The burning question on every Dragon Ball fan's mind: Will we see the iconic Super Saiyan 4 Goku in Dragon Ball Daima, and will it be considered canon? To dive deep into this topic, we need to understand what canon means in the Dragon Ball universe, revisit the origins of SSJ4, and analyze the likelihood of its appearance in the upcoming series, Dragon Ball Daima. Guys, get ready for a thrilling exploration of everything SSJ4 and its potential place in the Dragon Ball timeline!

Understanding Canon in Dragon Ball

Canon in the Dragon Ball universe is a bit of a tangled web. Officially, canon refers to the storylines and characters that are part of the main, uninterrupted narrative as defined by the original creator, Akira Toriyama. This primarily includes the original Dragon Ball manga, Dragon Ball Z, and now, Dragon Ball Super. Everything else falls into a grayer area.

Dragon Ball GT, for instance, while popular, isn't considered part of the main canon because Toriyama wasn't directly involved in its primary storyline. However, Toriyama did design the Super Saiyan 4 form, which adds a layer of complexity to its canonicity. This means that while the GT storyline might be considered separate, elements like SSJ4 have a foot in the door. Now, with Dragon Ball Daima on the horizon, the waters are murkier than ever. Will Toriyama incorporate elements from GT, making them officially canon? Only time will tell, but fans are definitely hoping for some love for the legendary SSJ4 transformation.

The concept of canon is always evolving, especially with Toriyama's continued involvement in new projects. Dragon Ball Super: Broly movie, for example, brought the character of Broly into the main canon, reimagining his backstory and powers. This shows that Toriyama is open to revisiting and integrating non-canon elements, giving fans hope that SSJ4 could one day make a grand entrance into the official storyline. It's all about what Toriyama decides to bring into the fold, and that's what makes the Dragon Ball universe so exciting and unpredictable. Keep your fingers crossed, Dragon Ball enthusiasts!

The Origins of Super Saiyan 4

Super Saiyan 4 (SSJ4) made its explosive debut in Dragon Ball GT, marking a significant departure from the golden-haired transformations we'd seen before. This form is achieved through a unique process: a Saiyan must first regain their senses while in a Golden Great Ape form. This intense and challenging transformation results in a Saiyan with primal, ape-like features, red body fur, and a powerful red-outlined glare. SSJ4 combines the raw power of the Saiyan's ape form with the control and intelligence of their human form, making it one of the most visually striking and powerful transformations in the entire series.

Goku's journey to achieving SSJ4 was particularly memorable. After transforming into the Golden Great Ape, he was brought back to his senses by Pan's tearful pleas. This emotional moment allowed him to harness the form's true potential, resulting in the birth of Super Saiyan 4 Goku. The transformation sequence itself is a fan favorite, showcasing the raw energy and intense struggle required to reach this level of power. Vegeta also achieved this form later in GT, solidifying its place as a pinnacle of Saiyan evolution.

The design of SSJ4 was a deliberate move to return to the Saiyan's roots, emphasizing their primal connection to the Great Ape form. This was a departure from the more streamlined and god-like transformations seen in later parts of Dragon Ball Z. The red fur, the intense eyes, and the wild hair all contribute to the form's unique and powerful aesthetic. While Dragon Ball GT isn't considered canon, the design of SSJ4 remains a beloved and iconic part of Dragon Ball history, demonstrating a creative and visually striking approach to Saiyan transformations. Fans continue to celebrate and speculate about the potential return of this form in future Dragon Ball projects.

Dragon Ball Daima: A New Hope for SSJ4?

Dragon Ball Daima introduces a fresh and intriguing premise: Goku and his friends are transformed into smaller, younger versions of themselves due to a mysterious plot. This unexpected twist opens up a plethora of possibilities for new storylines, character developments, and, crucially, the potential reintroduction of non-canon elements like SSJ4. With the characters de-aged, the series could explore alternate timelines or forgotten lore, making it an ideal opportunity to bring back fan-favorite transformations from Dragon Ball GT.

One compelling theory is that in this altered state, Goku might need to rediscover his powers, potentially leading him to tap into the SSJ4 form once again. Imagine a scenario where Goku, in his smaller body, struggles against a powerful foe and is forced to explore different avenues to regain his strength. This could involve revisiting his Saiyan heritage and unlocking the primal power of the Great Ape, ultimately leading to the Super Saiyan 4 transformation. It would be a nostalgic callback for longtime fans and a thrilling introduction for newer viewers.

