In the classic anime series Sindbad the Sailor, Balba is a recurring antagonist introduced as an old and powerful sorcerer. He first appears in Baghdad during a spring celebration, where he presents the king with a remarkable magical artifact, a flying wooden horse, as a gift. Balba is a physically imposing figure, described as tall and muscular, with a bald head, a pointed nose, and piercing green eyes. His typical attire consists of a long black robe, and he carries an ornate staff that he uses to channel his magical abilities.

Balba's personality is marked by a deep-seated ambition, a strong desire for control, and a cunning and manipulative nature. He is highly practical and organized, preferring to operate with a clear sense of order and structure to achieve his goals. His primary motivation is a longing for power and recognition. This is demonstrated in his initial scheme, where he uses the flying horse not merely as a gift but as a tool to kidnap Princess Sharam, intending to force the king into granting her hand in marriage as a reward. He possesses a strong sense of self-preservation and a willingness to take significant risks, but his actions are consistently driven by a desire to assert his own superiority and secure his position.

Throughout the story, Balba's role is complex and shifting, serving as both an adversary and, at times, a reluctant ally to the hero, Sindbad. After his initial defeat, he later aligns with other villains, such as Tabasa and Satajit, in a plot for revenge against Sindbad. His motivations are further complicated by a sense of jealousy; while he may develop a grudging respect for Sindbad's abilities and growing power, this respect eventually turns into envy, leading him to betray the hero and side with darker forces. This inner conflict between a sense of duty or respect and his craving for power makes him a contradictory character. At times, he demonstrates a fierce protectiveness over those he considers his own, which manifests as a strong, if sometimes aggressive, sense of responsibility.

Key relationships define much of Balba's role in the narrative. His primary dynamic is with Sindbad, whom he initially sees as a rival to be defeated. This rivalry evolves into a complex mixture of respect and bitter jealousy. He also has significant interactions with Princess Sharam, whom he kidnaps, and later with Princess Shera, as he participates in her abduction as part of a revenge scheme. His alliances with other sorcerers like Tabasa and Satajit highlight his willingness to cooperate with other antagonists to achieve shared goals, particularly their mutual desire for vengeance against Sindbad.

Over the course of the series, Balba demonstrates a notable, albeit negative, character development. He transforms from a scheming wizard with a specific, self-serving plot to a member of a larger conspiracy dedicated to destroying the hero. His increasing jealousy and hunger for power ultimately override any potential for a redemptive path, solidifying his role as a persistent and dangerous foe.

In terms of abilities, Balba is a highly skilled and formidable magician. His most famous piece of magic is the flying wooden horse, a device he uses for transportation and abduction. In combat, he is capable of powerful feats of sorcery, including the conjuration of paper warriors to attack his enemies. He wields a magical staff that serves as a conduit for his powers, and his cunning and strategic mind make him a resourceful and dangerous opponent.