Overview
- Super Saiyan 2 first emerged with Gohan’s transformation against Perfect Cell, eliciting significant excitement, but its impact waned over time.
- The form established a crucial power threshold for Saiyans, yet lacked distinguishing visual and functional features.
- Though its appearance diminished in *Dragon Ball Super*, there remains a strong fan desire for its revitalization.
In the realm of anime, the transformations within the Dragon Ball franchise stand out as some of the most recognizable elements, particularly among Saiyan forms. Each new transformation release generates tremendous anticipation among fans, with these defining moments solidifying their significance in anime history.
Nevertheless, some transformations have resonated more profoundly with the narrative and audience than others. One transformation that has been somewhat overlooked is Super Saiyan 2. Despite its connection to one of the franchise’s most legendary events—Gohan unlocking this power against Perfect Cell—the form subsequently faded into obscurity. This article explores the multifaceted nature of Super Saiyan 2, assessing its contributions and shortcomings within the series.
The Significance of Super Saiyan 2
Strengths of the Transformation
|
First Appearance |
*Dragon Ball Z*, Episode 184, “Cell Juniors Attack!” |
|---|---|
|
Debut Date |
May 5, 1993 |
|
Story Arc |
Cell Saga |
Despite facing criticism from segments of the fandom, Super Saiyan 2 possesses notable strengths. Gohan’s inaugural transformation into this form stands among the series’ most iconic moments, comparable to Goku’s initial feat against Frieza. It represented the culmination of extensive training in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, demonstrating Gohan’s readiness to confront an overwhelming threat in Perfect Cell.
This transformation not only elevated Gohan’s status within the narrative, distinguishing him as a powerhouse but also established a new power benchmark for subsequent Saiyans. Super Saiyan 2’s introduction altered power scaling within the series, allowing fans to gauge the strength of newer adversaries based on their ability to contend with Gohan’s newfound power. It enabled Saiyans to execute more formidable techniques than previously displayed, thereby enriching combat dynamics.
The Drawbacks of Super Saiyan 2
While Gohan’s transformation is cherished by fans, the Super Saiyan 2 form itself has unfortunately become somewhat forgettable. A significant factor contributing to this is the lack of differentiation in design compared to the original Super Saiyan. Although every other transformation from Super Saiyan to Super Saiyan Blue generally has distinct enough appearances, Super Saiyan 2 notably offers minimal variation beyond hair that is spikier and an electric aura.
The transformation’s design was a more drastic change for Teen Gohan, given his flat hair in Super Saiyan, but for characters like Vegeta, Goku, and Trunks, the effect is less pronounced. Beyond aesthetics, Super Saiyan 2 does not introduce new fighting styles or abilities, which could elevate its significance as a transformation. This functional simplicity, combined with the limited visual flair, diminishes its perceived uniqueness.
Following its initial usage, Super Saiyan 2 reappeared chiefly during the Buu Saga but felt less impactful, especially after Goku unveiled Super Saiyan 3. In *Dragon Ball Super*, the form often feels like an afterthought. Although it appeared in significant events like the Tournament of Power, it was overshadowed by more developed forms, frequently regarded merely as a milestone for characters like the Universe 6 Saiyans on their journey towards achieving superior transformations.
In summary, Super Saiyan 2, while iconic during its first reveal, has largely faded into the background of *Dragon Ball’s* expansive lore. Nonetheless, numerous fans express a desire to witness the revival of this and other original transformations, which have been overshadowed by God forms in *Dragon Ball Super*. By reintroducing these classic transformations, the franchise can further enrich its narrative and characters, restoring significance to previously established forms.
Fans hold on to the hope that future manga installments will reinvigorate this beloved aspect of the series.
For more on the adventures in the *Dragon Ball* universe, the series is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
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