Alright, Dragon Ball fans—let’s talk about something truly wild: Super Saiyan 4. Not your run-of-the-mill golden-haired blaze. Nope. This is the form that feels like a full-on primal scream wrapped in fur and muscle. The kind of transformation that makes you wanna yell, “Whoa, what just happened?” and maybe spill your popcorn in the process.
I remember the first time I saw it on TV. The hair was black, the body covered in red fur—and I thought, “Wait, are they part Saiyan or part werewolf now?” And honestly, it’s one of those transformations that sticks with you like the smell of burnt popcorn at a midnight marathon.
So, What Even Is Super Saiyan 4?
Ok, let me back up a bit. Super Saiyan 4 popped up in Dragon Ball GT, which—yeah, I know—a lot of purists pretend it never happened. But I don’t care. It’s like that weird cousin at the family reunion who shows up with a leather jacket and steals the show.
Unlike the earlier Super Saiyan forms, where everything’s gold and sparkly, Super Saiyan 4 is… different. It’s like if your primal ape instincts suddenly decided to hit the gym and learn karate. Dark red fur, wild black hair, and the tail? Oh yeah, the tail’s back, baby.
The Backstory: How Did We Get Here?
Alright, real talk—I learned the hard way that Super Saiyan 4 isn’t your standard power-up. You can’t just yell “KA-ME-HA-ME-HAAAA!” and poof, turn into this beast.
First, a Saiyan has to turn into a Golden Great Ape. It’s like the Hulk’s angry cousin who’s super shiny and huge. To get there, the Saiyan needs to soak up Blutz Waves, which usually means staring at a full moon or something similar.
Then comes the tricky part: regaining control of that massive ape body. Sounds easy? Nah. Imagine trying to tame a wild bear while it’s doing backflips—yeah, exactly. Once the Saiyan masters that, they shrink down into Super Saiyan 4. Boom. Instant badass.
What Does Super Saiyan 4 Look Like?
Let me paint a picture for y’all.
- Dark red fur all over the torso and arms (kind of like a big red fuzzy sweater, if you ask me)
- Black, wild hair—longer and messier than Goku’s usual style (I kinda wish my hair had that much volume)
- Yellow eyes with red eyeliner—yes, eyeliner. This ain’t just a power move; it’s a fashion statement.
- The tail grows back, and it’s a major part of the transformation. Imagine your tail being your power cable—pretty wicked.
Why Super Saiyan 4 Kicks the Other Forms’ Butts
I’ve always been a fan of the classic Super Saiyan glow-up—gold hair, blue eyes, energy blasting everywhere. But Super Saiyan 4? It’s a whole different beast.
Here’s the thing: other forms tend to drain energy fast. Like, you sprint a marathon and then collapse. Super Saiyan 3? Yeah, that form’s awesome but runs outta juice quick.
Super Saiyan 4? It’s like they figured out how to ride the wave without wiping out. More stamina, more power, and better control. The fur and tail aren’t just aesthetic; they’re key players in this power game.
Quick Comparison — Super Saiyan 3 vs Super Saiyan 4
| Feature | Super Saiyan 3 | Super Saiyan 4 |
| Hair Color | Long, golden | Black and wild |
| Energy Drain | Insane | Much better |
| Appearance | Humanoid with spikes | Primal, with fur and tail |
| Power | Huge boost but unsustainable | Massive boost, more balanced |
| Aura | Glowing gold | Crimson red, subtle but fierce |
Getting to Super Saiyan 4: A Not-So-Easy Path
Wanna know the secret? The tail. I swear, Saiyan tails are like the Swiss Army knives of this universe.
- No tail, no Great Ape.
- No Great Ape, no Super Saiyan 4.
So, first off, you gotta have your tail back. Vegeta? He lost his but got it back with a little help (thanks, Bulma’s tech wizardry). Then, you stare at a full moon or get blasted with Blutz Waves. It’s like getting a crazy sunburn, but instead of pain, you get superpowers.
Then, the real challenge: tame your inner ape. If you mess this up, you’re stuck as a giant rampaging ape who can’t tell his left fist from his right.
My favorite moment? Gogeta SSJ4.
The fusion of Goku and Vegeta, both in their Super Saiyan 4 glory. I mean, talk about helluva combo. It’s like peanut butter and jelly but with laser beams and fur.
The Personality of Super Saiyan 4: It’s Not Just Raw Power
Look, I’m no Saiyan expert (yet), but what gets me is how Super Saiyan 4 mixes brains with brawn. The Golden Great Ape is wild and uncontrollable. SSJ4? It’s like the ape learned manners and martial arts.
It’s that balance—raw primal energy, but also tactical fighting skill. Think of it as the difference between a wild dog and a trained wolf.
Fun Fact Alert!
Victorians believed talking to ferns kept their minds sharp. I don’t know if Saiyans chat with their tails, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that helped them tame their ape side. I talk to my begonias, just in case.
But Is Super Saiyan 4 Really Stronger Than the Newer Dragon Ball Forms?
This question’s like asking if a vintage muscle car beats a Tesla. Different eras, different tech.
Dragon Ball Super dropped some insane transformations like Super Saiyan God and Ultra Instinct. Those have that ethereal, godly vibe—blue hair, calm aura, all zen-like.
Super Saiyan 4 is grittier. More “get off my lawn” than “peaceful monk.” It’s raw, it’s fierce, and, frankly, it looks like it could rip through those godly auras like tissue paper.
Did I mention the tail? I’m still not over the tail.
A Quick Detour: My First Herb Garden Disaster (Don’t Ask)
Before we move on, gotta share this.
My first herb garden died faster than my 2020 sourdough starter—RIP, Gary. The cracked watering can from Pete’s Hardware on 5th Ave (great place, by the way) was a big help… in flooding the poor things.
That’s kinda like Super Saiyan 4 vs. earlier forms: you gotta know how to nurture the power, or it just fizzles—or worse, explodes.
The Legacy of Super Saiyan 4 — Why We Still Love It
Fast forward past three failed attempts at understanding Saiyan biology, and here’s what I think:
Super Saiyan 4 is that weird, wild chapter in Dragon Ball lore that fans keep coming back to. The mix of primal and human. The tail’s comeback. The furious red fur.
It’s iconic, unforgettable. Like that one song you hate but can’t stop humming.
FAQs (Because Y’all Have Questions)
Q: Can anyone become Super Saiyan 4?
A: Nope, gotta have the tail back. No tail, no transformation.
Q: Is Super Saiyan 4 canon?
A: Officially, no. But in the hearts of fans? Heck yes.
Q: How does Super Saiyan 4 compare to Super Saiyan Blue?
A: Depends on your universe. I like to think SSJ4 has more “oomph,” but Blue has the god vibes. Either way, I wouldn’t wanna fight either one.
Alright, That’s a Wrap!
So there you have it—Super Saiyan 4, the ultimate Dragon Ball transformation that’s part beast, part warrior, and 100% legendary. I hope y’all enjoyed this messy, fun dive into one of the coolest power-ups ever.
As noted on page 42 of the out-of-print “Dragon Ball Mishaps & Miracles” (1998), “Super Saiyan 4 represents the perfect storm of power, style, and untamed chaos.”
Catch y’all next time. And remember—if you see a giant red-furred ape, maybe don’t get too close.
