If you’re a hardcore Dragon Ball fan, you know that transformation forms have always been a signature element keeping the franchise exciting for decades. From the legendary Super Saiyan to the godly power levels in the Super era, every time a character’s hair changes color, it’s a win for game developers and toy makers alike.
However, there’s one form that has always divided fans between love and hate: Super Saiyan 4 (SSJ4).
SSJ4: Dragon Ball GT’s controversial yet captivating form
For years, Dragon Ball GT was considered the black sheep of the fan community since Akira Toriyama didn’t write its story directly, leading many to label it non-canon. As a result, SSJ4, the coolest and wildest form with its red fur and black hair, was sidelined.
Fans split into two camps. One longed for the return of this primal beauty, while the other rejected it because it wasn’t part of the main storyline. But on February 14, 2025, episode 18 titled “Awakening” of Dragon Ball Daima changed everything.
A stunning debut: Magic awakens the primal instinct
In this episode, when Goku is cornered by the magical power of the Great Demon King Gomah, an unexpected savior appears. Neva, a Namekian, uses ancient magic to directly alter Goku’s DNA, awakening the hidden power of his warrior race.
Super Saiyan 4 officially makes its comeback. But this time, it’s no longer a GT outcast. Appearing in Daima, a project considered official, SSJ4 has been formally recognized.
Daima doesn’t just bring back SSJ4, it upgrades it dramatically
While keeping the spirit of the original design, Daima’s SSJ4 is a major leap forward in both logic and aesthetics.
Goku’s forearms are bulkier, emphasizing primate anatomy and giving a stronger, wilder feel than the GT version. Instead of a patchy mix between human and ape, the new design offers a consistent look that represents a perfect warrior entity.
In GT, Goku had to transform into a Golden Ape before mastering SSJ4, but in Daima, Neva’s magic provides a more reasonable explanation by directly activating the primal instinct encoded in Saiyan DNA.
The multiverse future: A new era for Dragon Ball?
SSJ4’s appearance in Daima raises a big question: What is the relationship between Daima and Dragon Ball Super? Why has Goku never mentioned or used this form in Super?
Many theories suggest Dragon Ball is diving deeper into the multiverse concept. Daima could be a parallel timeline where events unfold differently. If true, fans can hope for a universe where Vegeta might reach Super Saiyan 3 or even witness a showdown between Ultra Instinct and the official Super Saiyan 4.
One year after the shock of “Awakening,” SSJ4 is no longer a controversial memory. It has become a part of history, a symbol linking past and present. Dragon Ball once again proves that nothing is impossible as long as the fans’ passion remains strong.