Introduction: The Elite Soldiers of the Universe
The Ginyu Force. The name alone conjures images of flamboyant poses, boastful pronouncements, and overwhelming power. These five elite soldiers, handpicked by the tyrannical Frieza, were the epitome of strength and loyalty within the universe. Their arrival on Planet Namek during the Dragon Ball Z saga marked a turning point, setting the stage for some of the most brutal and iconic battles in anime history. But as the battles raged, and the stakes escalated, the Ginyu Force was systematically dismantled. The question, however, lingers in the minds of fans: Which member, Jeice or Burter, was the last one standing alongside their Captain, Ginyu?
Meet the Team: A Closer Look at the Ginyu Force
Before we examine their final stand, let’s reintroduce the individuals who made up this formidable team. Each member brought a specific skillset and personality to the table, creating a diverse and powerful unit.
Captain Ginyu
The leader of the Ginyu Force, Captain Ginyu was the strongest of the group. His special ability was the Body Change technique, allowing him to switch bodies with his opponent. This made him a dangerous threat, able to turn the tables on even the strongest foes. He was a calculating and strategic fighter, often relying on his intelligence to overcome his opponents.
Jeice
A brash and cocky fighter, Jeice, with his distinctive red skin and long, white hair, was known for his “Crusher Ball” attack. He often acted as a commentator during the fights, constantly boasting about his power and the Ginyu Force’s superiority. He was also typically partnered with Burter.
Burter
The self-proclaimed fastest in the universe (though, in reality, the title belonged to someone else), Burter was known for his speed and agility. He was a more stoic and reserved fighter compared to Jeice, but equally dedicated to the Ginyu Force. Like Jeice, he had a strong bond with the team and would go to any lengths for his comrades.
Guldo
The weakest of the Ginyu Force, Guldo possessed the ability to stop time, a power that made him a potentially dangerous opponent, but his lack of physical strength was a significant weakness. He often relied on his cunning and tricks to gain an advantage.
Recoome
The brute force of the group, Recoome, was a towering figure with incredible strength and durability. He reveled in the destruction he caused and was known for his cocky attitude.
The Battle on Namek: The Beginning of the End
The Ginyu Force’s arrival on Namek signaled a massive shift in the conflict. Their mission: to protect Frieza’s interests, eliminate the Saiyans, and retrieve the Dragon Balls. Their arrival was a display of power that sent shockwaves through the heroes. The first confrontation would be with Vegeta, Gohan, and Krillin. This would mark the beginning of the end for the Ginyu Force.
Vegeta, who had grown stronger, took on the Ginyu Force. The battles were a true test of strength and strategy, as each member revealed their abilities and fighting style. The tide of the battle would ebb and flow as the Ginyu Force would take on Goku and Vegeta, leaving the strongest Saiyans in history bruised and battered, with their limits tested.
Recoome’s Demise
The first member to meet a decisive end was Recoome. He utterly dominated Vegeta at first. However, after Goku’s arrival and a brief fight, Recoome was easily defeated by Vegeta after Goku gave Vegeta a chance to recover from his injuries. It was a clear demonstration of the Saiyan’s increased strength and resolve.
Guldo’s Time Runs Out
Guldo, initially utilizing his time-stopping ability to gain an advantage, was next to fall. He seemed to be overpowering Krillin and Gohan before Vegeta swooped in and blasted him away. Guldo fell before he could even fully realize his abilities, with Vegeta’s power quickly ending his involvement.
Ginyu’s Body Swap
The fate of Ginyu was perhaps the most bizarre. After battling Goku, the captain attempted to use his Body Change technique. He successfully swapped bodies with Goku, but due to the damage Goku sustained during his fight with the previous Ginyu Force members, he could not maintain the power within Goku’s body. After the failed body swap, he was easily defeated. After his defeat, he would later try to swap bodies with Vegeta, but Vegeta managed to outsmart him. In a final turn of events, Ginyu, in a frog’s body, would be forced to live out his days on Namek.
Jeice and Burter’s Final Moments: The Last Stand
This leaves us with Jeice and Burter, the last remaining members. They watched their comrades fall before them and knew that their time was coming. They would soon face Goku and Vegeta at the same time.
Goku had recovered from his fight with the previous members of the Ginyu Force and was more than ready. Vegeta had already begun to show the signs of a true Saiyan, as he grew stronger from the battles he had engaged in.
Jeice and Burter decided to work together. They understood that to beat the Saiyans they needed to fight in tandem. Jeice and Burter were a formidable tag team, using their combined powers and skills to try and overpower their opponents.
Burter’s Ultimate Speed
Burter, as always, boasted of his speed and tried to exploit it. He darted around the battlefield, attempting to catch Vegeta off guard. However, Vegeta’s growing power meant he was no longer vulnerable to Burter’s attempts. Burter found himself struggling to even touch Vegeta, and then, ultimately, he would be taken out by Vegeta.
Jeice’s Last Resort
Jeice, after witnessing his partner’s defeat, was in a state of shock and fear. He knew he was outmatched against the Saiyans. He desperately attempted to use his “Crusher Ball” attack, but his efforts were too late. Vegeta, consumed by the rage and confidence of a Saiyan, ultimately ended Jeice.
This was the moment the Ginyu Force’s final stand came to an end. Jeice, the final member of the Ginyu Force still standing, was ultimately defeated.
The Verdict: Answering the Question
Considering the events that transpired on Namek, and the eventual demise of the Ginyu Force, the answer to our initial question is clear: **Burter was the last member alive alongside Ginyu.** While both Jeice and Burter were defeated in their battle with Vegeta and Goku, it was Burter’s demise that came first. Since Ginyu was a frog, Burter was technically the last one to have their consciousness intact with Ginyu.
Looking Deeper: Analyzing the Circumstances
The events on Namek are a testament to the power of the Saiyans and the hubris of the Ginyu Force. It shows the dramatic shift in power dynamics within the Dragon Ball Z universe. The Ginyu Force, once an unstoppable force, was reduced to nothing. The battles also highlight the evolution of the Saiyans and their ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Ginyu Force
The Ginyu Force left a lasting impression on the Dragon Ball Z saga. Their flamboyant personalities, unique fighting styles, and tragic downfall made them iconic villains. While they may not have achieved their primary objectives, they served to elevate the stakes and make the battles that followed on Namek even more dramatic. Their presence helped establish the immense power of Frieza and set the stage for the epic showdown between the tyrant and the Saiyans. The Ginyu Force, ultimately, became a symbol of the dangers faced by the Z Fighters and showcased how far Goku and Vegeta had come. They may be gone, but their legacy lives on in the hearts of Dragon Ball Z fans worldwide.
Ultimately, whether you are a fan of Jeice, Burter, or any of the other members, their time on screen was a moment in the story that is remembered by many for decades to come. The Ginyu Force was a necessary villain that added an extra layer of entertainment to the series.
