Decoding Dragon Ball’s Super Saiyan Transformations: Blue Hues, Canon Conundrums, and Power Puzzles
The Dragon Ball world offers explosive energy blasts and gravity-defying martial arts. A key element is the Super Saiyan transformations. From golden Super Saiyan to the godlike aura of Super Saiyan Blue, these forms represent milestones for a Saiyan. Fans debate strength and what is “canon.” Buckle up, Dragon Ball fans, as we explore Super Saiyan transformations, answering your burning questions.
Super Saiyan Blue and its Potential Evolutions: Is There a Deeper Shade of Blue?
Super Saiyan Blue, or Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan, exudes power and divinity. In a universe of power creep, we ask: can we push this blue even further? Could there be a Super Saiyan Blue 2 or 3? Theoretically, yes.
Logically, Super Saiyan Blue is a Super Saiyan transformation built upon the Super Saiyan God form. Super Saiyan had Super Saiyan 2 and 3 as progressions. Therefore, it’s reasonable to think Super Saiyan Blue might have further stages too. The Dragon Ball universe isn’t known for its restraint in power escalation. So, are Super Saiyan Blue 2 and 3 possible? Currently, the series hasn’t confirmed them, leaving fans to speculate. In Dragon Ball, never say never.
Eager to gain a blue boost? Let’s discuss Xenoverse 2. You can unlock Super Saiyan Blue for your character. However, it requires effort. First, reach level 90 as your entry fee. Then, make Whis your trainer. He will be your guide to godlike power. Finally, max out your friendship with Whis. To do this, grind missions with him in Fu’s altered storyline in the Time Nest area. Fu’s antics might serve a purpose beyond disrupting timelines. It’s a grind, but earning Super Saiyan Blue feels rewarding.
Even with Super Saiyan Blue’s dazzling power, questions about “stronger forms” remain. Is there something beyond Super Saiyan Blue? The answer is layered. The manga hints that Super Saiyan God, at full capacity, may be stronger than Super Saiyan Blue. Really? Yes. The manga suggests a Super Saiyan God at 10% could surpass Super Saiyan Blue. This implies a fully unleashed Super Saiyan God could be ten times stronger. This notion reshapes power dynamics, suggesting that raw divine force might overshadow the Super Saiyan versions. It supports the idea that Super Saiyan God is a more potent form requiring different mastery.
SSGSS: Decoding the Acronym and Unpacking the Form
SSGSS may seem silly. Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan sounds redundant. Yet, it is the official name for Super Saiyan Blue and conveys much about the form. Essentially, it is a Super Saiyan transformation while in Super Saiyan God.
Visually, Super Saiyan Blue stands out. The hair and eyes transform to a deeper blue, contrasting with earlier lighter forms. The hair elongates and spikes more dramatically. The aura becomes larger and denser, radiating power. Light particles resembling four-pointed stars twinkle in the aura. It resembles a cosmic disco surrounding your Saiyan body.
The debate about Super Saiyan God versus Super Saiyan Blue continues. Some believe Super Saiyan Blue offers immediate power while Super Saiyan God holds untapped potential. If a Saiyan using god ki in Super Saiyan God ascends to Super Saiyan, they become Super Saiyan Blue automatically. It suggests that Super Saiyan God is foundational, while Super Saiyan Blue may not be ultimate. The subtleties matter. In Saiyan transformations, they can mean victory or defeat.
Canon Status of Transformations: Navigating the Dragon Ball Multiverse Maze
The term “canon” sparks debate among fans. In Dragon Ball, canon is especially compelling due to various series and spin-offs. Let’s dive into canon questions, starting with a significant transformation: Super Saiyan 4.
Super Saiyan 4: From GT Outcast to Daima Darling?
For years, Super Saiyan 4 was deemed “non-canon.” Born in Dragon Ball GT, often viewed as a “what if” concept, SSJ4 had a loyal fanbase. While beloved for its wild style—the red fur and long hair—it was never official canon… until now.
Introducing “Dragon Ball Daima.” This new series is overseen by Akira Toriyama and is stated to be canon within the original manga timeline. Episode 18 features a form that closely resembles Super Saiyan 4, used by Goku in a bout against King Goma. Canonization is achieved! Super Saiyan 4 now officially exists as part of the Dragon Ball continuity.
This shift excites fans who adore the GT era and SSJ4. It feels like an underdog gaining recognition. “Dragon Ball Daima” being canon allows SSJ4 to exist before the introduction of the God forms in Dragon Ball Super. This timeline placement is crucial. It implies that while powerful, SSJ4 is weaker than God forms. If SSJ4 were stronger, why pursue god ki transmissions later?
