The Super Saiyan 3 transformation, or SSJ3, first appeared during the Boo arc of Dragon Ball. It is a physical state that certain Saiyans, the population from which the hero Son Goku originates, can access, making them particularly impressive and powerful. From its place in Toriyama's work to the expanded universe, here's a look back at 8 facts you (maybe) didn't know about SSJ3.
#8 Akira Toriyama and the forgotten idea behind the creation of SSJ3 (making of)
Akira Toriyama created the Super Saiyan 3 (SSJ3) transformation to offer even more spectacular power than SSJ2, and thus meet the expectations of his publisher and fans. This form, recognizable by its long golden hair and lack of eyebrows, symbolizes an extreme rise in power. Originally, Toriyama envisioned that this transformation would also bring back the monkey tail, the primal symbol of the Saiyan population, even though Goku had long since lost it. This idea emphasized a return to the Saiyans' wild and powerful roots. However, for some unknown reason, this part of the concept was dropped from the final version. Later, the idea of returning to a more primal aspect was partially reused by the creative teams of Dragon Ball GT, who even presented a SSJ3 Goku who had regained his ape-like appendage just before accessing two new, even more bestial transformations. Goku achieves this form after intense training in the Other World, while Gotenks achieves it only through the fusion of the powerful Trunks and Goten.
But despite its power, this form has a major flaw: its energy consumption. SSJ3 quickly depletes fighting kidu reserves, causing extreme fatigue and making the transformation difficult to maintain. Even experienced Goku can only remain in this state for a limited time. Thus, this form, while spectacular, remains impractical in prolonged combat. However, according to Akira Toriyama, a well-trained Super Saiyan could reach a similar power level without suffering the drawbacks of SSJ3. However, video games were quick to right this wrong, by offering a Vegeta SSJ3, much to the delight of fans. However, in official manga and anime, this form remained absent. The reason was simple: SSJ3 is long to draw, difficult to animate, and therefore expensive.
It was finally in Super Dragon Ball Heroes, an official but non-canon spin-off, that Vegeta reached this form for the first time, in both a manga and an anime. An appearance that remains frustrating for a part of the public, who still hope, at this time, to see this transformation in the main continuity. Even more ironic, Vegeta reached SSJ4 in Dragon Ball GT and SSJ Blue in Dragon Ball Super, without ever going through SSJ3. In Dragon Ball DAIMA, this form finally makes its appearance in the canon, but without really being unanimous. Renamed for the occasion "Ultra Vegeta 1", it mainly raises script inconsistencies and divides fans even more.
#5 The real problem with Daima's SSJ3 Vegeta (canon)
As we've just seen, the history of the "relationships" between Vegeta and SSJ3 is complicated. Worse, while he was finally canonized in Dragon Ball Daima, many fans were annoyed by this appearance. So, why does Daima's SSJ3 Vegeta, aka "Ultra Vegeta 1," annoy purists so much? Quite simply because he poses obvious consistency problems in continuity. Indeed, in Daima, Vegeta suddenly accesses this form, without any real explanation or narrative preparation.
However, in the various arcs of Dragon Ball Super (which all take place well after the events of Daima), Vegeta has always ignored SSJ3, even preferring SSJ Blue or Ultra Ego. Worse still, in Battle of Gods, during the iconic scene where the prince of the Saiyans gets carried away to defend Bulma, carried away by his anger and a primal rage, he should very logically have achieved this transformation against his adversary, Beerus. Seeing Vegeta reach this stage in Daima, without justification or clear link to the rest of the timeline, therefore reinforces the general inconsistency surrounding this Vegeta SSJ3, decidedly and eternally problematic.
