Dragon Ball Super: This Is How Super Saiyan 4 Should Make Its Way Into the Story

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The following article contains spoilers for Dragon Ball and its sequels and spin-offs.

Although Dragon Ball Super won’t come back this year, there’s plenty of story left to tell in the manga when it does return. Some fans may worry about its cancellation, but it looks like there’s a good chance creator Toyotaro will pick up where he left off eventually.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but feel the anticipation building as we eagerly await the unfolding of the Black Frieza Arc. Ever since its tantalizing introduction during the Granolah the Survivor Arc, it has been a burning question on everyone’s lips. Toyotaro has hinted at his plans for this arc, so even if the series eventually reaches its end, we might still be treated to some insider info about what he and Akira Toriyama discussed regarding this arc. In an ideal world, the Black Frieza Arc could provide the perfect platform for introducing Super Saiyan 4 in Dragon Ball Super.

Will Super Saiyan 4 Ever Appear in Dragon Ball Super?

Transformation Name Super Saiyan 4 (SS4, SSJ4)
First Appearance Dragon Ball GT
Last Appearance Dragon Ball Daima

Prior to the release of “Dragon Ball Daima”, many fans may have doubted the possibility of Super Saiyan 4 appearing in “Dragon Ball Super”. This was largely due to the fact that many believed Akira Toriyama had abandoned this transformation, as it was only used in “Dragon Ball GT”, which is generally considered non-canon and never utilized by Toriyama himself. However, with the arrival of “Daima”, everything has taken a new turn. Not only did Toriyama play a significant role in the production of this anime, but the series also incorporates SSJ4, making it challenging to assert that Toriyama dislikes this form or considers it separate from the “Dragon Ball” universe.

Fans have noticed a potential inconsistency since Daima and Super are supposed to be set in the same timeline: if Goku can transform into Super Saiyan 4, why hasn’t he done so in Dragon Ball Super? At present, there is no definitive explanation for this. However, this has sparked speculation that Goku might eventually use this form in the series.

Toyotaro Considers Everything Canon

At the Paris Japan Expo 2025 held in early July, Toyotaro expressed that he views the entirety of the Dragon Ball series as interconnected within the franchise’s universe. Consequently, he finds inspiration from all parts of it, disregarding what is considered canonical or non-canonical. This creative approach is evident in his works, where you can notice subtle tributes to various forms of Dragon Ball media.

In DB Super Volume 24, published this year, Toyotaro subtly paid tribute to Daima, fueling speculation that he might incorporate more references to Daima if he continues with Super. Some fans predict that Super Saiyan 4 could be among these potential references.

Does It Make Any Sense to Include SSJ4 in Dragon Ball Super?

  • Broly could become SSJ4 in Dragon Ball Super.
  • Toyotaro created Legendary Super Saiyan 4 in DB Heroes: Victory Mission.

Some fans have begun to think that SSJ4 might eventually appear in DB Super, following the release of Daimao. However, it’s important to note that this idea has been a subject of debate among a smaller group of fans. Interestingly, one of these theories aligns well with Toyotaro’s past contributions to the series.

Indeed, you seem to have predicted my previous moves quite accurately. However, there are unexpected abilities within me that you’re yet to encounter, and the unfamiliar might prove detrimental to you.

— Goku

In the series, instead of Goku or Vegeta becoming Super Saiyan 4, it seems more fitting that Broly could eventually awaken as a Legendary Super Saiyan 4. Interestingly, this idea was first introduced by Toyotaro in the Dragon Ball Heroes: Victory Mission manga. So, it’s plausible that he might incorporate this concept again in Super. Another intriguing option could be Gogeta transforming into Super Saiyan 4.

When Will Dragon Ball Super Return?

It has been confirmed that “Dragon Ball Super” will not return this year, as stated by Victory Uchida, editor of V-JUMP. Although Uchida did not mention cancellation, some fans are speculating that a legal dispute over the rights to “Dragon Ball” might be causing the manga to be put on hold temporarily.

In summary, Toyotaro hinted that there may still be a chance for the story to continue, but it could prove difficult. This difficulty might stem from his struggle to write the series independently rather than any conflict between Shueisha and Capsule Corporation Japan. If “Super” is delayed due to Toyotaro’s focus on his original work (“Lost Samurai”) and personal hurdles he needs to overcome first, then its return largely depends on him. It could also make sense if he chose not to continue it to protect himself from undue pressure and stress.

Dragon Ball Super is available to read on MANGA Plus in English and Spanish.

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2025-07-26 18:31