Here are the 5 greatest transformations that will forever symbolize Dragon Ball:
5. Vegeta’s Super Saiyan 3 Transformation After More Than Three Decades
Goku first became Super Saiyan 3 (SSJ3) back in 1990. Vegeta, who always seemed one step behind Goku, never got the chance to reach this form in the original manga.
More than thirty years later, Dragon Ball Daima shocked fans with Vegeta’s new SSJ3 transformation. Dragon Ball Daima, Toriyama’s latest project, features Goku and friends turned into kids. Despite being significantly weaker, Vegeta manages to achieve SSJ3 while fighting the second Tamagami, though it drains him heavily. This was a moment fans had waited three decades to see.
4. Goku’s Super Saiyan 4 Finally Becomes Canon
Super Saiyan 4 (SSJ4) was first introduced in Dragon Ball GT, a Toei Animation original series not considered official canon. Though GT received mixed reactions, SSJ4 remains a fascinating design.
Nearly thirty years later, Toriyama brought this form back into canon through Dragon Ball Daima by tweaking some details. Thanks to Neva’s magic awakening his hidden power, Goku transforms just before Gomah can land a finishing blow, easily overpowering the villain.
3. Goku’s Ultra Instinct Sign Shakes the Internet
Ultra Instinct is a technique used by gods, but Goku manages to access Ultra Instinct Sign as a personal transformation. This moment happens during the legendary battle against Jiren at the Tournament of Power.
After nearly being killed by his own Spirit Bomb, Goku returns stronger than ever, closing the massive power gap with Jiren. More than eight years since its debut, Ultra Instinct remains unforgettable. The internet literally crashed as streaming platforms were overwhelmed by traffic.
2. Gohan’s Super Saiyan 2 Overpowers Cell
Even at four years old, Gohan showed immense potential, surpassing his father. During the Cell Games, after witnessing Android 16’s brutal death and his friends being attacked by Cell Juniors, Gohan’s rage and despair exploded.
This emotional surge triggered his transformation into Super Saiyan 2 (SSJ2). This moment cemented Gohan as one of the most iconic shonen characters, as he completely overwhelmed Cell, an enemy even Goku couldn’t defeat.
1. Goku’s First Ever Super Saiyan Transformation
When it comes to Dragon Ball’s most iconic moments, Goku’s first Super Saiyan transformation always stands out.
He transformed for the first time during his battle against Frieza, redefining the transformation trope in shonen anime. Until then, the golden-haired Super Saiyan was just a forgotten legend. Goku transformed after witnessing Krillin’s death, unleashing his ultimate fury. After transforming, he easily overpowered Frieza, the galactic tyrant who terrorized his friends and son.