Akira Toriyama’s *Dragon Ball Z* is still considered one of the most important anime series ever made, reaching a level of popularity few others have. For many fans, particularly in Western countries, it was their first introduction to the world of *Dragon Ball*. Beyond being a popular show, *Dragon Ball Z* played a huge role in bringing anime to a wider audience and making it a mainstream form of entertainment.
Akira Toriyama’s incredible work, including *Dragon Ball*, *Dragon Ball Z*, and *Dragon Ball Super* (which he guided creatively with artist Toyotarou), left a lasting impact on the world. He’s especially known for creating the famous Super Saiyan transformations, which became a key part of *Dragon Ball Z*. While these transformations were powerful and meaningful in *Dragon Ball Z*, *Dragon Ball Super* introduced them more frequently, potentially making them less special. This shift suggests a change in direction and could signal the end of an era for the classic Super Saiyan style.
Goku’s Super Saiyan Transformations
Akira Toriyama’s *Dragon Ball Z* is a cornerstone of the shōnen manga genre, popularizing many now-common elements like characters constantly growing stronger and visually impressive transformations. Goku’s Super Saiyan forms are particularly iconic, holding significant artistic and story-telling weight. These powerful moments not only tested Goku’s limits but also greatly contributed to the series’ enduring popularity and its place as a landmark achievement in manga and anime.
The Super Saiyan transformations weren’t simply about increasing Goku’s power; they became central to his character, showcasing his emotional and physical challenges. This made them incredibly meaningful for kids who grew up watching Dragon Ball Z in the late 90s and early 2000s, particularly in Western countries. Goku’s transformation during his fight with Frieza on Namek is a moment that many fans from that generation still remember vividly, especially those in the West.
Dragon Ball Z And Transformations In The Shōnen Genre
Transformations In Dragon Ball Z Vs. Dragon Ball Super
Transformations are a key part of many popular action anime and manga, especially in the ‘shōnen battle’ genre. The original *Dragon Ball Z* really made them famous with Goku’s Super Saiyan form, and it became a model for other series. However, the newer *Dragon Ball Super* manga has moved away from the classic Super Saiyan transformations, giving characters entirely new ways to power up.
In *Dragon Ball Super*, we’ve seen a surge of powerful new forms: Vegeta achieved Ultra Ego, Goku mastered Ultra Instinct, Broly unlocked his green-haired Full Power Super Saiyan state, and both Piccolo and Gohan gained their unique Orange and Beast forms. These changes suggest that *Dragon Ball* is entering a new phase, moving beyond familiar transformations and embracing a wider range of power-ups.
The new transformations in *Dragon Ball Super* feel less meaningful than those in *Dragon Ball Z*. While they look impressive, they’re more about strategy and style than emotional impact. Because so many new forms appear frequently, they don’t carry the same weight as Goku and Gohan’s transformations in the original series. The colorful new designs lack the emotional build-up that made the earlier transformations so powerful, making them feel less epic and memorable.
The Emotional Impact Of The Original Super Saiyan Forms
Early Super Saiyan transformations felt truly significant because they happened after a lot of story development and struggle. They weren’t just simple power boosts; they were earned rewards that came from intense physical and emotional challenges. For example, Goku’s first transformation into a Super Saiyan was directly tied to the devastating loss of Krillin, a powerfully emotional moment that remains iconic throughout the entire series. This strong connection between struggle and transformation is a major reason why many fans prefer the original *Dragon Ball Z* series. Later installments, however, have often been criticized for introducing power-ups too quickly and without enough build-up.
The Shift In Dragon Ball Super’s Narrative
It’s become clear that the new transformations introduced in *Dragon Ball Super* haven’t been as popular with fans. By moving away from the storytelling style of *Dragon Ball Z*, *Dragon Ball Super* has made these power-ups feel less impactful. Longtime fans also feel the frequent introduction of new transformations has lessened their appeal.
The recent transformations in *Dragon Ball Super* are visually impressive, but they suggest the manga, under Toyotarou, is increasingly focused on power levels above all else. This is a departure from the series’ original storytelling approach and marks the beginning of a new direction. Earlier transformations, like Goku’s Super Saiyan form against Frieza and Gohan’s Super Saiyan 2, were impactful because they were earned through struggle and carried significant emotional weight. These moments connected with audiences not through spectacle, but through genuine feeling.
The Only Exception In Dragon Ball Super’s Power-Up Narrative
I’ve always found Broly’s Full Power Super Saiyan form to be a bit different from the power-ups we see with Goku and Vegeta in *Dragon Ball Super*. While Goku’s Ultra Instinct and Vegeta’s Ultra Ego feel like mastering techniques, Broly’s transformation is more about finally letting go – a huge emotional release of all his pent-up rage and power. It actually reminded me of the transformations back in the original *Dragon Ball Z*, and it’s cool that the movie *Dragon Ball Super: Broly* officially made his story and this form part of the main canon.
Can Dragon Ball Super Go Back To Legacy Super Saiyan Transformations?
There’s a possibility that *Dragon Ball Super* could return to the classic Super Saiyan transformations we’ve seen before. Because it’s fiction, the creators have the freedom to change the story in any way they want. However, doing so would require a significant shift from the current storyline, which might be hard to pull off, particularly now that Akira Toriyama is no longer involved. While his successors might focus on new ideas, bringing back those traditional transformations could add depth to the story and allow for better character development, something fans feel has been lacking recently.
Long-running series like *Dragon Ball* often face disagreements between longtime fans and newer ones about whether to stick with what made the show popular or try new things. Many fans who’ve followed the series since the beginning feel the characters aren’t as interesting now because they haven’t been developed enough. Even as *Dragon Ball* explores new stories and directions, the powerful Super Saiyan transformations remain the most iconic part of the franchise and are a key reason *Dragon Ball Z* became so legendary.
Dragon Ball Z was incredibly influential, setting the stage for popular anime like My Hero Academia, Naruto, and Bleach. Many fans consider it essential viewing for anyone interested in the shōnen genre, and it’s easy to find on streaming services like Crunchyroll.
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2025-09-14 04:06