Dragon Ball GT: The Forgotten Super Saiyan Three of Goku

Introduction

The Dragon Ball saga, a cornerstone of anime and manga culture, has consistently captivated audiences worldwide. The explosive power-ups, the epic battles, and the compelling characters have cemented its place in entertainment history. Dragon Ball GT, the successor to the universally acclaimed Dragon Ball Z, arrived with immense anticipation. However, it quickly became a point of contention among fans. While some embraced its new direction, others found it a departure from the spirit of its predecessors. Amidst the debates and criticisms, one aspect of Dragon Ball GT often gets overlooked: the significance of Goku’s Super Saiyan Three transformation. This form, already iconic from Dragon Ball Z, appears sparingly in GT, yet its presence holds crucial implications for the narrative and for Goku’s evolving power. The controversies surrounding Dragon Ball GT are well documented, and the series has consistently been contrasted with Dragon Ball Z for the perceived difference in quality, but the series has many merits and this article aims to revisit one of those, by exploring the times when the character Goku uses the Super Saiyan Three transformation.

Super Saiyan Three, a form achieved through rigorous training and immense ki control, represented a significant power leap in Dragon Ball Z. Characterized by its dramatically elongated hair, absence of eyebrows, and intense energy aura, Super Saiyan Three pushed Goku’s power to unprecedented heights. It was a display of raw strength that came with a significant drawback: a rapid and exhausting energy drain. In Dragon Ball Z, it was a transformation used sparingly due to the considerable strain it placed on the Saiyan body. This is what made the transformation so exciting to fans and its usage was only saved for the moments that matter, such as fighting powerful enemies like Majin Buu.

This article argues that while Dragon Ball GT often faces criticism, Goku’s Super Saiyan Three form within the series deserves a second look. Its limited appearances, the narrative implications surrounding its use, and its connection to the subsequent Super Saiyan Four transformation, all contribute to a deeper understanding of Goku’s journey in Dragon Ball GT.

The Limited Appearance of Super Saiyan Three in GT

Unlike its prominent role in the latter half of Dragon Ball Z, Goku’s Super Saiyan Three transformation makes only a handful of appearances throughout Dragon Ball GT. The exact instances are relatively few. It’s primarily seen during his initial encounters with Super Android Seventeen and briefly in other situations when Goku needs to exert a significant amount of power. However, the form isn’t the go-to solution for most challenges Goku faces in GT. This reduced reliance on Super Saiyan Three is a departure from its significance in Z, where it was a crucial tool against powerful enemies.

The reason behind this limited usage lies in the series’ narrative choices. Dragon Ball GT introduced Super Saiyan Four, a new and arguably more powerful transformation that became Goku’s primary ultimate form. The writers seemingly prioritized Super Saiyan Four as the pinnacle of Saiyan power, overshadowing Super Saiyan Three in the process. The conscious decision to favor a new transformation ultimately diminished the role and relevance of Super Saiyan Three within the GT narrative. This decision, however, has led to a degree of neglect for the former transformation.

The focus on Super Saiyan Four meant that Super Saiyan Three was relegated to a supporting role, often used as a stepping stone or a temporary boost before achieving the newer form. This strategic choice influenced how fans perceived Super Saiyan Three in the context of Dragon Ball GT. It was no longer the ultimate solution but rather a stepping stone in the evolution of Goku’s power.

Narrative Implications and Challenges

The limited use of Super Saiyan Three in Dragon Ball GT raises questions about the narrative implications. Why doesn’t Goku rely on it more often, especially when facing formidable opponents? The answer is multifaceted, rooted in both story reasons and the inherent drawbacks of the transformation itself.

As established in Dragon Ball Z, Super Saiyan Three is a highly energy-intensive form. Maintaining it for extended periods places a considerable strain on the user’s ki reserves. This limitation is further amplified in Dragon Ball GT, where Goku’s body is still adjusting to being reverted to a child-like state due to the Black Star Dragon Balls. The combination of the energy drain and Goku’s altered physiology makes Super Saiyan Three even more challenging to sustain.

Furthermore, the power scaling in Dragon Ball GT introduces complexities. While Super Saiyan Three is undoubtedly powerful, the enemies Goku faces in GT often possess unique abilities or overwhelming strength that require different approaches. Merely relying on brute force isn’t always sufficient. This necessitates the exploration of new strategies and transformations, like Super Saiyan Four, which offer unique advantages beyond raw power.

