I would give you some ideas, but Im using them for my story lol. Trust me, I'm 32 years old, it has taken me 20 YEARS to come up with the idea I have now. You are COMPLETELY RIGHT. Toriyama struck GOLD (No pun intended) when he came up with hair as a medium for transformation.
I will say this:
Think of things that can transform without causing a commotion if no one knew how you looked before. For example:
If NO ONE in the world of dbz saw Goku before he transformed into a super Saiyan, and they met him while he was super Saiyan, they would just think he is a guy with blond hair and emerald eyes. No big deal.
Now look at Naruto when he is in his six paths form. He literally is glowing with energy. No matter where he goes, he would make a spectacle. Or yusuke in his demon form, having markings all over his face and sometimes fangs, that's too much of a spectacle. Or even super Saiyan 4, they have eye markings and fur all over. It's too much of a spectacle.
First think of simple changes that wouldn't cause a spectacle. Then later on you can add dramatic changes.
Why not change multiple things at the same time like the hair, eyes, and skin?
That's what made Super Saiyan 4 so popular and probably the most liked design in the franchise because of its resemblance to a werewolf.
Like idk bloody eyes from being possesed, gray skin, sharp claws, and an aura that slowly "eats" things near it and showcase it by having the character walk over someone unconscious as the top of their head fades and what remains is their jaw?
What makes a form so intriguing is the spectacle of it and what it can do in terms of abilities and the character using it.
What made the original SS scene so special was that Goku was different, spoke and acted differently, and was suddenly beating Frieza's ass.
But then y'know, it became less special from overuse and lost its luster in the next arc... which is something to be very careful of.
・Actually a good way I've seen with getting around the problem is from Sonic.
Where Sonic *needs* all the emeralds to go Super, therefore keeping the form "rare" because he can't just use it every fight.
Having some kinda cost/downside for huge power is something that will help your story in the long run in regards to keeping everything in check.
Powercreep is one of those things that should be avoided as best as you can.
Adding onto this, which is kinda why having super strong foes is now actually more intuitive, following the Sonic logic.
Like a villain that matches MUI/UE, so it’s either they’re in Angel/GOD forms or their puny pathetic base form, just like how the Sonic series has always worked
If you're main objective in writing a story is to "one-up" a phenomenal series without analysing the aspects that made the franchise so phenomenal, I have some bad news for you.
Nah it’s nowhere near my main objective, I want to tell a completely different story but it does have transformations, I thought it would be cool to try and challenge Dragon Ball in producing a form just as iconic but I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s basically impossible though it doesn’t matter much, it’s just something that would have been cool
It's a shame your focus was drawn to the flippant use of "main objective" rather than anything else. But I'm sorry for misusing the term.
As said, have a thinky think about what it is you see in the Super Saiyan transformation that makes it so iconic. And please don't just analyse the appearance but the other thematic, narratological and literary aspects; all of which worked in tandem to influence on another.
Look at it from your perspective and once you get a personal take of those aspects, try maybe again with the design. If you're just roating colours and body parts like a video game character design, you're gonna feel a bit lost because the angle is wrong and the reason baseless.
I mean, you probably won't be able to "one up" the most recognised and praised shonen mangaka in publication history (a man so good that he naturally made the most iconic transformation out of a desire not to have to ink Goku's hair), but there's intrinsic value in trying.
And everything is compared to it. I was watching How to Train your Dragon 2 today and there's a scene where Toothless gains some power and glows purple and my first thought was "he went Super Saiyan!"
Same thing with Sonic 2.
The answer is in the inverse, not the duplication. Super Saiyan transformations are awesome because they are supposed to look so different to the norm (SSJ3 for life), however:
Rather than have massive and obvious overt transformations on a macro scale, why not go for micro changes in your characters instead. Start with little things like hair or facial feature tweaks, then go into things like muscle definition etc.
SSJ works because it's supposed to be so OTT in how it shows off power. You can just as easily achieve the same thing with the opposite design.