The canonization has ignited discussions among fans. Some celebrate the return of a cherished form; others express skepticism. Concerns arise regarding how SSJ4 fits into existing power scaling and whether it undermines the God forms. Purists argue for maintaining GT’s uniqueness without tainting mainline canon. Predictably, it’s a lively swirl of opinions, reflecting the passion of the Dragon Ball community.
Interestingly, the portrayal of Super Saiyan 4 in “Daima” isn’t identical to GT’s version. There are slight alterations. Goku retains his child form during the SSJ4 transformation in “Daima,” departing from GT where he transformed into an adult SSJ4. The transformation’s mechanics may differ too. These variations hint that “Daima” reinterprets SSJ4 instead of directly copying it from GT. It’s like an evolved version of Super Saiyan 4 but slightly different enough to engage theorists.
Why GT
Remains in the Non-Canon Realm
Why is GT non-canon? It relates to creator involvement. Dragon Ball GT was not made by Akira Toriyama. Instead, Toei Animation created GT. It follows Dragon Ball Z but lacks a manga story from Toriyama. Think of it as high-budget fan fiction.
Toriyama provided some input on GT. But his role was limited. He did not write the story. He called GT a “grand side story” to his work. It is not a direct continuation of the main saga. It is fun but not essential to the overall narrative.
Shueisha, the publisher, emphasizes GT’s non-canon status through Gogeta. Gogeta debuted in GT as Super Saiyan 4. However, in Dragon Ball Super: Broly, Shueisha marked this as Gogeta’s first official appearance. This erases GT’s version of Gogeta from the official timeline.
Consequently, Dragon Ball GT does exist. It is part of the Dragon Ball universe. However, it exists in a separate timeline. It is recognized but not a canonical sequel. It resembles an alternate universe episode of a sci-fi show. It is entertaining, but not part of the main story.
Broly: From Movie Villain to Canon Powerhouse
Broly was the iconic non-canon movie character. For years, he gained popularity yet remained outside the main saga. The original films showcased impressive spectacle but lacked deep storytelling. Regardless, Broly’s raw power drew a large fanbase.
Then came Dragon Ball Super: Broly. This movie reinvented Broly and canonized him into Super’s timeline. The Broly in this film is a different character from his Z movie version. His backstory became more intricate, and his power became part of the ongoing saga. Canon Broly is here to stay.
The Dragon Ball Super manga also cements Broly’s canon status. Elements from the movie now appear in its narrative. Broly’s character grows within the manga, assuring fans of his recurring presence. The movies share a “movie continuity” similar to the anime but have some adjustments.
While the original Broly movies are non-canon, the Broly from Dragon Ball Super: Broly is truly canon. He is an official part of the series and poses a real challenge for Goku and Vegeta. Non-canon Broly was a powerful myth; canon Broly is an undeniable threat.
Non-Canon Super Saiyan Forms: Venturing into Fan-Made Territory
The Dragon Ball transformation world thrives on fan creativity. Once one names Super Saiyan forms, they keep going. Fans have not held back. Beyond Super Saiyan 4, most numbered forms remain fan fiction, video games, or wishful thinking. Let us look at some non-canon transformations.
Super Saiyan Blue 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 50, 100, 200: The Numerical Explosion of Fan Forms
Is Super Saiyan Blue 3 official? No, it remains a fan concept. Given the patterns of evolution, it appears logical to fans. Still, Super Saiyan Blue remains the highest recognized Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan form.
Super Saiyan 5 is also not canon. This popular fan-made idea gained traction in manga and games without official status in the franchise. The highest official form has recently become Super Saiyan 4, thanks to “Daima.” Super Saiyan 5 started as a fan creation with visual inspiration from previous forms.
Interestingly, Super Saiyan 5 has appeared in some games like Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2. In this game, Mira transforms into a form resembling Super Saiyan 5 after absorbing Towa. Despite that, it remains non-canon in the anime or manga narrative.
Dragon Ball GT hinted at a form beyond Super Saiyan 4. In an episode titled “The Heart of the Prince,” Bulma speculates about Vegeta achieving such a form. Some fans view this as hinting at Super Saiyan 5, but no confirmation exists.
What about Super Saiyan 6 or 7? None of these forms are official. They stem from fan imagination and have ridiculous power claims attached to them. Super Saiyan 6 features often in fan art and discussions; Super Saiyan 7 has rumored powers that defy reason.
And then we have Super Saiyan 50, 100, and 200. These forms reach into absurd realms. The claim for Super Saiyan 100 states it surpassed Ultra Instinct by a staggering margin. Of course, such claims are more humorous exaggerations than logical progressions in the series.
