The world of Dragon Ball is constantly evolving, and with the release of Dragon Ball DAIMA, Akira Toriyama has taken a bold step by incorporating a major shift in the series canon. One of the most significant moments in Dragon Ball DAIMA occurs in Episode 18, titled “Awakening,” when Goku officially becomes a Super Saiyan 4. This marks the first time that the form is acknowledged as canon within Toriyama’s universe. However, Goku’s transformation into Super Saiyan 4 in DAIMA is notably distinct from its portrayal in Dragon Ball GT, signaling a new direction for this powerful form.
A Fresh Take on a Familiar Power-Up
Fans familiar with Dragon Ball GT remember Super Saiyan 4 as a fan-favorite transformation, first introduced by character designer Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru, rather than Toriyama himself. However, Toriyama’s DAIMA has reimagined Super Saiyan 4, incorporating changes that make it uniquely his own. This new version of Super Saiyan 4 not only looks different but also behaves differently, with Goku’s personality shifting alongside the form, providing a fresh take on this iconic transformation. The form’s connection to Goku’s Saiyan heritage is now redefined, setting it apart from its GT counterpart.
Goku’s New Form: A Blending of Powers
In Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 18, Goku, alongside his allies Majin Duu and Tamagami 1, faces off against the mighty King Gomah. Despite their best efforts, the heroes struggle against Gomah’s overwhelming power. In a dire moment, Neva, a powerful Namekian character, offers his energy to Goku, combining it with Goku’s own Ki. This fusion results in Goku’s transformation into a new form that closely resembles Super Saiyan 4. However, this form is visually distinct, especially in terms of the red hair, which is different from the original Super Saiyan 4 Goku in GT.
Goku’s transformation in DAIMA also deviates from the GT version by keeping him in his child body rather than the adult form seen in GT. These early differences hint at deeper changes to how the Super Saiyan 4 transformation functions in DAIMA, signifying that this is something entirely new and not just a rehash of the past.
Exploring the Evolution of Super Saiyan 4
While Dragon Ball GT depicted Goku’s transformation into Super Saiyan 4 through a process of regrowing his tail and becoming a Golden Oozaru, DAIMA introduces a very different approach. In GT, Goku regains control of his Oozaru form after a struggle, with the help of his family’s emotional support, and then transforms into a Super Saiyan 4. This sequence plays out differently in DAIMA, where Neva’s intervention is key. Neva’s power, which is a blend of Namekian and Demonic Ki, merges with Goku’s own Saiyan energy to unlock the Super Saiyan 4 form, suggesting a deeper connection between the Demon Realm and Goku’s powers.
This shift in how Super Saiyan 4 is unlocked in DAIMA could indicate that this form is not simply the result of Goku’s Saiyan heritage but rather something that taps into a darker, more mystical power. The presence of red hair, which hints at connections to the Super Saiyan God transformation, suggests that DAIMA’s version of Super Saiyan 4 might carry deeper significance beyond mere physical appearance.
The Role of Neva and the Demon Realm
A key aspect of the DAIMA version of Super Saiyan 4 is Neva’s role in Goku’s transformation. In GT, Goku’s ascension to Super Saiyan 4 was entirely rooted in his Saiyan heritage and his emotional growth. However, in DAIMA, Goku’s transformation is directly influenced by Neva, a resident of the Demon Realm. The process of combining Neva’s Demon Ki with Goku’s Saiyan energy is crucial to unlocking this new form. This new method of transformation presents the possibility that Super Saiyan 4, as seen in DAIMA, is more closely tied to the mystical powers of the Demon Realm rather than Goku’s own internal growth.
This alteration raises the possibility that this version of Super Saiyan 4 may be unique to the Demon Realm, or perhaps can only be unlocked by characters with connections to the Demon Realm like Neva. It adds a layer of mystery to the form, leaving room for further exploration in future episodes.
Contrasting the Canonical and Non-Canonical Versions
While Dragon Ball DAIMA is not directly tied to Dragon Ball GT, the introduction of Super Saiyan 4 as canon in DAIMA offers an intriguing contrast to the GT portrayal. In GT, Goku’s Super Saiyan 4 form was born out of a necessity to reconcile his Saiyan heritage with his human emotions. In DAIMA, however, Goku’s transformation is not purely the result of his inner struggles but is influenced by external forces, particularly the magic of Neva. This shift emphasizes a more magical, almost demonic origin for the form, linking it more closely with the powers of the Demon Realm than with Goku’s own development.
Additionally, the process of achieving Super Saiyan 4 in DAIMA parallels Goku’s transformation into a Super Saiyan God in Dragon Ball Super. In both cases, Goku’s power is augmented by another’s Ki, but the source of that power is vastly different. While Super Saiyan God requires the Ki of five pure-hearted Saiyans, Super Saiyan 4 in DAIMA only requires the Ki of one individual: Neva. This marks a thematic contrast between the divine power of the Gods and the raw, individualistic power of the Demons.
Super Saiyan 4’s Role in the Broader Dragon Ball Universe
Despite the transformative nature of Super Saiyan 4 in DAIMA, it is unlikely that this version of the form will replace the more established transformations seen in Dragon Ball Super. In Super, Goku and Vegeta rely on their more powerful forms, such as Super Saiyan God and Super Saiyan Blue, which are integral to the story’s progression. Goku’s new form in DAIMA may be incredibly powerful, but it doesn’t seem to hold a candle to the might of the Gods like Beerus in Dragon Ball Super. Thus, it remains a separate and unique power-up that fits within the world of DAIMA without disrupting the balance of power in the main Dragon Ball series.
The Future of Super Saiyan 4 in Dragon Ball DAIMA
There are still many questions surrounding the true nature of Super Saiyan 4 in Dragon Ball DAIMA. Fans are left wondering if this form will have any further impact on the broader Dragon Ball continuity, especially given the role of the Demon Realm in its creation. As the series progresses, more will likely be revealed about this transformation’s true origin and its potential ramifications for Goku and his allies.
While the form’s introduction in DAIMA might raise some questions about continuity with Dragon Ball Super, it is undeniable that Super Saiyan 4 has found a place in Toriyama’s canon. This exciting new take on the transformation breathes new life into the Dragon Ball franchise, ensuring that the legacy of Super Saiyan 4 continues in a meaningful and creative way, making it a fitting tribute to the series’ long history.
