Cabba is a pivotal character introduced in Dragon Ball Super, serving as the bridge between the Saiyans of Universe 7 and their counterparts in Universe 6. As a polite, courageous, and highly skilled warrior, he challenged the long-standing perception of Saiyans as ruthless conquerors, offering a fresh perspective on the race’s potential for heroism and altruism.
Origins and the Universe 6 Saiyans
Unlike the Saiyans of Universe 7, who were known as a warrior race that served under Frieza and conquered planets, Cabba hails from Planet Sadala in Universe 6. In this reality, the Saiyans never lost their original home planet and evolved into a peaceful yet powerful force. Cabba is a prominent member of the Sadala Defense Forces, a peacekeeping organization that protects the universe from galactic threats. This background defines his character as a “hero of justice,” contrasting sharply with the early history of characters like Vegeta or Nappa.
Appearance and Character Design
Cabba possesses a distinct design that reflects his agile and youthful nature. He is shorter and leaner than Universe 7 Saiyans like Goku or Gohan, featuring a slight build that belies his immense physical power. His signature attire consists of a traditional Sadala Defense Force uniform: a dark blue undergarment paired with silver and yellow chest armor that resembles ancient gladiatorial gear. Unlike the spiked, aggressive hair common among his ancestors, Cabba’s hair is dark and swept to the side, maintaining a more composed appearance until he enters a transformed state.
Character Traits and Personality
Cabba is characterized by his extreme politeness and humility. He often addresses his superiors and rivals with formal honorifics, a trait rarely seen in the prideful Saiyan race. Despite his gentle demeanor, he possesses an unwavering sense of duty and a fierce protective instinct for his planet and people. His willingness to learn and his deep respect for martial arts lineage led him to form a unique mentor-student bond with Vegeta, whom he looks up to as a “master” despite being from different universes.
Signature Techniques and Combat Style
Cabba utilizes a combat style that emphasizes speed, precision, and energy manipulation. While he shares several biological traits with all Saiyans, his techniques are uniquely refined through his military training.
- Galick Cannon: A purple energy beam that is nearly identical in form and function to Vegeta’s Galick Gun, highlighting the parallel evolution of the two Saiyan lineages.
- Continuous Energy Bullets: A rapid-fire barrage of ki blasts used to overwhelm opponents or create openings for physical strikes.
- Super Saiyan Transformations: Under the tutelage of Vegeta, Cabba learned to tap into his inner rage to achieve the Super Saiyan state. He later pushed these boundaries further, reaching Super Saiyan 2 during the high-stakes battles of the Tournament of Power.
Major Arcs and Growth
Cabba’s journey is marked by rapid evolution and significant contributions to the Dragon Ball Super narrative:
The Universe 6 vs. Universe 7 Tournament
This arc served as Cabba’s introduction. During his battle with Vegeta, he admitted he did not know how to transform into a Super Saiyan. Through a calculated display of tough love and provocation, Vegeta forced Cabba to trigger the transformation, forever changing the power scaling and future of the Universe 6 Saiyans.
The Tournament of Power
Cabba played a crucial role in recruiting teammates for Team Universe 6, specifically seeking out the powerful female Saiyans Caulifla and Kale. During the tournament itself, he displayed remarkable growth, sacrificing his own stamina to eliminate dangerous opponents and eventually achieving Super Saiyan 2 to protect his teammates. His elimination was a poignant moment, as he placed his faith in Vegeta to win the tournament and wish back the erased universes.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Cabba’s introduction was a landmark moment for the franchise, as it expanded the lore of the Saiyan race beyond the tragic history of Planet Vegeta. By presenting a Saiyan who is inherently “good,” the series explored new themes of mentorship and cross-universal brotherhood. He remains a fan favorite for his earnest personality and his role in bringing more Saiyan representation, including the first female Super Saiyans, into the spotlight.
To learn more about the warriors competing alongside Cabba, explore our breakdown of the Dragon Ball Super’s Tournament of Power Explained or check out our guide to other iconic Saiyans like Son Goten and Future Trunks.