#4 SSJ3 has an impact on the hairiness of Saiyans (canon and extended universe)
No sooner had Super Saiyan 3 appeared than his unusual appearance sparked offbeat and passionate debates among fans. Since then, many answers have been found, notably thanks to video games and the extended universe of the saga. So, to the (relatively absurd) question, "What would bald Nappa look like in SSJ3?", the game Dragon Ball Heroes shows him with an incredibly full and bushy beard. And Raditz's already very long hair? According to Super Dragon Ball Heroes, it would get even longer! As for the overall hairiness of Saiyans, Dragon Ball GT reveals that Goku's monkey tail turns golden, and perhaps even fuller in this state. Finally, as is often the case, Vegeta poses a problem. Indeed, his hairstyle in SSJ3 is slightly different. His hair stands up rather than falling down, but this is probably there to recall the first SSJ3 concept art drawn by Akira Toriyama.
#3 4 non-Saiyan characters became SSJ3 (extended universe)
Although Dragon Ball SD is primarily a parody with a light and humorous tone, this manga was still supervised by Akira Toriyama himself. This validation explains why certain additions, such as the creation of C-17 and C-18 by Dr. Gero or a visit from Raditz to Earth (which we discuss in more detail here), fit relatively well into the main plot. However, the appearance of non-Saiyan characters in Super Saiyan 3, in one of the panels, is rather pure delirium. Indeed, several non-Saiyan characters have been depicted in this form, normally reserved for Saiyans. Among them: Yamcha, Pu'ar, Krillin and Master Roshi. The latter, although bald, sees his beard turn golden, while Yamcha sports the long hair and the absence of eyebrows typical of SSJ3. Pu'ar, on the other hand, becomes entirely golden and bristling with bushy spikes.
#2 The Majin who became SSJ3 (canon)
Majin Doo is one of the most surprising creations in Dragon Ball Daima. Designed by the witch Marba (who supposedly created Majin Boo), using a piece of Majin Boo and a Saibaiman seed to shape the basis of his body, he is destined to serve the mysterious Dr. Arinsu. Although with his plump body, his antenna or his immoderate love for chocolate he resembles Majin Boo, Doo is much more unpredictable. Moreover, in episode 18, faced with the threat posed by the demon Gomah, Majin Doo will surpass himself.
Inspired by Goku's transformation into Super Saiyan 3, and boosted by a candy given to him by his brother Majin Koo, he uses his mimicry ability to take a form close to SSJ3. His copy of SSJ3 is so accomplished that it reproduces its appearance, but also its flaws. Thus, his power briefly equals that of SSJ3 Goku, but this power also runs out very quickly. However, this is not a true Saiyan transformation: Majin Doo is not a Super Saiyan, but he mimics the essence of one through his magic.
#1 Broly Z has reached two new SSJ3 forms
The classic Broly, the one from the first Dragon Ball Z movies, has continued his evolution through the games and spin-offs. In Dragon Ball Z: Dragon Battlers, and later in the Raging Blast and Super Dragon Ball Heroes series, he attains a unique form, the Legendary Super Saiyan 3. This stage takes on the appearance of SSJ3 (long hair, no eyebrows) while retaining the characteristics specific to this Broly: hypertrophied muscles, pale skin, and a vacant stare. This super-powerful Broly is considered an uncontrollable wild beast, capable of dominating Goku and Vegeta in SSJ3. Although not canon, this form has become a cult classic among fans.
Less well-known, but crazier, in 2017, Universal Studios Japan offered a new 4D film: Dragon Ball Z: The Real 4-D-Super Tenkaichi Budokai, in which Broly achieves a divine transformation called Broly God. This form combines the attributes of Legendary SSJ3 (very long green hair) with those of a god, with a power surpassing even Super Saiyan Blue. Goku and Vegeta are clearly outmatched. This Broly God is ultimately defeated, not without difficulty, by the special Kamehameha, resulting from a new transformation of Goku (which we discuss in detail here). Unfortunately, this film was only available from June 30 to October 1, 2017, and therefore remains a rarity. However, Broly God has since reappeared in the game Super Dragon Ball Heroes.
And if you liked this article and want to know more about the Saiyan universe, you can also discover our files on SSJ4, Gine, the mother of Son Goku, or the legendary evil Saiyan Cumber.
0 Comments