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 an explanation for Super Saiyan 4's absence in Super, but Daima's conclusion offers a rather ambiguous answer.

In episode 19, the Z Fighters revert to their adult forms after Glorio's wish. 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, a transformation he later identifies as "Super Saiyan 4."

Employing this form, Goku engages Gomah, successfully blasting a hole through his opponent and the Demon Realm, paving the way for 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's origins as Demon Realm-specific or Neva-exclusive, the series surprisingly reveals Goku attained the form through post-Buu training. The lack of a mind-wipe leaves Daima's canonicity uncertain.

Canon Concerns:

The introduction of Super Saiyan 4 raises significant questions about Daima's place within the Dragon Ball canon. Goku's failure to utilize this immensely powerful form against Beerus in Super, especially with Earth's fate at stake, is a glaring inconsistency. While forgetting might be plausible, Vegeta's reaction to being surpassed again seems unlikely.

However, a post-credits scene hints at a potential resolution. The Demon Realm's possession of two more Evil Third Eyes suggests a possible avenue for Super Saiyan 4's return and subsequent loss by Goku in a future season. This remains speculation, but without such a development, Dragon Ball has introduced a significant plot hole.

In essence, Daima's finale explains Goku's lack of Super Saiyan 4 in Super through a convenient, albeit unconvincing, retcon. The series' canon status remains highly debated.

Dragon Ball Daima is streaming now on Crunchyroll.