What is the highest official form? Based on canon, it is likely Perfected/Mastered Super Saiyan Blue in the manga or Super Saiyan Blue Evolved in the anime. Both showcase peak evolution in their respective worlds.
Super Saiyan 5 exists in fan culture due to its popularity. The image linked to this form circulated as if official material from a magazine and website. It highlights how fan creativity often intertwines with official lore in unexpected ways.
Many fans, especially in the early days of internet fandom, discussed perceived “official” information. In the end, Super Saiyan 5 is a beloved but non-canonical idea. It remains part of the Dragon Ball imagination.
Power Scaling and Comparisons: Who’s the Strongest Saiyan in the Universe (and Beyond)?
Power scaling in Dragon Ball generates forum threads and YouTube debates. Fans often wonder if Super Saiyan Blue 2 is stronger than Ultra Instinct. Who is the strongest Saiyan? Is Ultra Ego mightier than Ultra Instinct? Power scaling prioritizes narrative above strict logic, so let’s dive into this.
Super Saiyan Blue 2 vs. Ultra Instinct: A Godly Showdown
Super Saiyan Blue 2 is a theoretical boost over Super Saiyan Blue. Yet how does it compare to Ultra Instinct? Ultra Instinct (UI) is unique. It’s not just a transformation; it’s a state of being, an Angel’s technique emphasizing movement and reaction. Ultra Instinct Goku ranks as one of the strongest forms in the series. Super Saiyan Blue forms are strong, but Ultra Instinct often represents a higher tier focusing on speed and defense. True Ultra Instinct Goku usually outmatches any notion of Super Saiyan Blue 2. The future may hold new forms, however, as Dragon Ball continuously evolves. So never rule out transformations that could exceed Ultra Instinct.
Who Reigns Supreme? The Strongest Saiyan in the Ring
Identifying the strongest Saiyan leads us to Goku and Vegeta, who are top contenders for raw power. Their levels fluctuate based on their latest training and forms, pushing Saiyan strength limits constantly.
Goku never stops training. He yearns to master new techniques. He has mastered many Super Saiyan forms and Ultra Instinct. His growth makes him a threat even to cosmic beings. Vegeta, the Saiyan Prince, has a natural talent for combat and a need for more power. He’s mastered Super Saiyan Blue and Super Saiyan Blue Evolution, often fighting a personal battle to surpass Goku.
Yet the Saiyan power pool includes more than just Goku and Vegeta. Broly, the Legendary Super Saiyan, carries immense power that perhaps rivals or exceeds them. Gohan, the hybrid Saiyan, has had hints of potential that could outdo his father. Finally, fusions like Gogeta and Vegito combine Goku and Vegeta’s abilities, showcasing unmatched speed and strength.
The Weakest Link: Identifying the Saiyan at the Bottom of the Power Scale
Now, who ranks as the weakest Saiyan? Bulla, Trunks’s daughter, is typically seen as the weakest major Saiyan. This is not an insult; she is a baby. Bulla was born after the Tournament of Power in Dragon Ball Super. She has Saiyan blood, indicating future potential, but lacks training or abilities. She remains an infant with unrealized potential. Compared to seasoned fighters like Goku or Vegeta, she currently ranks as the weakest.
Other Saiyans like King Vegeta, Bardock, and Goten are capable but not on Goku and Vegeta’s level in the current Dragon Ball Super storyline.
Ultra Ego vs. Ultra Instinct: Offense vs. Defense, Godly Styles Clash
Ultra Ego (UE) is Vegeta’s divine technique, contrasting with Goku’s Ultra Instinct. UI emphasizes speed and dodges attacks, focusing on minimizing damage. Perfect defense can lead to offense. Mastering UI requires rigorous training and connects to Angels, beings stronger than Gods of Destruction. Goku’s command of UI continues to evolve into a potent state.
Ultra Ego embodies Vegeta’s approach to power. It relies on raw strength, thriving on absorbing damage. The more damage Vegeta takes, the stronger he becomes. This high-risk style prioritizes offense over defense. Vegeta in UE is still developing, less refined than Goku’s established Ultra Instinct. Ultra Ego makes Vegeta a glass cannon; his offense is incredibly potent but with potentially weaker defenses compared to UI’s evasive capabilities.
If Ultra Instinct Goku faced Ultra Ego Vegeta, Goku would likely hold an advantage. His superior speed and defensive skills would challenge UE Vegeta’s raw force. However, if Vegeta lands enough strong hits, his ability to gain strength through damage could turn the tide.
