When it comes to the legacy of Dragon Ball, canon plays a more major role than its characters. This is because even though there are so many Dragon Ball films, none of them are considered canon in the series’ universe, except Dragon Ball Super: Broly. In the series’ long run, Broly has made quite a few appearances in the series, but he became an official part of the franchise when his standalone film was released.
But when we talk about Dragon Ball GT, the only series that was aired after DBZ ended its run became a hated non-canon series of the franchise. However, the show featured one of the coolest Super Saiyan transformations. Yes, the much hated Dragon Ball GT featured SSJ4 transformation unlocked by Kakarot and The Prince of All Saiyans; and this form could make a return in Dragon Ball Super!
Dragon Ball Super Could Potentially Feature Broly in SSJ 4 Transformation
Ever since it was confirmed that Broly would be canon to Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball Super, speculation about the character has been closely following him. Broly, who has made several appearances in the franchise, officially became a part of the series, in 2018, when Dragon Ball Super: Broly was released, and he might be bringing back one aspect of Dragon Ball GT, which was loved by the viewers of the show.
Taking place in a separate timeline and beginning before the events of DBZ. Dragon Ball GT did not feature Akira Toriyama in its creative process, losing its storytelling style. Hence, getting a non-canon status. However, the show featured SSJ4 transformation, making the Saiyan Warriors look more primal, with long, dark fur covering their body, and featuring a tail.
Unlike the SSJ1 transformation, the SSJ4 transformation combines the unfiltered power of the Great Ape form with the Saiyan’s control and agility, leading to a massive rise in power level. Now, if we remember a key detail from the 2018 film, it was stated how Broly’s powers are derived from the wilderness and savagery of the Great Primal Ape, and his appearance changed as the film progressed.
It is clear that Toriyama-Sensei has indicated that Broly’s power is closely tied to the Super Saiyan 4 form, and in the film, his pupils turned golden, another striking feature of the non-canon form. Sadly, even after so many years, there has been no hint of the SSJ4 form in Dragon Ball Super.
Moreover, in DBS, this form can’t be unlocked by our protagonists as they lack the tail, which allows Saiyans to transform to transform into the Great Ape when they look at the moon.
Akira Toriyama Paid Homage To Bruce Lee Several Times in Dragon Ball Z
Toriyama-sensei was an ardent fan of Bruce Lee and his work. Lee was a global name as a film star and a renowned martial artist. During one of the old interviews translated via Kanzenshuu, the mangaka shared how he was in love with the Fist of Fury actor’s unfading gaze when fighting his opponents. He wanted to use that cold gaze in his manga, and he did it when Kakarot transformed into Super Saiyan for the very first time.
Toriyama-Sensei spoke highly of the gaze, he said,
“His eyes from right after he transforms for the first time and looks up at Freeza… I based those off of Bruce Lee. Since that look of his [Bruce Lee’s] where he glares right at you is paralyzing! That’s what I wanted to do in the Frieza arc… Once Goku gave that look, as far as I was concerned the story arc was over.”
Indeed, that cold gaze spoke volumes, and that gaze meant Frieza was done for, as he overpowered the tyrant, making him beg for his life. Surely, adding Bruce Lee’s gaze in the manga and anime was a great addition, leading to one of the most iconic scenes of all time.
Dragon Ball Super: Broly can be streamed on Crunchyroll.
