Does Super Saiyan 8 Exist? Unraveling the Myth
The short answer is: No, Super Saiyan 8 does not officially exist within the established canon of the Dragon Ball franchise. This transformation, along with several other high-numbered Super Saiyan forms, originates from fan theories, fan-made content, and non-canonical sources. While the Dragon Ball universe is vast and ever-expanding, there is no official confirmation or appearance of a Super Saiyan 8 form in any of the main series, movies, or official video games.
The Allure of Unseen Power
The fascination with higher-level Super Saiyan transformations is understandable. As the series progressed, fans have always been eager to see characters like Goku and Vegeta reach new heights of power. The concept of Super Saiyan forms escalating into double digits has captured the imagination of the fanbase, leading to the creation of numerous fan-made concepts and storylines. These often depict Saiyans achieving incredible power boosts and exhibiting unique abilities.
However, it’s crucial to distinguish between what is canon and what is fan-created. Super Saiyan 8, much like Super Saiyan 100 or even Super Saiyan 13, belongs squarely in the realm of fan fiction. These transformations typically build upon existing Super Saiyan forms, often incorporating visual elements and power concepts already established in the series. For instance, you might see a Super Saiyan 8 depicted with features from Super Saiyan 3 and 4, with a color palette that is not consistent with other transformations, such as an evil aura or black hair, instead of a traditional golden hue.
Where Does the Super Saiyan 8 Concept Come From?
Given its non-canon status, the origins of the Super Saiyan 8 concept aren’t tied to any official Dragon Ball publication. They are usually linked to fan art, forum discussions, and fan-made projects. There’s no specific creator of this particular transformation. Instead, the concept evolved gradually as fans explored the possibilities beyond the existing Super Saiyan forms.
A common narrative around Super Saiyan 8 often involves the user becoming dangerously powerful, perhaps even evil, and monstrous. The idea of a powerful but potentially corrupted form adds a layer of drama and intensity. This kind of storytelling, while not canon, can be very engaging for fans eager to explore the hypothetical limits of Saiyan power.
The Official Super Saiyan Lineup
The Dragon Ball franchise has introduced various Super Saiyan forms over the years, with the official lineup stopping around the Super Saiyan God and Super Saiyan Blue variations, and then branching out into Ultra Instinct, etc. The franchise constantly evolves, but always within a logical context. Here’s a quick breakdown of the more recognized forms:
- Super Saiyan (SSJ): The first and iconic transformation.
- Super Saiyan 2 (SSJ2): A more powerful, evolved form of Super Saiyan.
- Super Saiyan 3 (SSJ3): A form with a radical change in appearance, characterized by long hair.
- Super Saiyan God (SSG): A divine transformation attained through a ritual.
- Super Saiyan Blue (SSB): The form after gaining god ki and transforming,
- Ultra Instinct (UI): Not a Saiyan transformation but an extremely powerful form of combat.
These forms are established through official materials and storylines. The higher-numbered Super Saiyan transformations such as Super Saiyan 8, 9, 10 etc, are created by fans and are not related to the official Dragon Ball canon.
Why Fans Create Non-Canon Forms
The popularity of fan-created forms stems from a deep love for the franchise and a desire to explore its possibilities. Fans are passionate about the Dragon Ball universe and often want to see their favorite characters pushed to the limit. The creation of Super Saiyan 8 and other similar forms allows fans to explore ideas that may not be explored in the official media and create their own version of the Dragon Ball story.
These forms serve as creative outlets and spark discussion within the community. They often incorporate elements of existing forms, add new and unique properties, and allow fans to express their imagination and creativity within the Dragon Ball context.
Key Takeaway
Super Saiyan 8 is not a real form in the official Dragon Ball canon. It’s an example of the creative output of the passionate Dragon Ball fan community. While these forms are fun to imagine and discuss, it’s essential to remember that they are separate from the official storyline established by Akira Toriyama and Toei Animation. The franchise continues to evolve, but it’s likely it will stick to forms and transformations that align with the overall mythology and writing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Super Saiyan Forms
1. What is the highest official Super Saiyan form?
The most recent canonical Super Saiyan form is Super Saiyan Blue. There are other forms of God Ki transformations, like Super Saiyan Rosé, but none that surpass SSB in terms of being the next form in the mainline transformation path.
2. Is Super Saiyan 4 canon?
Super Saiyan 4, featured in Dragon Ball GT, is considered non-canon. While Dragon Ball GT was an official anime series, it is not part of the main story by Akira Toriyama.
3. How many Super Saiyan forms are there in canon?
There are several forms like, Super Saiyan, Super Saiyan 2, Super Saiyan 3, Super Saiyan God, and Super Saiyan Blue are the main ones. But there are variations of those, like Super Saiyan Rage, Ascended Super Saiyan, Super Saiyan Blue Evolved, etc.
4. Who was the first Super Saiyan?
According to series creator Akira Toriyama, the first Super Saiyan was Yamoshi, a righteous warrior who lived long before the events of Dragon Ball.
5. Is there a Super Saiyan 5?
Super Saiyan 5 is not a canon form. This is another fan-made creation that became popular in the community.
6. Is Super Saiyan 100 a thing?
No. Super Saiyan 100 is a fan creation and does not exist in the canon Dragon Ball universe.
7. Are there any official Super Saiyan forms after Super Saiyan Blue?
Yes, there have been additions to this form, like Super Saiyan Blue Evolved. However, no forms surpass Super Saiyan Blue in the established canon. New forms focus on different power-ups, like Ultra Instinct.
8. Why do fans create these non-canon forms?
Fan-created forms like Super Saiyan 8 are a form of creative expression and a way for fans to explore the possibilities of the Dragon Ball universe.
9. How do fan-made transformations work?
These forms usually build upon existing Super Saiyan forms, adding unique characteristics, power boosts, and narrative concepts.
10. Where can I find more information about fan-made Super Saiyan forms?
Online forums, fan fiction websites, and fan communities are great places to find discussions and concepts related to these non-canon forms.
11. What is the J in SSJ?
SSJ stands for Supa Saiya-jin, which is the Japanese term for Super Saiyan. “Saiya” is an anagram of “Yasai,” which means vegetable.
12. Is Ultra Instinct a Super Saiyan form?
No, Ultra Instinct is not a Super Saiyan transformation. It’s a divine technique that allows the user to react and move without conscious thought.
13. Are there any evil Super Saiyan forms?
The concept of an evil or monstrous form is common in fan-made transformations, but not in the canon. However, some forms like Super Saiyan Rage are depicted with darker intent.
14. Is the Legendary Super Saiyan form different from normal Super Saiyan?
Yes. The Legendary Super Saiyan form, famously associated with Broly, is a unique transformation with significantly different properties than a standard Super Saiyan form.
15. Which Saiyan is the strongest?
While the strongest is frequently up for debate among fans, based on canon, Gohan is considered the strongest Saiyan.