How Does Dragon Ball Daima’s Finale Explain Goku Never Using Super Saiyan 4 in Super?

The climactic battle in Dragon Ball Daima's finale pits Gomah against Goku, who unveils a surprising new transformation. Many anticipated this episode would clarify Super Saiyan 4's absence in Super. So, how does Dragon Ball Daima address this?

In episode 19, after Glorio's wish restores the Z Fighters to their adult forms, Vegeta's attempt to defeat Gomah (even as a Super Saiyan 3) fails. Goku then utilizes the power granted by Neva in the previous episode, revealed as "Super Saiyan 4."

Employing this form, Goku battles Gomah, ultimately using a Kamehameha to breach the Demon Realm, allowing Piccolo to incapacitate Gomah. While Piccolo doesn't deliver the final blow, Majin Kuu does, freeing the Demon Realm.

Instead of explaining Super Saiyan 4 as Demon Realm-exclusive or Neva-specific, Goku casually mentions attaining the form through post-Buu training. The lack of a mind-wipe leaves Dragon Ball Daima's canonicity ambiguous.

Related: 15 Best Anime Friendships of All Time

Is Dragon Ball Daima Canon to Super?

Super Saiyan 4's introduction significantly questions Daima's place within the Dragon Ball canon. Goku's failure to utilize this powerful form against Beerus in Super, especially with Earth's fate at stake, is a glaring inconsistency. While forgetting is possible, Vegeta's reaction to being surpassed again seems improbable.

However, a post-credits scene showing two more Evil Third Eyes in the Demon Realm offers a potential explanation. A future season, involving these objects falling into the wrong hands, could provide a mechanism for Super Saiyan 4's return and subsequent loss by Goku. This remains speculation, but its absence could create a significant plot hole.

Thus, Dragon Ball Daima's finale explains Goku's lack of Super Saiyan 4 in Super through a somewhat contrived explanation. For further details, check out the anime's intro song.

Dragon Ball Daima is streaming now on Crunchyroll.