Is SSJ4 Now Canon?
The claim that "Super Saiyan 4" (SSJ4) has become canon in the Dragon Ball franchise has gained traction, particularly with the release of the new anime series "Dragon Ball Daima." This assertion raises questions about the status of SSJ4 within the broader narrative of the Dragon Ball universe, especially considering its origins in the non-canon series "Dragon Ball GT." The implications of this claim are significant for fans and the franchise's continuity.
What We Know
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Super Saiyan 4 Origin: SSJ4 was first introduced in "Dragon Ball GT," which is often considered non-canon by many fans and even by the creators of the franchise. The series was produced by Toei Animation without direct involvement from Akira Toriyama, the original creator of Dragon Ball. This has led to a debate about the legitimacy of SSJ4 within the official timeline of the series [5].
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Dragon Ball Daima: The new series "Dragon Ball Daima" has reportedly featured SSJ4, leading to speculation that this form may now be considered canon. However, details about how SSJ4 is integrated into the storyline and whether it is treated as a legitimate part of the canon are still emerging [5][8].
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Fan Reactions: There has been a mixed response from the fanbase regarding the potential canonization of SSJ4. Some fans express excitement about its return, while others are skeptical, citing the previous non-canon status of "Dragon Ball GT" and questioning the narrative consistency [8].
Analysis
The claim that SSJ4 is now canon is primarily based on its appearance in "Dragon Ball Daima." However, the reliability of this claim hinges on several factors:
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Source Credibility: The articles from Screen Rant discussing SSJ4's status [5][8] are from a site that covers entertainment news, but it is essential to note that it may have a bias towards sensationalism to attract readership. While the information appears to be based on the latest developments in the franchise, the interpretation of these developments as canon is not universally accepted and may reflect the author's perspective rather than a definitive statement from the creators.
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Lack of Official Confirmation: As of now, there has been no official statement from Akira Toriyama or Toei Animation confirming that SSJ4 is canon. The absence of direct confirmation raises questions about the validity of the claim. Additional information from official sources would be beneficial to clarify the status of SSJ4.
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Context of Canon: The definition of what constitutes "canon" in the Dragon Ball universe has evolved over time. The distinction between canon and non-canon has often been blurred, especially with the introduction of new series and adaptations. This context is crucial when evaluating the claim, as it highlights the fluid nature of canon within the franchise.
Conclusion
Verdict: Unverified
The assertion that SSJ4 is now canon remains unverified. Key evidence leading to this conclusion includes the lack of official confirmation from the franchise's creators and the mixed reactions from fans regarding the potential canonization of SSJ4. While SSJ4's appearance in "Dragon Ball Daima" suggests a possibility of its inclusion in the canon, the absence of a definitive statement from Akira Toriyama or Toei Animation leaves significant uncertainty.
It is important to recognize that the concept of canon within the Dragon Ball universe is not static and has evolved over time, which adds complexity to the evaluation of this claim. The current evidence does not provide a clear basis for asserting that SSJ4 is canon, and further developments or clarifications from official sources will be necessary to establish its status definitively.
Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information regarding the Dragon Ball franchise and remain aware of the evolving nature of its narrative and canon status.
