Dragon Ball has introduced many transformations over the years, each more powerful and visually striking compared to the last. Toriyama created a power system that can be repeatedly used and still enthralls the fans with just a few changes.
This is how the SSJ2 and SSJ3 transformations made their mark on the franchise. However, if we are to talk about the most unique and controversial form in the franchise, it is definitely the non-canon Super Saiyan 4 from Dragon Ball GT.
Dragon Ball GT was not created by Toriyama, the creator of the Dragon Ball franchise, hence it was not considered a part of the main lore (not canon), and was treated as an unofficial spin-off. But what is interesting is how they portrayed the SSJ4 form of Goku.
Super Saiyan 4 was a transformation that represented power
Unlike the sleek, golden-haired transformations that have come to become the norm and the definition of Super Saiyan in Dragon Ball Z, the Super Saiyan 4 stood out with its primal, beast-like design. It brought to mind the original designs that Toriyama had for Dragon Ball (like the tail that Son Goku had).
In an interview with Kazenshuu, Atsushi Maekawa, who wrote most of the scripts, spoke about this decision-
Since Super Saiyan 4 represents the mightiest form in the entire series thus far, it just wouldn’t quite be convincing if he had stayed in the form of a child. It came down to the decision that, since our greatest priority is to emphasize strength, then we had to push it with visual impact. So we needed a purely strong-looking and cool character design that wouldn’t be beholden to any concept. That is the form that Nakatsuru-san gave shape to.
Dragon Ball GT showcased Goku as a child. But a key decision behind the SSJ4 form’s creation was ensuring that Goku looked awe inspiring and intimidating. That could not happen when Goku looked like an infant; he would only end up looking like a mini chimp.
This is why, in the series, Super Saiyan 4 Goku appeared in his adult form rather than remaining as a child. This was a choice that Toei made specifically for the sake of visual impact on the viewers.
Toei chose an adult form for Goku
Super Saiyan 4 is often regarded as one of the most distinctive and powerful transformations in the Dragon Ball universe. Even after many decades of the franchise continuing, there is no Super Saiyan transformation that managed to surpass SSJ4.
The form was considered fake but after Toriyama assented to its use in Dragon Ball movies (Dragon Ball Heroes), it meant that it had gained recognition. The final nail was when Dragon Ball DAIMA, the ultimate work of Akira Toriyama’s life, showcased kid Goku turn into SSJ4 form.
This officially confirmed that the transformation has been accepted as canon. There are many similarities with how it was showcased in GT; the only difference is that child Goku was also shown in the SSJ4 form, along with the adult form.
To showcase the Saiyan race’s primal nature, it is important that the form is threatening and somewhat scary-looking. The fur-covered body, wild hair, and red eyes completely draw a line and differentiate the form to set it apart from the traditional Saiyan transformations. Thus, the adult form was opted for.
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