The Dragon Ball DAIMA anime wrapped up on February 28, 2025, with Episode 20, “Maximum,” leaving fans buzzing and scratching their heads. After a 20-episode run, Goku finally unleashed his Super Saiyan 4 form to defeat Giant Gomah, but the explanation behind this power-up clashes with Dragon Ball Super lore. Let’s unpack the chaos!
Wait, How Did Goku Unlock Super Saiyan 4?
In the finale, Goku casually tells Vegeta he achieved Super Saiyan 4 by training right after their fight against Kid Buu. Yep, the same Buu saga we all know! Vegeta, of course, blows a fuse (classic Vegeta), yelling, “You hid another transformation?!” But here’s the kicker: Goku admits he wasn’t even sure the form would work.
Wait, How Did Goku Unlock Super Saiyan 4?
Why This Doesn’t Add Up:
- Timeline Trouble: Dragon Ball Super shows Goku mastering God Ki (Super Saiyan God/Blue) post-Buu saga—not SSJ4. So when did he have time to train for this GT-style upgrade?
- Name Confusion: Goku avoids calling it “Super Saiyan 4” until the final scene. Earlier, he hints at it as a “bonus” power. Even Toei Animation’s leaked concept art labeled it “SSJ4” as a nod to Dragon Ball GT not official canon.
- The Missing Namekian: Remember Neva, the wise old Namekian who unlocked Goku’s “hidden power” in Episode 18? The finale never mentions him, leaving fans wondering: Was this a last-minute rewrite?
Plot Holes & Fan Theories: What Happened Behind the Scenes?
The finale’s messy continuity hints at rushed changes. For example:
Super Saiyan 4 Goku - Dragon Ball Daima
- Vegeta’s Amnesia: He acts shocked seeing adult Goku as SSJ4, even though he saw Kid Goku (Mini) transform earlier. Oops?
- Join Bugs Mystery: Early episodes teased “Join Bugs” as a key plot device, but they vanished by the end. Fans think they might’ve originally explained why SSJ4 never appears in Dragon Ball Super.
- Neva’s Disappearance: Did Toei cut his role to cram in more SSJ4 action? Or was SSJ4 Goku (Mini) added late to hype toy sales (like the Super Saiyan 4 Goku Mini figure)?
Why Fans Are Split on DAIMA Ending
While the finale delivered epic fights and nostalgia (hello, SSJ4!), the plot holes left viewers conflicted. On one hand, seeing Goku’s GT-era form return was a blast. On the other, the shaky timeline raises questions:
- Is SSJ4 canon now, or just a fun tribute?
- Will Dragon Ball Super ever acknowledge this?
- Why did Vegeta forget about Kid Goku’s SSJ4 moment?
Where to Watch Dragon Ball DAIMA
All 20 episodes of Dragon Ball DAIMA are streaming on Crunchyroll, with the English dub (featuring Stephanie Nadolny as Goku Mini) airing weekly since January 10.
Quick Recap:
- Goku and friends shrink due to a Demon Realm conspiracy!
- A mysterious Majin named Glorio guides them to save their world.
Final Thoughts: A Love Letter to GT Fans—But At What Cost?
Dragon Ball DAIMA’s finale feels like a wild rollercoaster: thrilling for GT fans, confusing for Super loyalists. Whether you love it or hate it, one thing’s clear Goku’s Super Saiyan 4 still steals hearts, even if the timeline doesn’t make sense.
What’s your take? Did DAIMA stick the landing, or is this transformation twist too messy? Let us know!
Check Out: Why Dragon Ball DAIMA Outshines Dragon Ball Super in Just 20 Episodes | Anime Analysis
Check Out: Dragon Ball DAIMA Ending Hints at next Dragon Ball Movie – Here Why Fans Are Hyped
