• Possibility Cannon - The Possibility Cannon is a very versatile technique that can be fired from both one hand or two. It can be used as a regular full power energy wave or a giant energy sphere.
• Ruthless Blow – A strong kick to the neck attack used to kill one of the elder Namekians in Moori's village, and later in Dragon Ball GT. Named in the Dragon Ball Collectible Card Game, where it is also alternatively named Devastation.
• Shooting Star Arrow – First, Zarbon puts his right hand upward and charges an orange energy sphere. He then puts his hand forward and fires an energy wave at the opponent, inflicting a high amount of damage.
• Super Beautiful Arrow – The user usually brings their arms to their sides, charges up ki, and then he throws his hands forward one after another as he rapidly fires many energy blasts.
  • Consecutive Energy Blast - Used in Xenoverse 2.
  • Energy Wave Combo - Used in Xenoverse 2.
• Bloody Dance – Zarbon knocks the opponent into the air and delivers a brutal assault of physical strikes and finishes by kicking the opponent down to the ground.
• Purple Circle – The user performs a backflip to kick their opponent in the chin, sending them flying.
• Monster Break – As he says, "don't be shocked", Zarbon knees the opponent in their stomach. Then, he slaps the opponent in the face and kicks them up into the air. Finally, while saying "behold my power!", Zarbon grabs the opponent by their leg and swings them onto the ground, inflicting a high amount of damage.
• Monster's Impact – First, Zarbon dashes towards his target and grabs their head, repeatedly headbutting the target, critically damaging them. Afterwards, Zarbon throws his injured target into the air, and finally kicks them back down to the ground, resulting in colossal damage.
• Monster Crush – Zarbon grabs the opponent by their head and throws them up into the air. Then, he jumps up and slaps the opponent downwards before grabbing them with a piledriver and releasing them as they are sent crashing down into the ground, inflicting a high amount of damage.

• Exploding Wave – One of Zarbon's techniques in Dragon Ball Z II: Gekishin Freeza and Dragon Ball Z: Shin Butōden.
• Super Footslide – A dashing slide kick used in the Butōden series.
• Cosmic Energy Flash – Three consecutive ki blast fired with the Elegant Blaster pose. Used in the Butōden series.
• Pinkeye Breaker – Zarbon's version of the Eye Lasers. Only used in the Butōden series.
• Star Hail – A Full Power Energy Ball fired from one hand. It is one of Zarbon's super techniques in the Butōden series.
• Vanity Spread Shot – Zarbon launches an energy sphere to the ground, and it divides into three smaller energy spheres which scatter in three different directions. It is one of Zarbon's super techniques in the Butōden series.
• Destructive Sphere – Used in the Butōden series.
• Meteor Change Charge – Zarbon's Meteor Attack in Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22, during which he changes into his Monster Form to attack the opponent.
• Hyper Elegant Magnum – Zarbon kicks the opponent up in the air, and then punches them and kicks them down again. Used in Budokai.
• Extra Graceful Cannon – A High Speed Rush used in Budokai. It is a combination of spinwheel roundhouse kicks.
• Full Power – One of Zarbon's Blast 1 in the Budokai Tenkaichi series.
• Wild Sense – One of Zarbon's Blast 1 in the Budokai Tenkaichi series.
• False Courage – One of Zarbon's Blast 1 in his Monster Form in the Budokai Tenkaichi series.
• Hi-Tension – One of Zarbon's Blast 1 in his Monster Form in the Budokai Tenkaichi series.
• Blind Meteor – Used in Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors 2.
• Elegant Crash - Zarbon's signature attack in the Raging Blast Series.
• Hunting Claw – A grapple throw used by Zarbon in his monster form. Named in Zenkai Battle.
• Audacious Laugh - Used in Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2.
• Bloody Counter - One of Zarbon's Evasive Skills in Xenoverse 2.
• Telekinesis - Used in Xenoverse 2.
  • Death Psycho Bomb - After the 1.09.00 Update in Xenoverse 2, it can be added to Zarbon's custom skillset after purchasing it in Partner Customization.
  • Death Meteor - After the 1.09.00 Update in Xenoverse 2, it can be added to Zarbon's custom skillset after purchasing it Medals in Partner Customization.
• Death Slicer - After the 1.09.00 Update in Xenoverse 2, it can be added to Zarbon's custom skillset after purchasing it in Partner Customization.
• Bloody Sauce - Used by Dark Zarbon in Xenoverse 2.

