‘Dragon Ball’ has set the guidelines for action shonen manga modern, and if it already seemed to us that in ‘Naruto’ there were techniques and transformations through a tube, it is because we owe a lot to Akira Toriyama and all the different powers that their characters have been developing during their decades of history.
Goku (like many other characters in the franchise) has had a good string of transformations to fill an encyclopedia. For this specific list we are only going to focus on anime series and movies that are considered canonnot taking into account the movies prior to ‘Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods’ or the special episodes.
Ozaru
This was Goku’s first transformation that we come across in the series, and it also marks one of the characteristics of the saiyan race. If these warriors keep their ape tail and look at the full moon, it turns into a gigantic ape several meters tall.
In this state, Goku does not attend to too many reasons, and in addition to increasing his size he also gains enormous strength. Once the monkey tail is cut off, there is no need to worry about this destructive transformation anymore.
Kaio Ken
Goku is one of the most powerful characters in ‘Dragon Ball’, although his strength gradually increases. Before the crazy transformations that we later saw in the anime, Goku was able to acquire the Kaio-Ken state created by North Kai..
More than a state in itself, it is a technique that consists of a great improvement of concentration, which allows multiplying the power of its user for a certain time. So thanks to this technique, Goku manages to improve his strength, endurance and speed.
Super Saiyan
Leaving his giant ape form behind, this is Goku’s first great transformation, which he unlocks when Krillin is killed by Frieza. This traumatic event allowed Goku to unleash all of his ki and become Super Saiyangaining much more power and a very characteristic new form with blonde hair curled up and light eyes.
Beyond narrative reasons, The reason for the physical change in Goku and the other Saiyans also came from a practical need for Akira Toriyama.: In the manga there were too many characters with black hair and I needed to save time and ink when drawing.
Within Super Saiyan form, they are also the Dai Ni Dankai and Dai San Dankai degrees, with which basically Goku (and anyone who is able to access them) become much more muscular. In the end these degrees fell into disuse because although they were very impressive physically, their speed was greatly reduced and practicality was lost.
At first this state is very difficult to achieve, but after a lot of training before the Cell Tournament, Goku is able to transform into Super Saiyan calmly and at any time without much effort (also known as super saiyan full power).
Super Saiyan Phase 2
Leaving the intermediate degrees behind, this form marks the second phase of the Super Saiyan state. Although Goku is usually the first to gain new powers and transformations, in this case Gohan was the first we saw in the state Super Saiyan Phase 2.
With this form, the potential of each Saiyan is multiplied even more, and although physically the appearance does not change too much, Goku’s hair becomes even more spiky and an aura of electrical energy surrounds him as well.
Super Saiyan Phase 3
Goku shows the full potential of this transformation in the ‘Boo Saga’ and for a long time it was the most powerful as far as canon is concerned. With the arrival of ‘Dragon Ball Super’, this form has fallen short, although again it greatly increased Goku’s strength and abilities.
The Super Saiyan Phase 3 is possibly the transformation with more physical changes, since In addition to gaining a lot of muscle, Goku’s hair transforms into a very long blonde mane that almost touches the ground and his eyebrows disappear.
super saiyan god
This is the first great transformation in which Goku gains much more strength but very nearly maintains its usual appearance. The biggest physical change is to his hair and his aura, which become a characteristic red color that has not been used until now.
with the shape of super saiyan godGoku is able to face Beerus, the God of Destruction (even if he can’t beat him), so with this we can already get an idea of the physical potential of this transformation. To obtain this form for the first time, a ritual must be completed with five other pure-hearted Saiyans, although later Goku can transform at will.
super saiyan blue
One of the last states of Goku that have been seen in ‘Dragon Ball Super’, and also one of the most innovative on a physical level. As its name suggests, with this transformation both Goku’s aura and hair turn an intense blue color and his Super Saiyan powers are greatly increased.
This transformation first debuted in ‘Dragon Ball Z: The Resurrection of Frieza’, and has been one of Goku’s most used forms in the series ever since. On some occasions, Goku also combines this state with the Kaio-Ken technique, with which on a physical level the red and blue auras are combined.
ultra instinct
The most recent of Goku’s transformations, and the most powerful so far. Before achieving the full transformation into Ultra Instinct, Goku manages to achieve a state known as Ultra Instinct Sign, but soon manages to perfect it into the final form.
Goku managed to unlock this form during the ‘Dragon Ball Super’ Tournament of Power, allowing him to perfectly balance his instincts with the power of divine ki. Basically, muscles and reflexes act automatically by pure instinct, with which Goku gains great speed and his attacks are almost impossible for his opponents to foresee.
With the ultra instinct, Goku becomes a very methodical and serious fighter, with precise and lethal blows. with a very different personality from the Goku we are used to. Both her hair and his eyes turn white or silver, although he retains the iconic shape of his hair.