Why SS4 Goku Is The Best Transformation In DB History

SS4 Goku is different and has always been so since the 1990s.

This is in spite of the comments, accusations, and hypocrisy that come from an overly obsessed part of the Dragon Ball fandom.

But why choose SS4 Goku over so many transformations?

SSB.
SS.
SS2.
SS3.
SSGSS.
Fusion SS.
Legendary SS.

Here’s why SS4 Goku beats them all any day of the week and any month of the year.

1. It’s ironically more “legit” in terms of DB logic

When thinking about the Super Saiyan transformation, arguably the most famous and legendary in the entire franchise, it’s easy to see why saying SS4 is better is heresy.

Especially if we go by “canon”, an overused term in the DB fandom.

The original Super Saiyan transformation was based on the so-called “legend” of Legendary Super Saiyans from the past. One that supposedly emerges after 1000 years (paraphrasing Vegeta).

Of course, even DBZ disproved this idea later on in its own franchise with the transformations of SS2, SS3, etc, and of course, Broly’s existence even if it was only in movies.

Gain strength, having a certain “feeling”, “snap”, and going beyond SS were easy for every capable Saiyan to do.

Not just Goku.

Compare this logic with Super Saiyan 4 in Dragon Ball GT, an anime that gets the knee-jerk reaction of it being CANON.

The concept of having a tail is important with the SS4 transformation. That makes sense given how important Saiyan tails always were in the DB franchise until Super Saiyan made it irrelevant (whether accidentally or intentionally).

Once the form is achieved (SS4), Goku or any Saiyan looks more “Saiyan-like” than they ever have, which feels truer to the Saiyan heritage for obvious reasons.

The skin, the tail, the furr, and the overall SS4 design.

This is even more true when you add the fact becoming an OOZARU is necessary for the SS4 transformation to work. Another element of true Saiyan heritage that has been ignored and written out of the main story.

The explanation is solid and much more logical when compared especially to the likes of SSB or SSG which is basically a paint job.

2. It looks aesthetically better than any other SS transformation

There is a good reason why Super Saiyan 4 is loved by so many Dragon Ball fans (canon or not) and why the transformation is still talked about today.

It’s no accident that it continuously comes up in:

Debates.
Polls.
Comparisons.
Questions.

And everything related to the DB community.

The SS4 transformation:

Looks good.
Feels authentic.
Feels accurate.
Has the best Saiyan representation.
Has the best concept of what a Saiyan transformation looks like (with a tail).
Looks stronger.
Maintains the black hair colour instead of doing a paint job like with SSB and SSG.
Even has red parts to the eyes and black eyebrows.
Has its own unique hairstyle that feels like an “evolved” version of a Siayan’s normal state.

There’s a lot to comment on when it comes to the SS4 transformation from an aesthetic point of view.

Now compare that to the rest of the SS lineup.

SS1 has spikey hair and signature green eyes. Arguably the best SS transformation besides SS4.

Aesthetically there is nothing to say other than the aura lights up the outfit, which is a plus you could say.

The SS2 transformation becomes slightly more spikey, with lighting surrounding the character (similar to SS4 which has red lighting) but that’s it.

This is also a “cool” looking transformation but there isn’t much to talk about.

SS3 has longer hair, nothing creative here. Also lighting and no eyebrows which is the standout feature between SS transformations.

Aesthetically it is in its own league and can’t be compared the way SS1 and SS2 can be.

The Legendary Super Saiyan transformation you could argue has its own flair and style with the introduction of BROLY (past and present).

To me, the main features are the white eyes and lack of pupils. Plus the unique aura that Broly gives off, makes it one of the best there is.

Gohan’s “beast” transformation in Dragon Ball Super is basically just another version of SS2 Teen Gohan but with grey/silver hair. Again, another paint job with no effort in the design department.

There is no unique history, meaning, or worthy details to talk about.

And finally, SSB and SSG are just paint jobs. They look the same as SS1 and SS2, except one has blue hair with the so called blue “God” aura, and one has red hair with a red aura.

Aside from these surface level features, it’s probably the most basic, copy n pasted, effortless design to be introduced to the Dragon Ball franchise.

It barely compares to the original SS transformations, never mind SS4 which is still in its own league despite the show “not being canon” as if that means anything in this context.

Ultra instinct isn’t’ worth mentioning here.

In the end, the SS4 transformation is used in many forms of DB Media

Canon or otherwise, which speaks to its relentless popularity among DB fans (even those who argue, debate, or troll).

SS4 is featured amongst the best DB video games.
It’s included in the latest DB video games.
It’s included in the anime DB Heroes.

And it’s part of many well put together “fictional” battles on YouTube between DB fighters.

It was included as far back as DBZ Budokai 3 decades ago (video game).

It’s not just politically correct to say it’s the best SS transformation because of the toxic obsession with what is canon and what is not, and that somehow means “you’re not a real Dragon Ball fan” if you like anything related to Dragon Ball GT.

Which is again, a double standard among fans who love playing the SS4 character in video games or seeing it drawn by artists, etc.