The narrative choices surrounding Super Saiyan Three in GT also reflect the writers’ desire to push the boundaries of Saiyan transformations. They sought to create a new ultimate form that transcended the limitations of its predecessors. This ambition, while admirable, inadvertently diminished the impact and relevance of Super Saiyan Three in the overall narrative arc of Dragon Ball GT.

Super Saiyan Three in Key GT Fights

Despite its limited appearances, Super Saiyan Three does make an impact in specific battles within Dragon Ball GT. One notable instance is Goku’s confrontation with Super Android Seventeen. During this fight, Goku utilizes Super Saiyan Three to match the Android’s enhanced power. While the transformation allows him to temporarily contend with Super Android Seventeen, it ultimately proves insufficient to secure a decisive victory.

Analyzing this battle reveals both the strengths and limitations of Super Saiyan Three in the context of Dragon Ball GT. It demonstrates that the form can still provide a significant power boost when needed, enabling Goku to keep pace with formidable opponents. However, it also highlights the fact that Super Saiyan Three alone is not enough to overcome the challenges presented by GT’s villains.

Comparing Super Saiyan Three’s performance against different GT antagonists underscores its evolving role in the series. While it might offer a temporary advantage, it’s often surpassed by the unique abilities or overwhelming strength of villains like Omega Shenron. This constant escalation of power necessitates the development and utilization of even more potent transformations, further marginalizing the significance of Super Saiyan Three.

Super Saiyan Three as a Bridge

Super Saiyan Three serves as a crucial bridge between the power levels established in Dragon Ball Z and the new heights reached in Dragon Ball GT. It acts as a familiar benchmark, allowing viewers to gauge the progression of Goku’s strength in the new series. While Super Saiyan Four becomes the ultimate goal, Super Saiyan Three remains a vital link to the past, reminding audiences of the journey that led Goku to this point.

Contrasting Super Saiyan Three with Super Saiyan Four reveals the evolution of Saiyan transformations in Dragon Ball GT. Super Saiyan Three is a purely ki-based transformation, relying on raw power and energy output. Super Saiyan Four, on the other hand, incorporates the power of the Great Ape form, merging Saiyan strength with primal instinct. This distinction highlights the shift in GT towards a more holistic and nature-driven approach to Saiyan power.

The visual differences between Super Saiyan Three in Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball GT are subtle but noteworthy. In GT, the form often appears slightly less imposing, perhaps reflecting Goku’s altered physical state. The energy aura might be less intense, and the overall aesthetic might be slightly toned down. These subtle visual cues contribute to the perception that Super Saiyan Three is not quite as dominant or impactful as it was in Dragon Ball Z. The visuals are generally more vibrant than those in Z, highlighting the advances in animation over the years.

Fan Reception and Nostalgia

The reception to Dragon Ball GT and its portrayal of Super Saiyan Three is varied and often contentious. Some fans criticize the series for underutilizing the form, arguing that it was overshadowed by Super Saiyan Four and relegated to a secondary role. Others express nostalgia for the unique aesthetic of Super Saiyan Three in GT, appreciating its visual design and its connection to the previous series.

The argument that Super Saiyan Three was underutilized in GT is rooted in the form’s perceived potential. Many fans believe that it could have been used more strategically, allowing for more dramatic and impactful battles. They feel that the writers missed opportunities to showcase the full extent of Super Saiyan Three’s power and to explore its unique strengths and weaknesses.

Despite these criticisms, there is also a degree of nostalgic appreciation for Super Saiyan Three among fans who grew up with Dragon Ball GT. For them, the form represents a cherished part of their childhood memories. It’s a symbol of the series’ unique style and its attempt to push the boundaries of the Dragon Ball universe. This nostalgic connection contributes to a more nuanced understanding of Super Saiyan Three’s role in Dragon Ball GT.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Dragon Ball GT may be a controversial addition to the Dragon Ball canon, Goku’s Super Saiyan Three form within the series deserves recognition for its subtle yet significant contributions. Although its appearances are limited, the form serves as a bridge between the power levels of Dragon Ball Z and the new heights reached in GT. It underscores the narrative implications of Goku’s altered state and sets the stage for the arrival of Super Saiyan Four.

This article has highlighted the narrative significance of the form within the series. While it is undoubtedly underused, it is still important and highlights just how powerful the character Goku becomes during Dragon Ball GT.

While fan reception to Dragon Ball GT remains mixed, appreciating the nuances of Super Saiyan Three in the series offers a more comprehensive understanding of Goku’s journey and the broader evolution of the Dragon Ball universe. It reminds us that even in the face of criticism, there are hidden gems and overlooked aspects that deserve a second look.