Ipana is a minor supporting character who appears in the Dragon Ball manga spin-off Episode of Bardock. He is an ancient being who lives on Planet Plant, the celestial body that would eventually be renamed Planet Vegeta before its destruction. Ipana serves as the doctor for his small village and is the father of a young son named Berry.

In terms of appearance, Ipana is depicted as a small, light blue-skinned humanoid with black eyes and a two-dot nose. He typically wears a greenish-red outfit adorned with a green diamond-shaped emblem. His physical stature is notably smaller and less imposing than the Saiyan warrior who becomes central to his story.

Ipana possesses a personality defined by remarkable kindness and a notable lack of fear in the face of danger. He is a very kind-hearted person who does not hesitate to speak to the unconscious and intimidating Bardock upon first finding him, showing no fear of the stranger's alien appearance or potential threat. This bravery extends to later events when he stands up to the space pirate Chilled, refusing to be cowed by the tyrant's power even as his village is being destroyed. His primary motivation throughout the narrative is the wellbeing of his people and especially his son, Berry. He cares deeply for the other inhabitants of his village and demonstrates a compelling sense of compassion by treating an outsider like Bardock.

Ipana's background and role in the story begin when he makes an extraordinary discovery. One unusual day, while going about his duties, he finds the unconscious Saiyan warrior Bardock lying on the ground after the Saiyans failed attempt to defeat Frieza and stop the destruction of Planet Vegeta. Despite the severity of Bardocks injuries, Ipana desperately brings the Saiyan to his house and uses his medical skills to heal him. He explains to the confused Bardock that he is on Planet Plant, a place Bardock recalls as the former name of his homeworld before the Saiyans annexed it. After Bardock recovers and leaves to confront two soldiers of the Planet Trade Organization who threaten the village, he kills them and retreats to a nearby cave. In gratitude for saving his people, Ipana asks his son Berry to bring baskets of food and medicine to the lonely Saiyan.

The situation escalates when the soldiers' boss, the space tyrant Chilled who is an ancestor of Frieza, arrives on Planet Plant to investigate their unexplained deaths. Chilled finds Ipana in the act of healing a young child in the village and immediately covets the doctors medicine, remarking that it has the power to heal wounds instantly. When Ipana refuses to hand over his creation, Chilled orders his soldiers to attack the kind doctor. It is only after Berry begs for his help that Bardock returns, saving Ipana from Chilleds soldiers and angrily attacking Chilled after mistaking him for Frieza. During the subsequent battle, as Chilled begins to crush Bardock with his foot, Ipana courageously tries to interfere only to be smacked away, and he is horrified to see his own son Berry get hurt while trying to save the Saiyan. Ipana survives the conflict and is last seen ensuring that Berry is alright when his son wakes up, happily watching Bardock walk off into the distance in his new Super Saiyan form.

Ipana's most significant relationships are with his son and with Bardock. He gets along very well with Berry and is deeply worried whenever his son is in danger, showing a protective paternal instinct. With Bardock, despite the Saiyans initial reluctance and hostility, Ipana seems to forge a positive connection through his unconditional care and gratitude, ultimately becoming a friend and ally to the warrior. His relationship with Chilled is one of immediate antagonism, as he is shocked to find the alien who pretended to be a friend is actually a ruthless enemy.

Regarding development, Ipana remains a largely static character, defined throughout by his consistent kindness, bravery, and dedication to his role as a healer and protector of his family and village. It is his inherent goodness and his sons plea that inadvertently sets the stage for Bardocks pivotal transformation.

Ipana does not possess combat abilities or superhuman strength. Instead, his notable talent lies in his medical expertise. He is capable of creating a special medicine that can heal others from serious injuries, a skill that proves crucial in restoring Bardock to health and catching the greedy attention of the tyrant Chilled. This healing fluid is described as having the power to mend wounds almost instantly, making it a valuable and coveted resource.