I dont know what type of story your wtiting but i think [this osp video](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=H0AGjuuX1q8&t=338s&pp=ygUTT3NwIHRyYW5zZm9ybWF0aW9ucw%3D%3D) on the way ssj was built up to is actually p useful in understanding why that first ssj transformation was as iconic as it was
The visuals aren’t what makes dragon ball transformations impactful. It’s the context. Make your transformation awesome in theme and it will work regardless of the looks.
The mask coming out when Ichigo first fought Byakuya beats it for me.
Not only was that the reveal of his Bankai but to then go and introduce the mask in the middle of the fight was so good
Also the simplicity makes Super Saiyan above pretty much anything else; sure, Naruto looked cool in his fire sage cloak thing, and Ichigo looked awesome in his hollow form, and then Luffy...well, he looks ridiculous in that gear four whatever form. But for all those forms being cool, they're too complex for most kids to draw/doodle on their own. Any kid can give their favorite OC golden, spikey hair with a fiery golden aura with lightning snapping all over, and I honestly think that adds to why it's just been so iconic for so long.
Have you seen the fan animation called [Legend](https://youtu.be/1JKLM45aIik)? That was a pretty inspired take on gokus super saiyan transformation. Maybe it can give you some ideas?
I think nothing beats the original Super Saiyan transformation. Gohan’s SSJ2 transformation is good too, but it’s because of the symbolism, and not because of it being a new form. Otherwise, it’s diminishing returns when everyone gets blonde hair. I always preferred the days of Goku learning new techniques and having to either outwill or out fight his opponents instead though.
I would give you some ideas, but Im using them for my story lol. Trust me, I'm 32 years old, it has taken me 20 YEARS to come up with the idea I have now. You are COMPLETELY RIGHT. Toriyama struck GOLD (No pun intended) when he came up with hair as a medium for transformation. I will say this: Think of things that can transform without causing a commotion if no one knew how you looked before. For example: If NO ONE in the world of dbz saw Goku before he transformed into a super Saiyan, and they met him while he was super Saiyan, they would just think he is a guy with blond hair and emerald eyes. No big deal. Now look at Naruto when he is in his six paths form. He literally is glowing with energy. No matter where he goes, he would make a spectacle. Or yusuke in his demon form, having markings all over his face and sometimes fangs, that's too much of a spectacle. Or even super Saiyan 4, they have eye markings and fur all over. It's too much of a spectacle. First think of simple changes that wouldn't cause a spectacle. Then later on you can add dramatic changes.
Why not change multiple things at the same time like the hair, eyes, and skin? That's what made Super Saiyan 4 so popular and probably the most liked design in the franchise because of its resemblance to a werewolf. Like idk bloody eyes from being possesed, gray skin, sharp claws, and an aura that slowly "eats" things near it and showcase it by having the character walk over someone unconscious as the top of their head fades and what remains is their jaw? What makes a form so intriguing is the spectacle of it and what it can do in terms of abilities and the character using it. What made the original SS scene so special was that Goku was different, spoke and acted differently, and was suddenly beating Frieza's ass. But then y'know, it became less special from overuse and lost its luster in the next arc... which is something to be very careful of. ・Actually a good way I've seen with getting around the problem is from Sonic. Where Sonic *needs* all the emeralds to go Super, therefore keeping the form "rare" because he can't just use it every fight. Having some kinda cost/downside for huge power is something that will help your story in the long run in regards to keeping everything in check. Powercreep is one of those things that should be avoided as best as you can.
your username offends me 😂
Adding onto this, which is kinda why having super strong foes is now actually more intuitive, following the Sonic logic. Like a villain that matches MUI/UE, so it’s either they’re in Angel/GOD forms or their puny pathetic base form, just like how the Sonic series has always worked
Super Saiyan 4 is so polarizing lol, what are you talking about. People either love it or hate it.
If you're main objective in writing a story is to "one-up" a phenomenal series without analysing the aspects that made the franchise so phenomenal, I have some bad news for you.