Furthermore, Dragon Ball Daima's unique storyline gives the creators the freedom to play with different aspects of the Dragon Ball universe without disrupting the established canon. This means they could experiment with elements from Dragon Ball GT without fully committing to its continuity. The de-aging aspect could allow for a reimagining of the SSJ4 transformation, perhaps with a new twist or a different method of achieving it. This approach would satisfy fans who love SSJ4 while also keeping the story fresh and exciting. The possibilities are endless, and the anticipation is building as fans eagerly await more details about Dragon Ball Daima.

Arguments for and Against SSJ4 in Daima

There are compelling arguments both for and against the inclusion of Super Saiyan 4 in Dragon Ball Daima. On the one hand, the series represents a golden opportunity to bridge the gap between canon and non-canon material. The unique premise of de-aged characters opens the door for exploring alternative power-ups and transformations that might not fit within the main Dragon Ball Super timeline. Introducing SSJ4 could be a way to pay homage to Dragon Ball GT and satisfy the long-standing desires of fans who adore the form.

The visual appeal of SSJ4 is undeniable. Its distinctive design, with the red fur and primal Saiyan features, sets it apart from other Super Saiyan forms. Including it in Daima could provide a visual spectacle that would captivate audiences and generate significant buzz around the series. Additionally, the storyline could delve into the origins of SSJ4, providing a fresh perspective on the transformation and its connection to the Saiyan's Great Ape form. This could add depth to the existing lore and offer new insights into the Saiyan race's history and potential.

On the other hand, there are valid reasons why SSJ4 might not appear in Dragon Ball Daima. The creators might want to keep the focus on new transformations and power-ups that align more closely with the established canon. Introducing SSJ4 could potentially complicate the timeline and create confusion among viewers who are not familiar with Dragon Ball GT. Additionally, the creators might have different plans for the series, focusing on exploring new characters and storylines that are entirely separate from GT. Ultimately, the decision rests with Akira Toriyama and the Dragon Ball Daima production team, and they will weigh the pros and cons carefully before making any final choices.

Impact on Dragon Ball Canon

If Super Saiyan 4 were to appear in Dragon Ball Daima, it would have a significant impact on the overall Dragon Ball canon. Its inclusion would signal a willingness from Akira Toriyama to integrate elements from Dragon Ball GT into the main storyline. This could pave the way for other non-canon characters, events, and transformations to be recognized as part of the official Dragon Ball universe. It would also open up exciting new possibilities for future Dragon Ball projects, allowing for a more expansive and inclusive approach to storytelling.

However, the integration of SSJ4 into the canon would also raise some questions. How would the transformation be explained in the context of Dragon Ball Super's power scaling? Would it be presented as a parallel evolution to Super Saiyan God and Super Saiyan Blue, or would it be given a unique origin story? These are the types of questions that the creators would need to address to ensure a smooth and coherent transition. The way SSJ4 is handled in Daima could set a precedent for how non-canon elements are treated in the future.

Regardless of whether SSJ4 appears in Dragon Ball Daima, the discussion surrounding its potential inclusion highlights the enduring popularity of Dragon Ball GT and its contributions to the franchise. Even if it remains outside the official canon, SSJ4 will always hold a special place in the hearts of many Dragon Ball fans. The debate over its canonicity is a testament to the rich and complex history of the Dragon Ball universe, and it underscores the passion and dedication of the fan base. Whether SSJ4 becomes canon or not, its legacy will continue to inspire and excite Dragon Ball enthusiasts for years to come.

Conclusion

So, will we see SSJ4 Goku in Dragon Ball Daima and will it be canon? The answer remains shrouded in mystery. Dragon Ball Daima presents a unique opportunity to revisit and potentially integrate elements from Dragon Ball GT, but it ultimately depends on the creative direction of Akira Toriyama and the production team. Whether SSJ4 makes an appearance or not, the anticipation and speculation surrounding its potential inclusion highlight its enduring popularity and significance within the Dragon Ball universe.

Keep your eyes peeled for more updates as Dragon Ball Daima's release draws closer. The possibility of SSJ4's return keeps the excitement alive, reminding us why we love Dragon Ball and its endless possibilities. Whether you're a longtime fan of SSJ4 or new to the Dragon Ball universe, Dragon Ball Daima promises to be a thrilling ride filled with surprises and unforgettable moments. So, stay tuned and get ready for the next chapter in the Dragon Ball saga!