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Super Saiyan 3 is a powerhouse form, enabling a Saiyan to fight at their utmost capability, yet it's not an ideal state due to its significant energy drain.
In the realm of anime/manga, Dragon Ball has numerous unforgettable moments, particularly the transformations that enhance the characters' power, always holding a special place in fans' hearts.
For instance, the first time viewers witnessed Super Saiyan 3, it was a stunning revelation. This transformation shattered established norms, bringing forth something entirely new and unexpected. However, what many don't know is that the design we see wasn't Akira Toriyama's initial idea for this form.
The brilliant creator of Dragon Ball had a different initial vision for the Super Saiyan 3 state. Instead of the long, bushy golden hair cascading down the back and no eyebrows, the author envisioned a gentler, different appearance. Ultimately, it seems Akira Toriyama sought a more striking design to truly accentuate this fresh transformation.
Clearly, this change was a wise choice as the final design encapsulated the essence of a powerful and prominent evolution. Very few achieve Super Saiyan 3 status, only Goku and Gotenks, elevating this state to an almost mythic level within the Dragon Ball universe. It's akin to a seal, a reminder of the glory days of the series, where each Super Saiyan upgrade was a creative and exhilarating experience.
Exploring Toriyama's original sketches, do you notice how Super Saiyan 3 resembles Gohan from the Cell saga, except for the longer front hair and tail?
Nicolas Rivas' rendition of the Super Saiyan 3 draft portrays a more youthful-looking Goku, akin to teenage Gohan. Perhaps Toriyama sought to give Goku a more mature and imposing appearance, hence not opting for this design.
In Dragon Ball Super, the role of Super Saiyan 3 fades as there are new transformations and characters introduced. However, this transformation still holds intriguing aspects in character development and visual design, so fans eagerly anticipate the return of Super Saiyan 3.
The decision to alter Toriyama's original design may have been influenced by various factors, yet ultimately, it contributed to one of the most memorable moments in the series.