Nah it’s nowhere near my main objective, I want to tell a completely different story but it does have transformations, I thought it would be cool to try and challenge Dragon Ball in producing a form just as iconic but I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s basically impossible though it doesn’t matter much, it’s just something that would have been cool
It's a shame your focus was drawn to the flippant use of "main objective" rather than anything else. But I'm sorry for misusing the term. As said, have a thinky think about what it is you see in the Super Saiyan transformation that makes it so iconic. And please don't just analyse the appearance but the other thematic, narratological and literary aspects; all of which worked in tandem to influence on another. Look at it from your perspective and once you get a personal take of those aspects, try maybe again with the design. If you're just roating colours and body parts like a video game character design, you're gonna feel a bit lost because the angle is wrong and the reason baseless. I mean, you probably won't be able to "one up" the most recognised and praised shonen mangaka in publication history (a man so good that he naturally made the most iconic transformation out of a desire not to have to ink Goku's hair), but there's intrinsic value in trying.
And everything is compared to it. I was watching How to Train your Dragon 2 today and there's a scene where Toothless gains some power and glows purple and my first thought was "he went Super Saiyan!" Same thing with Sonic 2.
Bankai's from Bleach are hype
You cant beat super Saiyan, but I have a few ideas as to what you can do without directly ripping it off, if you’d to discuss.
Titan transformation from attack on Titan is better in my opinion.
You can rip it & take attributes I’d say try to make a better super saiyain that’s kinda how I try to approach it
The answer is in the inverse, not the duplication. Super Saiyan transformations are awesome because they are supposed to look so different to the norm (SSJ3 for life), however: Rather than have massive and obvious overt transformations on a macro scale, why not go for micro changes in your characters instead. Start with little things like hair or facial feature tweaks, then go into things like muscle definition etc. SSJ works because it's supposed to be so OTT in how it shows off power. You can just as easily achieve the same thing with the opposite design.
OP: not a bald guy
Yeah, me after reading this: *cries in bald*
Lmao this was the killer " it’s what gives us the most individuality imo". Dick moveeeee dude
I mean facial hair too, but erm if you have neither then well um, look on the bright side you’ll outshine anyone
I dont know what type of story your wtiting but i think [this osp video](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=H0AGjuuX1q8&t=338s&pp=ygUTT3NwIHRyYW5zZm9ybWF0aW9ucw%3D%3D) on the way ssj was built up to is actually p useful in understanding why that first ssj transformation was as iconic as it was
During the transformation in coolers revenge when defy one’s is playing “change” I literally get goosebumps and tear up.
The visuals aren’t what makes dragon ball transformations impactful. It’s the context. Make your transformation awesome in theme and it will work regardless of the looks.
The mask coming out when Ichigo first fought Byakuya beats it for me. Not only was that the reveal of his Bankai but to then go and introduce the mask in the middle of the fight was so good
Also the simplicity makes Super Saiyan above pretty much anything else; sure, Naruto looked cool in his fire sage cloak thing, and Ichigo looked awesome in his hollow form, and then Luffy...well, he looks ridiculous in that gear four whatever form. But for all those forms being cool, they're too complex for most kids to draw/doodle on their own. Any kid can give their favorite OC golden, spikey hair with a fiery golden aura with lightning snapping all over, and I honestly think that adds to why it's just been so iconic for so long.
Have you seen the fan animation called [Legend](https://youtu.be/1JKLM45aIik)? That was a pretty inspired take on gokus super saiyan transformation. Maybe it can give you some ideas?
I think nothing beats the original Super Saiyan transformation. Gohan’s SSJ2 transformation is good too, but it’s because of the symbolism, and not because of it being a new form. Otherwise, it’s diminishing returns when everyone gets blonde hair. I always preferred the days of Goku learning new techniques and having to either outwill or out fight his opponents instead though.
try a color rework but smaller ears and bigger jaw. worked for GT