Super Saiyan Four Vegeta: Power, Design, and Enduring Legacy
Introduction
Super Saiyan Four Vegeta. The very name conjures up images of raw power, primal Saiyan fury, and a design that sharply divided the Dragon Ball fandom. For those who grew up during the *Dragon Ball GT* era, the transformation of Vegeta into this ape-like warrior was a momentous occasion, filled with hype and speculation. Others viewed it with skepticism, finding the non-canon form to be a departure from the established aesthetic of the Dragon Ball universe. Love it or hate it, Super Saiyan Four Vegeta undeniably left an indelible mark on the franchise.
This transformation, unique to the *Dragon Ball GT* timeline, represents more than just a power boost. It’s a culmination of Vegeta’s character arc, a fusion of his Saiyan pride and his deep-seated desire to surpass Goku. It’s a visual spectacle that blends the familiar with the unexpected, creating a form that’s both powerful and undeniably striking. This article delves into the intricacies of Super Saiyan Four Vegeta, exploring its origins, its immense power, its distinctive design, and the reasons why it continues to be a source of fascination and debate among Dragon Ball fans worldwide. Super Saiyan Four Vegeta stands as a powerful and visually striking transformation that, despite its non-canon status, remains a beloved and debated part of Dragon Ball lore, representing Vegeta’s unique pride and Saiyan heritage.
The Genesis and Appearance
How Vegeta Achieved the Super Saiyan Four Form
Unlike Goku, who achieved the Super Saiyan Four transformation through a natural, albeit chaotic, process of tapping into his Great Ape potential, Vegeta’s path to this powerful form was decidedly more…scientific. After witnessing Goku’s newfound power, Vegeta desperately sought a way to catch up. Bulma, ever the brilliant scientist, devised a method using a Blutz Wave Generator. This machine artificially replicated the Blutz Waves, energy needed to trigger the Great Ape transformation. By bathing Vegeta in these waves, Bulma forced him to transform into a Golden Great Ape, a stage that Goku himself had to overcome to achieve Super Saiyan Four.
The crucial difference lies in Vegeta’s control. While Goku initially rampaged uncontrollably in his Golden Great Ape form, Vegeta, thanks to his superior intellect and training, quickly regained his senses. This allowed him to harness the power of the Great Ape while retaining his reason and focus. This artificial approach, born of Vegeta’s ambition and Bulma’s ingenuity, highlights the core differences between Vegeta and Goku. Goku often relies on instinct and raw power, whereas Vegeta prefers a calculated and strategic approach to achieve his goals. This difference in their methods is clearly visible in their respective paths to attaining Super Saiyan Four.
Detailed Look at the Visual Design
The Super Saiyan Four design is arguably one of the most radical departures from the established Super Saiyan aesthetic. Gone are the simple golden hair and glowing aura. Instead, Super Saiyan Four Vegeta sports a wild, almost primal look. His body is covered in crimson red fur, with only his chest and face exposed. His hair grows longer and darker, taking on a wilder, more untamed appearance. Perhaps the most striking feature is the red eyeliner around his eyes, adding to the form’s distinct visual identity.
Comparing him to Super Saiyan Four Goku further emphasizes the subtle yet significant differences. While both share the red fur and similar hairstyle, Goku’s hair is a deeper black, and his overall demeanor feels more aligned with his playful and optimistic nature. Vegeta, in contrast, carries a more serious and intense aura, reflected in his perpetually furrowed brow. The design elements clearly borrow from the Great Ape form, retaining the wildness and raw power associated with that transformation, but with a more refined and controlled edge.
Whether you find it appealing or not, the Super Saiyan Four design is undeniably unique. It breaks away from the established conventions of previous Super Saiyan forms, offering a visual representation of the raw, untamed power that Vegeta has finally unlocked. The design choices, from the fur to the eyeliner, contribute to an overall aesthetic that is both powerful and visually arresting.
The Evolution of the Form
The jump to Super Saiyan Four is a great leap from the previous forms. Tracing the character’s progression to this form helps to see the impact that prior forms had on the overall aesthetic. Vegeta starts as a proud warrior, who only cares about one thing, surpassing Goku. This is clear in his base form and his early transformations into a Super Saiyan. Then, once he achieves Super Saiyan Two, his form shows a clear evolution, with more power and ferocity, but the biggest leap comes with the inclusion of the Golden Great Ape form. This then allows for the jump to Super Saiyan Four. The combination of the previously known forms plus the Great Ape form allows for the unique aesthetic of the form. The red fur, the eyeliner, the primal look, all of these draw inspiration from the Great Ape transformation, allowing for a truly unique and memorable design.
The Raw Power and Special Abilities
Assessing Power in the *Dragon Ball GT* Landscape
Determining the exact power level of Super Saiyan Four Vegeta in the context of *Dragon Ball GT* is a challenge, given the inconsistent power scaling of the series. However, it’s clear that he is among the strongest characters in the GT timeline. He is demonstrably stronger than Super Baby Two, and provides a significant contribution in the battles against Super Seventeen and Omega Shenron. While he may not consistently outperform Super Saiyan Four Goku, the two Saiyans are generally considered to be on roughly equal footing, with subtle differences in their fighting styles and techniques.
The Super Saiyan Four transformation grants Vegeta a massive boost to his speed, strength, and energy output. He is able to move at speeds that are virtually imperceptible, deliver devastating blows that can shatter planets, and unleash powerful energy blasts that can obliterate entire galaxies. This form allows him to push his limits beyond anything he had previously achieved, making him a formidable opponent for even the most powerful adversaries.
