Why Super Saiyan 4 Was Doomed to Fail in Dragon Ball Super: The Shocking Truth!

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Summary

  • Super Saiyan 4 couldn’t work in Dragon Ball Super due to timing, since Toriyama introduced it in Daima way after Super had aired.
  • Super Saiyan 4 would have been overshadowed by God Ki forms so it wouldn’t fit in terms of power hierarchy.
  • Super Saiyan 4 could work in Super as a character-specific transformation for Broly or Universe 6 Saiyans.

In the vibrant world of Dragon Ball, it’s hard not to notice the transformations that stand out as signature elements. Right from the beginning, these metamorphoses, undergone by both heroes and villains alike, have been a defining part of the narrative. The series often emphasizes the need for characters to grow stronger, and more often than not, it’s the transformation of a hero that tips the scales in favor of good, ultimately leading to the defeat of the antagonist.

In essence, the most recognized transformations among them are the diverse Super Saiyan forms that Saiyans can adopt. The mightiest of these is Super Saiyan 4, which was established as canon in “Dragon Ball Daima” even though it was initially introduced decades ago. Yet, despite its canonical status, this form couldn’t be incorporated into “Dragon Ball Super,” regardless of fan desires. Let’s explore the reasons behind this.

Why Super Saiyan 4 Wouldn’t Work In Super

A Different Line Of Saiyan Forms

First Canon Appearance Dragon Ball Daima, Episode 18, “Awakening”
First Non-canon Appearance Dragon Ball GT, Episode 34, “Back in the Game”

The creator, Akira Toriyama, hadn’t planned to introduce that form into the main story until a later work named Daima. Therefore, it didn’t come up while Dragon Ball Super was being produced. However, let’s explore why it might not have worked in the context of the show’s universe.

In terms of storytelling, Super Saiyan 4 represents a major transformation for the Dragon Ball Z series. Regardless of how the plot unfolded, this form was intended to be the grand unveiling, serving as a key moment for integrating it into the main narrative timeline. Similarly, the God Ki transformations – Super Saiyan God, Blue, Ultra Instinct, and Ultra Ego – were designed for Dragon Ball Super to serve as their respective series’ defining transformations.

Power comes in response to a need, not a desire. You have to create that need.

In contrast to the overall negative reception of the “GT” arc, Super Saiyan 4 remains one of the most cherished transformations throughout the series. Fans had longed for its appearance in the main storyline, which came true with “Dragon Ball Super”. However, given that the power structure of the series reached its zenith with the introduction of Beerus, Whis, and various warriors from across the multiverse, the protagonists needed a transformation beyond their regular Super Saiyan forms to compete effectively. Therefore, Super Saiyan 4 wouldn’t have been suitable for “Super”.

In simpler terms, instead of becoming Super Saiyan 4, they decided to introduce God Ki as a power level equivalent to the gods and angels, since mortals couldn’t match their strength. This was done to keep the impact of the god forms that the Saiyans later achieved, as making Super Saiyan 4 part of the series would have diminished the significance of these powerful transformations.

The Only Ways For The Form To Work In Super

How It Can Work If Done Properly

Although it’s understandable why Super Saiyan 4 might not fit well within the context of Super, this doesn’t automatically rule out its potential if executed skillfully. The main argument against its inclusion in Super stems from the concern that it could be just another Saiyan form, which could easily be overpowered by characters with God Ki. However, the idea of character-specific transformations entirely alters this perspective.

In the Tournament of Power, Goku initially activates Ultra Instinct for the first time, something Vegeta fails to achieve. Subsequently, Goku boosts his Super Saiyan Blue’s power using Kaioken, a technique that Vegeta can’t master. However, Vegeta compensates by discovering a new form called Super Saiyan Blue Evolved, matching Goku’s strength. This pattern of transformations in the series was set, and it was reinforced when Vegeta unlocked Ultra Ego instead of Ultra Instinct.

This allowed for unique transformations tailored to each character’s abilities, rather than providing them with identical forms. As a result, Super Saiyan 4 was presented in “Super” as a transformation exclusive to Broly, elevating him to the level of Ultra Instinct and Ultra Ego. At present, Broly possesses his Full Powered Super Saiyan state, but Super Saiyan 4 seems tailor-made for him, making it the optimal choice for his ultimate form.

Instead, it’s possible that this transformation is exclusive to the Saiyans of Universe 6. Since we know these Saiyans differ significantly from their counterparts in Universe 7, having distinct traits that make it easier for them to attain this special form would offer an intriguing twist to the series. This could also reintroduce and make more significant the characters from Universe 6.

Dragon Ball can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

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2025-02-27 17:06