Since the announcement ofDragon Ball Daima, fans have eagerly pointed out its clear inspiration fromDragon Ball GT, most notably in its decision to transform Goku back into a child.Dragon Ball GTremains a beloved installment in the series, praised for its uniqueness, especially the introduction of the Super Saiyan 4 transformation. GivenDaima’s evident ties toGT, many speculated that the iconic Super Saiyan 4 form would eventually make an appearance.
Episode #18 ofDragon Ball Daima, titled “Awakening,” finally confirms this speculation by featuringGoku transforming into Super Saiyan 4. At first glance, both the transformation andDaimaas a whole might seem like an attempt to integrateGTinto the official canon. However, the Super Saiyan 4 transformation in bothGTandDaimacontains a subtle yet crucial detail that ultimately makes it easy to assume thatGTis, unfortunately, not canon.
The Super Saiyan 4 Transformation in Daima Completely Removes GT From the Canon
Everyone Forgot About Super Saiyan 4 in GT?
In the latest episode ofDragon Ball Daima, Goku achieves the Super Saiyan 4 transformationafter Neva awakens his hidden power. His transformation stuns everyone present, including Bulma, Vegeta, and Shin, as such a monumental event is impossible to forget. Yet, inDragon Ball GT, when Goku first transforms into Super Saiyan 4, no one seems to remember it happening before, especially Shin, who is present on both occasions when Goku attains this legendary form.
Goku’s first Super Saiyan 4 transformation inGToccurs in Episode #35 after he gains control over his Golden Ape form. Upon witnessing this transformation,Shin, who is fused with Kibito, reacts with complete surprise, as if he has never seen it before. IfGTwere canon, Shin’s reaction wouldn’t be one of shock but rather excitement, implying he had already witnessed this transformation. Same goes for Bulma, who later helps Vegeta achieve the same transformation, who was also present during the fight with Gomah.
This simple inconsistency makes it clear thatGTis not connected toDragon Ball’s canon timeline, despite previous official statements of the contrary. While some may argue thatDragon Ball Daimaisn’t canon either,the late Akira Toriyama’s direct involvement in its production confirms otherwise. This also suggests that the Super Saiyan 4 transformation inDragon Ball Daimawas carefully crafted under Toriyama’s guidance to ensure its place in the canon, similar to what happened to Broly forDragon Ball Super.
Dragon Ball Explained Why Goku Can Go Super Saiyan 4 Long Before GT
Chapter 151 of Dragon Ball actually proves the difference between Vegeta and Goku when it comes to transforming into Super Saiyan 4 in Dragon Ball GT.
Additionally, Goku’s sudden transformation into Super Saiyan 4, especially its distinct appearance, makes far more sense inDaimathan it ever did inGT. Awakening this power through Neva’s magic energy within the Demon World provides a logical explanation for Super Saiyan 4’s almost demonic appearance, somethingGTnever fully justified. Furthermore, one more subtle detail in the latest Super Saiyan 4 transformation inDaimaplaces it directly after the Majin Buu Saga and right beforeDragon Ball Super, reinforcing its place within the official canon while also confirming thatDragon Ball Superis canon as well.
How Goku’s Super Saiyan 4 Transformation Occurs in Daima Is Key to Making Super Canon
There are several differences betweenGT’s andDaima’s Super Saiyan 4 transformation, starting with how it occurs. InGT, Goku attains this form after gaining control over his Golden Ape state, a crucial element of the transformation. Meanwhile, inDaima, Goku achieves it through an awakening triggered by Neva. Fans who dismiss this transformation as insignificant should remember thatNamekian awakenings have long been established inDragon Ballhistoryas a means of unlocking hidden potential, as first seen on Planet Namek during the Frieza Saga.
The key to understanding what solidifiesDragon Ball Superas a canon installment, considering Goku never transforms into Super Saiyan 4 during his battle with Beerus, lies in how this transformation functions. Since Neva acted as a catalyst for Goku’s transformation into a form he was previously unaware of, it suggests thatSuper Saiyan 4 inDaimamight be a one-time phenomenon, possibly limited to Neva’s influence and the Demon World’s magical energy.
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If Neva’s awakening ritual was driven by magic, then Super Saiyan 4 in Daima could be a magical transformation, restricted to the Demon World, where magic plays a central role. This explainswhy Goku was never able to access this form inDragon Ball Super, as he lacked the necessary conditions to trigger it. As a result, this firmly placesSuperas a canonical continuation afterDaima, making both installments official parts of theDragon Balltimeline, whileGT’s introduction ofSuper Saiyan 4as a “new” form unfortunately makes that series not canon - at least for now.
