Dragon Ball: The Worst Designed Transformations in the Series

Dragon Ball: The Worst Designed Transformations in the Series

Key Takeaways

  • Super Saiyan Grade 3 is powerful but inefficient due to speed and stamina issues.
  • Super Saiyan 2 lacks visual changes compared to its power, unlike Gohan’s transformation.
  • Super Saiyan Blue is criticized for minimal design changes, overshadowing Super Saiyan God.

As a long-time fan of the Dragon Ball franchise, I must say that the introduction of Kale and her Berserker form was a bit underwhelming compared to the legendary Broly and his Super Saiyan form. Now don’t get me wrong, Kale’s strength was formidable, but it just didn’t capture the same unstoppable monster vibe that Broly’s transformation had. It felt off, like a dish without its signature spice.


The animated series “Dragon Ball” is renowned for the numerous character transformations that occur at crucial points in the storyline. These transformations often create some of the most memorable moments in the entire anime world, such as when Goku first turned Super Saiyan or when many anime sites crashed upon his transformation into Ultra Instinct. The impact of this series has made it so that no other show has mastered transformations quite like “Dragon Ball”.

Despite the numerous changes in the series, some transformations throughout the story have been less impressive. This can be due to the form not offering much after it’s been achieved or simply because its appearance is unappealing. Let’s examine these forms and understand why their design fell short of receiving much admiration.

Super Saiyan Grade 3 Trunks

Trunks’ Trump Card Was Very Inefficient

First AppearanceDragon Ball Z, Episode 162, “Trunks Ascends”
Debut DateOctober 28, 1992
Story ArcCell Saga

It’s possible that when people read the title “Super Saiyan Grade 3,” they might imagine the least efficient form in the entire series. Although it has the greatest power and physical strength among all Super Saiyan forms, the user transforms into an extremely muscular state, resulting in a heavy and cumbersome appearance. This significant change in body structure significantly impacts their speed and endurance.

I refuse to let my fear control me anymore!

In this confrontation with Perfect Cell, Trunks demonstrated that his new form made him significantly more powerful than before. Yet, it came at a price – reduced speed and an excessive drain on energy, both of which were evident during the fight. While he held the upper hand for a spell, the strain proved too great, allowing Cell to outpace him in speed and conserve energy better, ultimately surpassing Trunks in the end.

Super Saiyan 2 Goku

A Step Beyond Super Saiyan

First AppearanceDragon Ball Z, Episode 229, “Vegeta’s Pride”
Debut DateJune 15, 1994
Story ArcBuu Saga

This positioning is quite debatable, despite being a widely loved form that excels in power, presence, and effectiveness. The Super Saiyan 2 transformation, however, lacks significant visual alteration. Contrarily, Gohan, who was the first to attain this state during his battle with Perfect Cell, underwent a dramatic change in appearance, adding depth to the Super Saiyan transformations.

It’s not enough dad. He deserves to suffer more.

In comparison to Goku’s standard Super Saiyan form, his Super Saiyan 2 appears remarkably similar. While his hair has a more spiky appearance and his aura sports some lightning, the overall shape is hard to tell apart from the traditional Super Saiyan silhouette, making it seem less impressive. In fact, even when Goku transformed into Super Saiyan for the first time, there was a hint of lightning around him, so this form is nearly identical, with only a slight variation in his hairstyle.

Semi-Perfect Cell

Cell’s Least Intimidating Look

First AppearanceDragon Ball Z, Episode 152, “Say Goodbye, 17”
Debut DateAugust 12, 1992
Story ArcCell Saga

Cell stands out as one of the most memorable and formidable villains not just in Dragon Ball, but across the entire anime genre. He showcased exceptional abilities through numerous transformations, which highlighted his distinctiveness among antagonists. Initially a hideous monster known as Imperfect Cell, he instilled terror with his appearance. However, when he transformed into Perfect Cell, he gained a captivating design and personality that rivals any other villain’s. His overconfident and haughty demeanor aligns perfectly with his striking appearance.

My dear Android, when will you understand that you belong to me?

Nevertheless, the second change in Cell appears rather odd. This metamorphosis didn’t possess the grotesque and fearsome appearance of its predecessor nor the arrogant look of its successor; instead, it assumed a robust and unadorned form for the character whose sole purpose was to absorb Android 18, eventually undergoing a more powerful transformation.

