Super Saiyan 4 Goku is back, and officially canon afterDragon Ball Daimareinvented one of the franchise’s most iconic transformations. The form was originally introduced inDragon Ball GTand stood apart from other forms due toits unique style inspired by the Saiyan’s Great Ape transformation. DespiteGT’sdivisive reputation, Super Saiyan 4 has always been a favorite among fans.
Now,Daimahas reinvented the form with its own spin and interpretation of how the form was ultimately reached. With the transformation’s official introduction into the canon ofDragon Ball,its portrayal hassparked debate over which version stands out as the best representation of Super Saiyan 4. BothGTandDaimahave merits in their designs and sequences leading up to the transformation, but only one has done it best.
Daima Introduces an Epic Reimagining of Super Saiyan 4
Goku’s Super Saiyan 4 Transformation Is Officially Canon in Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball Daimaintroduced itsreinterpretation of Super Saiyan 4 in Episode 18of the series.Daimaretains the fur-covered design and wild energy, ensuring that Super Saiyan 4remains recognizable while offering a fresh take on the form’s appearance. The glowing aura intensifies the transformation, effectively making it both nostalgic and modernized, perfectly suited for the action sequence inDaima.
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This reimagining not only respects the legacy of Super Saiyan 4 but also refines its aesthetic for a new storyline. Instead of becoming an adult again through the transformation, Goku remains in his child-like form,giving it a greater distinction from the version presented inDragon Ball GT. By keeping Goku in his child-like form, the series solidifies the premise ofDaima’snarrative but also makes the transformation feel fresh before offering fans a glimpse of adult Goku in Super Saiyan 4 in the following episode.
Dragon Ball GT’s Super Saiyan 4 Transformation Carried Emotional Weight
In Dragon Ball Daima, Neva Offered Goku the Powerup, While in GT, It Comes Out of an Emotional Struggle
InDragon Ball GT,Super Saiyan 4 was much more than a power boost, it was the result of Goku’s journey as a Saiyan warrior and role as Earth’s hero. Unlike other Super Saiyan transformations,Super Saiyan 4 inGTrequired Goku to first reconnect with his Saiyan roots and transform into the Golden Great Ape before reaching the new form. The result of Super Saiyan 4 also came from an emotional breakthrough where Goku had to return from a state of mindless destruction after being reminded of those who were most important to him.
AfterBaby pushed Goku and Earth’s inhabitants to the brink of destruction, the transformation acted as a last hope for survival.Dragon Ball GTtreated Super Saiyan 4 as a form that was about more than raw strength, asit was a result of Goku’s past battles, his heritage as a Saiyan warrior, and his responsibility to protect those he loves. Goku’s struggle to control the Great Ape form added tension to the sequence before he achieved a greater form, making the transformation feel more earned.
Both Transformations Are Excellent, but GT’s Is Still More Iconic
Dragon Ball Daima Offers a New Take On the Transformation That Almost Outdoes Dragon Ball GT
Dragon Ball GT’sSuper Saiyan 4 remains the most iconic version by a slim margin. The striking contrast between the red fur and black hair creates an unforgettable bold aesthetic that feels both raw and powerful. The yellow eyes outlined in red added to Goku’s intensity andcreated a visually stunning transformation unlike anything fans had ever seen before. Paired withthe emotional weight behind Goku’s transformation,GT’sSuper Saiyan 4 is in a class of its own. WhileDaima’stake on Super Saiyan 4 is eye-catching and impressive, it lacks the same boldness that madeGT’stransformation so iconic.
It’s True: Dragon Ball Just Made a Controversial Piece of Super Saiyan 4 Canon
Daima’s Super Saiyan 4 revelation is still an iconic part of the series, but it did include a heavily criticized aspect from GT’s version.
Daimarecreated the epic moment from the Buu Saga where Goku progresses through Super Saiyan form before unleashing the power of Super Saiyan 4 in Episode 19. However, despite the impressive transformation and unique twist on the form, giving it greater muscle intensity, red hair, and red eyes to match,Daima’sdesign doesn’t have the same contrasts that madeGT’sversion stand out.That said,Daima’sSuper Saiyan 4 is a fresh and awesome spin on the fan-favorite transformation, and both versions impress with their unique style.
Daima’sreimagining of Super Saiyan 4 is a fantastic tribute toGTand successfully modernizes the form. Yet, the aesthetic and emotional depth giveDragon Ball GT’sversion an edge that’s difficult to surpass. The form’s wild energy, the contrasting color scheme, and the initial transformation carry weight that elevates the form’s appearance.Dragon Ball Daimaeffectively and beautifully recreated Super Saiyan 4, butDragon Ball GTstill remains the most iconic and impactful take on the form.
