One distinctive and memorable feature of the Dragon Ball tale is its transformations. Many pivotal moments in the series occurred when characters overcame their limits to unleash powers beyond anything they had previously demonstrated. Typically, a new transformation serves as the climax for each narrative arc.
In the universe of Dragon Ball, our main character, Son Goku, isn’t new to this popular trend. Being hailed as the most powerful warrior, he has experienced numerous transformations that have only served to boost his legendary status. Now, even more remarkable is that he has summoned the power of the Angels with his Ultra Instinct form. Yet, among all of Goku’s transformations, one stands out as not just his finest but also the best in the Dragon Ball franchise: the transformation that has remained a favorite from days gone by.
Super Saiyan Goku Is The Greatest Transformation In All Of Anime
The Best And Most Iconic Form
| First Appearance | Dragon Ball Z, Episode 95, “Transformed At Last” |
|---|---|
| Debut Date | June 19, 1991 |
| Story Arc | Namek Saga |
Undeniably, Dragon Ball stands out among Shonen series for its enduring influence and global recognition. Its breathtaking battle scenes, endearing characters, and mind-blowing displays of power have not only made it a staple in the anime world but also an iconic series cherished worldwide.
One significant factor behind this is how it handled character transformations, particularly Goku’s iconic transformation into Super Saiyan during the Namek Saga. While not the first transformation within the series, nor the first for Goku, it was this form that revolutionized the way power levels were portrayed in the franchise moving forward. Moreover, it set a new benchmark not just for Dragon Ball, but for the Shonen anime and manga genre as a whole.
Power comes in response to a need, not a desire. You have to create that need.
Indeed, some critics argue against this form being the peak for Goku, often pointing out that it doesn’t bring much novelty in terms of combat. This argument holds water because Super Saiyan essentially amplifies speed and strength without introducing any significant alterations, which can seem like a surface-level improvement that doesn’t fundamentally change anything, yet somehow makes the user more potent. This criticism is not limited to this form; it applies to most of Goku and Vegeta’s transformations except for Ultra Instinct and Ultra Ego.
One reason Super Saiyan Goku consistently outshines other forms in the series is because it was the initial transformation of its kind across the entire industry. This groundbreaking transformation, which occurred more than 30 years ago, left an indelible mark on anime franchises even today. The impact of Goku’s first Super Saiyan transformation has been so significant that transformations have since become a common and defining feature within the genre as a whole.
In shows like Dragon Ball, over time, initial transformations can become less impactful because of how power levels are typically developed. For instance, the Super Saiyan form started losing its significance as early as the Perfect Cell arc, when Gohan unveiled Super Saiyan 2, setting a new benchmark for the series. This necessitated the Saiyans to refine their power even more to unlock a transformation surpassing Super Saiyan, which happened more rapidly during the Buu Saga and Dragon Ball Super.
Without a doubt, Super Saiyan Goku’s influence on the world is unparalleled. Not only did he introduce a crucial element that significantly shaped the Shonen anime genre, but the instant he did so stands out as the most significant moment in the entire Dragon Ball series. By establishing a standard and shaping an entire genre, Super Saiyan Goku undeniably claims the title of the greatest transformation within the Dragon Ball universe.
Only One Other Transformation Comes Close To Super Saiyan Goku
The Best In A Long Time
- Ultra Instinct was the first form in decades to make almost as big of a splash as Super Saiyan Goku.
Within the series, after Super Saiyan, numerous transformations experienced by the Saiyans, particularly Goku, would unfold. Although the classic line of Super Saiyans is cherished by fans, none managed to surpass the original’s prowess due to a lack of innovation in function, as they were merely power enhancements that boosted speed and strength in some way. However, this status quo was shattered with Ultra Instinct.
The Ultra Instinct ability, employed by cosmic beings across the multiverse, enables their bodies to autonomously dodge attacks without explicit command from the user. Remarkably, Goku was the first mortal ever to grasp and perfect this technique, introducing a fresh combat style to his arsenal. This unique skill set also distinguished him visually, as it altered his appearance from the traditional golden-haired Super Saiyan look. To date, Ultra Instinct stands out as Goku’s most exceptional transformation, coming closest to his original Super Saiyan form in terms of impact.
Dragon Ball can be streamed on Crunchyroll.
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2025-07-23 17:34