Super Saiyan 4 is one of the most well-received SSJ transformations in the Dragon Ball franchise. It was introduced in Dragon Ball GT and has been used sparingly. Yet, fans love it, resulting in SSJ 4’s debut in Dragon Ball games.
To achieve SSJ 4, Saiyans must activate their Golden Great Ape transformation without losing control. It is a combination of the Great Ape form and Super Saiyan to create a powerful state that provides primal power to its user.
But the question remains: If SSJ 4 is so powerful, why did Akira Toriyama never add it to Dragon Ball Super? The answer lies ahead.
Super Saiyan 4 Might Have Already Made its Canon Debut in Dragon Ball
While furry Goku is yet to debut in Dragon Ball Super, it seems Super Saiyan 4 might have already made its way to the series. However, the person inheriting the state isn’t Goku but someone completely unexpected.
Broly’s Wrath State that was seen in the Dragon Ball Super: Broly film might be the Super Saiyan 4 equivalent in Dragon Ball Super. The Warthful form was first introduced in this movie and it holds great resemblance to SSJ 4.
Both transformations utilize the power of the Great Ape, yet the characters ever change their size to become a gargantuan gorilla. However, one difference between SSJ 4 and Wrath State is that while Goku and Vegeta are conscious of their actions in SSJ 4 mode, Broly becomes feral and out of control in his Wrath State. The hair style and eyes of Goku in SSJ 4 form resemble Broly’s Wrath State characteristics.
Why is Super Saiyan 4 Considered Non-Canon?
Goku’s Super Saiyan 4 transformation debuted in Dragon Ball GT. In case you are unaware, Dragon Ball GT itself is often considered non-canon because Akira Toriyama had little to no intervention in it. As the unofficial rules state, if it’s not created by the author, then it’s non-canon.
Akira Toriyama oversaw the production and approved the story and character depiction. However, the Super Saiyan 4 transformation is the brainchild of Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru, the character designer of Dragon Ball GT. In an interview, he even talks about his idea to make the body red with fur all over since it looks much more wild.
Since Super Saiyan 4 was created by Nakatsuru, coupled with the fact that it has not been featured in Dragon Ball Super or any other canon series, makes Super Saiyan 4 non-canon.
SSJ 4 might be non-canon, but it has been well-received by fans all over the world. So, if you enjoy Dragon Ball GT and love the latest transformation, then don’t hold back on your joy just because it was created by Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru.
You can watch Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Super on Crunchyroll and read the manga on Viz Media.
