Daima debunked the long-standing theory surrounding Super Saiyan 3 with Vegeta’s debut in this form, it also introduces changes to Super Saiyan 4.

While Daima makes several modifications to Super Saiyan 4, these adjustments appear to be carefully considered, aligning the transformation more closely with its intended representation. From its visual design to the way Goku achieves the transformation, the differences highlight how GT and Daima take distinctly different approaches to Super Saiyan 4.

Goku Experiences the Super Saiyan 4 Transformation in a Completely Different Way in Daima

Daima Omits Goku’s Transformation into the Golden Ape Form to Achieve Super Saiyan 4

For Goku and Vegeta to achieve the Super Saiyan 4 transformation for the first time, they first had to transform into the Golden Ape form in GT. Once in this state, they needed to gain control over their beastly form, channeling its raw power into a calm and stable state, acquiring the iconic Super Saiyan 4 transformation. Whereas, even reaching the Golden Ape form was a major task, requiring specific conditions to be met.

First, Goku and Vegeta needed to have their Saiyan tails intact, as the tail played a crucial role in triggering a special biochemical reaction in their bodies. This reaction occurred when their retinas absorbed 17 million zenoes of Blutz Waves, a unique energy emitted by celestial bodies such as the moon, or, in Goku's case, Earth, when he first transformed into Super Saiyan 4. However, in Daima, the transformation unfolds very differently from GT.

In Daima, Goku undergoes the transformation for the first time with the help of Neva, the oldest living Namekian, who uses his magical powers to trigger the transformation, without the need for a tail. Instead, Goku grows a tail during the transformation process, which even disappears once he reverts to his normal state. This suggests that in Daima, a Saiyan’s tail is not a necessary requirement for achieving Super Saiyan 4. Further reinforcing this change, Goku is seen transforming into Super Saiyan 4 again in episode #19 of Dragon Ball Daima without needing his tail, effectively removing it from the equation.

If anything, the latest transformation implies that Daima is magical in nature, given that Goku only attained it through Neva’s assistance. However, the most striking changes extend beyond just the disappearing and reappearing tail, significantly altering the transformation’s overall appearance.

Goku’s Super Saiyan 4 in Diama Features Several Notable Changes in His Appearance

From Hair Color to Physical Traits, Daima’s Changes to Super Saiyan 4 Better Align Its Appearance With the Transformation

The Super Saiyan 4 state in the Dragon Ball franchise clearly represents the primal ape form, channeling its raw power into a Saiyan’s normal, human-sized appearance. In GT, Super Saiyan 4 featured a tail and fur covering the upper torso, emphasizing ape-like physical traits and subtly hinting at the transformation’s inspiration. Daima builds on this concept, introducing elements that further align Goku’s Super Saiyan 4 form with the primal ape. The first major change is evident in how Goku’s hair color now blends seamlessly with his overall body.

In the original version, Goku’s hair remained black and simply grew longer. However, Daima unifies the color throughout his body, a subtle yet significant change that mirrors how apes naturally have uniform hair color. This idea extends to Goku’s eyebrows, which have also been altered in color, unlike the original. Additionally, Goku’s eyes now match the color scheme of his body, reinforcing the transformation’s cohesiveness. The change in eye color, however, may hint at something more.

Considering that Goku’s eyes in Super Saiyan God share the same hue as his Super Saiyan 4 form in Daima, this could subtly bridge the gap between these iconic transformations, making both officially canon. Lastly, Goku’s hands in the new Super Saiyan 4 form have grown larger, with his arms proportioned to closely match the physical traits of an ape. His bigger forearms and fists further enhance the transformation’s primal essence, accurately reflecting the strength and presence of an ape’s natural physique.

Another notable change in Daima's Super Saiyan 4 is that it preserves Goku's child-like appearance, unlike GT, which reverts him to his adult form in this transformation. With these changes, it is clear that Daima aimed to present this transformation with greater accuracy and a sense of realism. While Goku's latest transformation turned out to be great and provided the fans with the much-needed Super Saiyan 4 action that they have been waiting for since GT, its existence is now going to cause a continuity issue with Super.

Super Saiyan 4’s Canon Status Will Create Continuity Issues With Super

Daima Should Have Avoided Naming Goku's Latest Transformation

Dragon Ball Daima Episode #19 features Goku recreating one of his iconic moments, counting his Super Saiyan transformations to distract the enemy before unveiling his latest form. However, he never names this transformation, leaving its identity somewhat ambiguous. Daima should have kept this notion, rather than having Goku name the transformation abruptly in a final conversation with Vegeta. Officially naming it now makes the transformation canon, and since Daima is Toriyama’s creation, there’s no reason to dismiss Super Saiyan 4 as non-canon.

With this transformation being the strongest yet, there’s no reason Goku wouldn’t have used it against Beerus. If Daima had avoided naming it and omitted Goku’s remark about not expecting to transform into this state again, it could have been explained as a one-time magical phenomenon. However, confirming that Goku’s latest transformation in Dragon Ball Daima is truly Super Saiyan 4 creates a continuity issue with Super, despite Daima being a fantastic installment that did justice to Super Saiyan 4 by making necessary changes.