After Almost 30 Years, Super Saiyan 4 Has Been Redeemed With the Perfect Apology

Dragon Ball GT is one of the more controversial topics within the wider Dragon Ball fandom. The franchise's first work without legendary creator Akira Toriyama at the helm is marked by incredibly high highs, and devastating lows. Dragon Ball Super's release and subsequent mass popularity only further buried GT's reputation, ushering in an entire generation of fans who dismissed the series altogether. Now, Dragon Ball Daima has arrived to give fans a more modern take on GT, and its latest introduction has finally done its predecessor justice.

The 1996 anime has never been quite as bad as many might let on, and it may be easy for newer fans of the franchise to forget that Dragon Ball GT once introduced a generation of its own to Goku and his friends. Fans of the series have had to watch as Dragon Ball Super further pushed GT into non-canon status, denying both its strengths and weaknesses. Nearly 30 years since its premiere, however, Dragon Ball Daima is finally doing the anime justice by reintroducing one of its greatest creations.

Dragon Ball Daima Makes Super Saiyan 4 Canon

The Iconic Form Is Once Again Part of the Series' Main Canon Timeline

Dragon Ball Daima's latest episode #18, titled "Awakening", did what no fan thought possible, and reintroduced Super Saiyan 4 into the series' canon nearly 30 years after its original debut, breaking the internet in the process. GT may very well be the most divisive Dragon Ball product ever, though the majority of the franchise's ever-growing fan base has always agreed on Super Saiyan 4's all-around brilliance.

Unfortunately, the form was replaced by Dragon Ball Super's Super Saiyan God transformation, leaving it as an exciting, yet somewhat sad inclusion in the strange, indescribably fan-servicey Dragon Ball Heroes. Daima has finally paid GT fans back, however, by breathing new life into the familiar Super Saiyan 4 form. The updated version gives Goku a red tint with a white aura, as well as large ape-like hands. The hair, fur, and tail are near identical in design to GT's original transformation, color aside.

GT's Spirit Lives On in Dragon Ball Daima

Super Saiyan 4 Isn't the Only Influence Daima Has Taken

Though it's likely the most exciting inclusion yet, Super Saiyan 4 is just the latest bit of inspiration Dragon Ball Daima has taken from GT. In a recent interview with MANTANWEB, Dragon Ball producer Akio Iyoku discussed the anime, admitting himself that it was created with Dragon Ball GT in mind, and is meant for adults who grew up with the and can now experience it again with their own kids. In a sense, Daima as a whole can be seen as an apology to those fans for mistreating their favorite series for decades.

Kid goku in Daima with all his Super Saiyan forms behind

Dragon Ball Daima Producer Unpacks Akira Toriyama's OG Vision For the Anime: "We Made the Most of It"

What makes Daima work is the delicate balance between honoring the late Toriyama’s original vision and crafting a compelling new adventure.

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Dragon Ball Daima is approaching its finale, and now that Super Saiyan 4 has appeared, fans can be sure its climactic battle will be both unexpected and exciting. Fusion has been hinted throughout the anime, and with this new form achieved, it's possible Super Saiyan 4 Vegito makes his first ever appearance. Fans of Dragon Ball GT will want to be sure not to miss whatever further tributes Daima may have in store.