The Untold Power Of Cooler: 5 Shocking Facts About Frieza's Brother That Make Him Stronger Than You Think
For decades, the name Frieza has been synonymous with galactic tyranny and overwhelming power in the Dragon Ball Z universe, but the family’s true depth of evil and strength lies with his often-overlooked older brother, Cooler. As of the most recent updates in the Dragon Ball franchise's expanded media, Cooler continues to be one of the most popular non-canonical villains, revered by fans for his ruthless demeanor, superior intelligence, and, most importantly, a unique transformation that Frieza himself did not possess at the time of his introduction.
The existence of a sibling who is arguably more formidable than the Emperor of the Universe adds a fascinating layer to the "Frost Demon" family dynamic. This article, updated for late 2025, delves deep into the history, motives, and incredible power of Cooler, exploring his unique forms and his lasting impact on the franchise through video games and fan theories, even without a proper appearance in the main manga continuity.
Cooler's Complete Profile and Galactic Reign
Cooler is a central figure in the extended Dragon Ball Z lore, serving as the main antagonist in two feature films. Unlike his younger brother Frieza, who was defeated by Goku on Namek, Cooler arrives on Earth seeking vengeance and, more critically, to restore his family's honor. He viewed Frieza's defeat as a sign of weakness and a monumental failure, revealing a deep-seated sibling rivalry.
- Full Name: Cooler (クーラ, Kūra)
- Species: Frieza Race / Frost Demon
- Family: King Cold (Father), Frieza (Younger Brother), Kuriza (Nephew, non-canon)
- First Appearance (Movie): Dragon Ball Z: Cooler's Revenge (1991)
- Second Appearance (Movie): Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler (1992)
- Primary Motive: To eliminate Goku, whom he blames for Frieza’s defeat, and to prove his own superiority over his brother and King Cold.
- Canonical Status: Non-Canon (Movie Exclusive), but frequently appears in video games and promotional material (e.g., Dragon Ball Heroes, Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot).
- Key Distinction: Possesses a unique Fifth Form transformation, a stage beyond the "Final Form" used by Frieza.
Cooler's initial appearance is significant because it is chronologically set shortly after Frieza's defeat, but before the arrival of Future Trunks. He brings with him the Cooler Force, a powerful elite squad comparable to the Ginyu Force, further cementing his status as a major galactic emperor in his own right. His core philosophy is one of absolute ruthlessness, criticizing Frieza for not destroying Planet Vegeta when he had the chance, a mistake Cooler vows not to repeat with Goku.
The Fifth Form: Cooler's Unique Power Beyond Frieza's Final Form
The most compelling aspect of Cooler’s character is his unique power progression. While Frieza was shown to have three weaker forms before unleashing his true, "Final Form" power on Namek, Cooler reveals that he, too, has a true form that he typically suppresses. However, Cooler had an ace up his sleeve: a transformation *beyond* the Final Form, which fans refer to as the Fifth Form.
What is Cooler's Fifth Form?
Cooler's Final Form, which is his natural state of power, closely resembles Frieza's Final Form. The Fifth Form, however, is a massive, aggressive transformation that he uses to push his power even further. This stage is visually distinct, featuring:
- Increased Size and Musculature: Cooler becomes noticeably larger and bulkier.
- Bio-Armor Plating: A cranial crest, shoulder pads, and forearm guards appear, resembling organic armor. This "armor" is a natural part of the transformation, not an external suit.
- Massive Power Boost: This form is stated to be a 100% full-power state, designed specifically to surpass his brother's maximum strength. In the movie, this form allowed him to easily dominate Super Saiyan Goku for a time, a feat Frieza could not manage.
This transformation is a brilliant piece of world-building, establishing Cooler as a character who is naturally more powerful and more willing to push his body's limits than Frieza was at the time. It created a clear power hierarchy, placing Cooler above his brother in the eyes of many fans. The Fifth Form is often compared to Frieza's later Golden Form, as both represent a stage of power achieved by moving past their original true form.
The Terrifying Evolution of Metal Cooler and The Big Gete Star
Cooler’s story doesn't end with his defeat by Super Saiyan Goku in the first film. In a stunning sequel, The Return of Cooler, he is resurrected in a form far more dangerous and technologically advanced: Metal Cooler. This transformation is a major reason why Cooler is considered one of the most formidable villains in the franchise.
The Big Gete Star and Self-Repair
After his defeat, Cooler's remnants drifted through space and eventually merged with a colossal, sentient machine known as the Big Gete Star. This fusion gave him a new, metallic body that possessed two terrifying abilities:
- Instantaneous Self-Repair: Any damage inflicted on Metal Cooler is immediately repaired by the Big Gete Star's nanomachines, making him virtually indestructible in a one-on-one fight.
- Continuous Power-Up: The Big Gete Star constantly analyzes his opponent's power and upgrades his body, allowing him to grow stronger with every attack he sustains. This is essentially a mechanical version of the Saiyan's "Zenkai Boost" ability.
The threat was so severe that Goku and Vegeta, both as Super Saiyans, were required to fight him, and even their combined strength was barely enough to defeat a single Metal Cooler. The true horror was the revelation that the Big Gete Star was mass-producing thousands of Metal Cooler clones, turning him into an omnipresent, self-replicating army. This concept of a villain who is both organic and machine, with an army of perfect copies, elevated the stakes far beyond a simple one-on-one fight.
Cooler's Canonical Status and Enduring Legacy in Dragon Ball
Despite his popularity, Cooler remains a non-canon character, meaning his story does not take place within the main continuity of the Dragon Ball manga or the Dragon Ball Super anime. This fact has been a source of continuous debate and curiosity among fans for years.
However, his influence is undeniable. The character is a staple in almost every Dragon Ball video game, often receiving new, non-canon forms, such as "Golden Cooler" in the promotional anime Dragon Ball Heroes. His presence in these games, and their continuous updates, keeps his character fresh and relevant, proving his enduring popularity.
Furthermore, the discussion around his potential canon introduction into Dragon Ball Super is a frequent topic in the fandom. With Frieza's incredible power-up to Golden Frieza, and his recent Black Frieza transformation, the door is always open for Cooler to make a debut, perhaps with his own unique twist on the Frost Demon's evolutionary line, further solidifying his position as the superior, older brother who is always one step ahead in the race for galactic domination.
Cooler is more than just Frieza's brother; he is a testament to the potential power of the Frost Demon race and a fan-favorite villain whose unique transformations and ruthless motives have secured his place in Dragon Ball history, regardless of his canonical status.
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