Cumber vs. Broly: Super Dragon Ball Heroes Throwdown
Cumber and Broly are two Saiyans known for their immense power. Who is stronger? In Super Dragon Ball Heroes, Cumber outshines Broly. Even in his base form, Cumber exhibits power levels that rival characters like Super Saiyan Blue Kaioken Vegito, a fusion of Goku and Vegeta.
Cumber has defeated Super Saiyan 4 Vegito, proving formidable power across continuities. His strength competes well against high-tier foes like Golden Cooler and Golden Great Ape.
Broly shows immense power but often struggles against Super Saiyan Blue Gogeta in Dragon Ball Super: Broly. Ultimately, he fails to defeat Gogeta, even at his strongest form. In the Super Dragon Ball Heroes hierarchy, Cumber stands as a stronger opponent compared to Broly.
Cumber’s achievements suggest he possesses greater strength than Broly within this specific non-canon setting. His base form challenges characters whom Broly has struggled against when at full power.
Gohan vs. Broly: Beast Mode vs. Legendary Fury
Can Gohan defeat Broly? In a potential clash between Gohan in Beast form and Broly in Legendary Super Saiyan form, Gohan likely would prevail. This does not diminish Broly’s immense power; he is a raw force known for his destructive ability.
Gohan’s Beast form is regarded as powerful enough to rival Super Saiyan Blue Goku and Vegeta. While Broly’s power often behaves like a berserk state lacking control, Gohan’s Beast retains intelligence and tactical awareness.
Gohan underwent consistent training for years, honing skills and control. Conversely, Broly lacked structured training for much of his life. Given Gohan’s greater experience and potentially superior power, he would likely gain the upper hand against Broly.
Gohan Stronger Than Goku? A Generational Power Shift?
The question of whether Gohan is stronger than Goku is hotly debated among fans. This query continues to spark discussions surrounding immense power differences within Dragon Ball Super. As situations evolve, we see shifts in power dynamics that hint at generational changes in strength.
Yes, Gohan, especially in his Beast form, is thought to be stronger than Goku. This is true even when Goku is in his Ultra Instinct form. Gohan always had great potential. This potential often surpasses even Goku’s abilities. Transformations like Ultimate Gohan and now Beast Gohan show this inherent power.
Beast Gohan is a transformation fueled by rage. This transformation gives him power that seems to surpass Goku’s Ultra Instinct. In the Dragon Ball Super manga, Goku acknowledges Gohan’s strength. Goku claims that Gohan has now surpassed him. Bulma and Piccolo also hint at Gohan’s strength compared to Goku. Opinions about these statements vary among fans. Certain promotional materials show Gohan blitzing Goku in Ultra Instinct. This adds to the ongoing debate. Goku is always striving to push his limits. However, the story often highlights Gohan as the Saiyan who surpassed his legendary father. Fan discussions are common. The general view is that Beast Gohan is currently stronger than Ultra Instinct Goku. The student may have finally overtaken the master.
Broly vs. Kale: Legendary Saiyan Showdown, But Not Really a Contest
Why is Broly much stronger than Kale? Kale, from Universe 6, is compared to Broly due to her “Berserker” Super Saiyan form. This form resembles Broly’s Legendary Super Saiyan visually and thematically. Kale should have impressive base power as a Saiyan. However, a key difference lies in fighting spirit and control. Kale lacks confidence and often loses control. She succumbs to rage and destruction in her Berserker form. Broly also faced issues with control but had a strong fighting spirit. He eventually mastered his LSSJ form better than Kale. Imagine a raw power source that is untamed versus a focused, destructive force. Kale’s inexperience would leave her vulnerable to Broly’s overwhelming power. Think of it as potential versus application. Kale has immense potential, but Broly is better at using his power in a fight.
SSJ4 vs. Super Saiyan God: A Clash of Eras
Is Super Saiyan 4 stronger than Super Saiyan God? This debate compares GT’s fan-favorite transformation with newer God forms in Super. The answer varies. Some argue SSJ4 has a higher power multiplier than Super Saiyan God. They cite figures like 4,000x for SSJ4 compared to 3,200x for SSG. But, these numbers often come from fans and lack official support. Others say that GT Goku’s base form is stronger than SSG’s base form. This would mean SSJ4 is more powerful. Their fighting styles also differ. Super Saiyan 4 often feels more aggressive and raw. Meanwhile, God forms focus on control and condensed power.
The canonization of Super Saiyan 4 in “Daima,” before Dragon Ball Super, suggests SSJ4 existed before God forms in the timeline. This suggests SSJ4 is weaker than Super Saiyan God and Super Saiyan Blue. If SSJ4 was superior, Goku and Vegeta would not seek god ki. The stronger form often depends on narrative context. In GT, SSJ4 was the peak. In Super’s context, God forms are the new power ceilings.