Canonized Twist Reveals a Major Dragon Ball Secret

Rediscover the Joy of Dragon Ball Daima with Nostalgic Adventures

Dragon Ball Daima has been steadily releasing new episodes that evoke the whimsical and adventurous spirit of the original series. This latest installment not only entertains but also pays homage to long-time fans who enjoy engaging in power-scaling debates and exploring theories about where the series fits within the broader Dragon Ball universe. Prior to today’s episode, numerous fans informally labeled the show as a successor to the late Akira Toriyama’s controversial Dragon Ball GT series. This comparison stems from the premise that Goku and friends undergo a transformation back to their childhood selves. Now, the show fully embraces this connection while introducing an exciting twist that showcases one of the Saiyan’s most visually stunning transformations.

Epic Battles in Dragon Ball Daima: Goku and Friends vs. Gomah

In a thrilling episode that showcased the Z-fighters’ remarkable teamwork, Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, and new characters from Daima faced off against the formidable Gomah. Despite their impressive combination beam attacks—an absolute must-watch in episode 17—the team struggled to match Gomah’s overwhelming power. The climax of the episode featured Goku, in true classic style, powering up to Super Saiyan Three to reignite the battle against Gomah, who observed the clash with a smug demeanor, arms crossed. However, the real surprise in episode 18 came when Goku transcended his Buu-era transformation, achieving the much-debated GT Super Saiyan 4. This transformation sent shockwaves through the anime community, as it seemingly integrated elements of the often-maligned sequel series into the official Dragon Ball canon.

Goku’s Journey to Super Saiyan 4: A Stunning Transformation

Unlike the lengthy transformation sequence in Dragon Ball GT, where Goku’s tail was forcibly removed, culminating in a grueling battle against Super Baby, Goku in Daima transitioned to Super Saiyan 4 with relative ease. This new form was activated thanks to a power-up from the Demon World Namekian, Neva. Notably, Daima presents a fresh take on SSJ4, changing Goku’s traditional jet-black hair to a striking pink that complements his newly furred physique. The moment Goku unlocked this long-awaited transformation during his confrontation with Gomah, the balance of power momentarily shifted in his favor, only for Gomah to counter with his devastating Tertian Oculus ability, sending Goku’s SSJ4 back into the void.

The Significance of SSJ4’s Return in Dragon Ball Daima

On the surface, Toei Animation’s revival of SSJ4 holds great significance, as it breathes new life into a previously overlooked form of Goku’s transformations. The excitement surrounding this development has fans buzzing with curiosity about whether its inclusion retroactively legitimizes aspects of GT within the official timeline. Given the series’ tendency to play fast and loose with what constitutes canon, viewers are encouraged to enjoy the unfolding story without overthinking the implications. This has been the overall approach of the series, even as Daima draws upon various lore elements that were previously considered mere flavor text.

Reports suggest that Toriyama was deeply involved in the production of this series prior to his untimely passing last year, contributing to its storyline and character designs. This involvement implies that Goku’s new SSJ4 appearance reflects what Toriyama might have envisioned for the form had he been given another opportunity. Fans can now proudly position SSJ4 Goku alongside SSJ3 Vegeta on the prestigious list of unexpected twists that Daima has introduced. Notably, Goku’s transformation into SSJ4 coincided with Valentine’s Day, adding a layer of charm to his pink monkey return. While the new design is captivating, many fans still hold a soft spot for the classic GT look.

DBダイマ18話、少し参加させていただきました。
小牧様、村上様、野中様、池田様、山室様、斉藤様、中鶴様、スタッフの皆様本当にありがとうございました。
I did the key animation for the first part of SS3 Goku vs. Goma and Goku’s transformation, thank you. pic.twitter.com/yxeD5KvmFP

— アレックス (@uroncha11anim) February 14, 2025

What to Expect from the Final Episodes of Dragon Ball Daima

As Daima is set to conclude with a total of 20 episodes, the introduction of SSJ4 marks a pivotal moment leading up to the series finale, scheduled for February 28. Fans can expect this iteration of the transformation to appear in various video games, such as Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero!, likely as future downloadable content. This addition will further expand the already extensive character roster, giving players another chance to experience Goku in his latest form.

You can catch all the episodes of Dragon Ball Daima streaming on Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu.

Want more io9 news? Stay updated on the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, discover what’s next for the DC Universe in film and TV, and find out everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.