Dragon Ball Daima’s reintroduction of Super Saiyan 4 has put the series' fan base in a frenzy, causing a mass outpouring of appreciation for Akira Toriyama’s final contribution to the franchise, while sparking online discourse about the beloved form’s updated look.1996’sDragon Ball GTwas a mixed bag of highs and lows, but the Super Saiyan 4 transformation has always been a fan favorite for its unique design and stylish references to the Giant Ape form of the Saiyans.
The introduction of the form inDragon Ball Daimacame as a shock to the series' endlessly widening fan base. Though there has been speculation about the anime’s canon status since its announcement in 2023,Dragon Ballproducer Akio Iyoku confirmedDaimais not part of a separate or alternate timelinein an interview earlier this February.This has created a bit of a continuity issue, as the form is never seen or heard about anywhere inDragon Ball Super. However, there are ways the anime can explain Super Saiyan 4’s returnthat would fit within the current canon timeline.
Super Saiyan 4 May Be a Demon Realm Exclusive
The Elder Namekian Neva Unlocked Goku’s New Transformation
The new-look Super Saiyan 4is distinctly different from its originalGTversion in a few key ways. Most notable are the visual differences; Goku’s hair is red instead of the usual black, and his forearms and hands have grown in size, similar to that of an ape.There are also significant differences in how the form was achieved, with the original version focusing heavily on Saiyan lore, and the updated version being unlocked with the assistance of the legendary elder Namekian, Neva.
Perhaps the simplest way for the series to brush off Super Saiyan 4’s absence from future eventsis by tying it specifically to the Demon Realm. Neva seemed to awaken the form in much the same way the Elder Guru unlocked Gohan’s and Krillin’s potential on Namek, and it’s very possible for the anime to tie the transformation to a temporary boost in power given by a Demon Realm native. The lack of any Oozaru reference in the form would also make this explanation fitting, keeping both versions of Super Saiyan 4 distinctly tied to two separate sources of power.
There Are Other Ways to Explain Away Super Saiyan 4
The Form Could Be a Culmination of Saiyan and God Power
WhenDragon Ball Z: Battle of Godswas released in 2013,Dragon Ball GTand Super Saiyan 4 were officially made non-canon material, andthe Super Saiyan God forms rose to prominence in the subsequentDragon Ball Super. Another, albeit convoluted, possible explanation forDaima’s latest transformation is that it might just bethe culmination of both Saiyan and god power. When Neva unlocked Goku’s transformation, the anime showcased some unconventional visuals, in which two separate paths were put into focus.
Dragon Ball Daima Makes the Perfect Change to Super Saiyan 4 Goku and I Can Prove It
Dragon Ball Daima adds subtle changes to Goku’s Super Saiyan 4, aligning the legendary form even more with what it represents.
One path was blue and the other red. It’s possiblethese colors were meant to signify two distinct paths a Saiyan can take, one being traditional Saiyan transformations, and the other being god ki transformations. When these two paths converged, Goku arose as a Super Saiyan 4, sporting his new, stylish appearance. If Super Saiyan 4 is the highest point of Saiyan power, it’s possible that neither Goku nor Vegeta have been able to reach the form since, and cannot without Neva’s help. This explanation, though somewhat far-fetched, would tie the series intoDragon Ball Supernicely.
Some Potential Explanations for Daima’s Continuity Issues Would Be Disappointing
Not Every Potential Explanation for Super Saiyan 4 Would Be Good
As fans have discussed and argued over Super Saiyan 4’s return, a few theories have risenwhich would ultimately lead to disappointing endings forDragon Ball Daima. The most prominent floating around online involves a memory wipe of all the events of the series. While an effective method for explaining awayany continuity issues, this ending would also render the entire anime somewhat pointless, with nothing gained or learned by any of the cast throughout. The other explains thatDaimawas simply Beerus' dream of the Super Saiyan God.
I’m Not Sure How, But I Totally Missed Dragon Ball Daima’s Super Saiyan 4 Easter Egg
Dragon Ball Daima has a Super Saiyan 4 Easter egg, with Goku running on all fours to honor his Saiyan roots and Sun Wukong from Journey to the West.
Though this would make for a clean connection toDragon Ball Super, it’s a largely incoherent theorywhich would suffer from the same issues as a potential memory wipe. Of course, the anime doesn’t necessarily have to explain itself at all, though many superfans of the franchise would likely want as much lore as they can grab onto.Dragon Ball Daima’s finale is just around the corner, and fans can expect an energetic Super Saiyan 4 finale to close out the series. There might just be another,fusion-based surprise on the way as well.
Dragon Ball DAIMA
Cast
Dragon Ball Daima sees Goku and his allies inexplicably shrunk into miniature forms, prompting a journey to the Demon Realm. This animated adventure, part of the Dragon Ball franchise, explores their mission to solve the mystery and restore their original statures. Released in October 2024.
