Super Saiyan Transformation - Dragon Ball
Super Saiyan is an advanced transformation capable by the people of the Saiyan race (or those with Saiyan blood) in the Dragon Ball series franchise. The transformation is only capable by a select few and includes a physical change in addition to a multiplication of fighting power.
The Super Saiyan transformation was first achieved by Son Goku in his battle with Frieza. It was first revealed in Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball manga, "Life or Death" that was published in April 1991. In the anime adaptation Dragon Ball Z, the transformation was shown in Episode 95 "Transformed at Last".
The Legend of the Super Saiyan
Before Goku first achieved the transformation, the Super Saiyan was just a legend and pure myth of the Saiyan race. According to the legend, a Super Saiyan transformation would allow a Saiyan to gain immense and overwhelming power that surpasses one’s limits. Even more so than a Saiyan’s great ape transformation. However, since the transformation had not been seen for a thousand years, it only remained a rumor or a Legend for the Saiyan race.
Despite a Super Saiyan only being a legend, Frieza was paranoid of such a strong being that could match his power and with the permission of the God of Destruction Beerus, chose to annihilate the whole Saiyan race completely by destroying their home planet, Planet Vegeta.
However, Freiza’s fears were to come true when he was facing Goku on Planet Namek. As the fight between them pushed Goku past his fighting limits. With a surge of emotion that occurs when Frieza killed Goku’s friend Krillin, Goku was the first to achieve the Super Saiyan form.
The Transformation
According to origins, in order to achieve the transformation, the person must be of Saiyan heritage or have Saiyan blood. To begin the transformation, the Saiyan must be of a gentle spirit and the trigger is an intense feeling of emotion such as sadness or anger.
The most obvious change of the Super Saiyan transformation is the physical change a Saiyan goes through. A Saiyan’s hair color is usually black, and when they become a Super Saiyan their hair becomes sharp and stands up and turns a yellow-ish blond color. Their eyes change color to a greenish-blue and outline of the eyes are prominent and sharper. Their muscles become defined; the skin tone reflects lighter from the flame-like golden aura (the excess energy that radiates from a Saiyan’s body.
The transformation also has a noticeable effect on the Saiyan’s personality, which amplifies certain traits to a higher degree, such as when a Saiyan is usually calm or kind, upon transformation they can become ruthless, impulsive or violent when turned into the form.
Super Saiyan Power
With a Super Saiyan transformation there is a prominent, slight increase in body mass and power, multiplying the 10x power level of a Saiyan from its normal amount, according to Toriyama’s manga. However, depending on the media, this is said to differ. Such as in the Dragon Ball Z: The Anime Adventure game, it is stated that a Super Saiyan power level is only multiplied 2.5x of the normal Saiyan’s power. In Daizenshuu 7, it is said to multiply the power by 50x multiplies to the normal amount of Saiyan’s power; meanwhile, in Dragon Ball GT, it is said that it only doubles the base form of a Saiyan.
History
The first Saiyan appearance
In the Dragon Ball Z manga, in Chapter 317, "Life or Death" Goku’s transformation was triggered at the sight of Krillin (Goku's best friend ) murdered by Frieza. As Frieza is seen laughing, the emotions of Goku was too much to bear and he snaps. This triggered his black hair to start turning gold and began the Super Saiyan transformation.
In the Dragon Ball anime series Goku first transformed in the "Transformed at Last" episode. Similar to the manga, Goku was enraged by the murder of Krillin, which cannot be revived by Dragon Balls on Earth. When Goku's rage erupts, his hair turns into a golden blond with blue eyes.
Film Appearances
Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge, Goku transforms into Super Saiyan to defeat Cooler (Frieza’s brother, who came to Earth to take revenge on his brother’s death).
Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler, When Goku and Vegeta transform into Super Saiyan to combat Cooler.
Dragon Ball Super Android 13!, Goku, Vegeta & Future trunks transforms into Super Saiyan against Android 14, Android 15, and Android 13.
Dragon Ball Z: Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan, Broly transforms into Super Saiyan only after a few moments he witnesses Goku and Vegeta transform.
Dragon Ball Z: Broly - Second Coming, Broly unveils the Legendary Super Saiyan on fighting with Gohan.
Dragon Ball: Episode of Bardock, when Bardock is sent back in time to the destruction of his people, he becomes a Super Saiyan fighting Chilled (Frieza’s ancestor).
Super Saiyan Trivia
Children of a Saiyan who have only half blood can also acquire the ability to transform into a Super Saiyan such as Gohan, Goten and Trunks.
Cabba, a Saiyan from the Planet Sadal in Universe 6 from the Dragon Ball Super series describes the Super Saiyan transformation process as a tingling sensation on focusing one’s energy with originates from a Saiyan’s back, at the center point of the spine, in between the shoulder blades.
Caulifla, also a Saiyan from the Planet Sadal in Universe 6 from the Dragon Ball Super series, is the only female in the anime that can achieve the transformation in the Dragon Ball franchise. However, it’s assumed that Gohan’s daughter Pan, might have the ability to transform into Super Saiyan as well.
Links
Dragon Ball Series
Dragon Ball Z Series
Dragon Ball Kai Series
Dragon Ball Super Series
Dragon Ball GT Series
Super Dragon Ball Heros
Akira Toriyama