The Signature Techniques and their Upgrades
Super Saiyan Four Vegeta retains many of his signature techniques, but amplified to an entirely new level. The Galick Gun, for instance, becomes an even more devastating energy blast, capable of obliterating even the strongest defenses. However, his signature move in this form is arguably the Final Shine Attack. This powerful green energy blast, unleashed with focused intensity, is a testament to Vegeta’s unwavering determination and Saiyan pride. The Final Shine Attack is often the finishing move for Vegeta during his time as a Super Saiyan Four, showing how much power it holds within its charge.
The application of these techniques in his Super Saiyan Four form showcases his adaptability and mastery of energy control. He is able to channel his immense power into precise and devastating attacks, making him a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.
The Fusion Potential and Ultimate Warrior
Perhaps the most tantalizing aspect of Super Saiyan Four Vegeta is his potential to fuse with Goku in their respective Super Saiyan Four forms. The result is Super Saiyan Four Gogeta, a being of unimaginable power. Gogeta is often cited as one of the strongest characters in the entire Dragon Ball franchise, possessing the combined strength and techniques of both Goku and Vegeta, amplified exponentially by the power of the Super Saiyan Four transformation.
Super Saiyan Four Gogeta’s appearance is a fusion of both Vegeta and Goku’s Super Saiyan Four appearances, with traits from both characters, making him a truly unique fusion. His cocky attitude and immense power make him a fan-favorite among Dragon Ball fans. The existence of Super Saiyan Four Gogeta highlights the potential for even greater heights of power within the Dragon Ball universe, and underscores the incredible strength that Vegeta and Goku can achieve when they work together.
Vegeta’s Character and its Reflection
Embracing Saiyan Pride and Heritage
The Super Saiyan Four transformation represents a significant turning point in Vegeta’s character arc. Throughout much of the Dragon Ball series, Vegeta struggles with his Saiyan pride and his burning desire to surpass Goku. He often resorts to ruthless and underhanded tactics in his quest for power, but in *Dragon Ball GT*, he takes a different approach.
By embracing the power of the Great Ape and mastering the Super Saiyan Four transformation, Vegeta finally comes to terms with his Saiyan heritage. He realizes that his pride is not about dominating others, but about protecting those he cares about. This transformation allows him to channel his Saiyan instincts and his warrior spirit into a force for good, solidifying his role as a protector of Earth.
Contrasting Approaches and Relationships
As mentioned earlier, Vegeta’s method of achieving Super Saiyan Four starkly contrasts with Goku’s. Goku’s natural and chaotic transformation reflects his instinctive and free-spirited nature, while Vegeta’s calculated and scientific approach highlights his intellect and strategic thinking. This contrast underscores the fundamental differences in their personalities and their approach to achieving power.
Despite their different paths, both Vegeta and Goku ultimately reach the same destination: the Super Saiyan Four transformation. This underscores the deep bond of respect and rivalry that exists between them. They push each other to become stronger, constantly striving to surpass one another. Their journey to Super Saiyan Four, while different, ultimately reinforces their shared Saiyan heritage and their commitment to protecting the universe.
The Enduring Legacy and the Fandom
Fan Reception: A Love-Hate Relationship
The reception to Super Saiyan Four Vegeta has been decidedly mixed since its debut. Some fans embraced the radical design and the raw power of the transformation, while others criticized it for deviating too far from the established aesthetic of the series. Common criticisms include the excessive use of fur, the seemingly random addition of eyeliner, and the non-canon status of *Dragon Ball GT*.
Despite these criticisms, Super Saiyan Four Vegeta has maintained a strong following among Dragon Ball fans. The design has inspired countless fan art pieces, cosplay creations, and merchandise items. Its popularity speaks to the impact that the transformation has had on the Dragon Ball community, regardless of individual opinions.
What If? Non-Canon Thoughts
The non-canon status of *Dragon Ball GT* has led to countless fan theories and discussions about what Super Saiyan Four Vegeta would be like in the main Dragon Ball timeline. How would he fare against the Gods of Destruction? Would he be able to surpass Goku in his God forms? These “what if” scenarios continue to fuel the imagination of Dragon Ball fans, keeping the legacy of Super Saiyan Four Vegeta alive. The idea of this powerful primal form entering the main canon excites many fans who have been waiting for this transformation to appear.
Impact Beyond Dragon Ball GT
Despite its non-canon status, Super Saiyan Four Vegeta has made appearances in various Dragon Ball video games and promotional materials. These cameos demonstrate the enduring appeal of the design and the concept, even outside of the *Dragon Ball GT* context. The visual distinctiveness of the form makes it instantly recognizable, and its association with immense power ensures that it remains a popular choice among fans.
Conclusion
Super Saiyan Four Vegeta remains a powerful and divisive figure in the Dragon Ball universe. Whether you view it as a brilliant reinvention of the Super Saiyan concept or a misguided departure from the established aesthetic, there is no denying its impact on the franchise. This transformation represents the culmination of Vegeta’s character arc, a fusion of his Saiyan pride and his unwavering desire to surpass Goku. With its unique design, immense power, and enduring legacy, Super Saiyan Four Vegeta will continue to be a source of fascination and debate among Dragon Ball fans for years to come. The form allowed the character to show off his Saiyan pride while protecting his family. Regardless if the form ever becomes canon, the legacy that Super Saiyan Four Vegeta holds within the Dragon Ball community is undeniable.
