The following article contains spoilers for Dragon Ball and its sequels and spin-offs.
Dragon Ball Superis still on hiatus and not returning this year, but there are lots of plotlines that could still be explored in the manga once it returns. While some fans might be afraid that the series will be canceled, it seems that there are still chances that Toyotaro will eventually resume the series.
Fans are still waiting for more, as they have been expecting the Black Frieza Arc since the character was introduced in the Granolah the Survivor Arc. Toyotaro has teased he has plans for this arc, so even if the series is eventually canceled, he might drop information on what he discussed with Akira Toriyama about this arc. In any case, the Black Frieza Arc could be the perfect occasion to introduce Super Saiyan 4 inDragon Ball Super.
Last Appearance
Dragon Ball Daima
BeforeDragon Ball Daimawas released, probably most fans didn’t believe that Super Saiyan 4 could ever be featured inDragon Ball Super, especially as many believed that Toriyama had discarded this transformation.SSJ4 was introduced inDragon Ball GT, considered non-canon by most, and never used in any work written by Toriyama. ButDaimachanged everything. Toriyama was not only deeply involved in the production of this anime, but the series also features SSJ4, making it difficult to argue that Toriyama dislikes this form or doesn’t consider it part of theDragon Balluniverse.
Given that Daima and Super are supposed to be set in the same timeline, many fans took it as an inconsistency between these series: ifGoku is able to transform into Super Saiyan 4, then why hasn’t he done it inDragon Ball Super? Well, while there is no real answer to this question for now, it has also led to speculation that this form will eventually appear in the series.
Toyotaro Considers Everything Canon
During Paris Japan Expo 2025, which took place in early July, Toyotaro stated that he sees allDragon Ballseries as part of the franchise’s universe. Therefore, he draws inspiration from all of them, without worrying about what should be canon and what should not be canon. This has been clear in his works, as he seems to like to make small homages to allDragon Ballmedia.
InDB Super Volume 24, released earlier this year, Toyotaro even included a modest nod toDaima, which amplified the belief that he might include even more references toDaimaif he ever resumes writingSuper, and some think that Super Saiyan 4 is likely to be one of them.
Does It Make Any Sense to Include SSJ4 in Dragon Ball Super?
While many fans have started to believe that SSJ4 will eventually make its way intoDB SuperafterDaimawas released, there has always been some speculation about it, although from a minority of the fandom. In fact, one of these theories makes a lot of sense, especially because it is based on Toyotaro’s previous works in the series.
That’s right! You may have anticipated my attacks so far, but you have no idea what I am capable of now. And what you don’t know… could hurt you!
— Goku
Super Saiyan 4 should appear in the series, but not as a transformation of Goku or Vegeta, even though the story might still explain why Goku hasn’t used this transformation. What makes more sense is thatBroly will eventually awaken Legendary Super Saiyan 4. In fact, Toyotaro was the one who created the concept ofBroly LSSJ4 in theDragon Ball Heroes: Victory Missionmanga. Therefore, it would make a lot of sense for him to reuse this idea inSuper. Another possibility would be Gogeta Super Saiyan 4.
When Will Dragon Ball Super Return?
As mentioned,Dragon Ball Superis not resuming this year. Victory Uchida,V-JUMP’s editor, repeatedly stated this at Paris Japan Expo. However, he hasn’t stated that the series is canceled. Some fans speculate that the manga is on hold because of the reported legal dispute over the rights toDragon Ball.
Additionally, Toyotaro mentioned that he believes it’s possible to continue the story, though it would be challenging. Thus, the pause could still be related to him not being able to figure out how to write the series alone instead of something related to a dispute between Shueisha and Capsule Corporation Japan. If the series is on hold because Toyotaro is focusing on his original manga (Lost Samurai) andhas personal challenges to overcome before jumping back intoSuper, then its resumption depends mostly on him. Nonetheless, it would also be understandable if he decided not to continue it to preserve himself from pressure and stress.
Dragon Ball Superisavailable to read on MANGA Plusin English and Spanish.