Super Saiyan Blue

The Ascended God Transformation

First AppearanceDragon Ball Z: Resurrection F
Debut DateApril 18, 2015
Story ArcGolden Frieza Saga

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve been hooked on the Dragon Ball Super series since day one. The introduction of Super Saiyan Blue as Goku and Vegeta’s new transformation has undeniably become the norm. But let me tell you, this change is more about aesthetics than any real upgrade. It’s just a color shift from the original form – a switch from golden hair and aura to a cooler blue hue.

This is a power even greater than a Super Saiyan God!

Many fans of the series have come to terms with this version, yet they don’t express deep affection for it, mainly because they find its design unoriginal. The issue is exacerbated by the fact that it rendered Super Saiyan God outdated and relevant only in one film. Super Saiyan God was a distinctive form that garnered positive feedback due to its visual transformations, such as a more streamlined physique, a fiery aura, and hair retaining the base form’s style but now being red. This was quite unlike any forms seen before it.

Super Saiyan Rage Trunks

A Transformation That Came Out of Nowhere

First AppearanceDragon Ball Super, Episode 61, “Zamasu’s Ambition! The Storied ‘Project 0 Mortals’ of Terror”
Debut DateOctober 9, 2016
Story ArcGoku Black Arc

In the Goku Black arc, one of the most impressively crafted characters in all of Super was introduced – none other than Goku Black himself. Yet, this same arc also presented one of the least satisfying, as Super Saiyan Rage Trunks fell short. This was due to his power level not aligning well with the established scaling and because the design of his form seemed illogical too. After absorbing energy from a few remaining individuals near him, Trunks unveiled a new form that seemed to bring him on par with Goku and Vegeta.

You say my choices make me evil? Then that’s what I’ll be!

In a fit of anger, Trunks temporarily transforms, losing his pupils and acquiring an additional aura to his existing golden one – this transformation being the result of him absorbing the power of a Spirit Bomb. This metamorphosis significantly amplifies his strength, placing it on par with Goku and Vegeta’s Super Saiyan Blue form in potency. However, the Super Saiyan Rage state is not particularly well-regarded among transformations.

Super Saiyan Berserker Kale

A Worse Version of Broly

Dragon Ball: The Worst Designed Transformations in the Series
First AppearanceDragon Ball Super, Episode 100, “Rampage! A Crazed Warrior’s Savagery Awakens!”
Debut DateJuly 23, 2017
Story ArcTournament of Power Arc

Among the phenomenal creations that emerged from the Dragon Ball universe, none has left a more lasting impact than Broly and his Legendary Super Saiyan form. Yet, during the Tournament of Power, Broly wasn’t part of the canon storyline, so Kale and her Berserker form were introduced as a nod to fans. While we appreciated this tribute, I feel that Kale’s form didn’t quite deliver the same impact as Broly’s did for me.

That’s too much! Don’t raise your energy any more Kale!

The appearance seemed odd, and despite its immense power, it didn’t exude the fearsome aura that had earned Broly’s Legendary Super Saiyan form such a menacing reputation. Later, when Broly was officially introduced into the series with the 2018 release of Dragon Ball Super: Broly, we saw his legendary transformation once more. However, in this version, Broly proved to be one of the most powerful characters the franchise has ever showcased.

Super Ribrianne

Universe 2’s Most Annoying Character

Dragon Ball: The Worst Designed Transformations in the Series
First AppearanceDragon Ball Super, Episode 91, “Which Universe Will Win Their Place? The Mighty Warriors Gradually Assemble!”
Debut DateMay 21, 2017
Story ArcTournament of Power Arc

In the Tournament of Power event, which brought together more characters from Dragon Ball than ever before, each hoping to secure victory for their respective universes, the contingent from Universe 2 was headed by Brianne de Chateau. This character’s combat style revolved around love. At first, she seemed to be there primarily for comic relief, but her Super Ribrianne transformation prolonged her stay beyond what many found comfortable.

Happiness to one and all! I send you my love!

The transformation sequence to turn into Super Ribrianne was quite clearly a parody of Sailor Moon, eventually turning into an incredibly annoying character whose entire gimmick dissolved from being comic relief to becoming an annoying distraction.

Dragon Ball can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

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2024-09-20 18:06