Super Saiyan 4 Goku is back, and officially canon after Dragon Ball Daima reinvented one of the franchise’s most iconic transformations. The form was originally introduced in Dragon Ball GT and stood apart from other forms due to its unique style inspired by the Saiyan’s Great Ape transformation. Despite GT’s divisive reputation, Super Saiyan 4 has always been a favorite among fans.

Now, Daima has reinvented the form with its own spin and interpretation of how the form was ultimately reached. With the transformation’s official introduction into the canon of Dragon Ball, its portrayal has sparked debate over which version stands out as the best representation of Super Saiyan 4. Both GT and Daima have merits in their designs and sequences leading up to the transformation, but only one has done it best.

Daima Introduces an Epic Reimagining of Super Saiyan 4

Goku’s Super Saiyan 4 Transformation Is Officially Canon in Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball Daima introduced its reinterpretation of Super Saiyan 4 in Episode 18 of the series. Daima retains the fur-covered design and wild energy, ensuring that Super Saiyan 4 remains recognizable while offering a fresh take on the form’s appearance. The glowing aura intensifies the transformation, effectively making it both nostalgic and modernized, perfectly suited for the action sequence in Daima.

This reimagining not only respects the legacy of Super Saiyan 4 but also refines its aesthetic for a new storyline. Instead of becoming an adult again through the transformation, Goku remains in his child-like form, giving it a greater distinction from the version presented in Dragon Ball GT. By keeping Goku in his child-like form, the series solidifies the premise of Daima’s narrative but also makes the transformation feel fresh before offering fans a glimpse of adult Goku in Super Saiyan 4 in the following episode.

Dragon Ball GT’s Super Saiyan 4 Transformation Carried Emotional Weight

In Dragon Ball Daima, Neva Offered Goku the Powerup, While in GT, It Comes Out of an Emotional Struggle

In Dragon Ball GT, Super Saiyan 4 was much more than a power boost, it was the result of Goku’s journey as a Saiyan warrior and role as Earth’s hero. Unlike other Super Saiyan transformations, Super Saiyan 4 in GT required Goku to first reconnect with his Saiyan roots and transform into the Golden Great Ape before reaching the new form. The result of Super Saiyan 4 also came from an emotional breakthrough where Goku had to return from a state of mindless destruction after being reminded of those who were most important to him.

After Baby pushed Goku and Earth’s inhabitants to the brink of destruction, the transformation acted as a last hope for survival. Dragon Ball GT treated Super Saiyan 4 as a form that was about more than raw strength, as it was a result of Goku’s past battles, his heritage as a Saiyan warrior, and his responsibility to protect those he loves. Goku’s struggle to control the Great Ape form added tension to the sequence before he achieved a greater form, making the transformation feel more earned.

Both Transformations Are Excellent, but GT’s Is Still More Iconic

Dragon Ball Daima Offers a New Take On the Transformation That Almost Outdoes Dragon Ball GT

Dragon Ball GT’s Super Saiyan 4 remains the most iconic version by a slim margin. The striking contrast between the red fur and black hair creates an unforgettable bold aesthetic that feels both raw and powerful. The yellow eyes outlined in red added to Goku’s intensity and created a visually stunning transformation unlike anything fans had ever seen before. Paired with the emotional weight behind Goku's transformation, GT’s Super Saiyan 4 is in a class of its own. While Daima’s take on Super Saiyan 4 is eye-catching and impressive, it lacks the same boldness that made GT’s transformation so iconic.

Daima recreated the epic moment from the Buu Saga where Goku progresses through Super Saiyan form before unleashing the power of Super Saiyan 4 in Episode 19. However, despite the impressive transformation and unique twist on the form, giving it greater muscle intensity, red hair, and red eyes to match, Daima's design doesn’t have the same contrasts that made GT’s version stand out. That said, Daima’s Super Saiyan 4 is a fresh and awesome spin on the fan-favorite transformation, and both versions impress with their unique style.

Daima’s reimagining of Super Saiyan 4 is a fantastic tribute to GT and successfully modernizes the form. Yet, the aesthetic and emotional depth give Dragon Ball GT’s version an edge that’s difficult to sur. The form’s wild energy, the contrasting color scheme, and the initial transformation carry weight that elevates the form’s appearance. Dragon Ball Daima effectively and beautifully recreated Super Saiyan 4, but Dragon Ball GT still remains the most iconic and impactful take on the form.