So, you're a Dragon Ball fan, right? You've seen Goku go Super Saiyan more times than you've eaten breakfast. But have you ever wondered why he doesn't whip out Super Saiyan 4 (SSJ4) more often? It's like that amazing gadget you have but forget exists!
The Great Divide: Canon vs. Non-Canon
The first thing we need to understand is the whole "canon" thing. Basically, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super, and the original Dragon Ball are all considered part of the main storyline, approved by Akira Toriyama himself. These are canon! However, Dragon Ball GT, where SSJ4 debuted, is in a different category. It's kind of like a cool fan-fiction that everyone loves, but doesn't *officially* happen in the main story.
Think of it like Star Wars. The main movies are canon, but some spin-off novels and comics, while fun, aren't necessarily part of the main saga.
The Power-Up Problem
Even if we ignore the canon debate, there's the matter of power. Super Saiyan God and Super Saiyan Blue from Dragon Ball Super are depicted as significantly more powerful than SSJ4. Imagine training for years to learn a new fighting style, then discovering your old signature move is now just... okay. That's basically Goku's situation!
It's like learning a new app for ordering food that makes the old one obsolete. Why bother with the old app?
The Tail of the Saiyan
Super Saiyan 4 isn't just about screaming and getting spikier hair. It requires having a tail! Remember Goku's tail that he lost ages ago? Well, to achieve SSJ4, a Saiyan needs to regain their tail and then transform into a Golden Great Ape before finally mastering the SSJ4 form.
It's quite a process. It's like needing to find a specific ingredient, from a specific shop, to bake a certain cake. A lot of effort!
Nostalgia vs. New Shiny Toys
Let's be honest, a big part of the love for SSJ4 is nostalgia. It debuted in Dragon Ball GT, which many fans grew up with. The design is undeniably cool, all that red fur and primal energy! But Goku in Dragon Ball Super is all about pushing boundaries and reaching new godly heights. He's chasing power, not memories.
Think of it as preferring the new sports car over your vintage one. It's not that you don't appreciate the old one, but the new one is just so much faster!
The Fan Service Factor
Never say never! Dragon Ball is known for surprising fans. Bringing back SSJ4 in some form for pure fan service isn't entirely impossible. Maybe in a non-canon movie or a special episode. It could be a fun nod to the past, even if it doesn't fit perfectly into the current storyline.
It's like bringing back a retired player for one last game! It might not change the season, but it'll be a great moment.
So, while Goku probably won't be rocking the red fur and tail anytime soon in the main Dragon Ball series, the spirit of Super Saiyan 4 lives on in the hearts of fans. And who knows? Maybe someday, that old power will get a shiny new upgrade. Until then, we'll just have to keep re-watching those epic GT battles!
