WithDragon Ball Daimaincorporating many iconic elements from the franchise, it has become clear that this latest installment in Akira Toriyama’s beloved series aims to unite these familiar elements and evoke nostalgia among longtime fans. However, nothing reinforces this idea more thanGoku’s Super Saiyan 4 transformationin the latest episode. WhileDragon Ball Daimadraws heavily from the franchise’s rich history, its strongest inspiration is undeniablyDragon Ball GT.
With Goku and the other Z Fighters transformed into children, fans quickly noticed the parallels betweenDaimaandGT. This connection is further reinforced by specific moments, such as the striking similarity betweenDragon Ball Daimaepisode #13 and GT episode #6. By incorporating so many ofGT’s iconic elements,Daimaappears to be positioning itself as a replacement forGT, effectively making those elements canon, including Super Saiyan 4, which had remained outside the official continuity due to not appearing inDragon Ball Super.
Dragon Ball Daima’s Super Saiyan 4 Is Very Real and Canon
Super Saiyan 4 In Dragon Ball Daima Appears To Be Crafted Very Well
PlacingDragon Ball Daima’s narrative right after the events of the Majin Buu Saga is a well-thought-out decision, as it naturally leads into the next canonical event,Dragon Ball Super, implying that every element introduced inDaimais canon. Additionally, the late Akira Toriyama was heavily involved inDaima’s production, particularly in designing the Demon World, an unexplored yet significant territory in the franchise’s previous installments. This involvement suggests thatthe introduction of Super Saiyan 4 was either a deliberate move by Toriyama or something he at least approved.
Furthermore, several aspects of this latest transformation indicate why Super Saiyan 4 is more canon throughDragon Ball Daimathan it ever was inGT. UnlikeGT,Daimaintroduces Super Saiyan 4 through Neva, who helps Goku unlock this power. This implies that in Daima,Super Saiyan 4 is a magical transformation, a concept reinforced by its appearance, something GT never fully explored.
As an installment that brings together the iconic elements of theDragon Ballfranchise while serving as atribute to the late Akira Toriyama,Daimais more than just a canonical series, it is cementing every iconic element in the franchise, including Super Saiyan 4, as canon. However, with Super Saiyan 4 now officially part of continuity, a potential plothole arises inDragon Ball Super: why does Goku never use this form? This could be explained by understanding the unique circumstances behind its awakening in Daima.
Though Super Saiyan 4 Is Canon, It Might Only Be a One-Time Transformation
InDragon Ball Daima, Goku’s Super Saiyan 4 transformation occurs afterNeva helps him unlock it through magical power. With the Namekian’s magic serving as the catalyst and the transformation taking place in an environment rich in magical attributes, it’s possible that Goku may be unable to access this form unless these conditions are met. This could explain why he never used Super Saiyan 4 in his battle against Beerus, instead awakening Super Saiyan God.
Admit It, Dragon Ball’s New Take on Super Saiyan 4 Is the Perfect Blend of GT and Super
Dragon Ball Daima episode #18 finally made Super Saiyan 4 canon, and the new take is a perfect fusion between Dragon Ball GT and Dragon Ball Super.
Thus, while fans are thrilled to see Super Saiyan 4 recognized as canon and praiseDragon Ball Daimafor achieving the impossible, the transformation may ultimately be a one-time event if the series aims to maintain narrative continuity withDragon Ball Super, or even withinDaimaitself,Super Saiyan 4’s exclusivity could be a necessary compromise.
