Overview of the Saiyan Great Apes
- Key Saiyan characters such as Raditz, Gohan, Vegeta, King Vegeta, and Bardock are recognized for their formidable Great Ape transformations, despite limited appearances onscreen.
- Goku’s Golden Great Ape and Broly’s legendary form are exceptional, highlighting their vast power and unique characteristics compared to other Great Apes.
- Broly stands out as the mightiest Great Ape across multiverses, demonstrating unmatched strength and ferocity.
The Saiyan race, renowned as the universe’s mightiest warriors, is characterized by their natural inclination toward physical combat as opposed to relying on technology. The appeal of transforming into a Great Ape when gazing at a full moon further distinguishes them. Although this transformation brings overwhelming destructive energy, the storyline often underemphasizes Saiyans’ chaotic exploits in this form, a trend that continues in various non-canon narratives, including spin-offs and video games.
Herein lies a detailed analysis of notable characters and their powerful Great Ape forms:
8 Raditz
Average Power Level of a Saiyan Great Ape
- Status: Deceased
- First Appearance: Episode 1 (Dragon Ball Z)
As Goku’s elder sibling, Raditz serves in Frieza’s army but is regarded as a lower-tier Saiyan compared to elite fighters like Vegeta. Despite this, Raditz possesses a power level exceeding the norm in Frieza’s forces. Although his Great Ape transformation is not exhibited in the anime or manga, various Dragon Ball video games allow players to witness this form. While Raditz’s abilities may not eclipse other Great Apes, he still boasts enough strength to devastate cities when provoked, retaining his distinctive long black hair even after transformation.
7 Son Gohan
Gohan’s Power Compared to Goku’s Great Ape
- Status: Alive
- First Appearance: Episode 1 (Dragon Ball Z)
Once heralded as the planet’s most powerful defender and potential successor to Goku, Gohan ultimately shifted his focus to science and family life. He undergoes his Great Ape transformation during critical battles, particularly under Piccolo’s tutelage and in confrontations with Vegeta. These instances reveal a greater power level than Goku’s comparable transformation at a similar age, showcasing Gohan’s immense potential.
6 Vegeta
Vegeta’s Upper Echelons of Great Ape Power
- Status: Alive
- First Appearance: Episode 5 (Dragon Ball Z)
As the proud prince of the Saiyan race, Vegeta possesses inherent power amplified by rigorous training. His transformation into a Great Ape, spurred by desperation during his initial battle with Goku, showcases his significant destructive capacity. Notably, Vegeta’s royal heritage enables him to maintain his consciousness in this form, escalating his threat level during combat. Had his tail not been severed, he would have posed a grave risk to Goku and the Earth.
5 King Vegeta
Strength of One of the Strongest Saiyans
- Status: Deceased
- First Appearance: Episode 78 (Dragon Ball Z)
King Vegeta, the formidable father of Vegeta, has historically held the position of the most powerful Saiyan. While his prowess diminishes with age, it is clear he retains significant power, especially in his Great Ape form, which we see primarily in games like Budokai Tenkaichi 3. Notably, King Vegeta’s Great Ape form exemplifies raw strength, surpassing that of his son.
4 Bardock
Bardock’s Strength Relative to King Vegeta
- Status: Deceased
- First Appearance: Episode 78 (Dragon Ball Z)
Bardock, the father of Goku and Raditz, is notable for his fierce defiance against Frieza’s tyranny and exhibits notable combat experience as a lifelong Saiyan warrior. He regularly transforms into a Great Ape during battles. While his transformation is showcased in **Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku**, his abilities mark Bardock as one of the top-tier Great Apes.
3 Crimson-Masked Saiyan
Alternate Strengths vs. Goku’s Great Ape
- Status: Deceased
- First Appearance: Episode 33 (Super Dragon Ball Heroes)
This lesser-known character from *Super Dragon Ball Heroes* represents an incarnation of Goku Black, displaying enhanced control over Goku’s abilities. In terms of raw power, the Crimson-Masked Saiyan surpasses Goku Black, making his Great Ape transformation extraordinarily potent.
2. Son Goku
Unleashing the Golden Great Ape Power
- Status: Alive
- First Appearance: Episode 1 (Dragon Ball)
Although Goku lacks royal lineage, his determination and tenacity elevate him to become one of the most skilled warriors. Goku’s Golden Great Ape form, introduced in *Dragon Ball GT*, merges the essence of a Great Ape with Super Saiyan characteristics. While several characters achieve this transformation, Goku’s version remains the most formidable due to its unparalleled destructive capability.
1 Broly
The Supreme Great Ape Across Multiverses
- Status: Alive
- First Appearance: Dragon Ball Super: Broly
Broly, hailed as the legendary Super Saiyan, showcases raw strength that exceeds Goku’s prowess in direct combat. Within the realm of Great Apes, his unique stature and power as a legendary Great Ape undoubtedly surpass all other transformations within the Saiyan lineage, marked by his green fur and an uncanny resemblance to his human form.
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