The following article contains spoilers for Dragon Ball and its sequels and spin-offs.

Dragon Ball Super is 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 in Dragon Ball Super.

Dragon Ball: This May Explain How Daima’s Super Saiyan 4 Could Fit Into Super’s Timeline

Can Dragon Ball Daima and Dragon Ball Super still take place in the same timeline?

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By Laura Gassert

Will Super Saiyan 4 Ever Appear in Dragon Ball Super?

Transformation Name	Super Saiyan 4 (SS4, SSJ4)
First Appearance	Dragon Ball GT
Last Appearance	Dragon Ball Daima

Before Dragon Ball Daima was released, probably most fans didn't believe that Super Saiyan 4 could ever be featured in Dragon Ball Super, especially as many believed that Toriyama had discarded this transformation. SSJ4 was introduced in Dragon Ball GT, considered non-canon by most, and never used in any work written by Toriyama. But Daima changed 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 the Dragon Ball universe.

Given that Daima and Super are supposed to be set in the same timeline, many fans took it as an inconsistency between these series: if Goku is able to transform into Super Saiyan 4, then why hasn't he done it in Dragon 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 all Dragon Ball series 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 all Dragon Ball media.

In DB Super Volume 24, released earlier this year, Toyotaro even included a modest nod to Daima, which amplified the belief that he might include even more references to Daima if he ever resumes writing Super, 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?

Broly could become SSJ4 in Dragon Ball Super.
Toyotaro created Legendary Super Saiyan 4 in DB Heroes: Victory Mission.

While many fans have started to believe that SSJ4 will eventually make its way into DB Super after Daima was 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 that Broly will eventually awaken Legendary Super Saiyan 4. In fact, Toyotaro was the one who created the concept of Broly LSSJ4 in the Dragon Ball Heroes: Victory Mission manga. Therefore, it would make a lot of sense for him to reuse this idea in Super. Another possibility would be Gogeta Super Saiyan 4.

When Will Dragon Ball Super Return?

As mentioned, Dragon Ball Super is 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 to Dragon 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) and has personal challenges to overcome before jumping back into Super, 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 Super is available to read on MANGA Plus in English and Spanish.

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Release Date: 2015 - 2018
Network: Fuji TV
Showrunner: Tatsuya Nagamine
Directors: Ryota Nakamura, Masanori Sato, Kenichi Takeshita, Takao Iwai, Hideki Hiroshima, Masato Mitsuka, Kazuya Karasawa, Ayumu Ono, Takahiro Imamura, Tatsuya Nagamine, Kôjiro Kawasaki, Kouji Ogawa
Writers: Ryu King, Hiroshi Yamaguchi
Franchise(s): Dragon Ball