How Will Dragon Ball Daima Fix Its Plot Hole Problem? I Have a Very Good Idea

Dragon Ball Daima's reintroduction of Super Saiyan 4 has put the series' fan base in a frenzy, causing a mass outpouring of appreciation for Akira Toriyama's final contribution to the franchise, while sparking online discourse about the beloved form's updated look. 1996's Dragon Ball GT was a mixed bag of highs and lows, but the Super Saiyan 4 transformation has always been a fan favorite for its unique design and stylish references to the Giant Ape form of the Saiyans.

The introduction of the form in Dragon Ball Daima came as a shock to the series' endlessly widening fan base. Though there has been speculation about the anime's canon status since its announcement in 2023, Dragon Ball producer Akio Iyoku confirmed Daima is not part of a separate or alternate timeline in an interview earlier this February. This has created a bit of a continuity issue, as the form is never seen or heard about anywhere in Dragon Ball Super. However, there are ways the anime can explain Super Saiyan 4's return that would fit within the current canon timeline.

Super Saiyan 4 May Be a Demon Realm Exclusive

The Elder Namekian Neva Unlocked Goku's New Transformation

The new-look Super Saiyan 4 is distinctly different from its original GT version in a few key ways. Most notable are the visual differences; Goku's hair is red instead of the usual black, and his forearms and hands have grown in size, similar to that of an ape. There are also significant differences in how the form was achieved, with the original version focusing heavily on Saiyan lore, and the updated version being unlocked with the assistance of the legendary elder Namekian, Neva.

Neva, the Namekian who created the Demon Realm Dragon Balls.

Perhaps the simplest way for the series to brush off Super Saiyan 4's absence from future events is by tying it specifically to the Demon Realm. Neva seemed to awaken the form in much the same way the Elder Guru unlocked Gohan's and Krillin's potential on Namek, and it's very possible for the anime to tie the transformation to a temporary boost in power given by a Demon Realm native. The lack of any Oozaru reference in the form would also make this explanation fitting, keeping both versions of Super Saiyan 4 distinctly tied to two separate sources of power.

There Are Other Ways to Explain Away Super Saiyan 4

The Form Could Be a Culmination of Saiyan and God Power

Full Power Super Saiyan 4 Goku from Dragon Ball GT, with a shot of Beerus and Super Saiyan God Goku in the background.

When Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods was released in 2013, Dragon Ball GT and Super Saiyan 4 were officially made non-canon material, and the Super Saiyan God forms rose to prominence in the subsequent Dragon Ball Super. Another, albeit convoluted, possible explanation for Daima's latest transformation is that it might just be the culmination of both Saiyan and god power. When Neva unlocked Goku's transformation, the anime showcased some unconventional visuals, in which two separate paths were put into focus.

Dragon Ball Daima Makes the Perfect Change to Super Saiyan 4 Goku and I Can Prove It

Dragon Ball Daima adds subtle changes to Goku's Super Saiyan 4, aligning the legendary form even more with what it represents.

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One path was blue and the other red. It's possible these colors were meant to signify two distinct paths a Saiyan can take, one being traditional Saiyan transformations, and the other being god ki transformations. When these two paths converged, Goku arose as a Super Saiyan 4, sporting his new, stylish appearance. If Super Saiyan 4 is the highest point of Saiyan power, it's possible that neither Goku nor Vegeta have been able to reach the form since, and cannot without Neva's help. This explanation, though somewhat far-fetched, would tie the series into Dragon Ball Super nicely.

Some Potential Explanations for Daima's Continuity Issues Would Be Disappointing

Not Every Potential Explanation for Super Saiyan 4 Would Be Good

Goku looking sad on a starry background.

As fans have discussed and argued over Super Saiyan 4's return, a few theories have risen which would ultimately lead to disappointing endings for Dragon Ball Daima. The most prominent floating around online involves a memory wipe of all the events of the series. While an effective method for explaining away any continuity issues, this ending would also render the entire anime somewhat pointless, with nothing gained or learned by any of the cast throughout. The other explains that Daima was simply Beerus' dream of the Super Saiyan God.

Feature header contrasting Super Saiyan 4 Goku with Dragon Fist

I'm Not Sure How, But I Totally Missed Dragon Ball Daima's Super Saiyan 4 Easter Egg

Dragon Ball Daima has a Super Saiyan 4 Easter egg, with Goku running on all fours to honor his Saiyan roots and Sun Wukong from Journey to the West.

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Though this would make for a clean connection to Dragon Ball Super, it's a largely incoherent theory which would suffer from the same issues as a potential memory wipe. Of course, the anime doesn't necessarily have to explain itself at all, though many superfans of the franchise would likely want as much lore as they can grab onto. Dragon Ball Daima's finale is just around the corner, and fans can expect an energetic Super Saiyan 4 finale to close out the series. There might just be another, fusion-based surprise on the way as well.