Super Saiyan Transformation

The transformation, brought about by anger, that Goku first attains in his battle with Frieza.

The Super Saiyan transformation is a powered-up form taken by Saiyans in the Dragon Ball series. Goku first transforms into a Super Saiyan during his battle with Frieza, after Frieza kills Krillin. Akira Toriyama thought up the concept during the Frieza arc, feeling that the only way to show Goku's massive power-up was to have him transform.

Lore & Background

Toriyama was initially concerned that Goku's facial expressions as a Super Saiyan made him look like a villain, but decided it was acceptable since the transformation was brought about by anger. The form has blonde hair because it was easier to draw: it spared Toriyama's assistant the time spent blacking in Goku's hair on the black-and-white manga pages. Later forms include Super Saiyan 4, which is brought about while in a Saiyan's Ōzaru form, and Super Saiyan Blue, which Goku achieves under Whis's tutelage.