Trivia

• Zarbon is voiced by different actors in various media, with his English dub voice actors including Paul Dobson and Christopher Sabat.
• In "Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2," Zarbon's interactions with Bulma suggest that he is either attracted to the opposite sex or willing to use his charm to manipulate others.

• Name Origin: Zarbon's name is derived from the Japanese word for the pomelo fruit (ザボン, or 朱欒).
• Top Anime Henchman: In an issue of Beckett Anime, Zarbon was voted as one of the top five greatest henchmen in all anime. He was the only Dragon Ball Z character on the list.
• Australian Accent: In the FUNimation dub, during Vegeta's flashback where he, Nappa, and Raditz conquer Planet Shikk, Zarbon is given an Australian accent.
• Voice Differences: Zarbon's voice in the games differs significantly from the English dubs of the anime. Initially, his voice in the FUNimation dub resembled that of the Ocean dub. In later versions, his voice was altered to sound similar to King Cold's or Caroni's. Additionally, Vegeta's voice was also deepened in these later versions.
• First Transforming Villain: Zarbon is the first villain in the original manga and anime shown to be able to transform at will, without the transformation being a Giant Form. However, the Serpent Demon Clan from Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone were the first villains overall with this trait.
• Informing Vegeta: In the manga, Zarbon tells Vegeta about Frieza's ability to transform. This detail was omitted in the anime, though Vegeta still references it during his confrontation with Frieza.
• Bulma's Attraction: When Zarbon arrives for his second confrontation with Vegeta, Bulma falls in love with him at first sight, thinking he is a handsome hero come to rescue her. Zarbon, however, does not seem to notice.
• Bulma's Crushes: Zarbon is the fourth and final villain that Bulma lusts after. The first three are Oolong (in his transformed handsome gentleman form), Yamcha (when he was still a bandit), and General Blue during the General Blue Saga.
• Dragon Ball SD Running Gag: In Dragon Ball SD, Oolong transforms into Zarbon, continuing the gag of Bulma's attraction to handsome characters.
• Xenoverse 2 Reference: In Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 during the Hero Colosseum Saga, Zarbon attempts to seduce Bulma to obtain more Hero Figures for the Frieza Force. This angers her husband Vegeta, indicating he hasn't forgotten Bulma's initial reaction to Zarbon on Namek.
• Animation Mistake: During the scene where Vegeta kills Zarbon, there is an animation mistake. At the beginning of the scene, Zarbon's armor is battle-damaged, and his cape is missing. However, during the fight, his armor and cape are shown intact, as the animators reused a clip from a previous Vegeta vs. Zarbon scene. This error was corrected in Dragon Ball Z Kai.
• Zarbon and Dodoria Reference: In the episode "To the Promised Resort! Vegeta Takes a Family Trip!", there is a nod to Zarbon and Dodoria when Vegeta is seen with twigs sticking out of his hair, with a pomelo (Zarbon) on one side and a durian (Dodoria) on the other.
• Chi-Chi's Mixed Feelings: In Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3, Chi-Chi has mixed feelings about Zarbon's appearance. She comments that Zarbon's base form is "a face that superficial Bulma would like," but his monster form makes her exclaim, "Eek! For that good-looking face to become so dreadful!"
• Potara Earrings Resemblance: The Potara earrings used in the series resemble Zarbon's earrings and the charm on his headpiece.
• Greek Dub Gender Change: In the Greek dub of the series, Zarbon is portrayed as a woman. However, in flashbacks in episodes 78 and 104, Zarbon is depicted as a male.
• In Gekishin Freeza, after Zarbon's defeat, his base form character model re-appears as a recurring foe named Yūzu (ユーズ).
• In Super Saiya Densetsu, Zarbon gets two color edits in his monster form that appear as recurring foes: the blond Aboga (アボガ) (called "Red" or "Fepha" in English versions) and the blue haired Mandarin (マンダリン) (called "G.BLY" in the English version).