Culture news Dragon Ball Z: Akira Toriyama could have changed everything, discover Goku's Super Saiyan 3 that you've never seen before!
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In the rich and sprawling universe of Dragon Ball, character transformations into Super Saiyans are among the most iconic moments awaited by fans. Among these transformations, Son Goku's Super Saiyan 3 occupies a special place, both for its power and its unique design. But did you know it could have been very different?
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In the preparatory sketches of Akira Toriyama, the mangaka behind Dragon Ball, we discover an alternative version of Goku Super Saiyan 3 radically different from the one we know. Goodbye to long and excessive hair, make way for shorter and spiky hair, more reminiscent of the Super Saiyan 2 form. The monkey tail, usually absent in this transformation, makes its appearance here, golden and proud. Goku's gaze, on the other hand, seems sharper and more determined, reflecting increased raw power and ferocity.
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An alternative design for a legendary transformation
If Toriyama ultimately opted for the design we know today, it is for very specific reasons. The mangaka wanted to accentuate the bestial and primal aspect of Goku during his transformation into Super Saiyan 3. The long, flowing hair symbolizes the overflowing and uncontrollable power that overwhelms him, while the vanished eyebrows reinforce the impression of a wild and instinctive transformation.
Although the final design of Goku's Super Saiyan 3 has become iconic, the alternative version proposed by Toriyama does not lack interest. It offers a different look at transformation, suggesting a power that is just as phenomenal, but expressed in a more subtle and controlled way. Enough to feed the imagination of fans and wonder about the “what ifs…” of the Dragon Ball universe.
A carefully considered artistic choice
The influence of this alternative design has also been felt in other Dragon Ball works such as Dragon Ball GT. You don't have to look far to see that this design closely resembles that of Super Saiyan 4 which can be seen in the anime. It's a way for fans to discover what the transformation could have been and appreciate the diversity of Akira Toriyama's inspirations.
Whether in its final version or in its alternative design, Goku's Super Saiyan 3 remains an iconic transformation in the Dragon Ball universe. Its power and unique design make it a beloved highlight for fans, who continue to explore the different possible interpretations of this legendary form.
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