Hey Dragon Ball enthusiasts! The big question on everyone's mind is: will we see the iconic Super Saiyan 4 (SSJ4) Goku in the upcoming Dragon Ball Daima series, and more importantly, would that make it canon? This transformation, with its wild red fur, primal power, and a serious dose of nostalgia, holds a special place in the hearts of many fans. But let's dive deep into what canon really means for Dragon Ball, where SSJ4 currently stands, and what possibilities Dragon Ball Daima might hold.

Understanding Dragon Ball Canon

First off, let's demystify the term "canon." In simple terms, canon refers to the officially accepted storyline and history of a franchise. For Dragon Ball, this primarily includes Akira Toriyama's original manga, the Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z anime adaptations, and any subsequent material directly overseen and approved by Toriyama himself. This is where things get a bit tricky, because for a long time Dragon Ball GT, where SSJ4 first appeared, existed in a sort of gray area. It aired after Dragon Ball Z ended and was not directly written by Toriyama, leading many to consider it non-canon, an alternate timeline, or a side story. However, Toriyama did design the SSJ4 form, which adds another layer to the debate. He also contributed to Dragon Ball GT in other ways, but to what extent remains a discussion point for hardcore fans.

So, where does that leave SSJ4? Well, for years, it was largely considered a non-canon transformation, existing solely within the realm of Dragon Ball GT. The main reason for this was the absence of Toriyama's direct involvement in GT's overall story. While he designed SSJ4, the narrative direction, character arcs, and plot points were handled by other members of Toei Animation. This distinction is crucial because Toriyama's direct involvement is generally seen as the primary indicator of canonicity. All hope is not lost, Dragon Ball Super introduced new transformations, characters, and storylines that were directly supervised by Akira Toriyama, solidifying its place within the official canon. This revival breathed new life into the franchise and set a precedent for future installments.

SSJ4's Journey: From GT to Fandom Favorite

Regardless of its ambiguous canonicity, SSJ4 has undeniably become one of the most beloved and recognizable Super Saiyan forms. Its unique design, a departure from the golden-haired transformations, resonated with fans who appreciated its blend of Saiyan heritage and primal power. The transformation sequence itself, involving the Golden Great Ape form and a subsequent surge of control, was visually stunning and emotionally charged. Goku's SSJ4 form was a major power-up in Dragon Ball GT, allowing him to fight powerful foes like Baby Vegeta and Super Android 17. Vegeta also achieved the form later in the series, solidifying its status as a pinnacle of Saiyan power. Despite GT's mixed reception, SSJ4 consistently ranked high in fan polls and remained a popular choice for merchandise, fan art, and video game appearances. This enduring popularity speaks volumes about the form's impact on the Dragon Ball community.

SSJ4's appeal extends beyond its visual design. It represents a connection to the Saiyan's roots, drawing upon the power of the Great Ape form while maintaining a controlled, humanoid state. This blend of primal instinct and Saiyan pride struck a chord with fans who felt it was a natural evolution of the Super Saiyan concept. The form's unique characteristics, such as the red fur, eyeliner, and Saiyan tail, further distinguished it from previous transformations and added to its visual appeal. The raw power and intensity associated with SSJ4 made it a formidable force in battle, capable of taking on some of the most powerful villains in the Dragon Ball universe. Its legacy endures in video games, fan creations, and ongoing discussions about its place in Dragon Ball lore. Ultimately, SSJ4's popularity is a testament to its creative design and the emotional connection it forged with fans.

Dragon Ball Daima: A New Hope for SSJ4?

Now, let's talk about Dragon Ball Daima. This new series presents a unique opportunity to potentially integrate elements from GT, including SSJ4, into the official canon. Here's why: Dragon Ball Daima features a storyline where Goku and his friends are turned into children, a concept that hasn't been explored in the main canon since Dragon Ball GT. This opens the door for exploring transformations and power-ups that might not be suitable for adult characters. Imagine a scenario where kid Goku, facing an unprecedented threat, taps into his Saiyan heritage and achieves the SSJ4 form. It would be a mind-blowing moment for fans and a clever way to reintroduce the transformation into the main timeline. Of course, this is purely speculative, but the possibilities are definitely there.

Furthermore, Akira Toriyama is heavily involved in Dragon Ball Daima, overseeing the story, character designs, and overall direction. This level of involvement significantly increases the chances of elements from GT being incorporated into the series. Toriyama has shown a willingness to revisit and reimagine past concepts, as seen with his contributions to Dragon Ball Super. It's not entirely outside the realm of possibility that he might want to revisit SSJ4 and give it a proper canon debut. The transformation could be tweaked or reinterpreted to fit the current Dragon Ball Super aesthetic, but the core elements that make it so popular could remain intact. The introduction of SSJ4 in Daima could also pave the way for other GT characters and storylines to be integrated into the main canon, enriching the Dragon Ball universe and providing new opportunities for storytelling.

The Community's Wishful Thinking

The Dragon Ball community is buzzing with anticipation and speculation about Dragon Ball Daima. Many fans are hoping to see SSJ4 make a grand return, even if it's with a slightly different look or backstory. Social media platforms are filled with fan art, theories, and discussions about the possibility of SSJ4 appearing in the new series. The enthusiasm is palpable, and it reflects the deep connection that fans have with this particular transformation. Some fans believe that Daima could serve as a bridge between the original Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball GT, reconciling the two timelines and creating a more cohesive narrative. Others are simply excited to see a fresh take on a beloved form, reimagined for a new generation of Dragon Ball fans.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to include SSJ4 in Dragon Ball Daima rests with Akira Toriyama and the creative team. However, the overwhelming support from the fan base cannot be ignored. The Dragon Ball community has a powerful voice, and their passion for SSJ4 could potentially influence the direction of the series. Whether it's a direct adaptation of the original form or a completely new interpretation, the inclusion of SSJ4 in Daima would undoubtedly generate significant excitement and discussion within the Dragon Ball fandom.

Will SSJ4 Be Canon? The Verdict (For Now)

So, will SSJ4 become canon with Dragon Ball Daima? As of now, it's impossible to say for sure. We'll have to wait and see what the series has in store. However, the unique premise of Daima, combined with Toriyama's involvement and the overwhelming popularity of SSJ4, makes it a distinct possibility. Keep your fingers crossed, Dragon Ball fans! The future of SSJ4 may depend on it!

Even if SSJ4 doesn't become officially canon, its impact on the Dragon Ball franchise is undeniable. It remains a beloved transformation, a symbol of Saiyan power, and a testament to the creativity of the Dragon Ball universe. Whether it exists within the main timeline or as a separate entity, SSJ4 will continue to be celebrated by fans for years to come. Its legacy is secure, and its place in the hearts of Dragon Ball enthusiasts is forever guaranteed. In the meantime, we can look forward to Dragon Ball Daima and the new adventures it will bring, always holding out hope for the triumphant return of the Super Saiyan 4!

In conclusion, while there's no confirmation yet, Dragon Ball Daima certainly opens the door for SSJ4 to finally be integrated into the official Dragon Ball canon. Only time will tell if our favorite furry Saiyan makes a comeback!