Dragon Ball: Super Saiyan 3, Explained

Dragon Ball: Super Saiyan 3, Explained

Highlights

  • Super Saiyan 3 brought Goku to his peak strength, but its stamina drawback made it less viable for future battles.
  • Despite its significance, Super Saiyan 3 is unlikely to return due to its ineffectiveness against newer, stronger opponents.
  • Fans still appreciate Super Saiyan 3 for representing Goku’s growth and refusal to settle for less in Dragon Ball’s storyline.

As a devoted fan of Dragon Ball, I can’t help but reminisce about the iconic Super Saiyan 3 transformation of our beloved protagonist, Goku. This transformation marked the pinnacle of his power during the Buu Saga, and it left an indelible impression on fans like me.


The Dragon Ball series is renowned for taking character transformations to new heights, both narratively and commercially. For a vast number of fans, the Super Saiyan form represents not only captivating storytelling but also a highly marketable aspect that has garnered significant popularity. The introduction of Super Saiyan 2 took things to an exciting level for many, as the progression of transformations into more powerful versions was inevitable. Super Saiyan 3, as named by Goku, marked his strongest metamorphosis for a while, despite its brief appearance in Dragon Ball.

What causes the term’s significance to have waned now, and why is it no longer observed in Goku’s abilities, given its historical relevance? Understanding the reasons behind these questions is essential.

Super Saiyan 3’s Basics

What These Mean

During the Buu Saga, it becomes clear that Goku has progressed beyond Super Saiyan 2. At a specific stage in the storyline, this is unveiled as a surprise to all, including Earth’s inhabitants. In his battle against Buu and Babidi, Goku showcases the Super Saiyan 3 transformation, leaving everyone astonished. This transformation is characterized by longer and spikier hair, a loss of eyebrows without any confirmed explanation, and an immense power capable of holding its own against Majin Buu. However, using this transformation again came at a cost for Goku. The effort required to transform and sustain it took a significant toll on his stamina during his fight against Kid Buu.

As a devoted fan of Dragon Ball, I can’t help but acknowledge the initial disappointment when faced with the limitations of this powerful transformation. However, it’s undeniable that at that point in time, it represented the pinnacle of strength within the series, even surpassing the capabilities of formidable fusion duo, Gotenks. Despite the enduring stamina challenges, there are valid reasons to believe in its viability. With sufficient training and consistent exposure, one can potentially overcome these hurdles.

Despite its significance to Goku and certain dedicated fans, Super Saiyan 3 has not gained widespread prominence as a go-to transformation beyond Goku’s use against Beerus. This may be attributed to several factors, yet a straightforward explanation is in order.

Why It Hasn’t Returned

And Probably Won’t For Some Time

As a die-hard fan of Dragon Ball, I have to admit that the Super Saiyan 3 transformation, which once held immense power, no longer seems viable. In today’s Dragon Ball universe, it’s commonplace, but unfortunately, it won’t make a comeback for Goku. The transformation failed against Beerus and has barely been seen since their initial encounter. Furthermore, with Goku’s Ultra Instinct reaching new heights, there’s no reason to believe he’ll revert back to Super Saiyan 3 when facing Beerus again.

However, fans may yet have a good reason to love the transformation. After all, for a majority of people, it represented the peak of Goku’s strength and abilities, especially since, before Dragon Ball Super, they thought Dragon Ball Z was officially over and never getting a new continuation. Thankfully, that isn’t the case anymore. Dragon Ball may not be using Super Saiyan 3 as a reliable transformation anymore, but it did represent Goku’s peak and acceptance of his strength and willingness to keep improving even in the afterlife. For a majority of people, that’s what this transformation represented; a continual growth in strength and a refusal to settle for less. Even if the transformation came about as a way for Akira Toriyama to give Goku strength and much more power, it still holds a special place in the hearts of many people. For good reason, Dragon Ball will keep the transformation in stock and for understanding of how far Goku had come in that stage of his life.

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2024-07-14 21:34