Summary
Transformations are the bread and butter of theDragon Ballfranchise. Ever since Goku unlocked his original Super Saiyan form in his fight against Frieza, the Saiyans of the series have undergone various transformations to defeat progressively stronger villains who prove to be so powerful that no kind of power from before can damage them. This prompts the hero to dig into deeper power and unlock a form that’s far stronger than all others.
No transformation from the originalDragon Ball Zseries exemplifies this trend better than Super Saiyan 3, which still holds the title of the strongest form ofthe original Super Saiyan line. For the longest time, Vegeta was the topic of much mockery from the fandom for his inability to unlock this form. However, in Episode 12 ofDaima, he finally unlocked this fabled transformation, so let’s see why it was such an important moment for the franchise.
Story Arc
Buu Saga
Debuting in the Buu Saga, Super Saiyan 3 is incredibly iconic. After the Cell Saga,the Super Saiyan 2 formachieved by Teen Gohan was eventually learned and mastered by Goku and Vegeta as well, meaning that the overall power of the Z-Fighters was at an all-time high, so the villains they went up against were stronger than any who came before them as a means to balance everything out.
Eventually, with the birth of Majin Buu, the level of Super Saiyan 2 simply wasn’t enough and the heroes needed something more to battle the great evil, leading to Goku unlocking Super Saiyan 3 for the first time. The introduction of this form changed everything by becoming the most powerful transformation to come out of the traditional Super Saiyan line, which is something that still holds true to this day, since the only way to supersede the power of this form is by having one’s potential unleashed or through the introduction of God Ki.
Debut Date
Jul 07, 2025
Episode 12 ofDragon Ball Daimatook everyone by surprise because of this transformation that Vegeta pulled out of seemingly nowhere. A huge meme within theDragon Ballcommunity had to do with the Prince’s inability toreach this incredible state, which he didn’t even do during the events ofDragon Ball Superdespite reaching a state far beyond that of Super Saiyan 3 due to the introduction of God Ki.
However, it was revealed in his fight against the second Tamagami that Vegeta has the power to go Super Saiyan 3, and has had this for quite a while. Not only does this serve his character arc really well, but it also shows Vegeta’s true strength. While Goku undoubtedly works hard to achieve everything that he has done throughout the series, he is a Martial Arts prodigy who is also incredibly talented and driven. Vegeta, on the other hand, is far more hardworking, as his incredible determination to surpass Goku has led to him training far harder and longer.
By seeing Goku achieve this incredible new transformation and finally realizing that he’s the best, there has been a new fire unlocked within Vegeta to shatter through his limits, which he was able to do tobecome a Super Saiyan 3. Training has been a vital part of Vegeta’s entire character arc since he embodies the trope of working hard to become better than he once was, arguably better than even Goku.
This is because the Prince has had a dark past; one where he was a murderous villain who cared for nothing more than strength. Now, he has a family but is still incredibly remorseful for his past sins, so by becoming stronger, there’s an allegory to how he continues to push himself further from what he once was towards what he now wants himself to be.
Apologies, Lord Beerus. I couldn’t revert to the callous, unfeeling man I once was.
AlthoughDragon Ball Superhas many such moments that truly define Vegeta’s character, his transformation into a Super Saiyan 3 seems to be just as poignant since it was a symbol of Vegeta wanting to become a better person through a form thathe had been chasing for decades. Now, he can fully present himself as a changed man, both literally and figuratively, especially sinceDragon Ballhas shifted into a story that puts him alongside Goku rather than below him in any way.
Fans of the series all know how everything eventually plays out afterDaimasince it’s set before the start ofSuperwhere these rivals are largely at an equal level of strength. For now, it’s amazing to see all the toil and suffering that Vegeta went through finally come to a head with him unlocking Super Saiyan 3, bringing his entire character arc full circle.
Dragon Ballcan be streamed onCrunchyroll.
Dragon Ball DAIMA
Dragon Ball Daima is the latest anime in Akira Toriyama’s legendary franchise. After being transformed into a child, Goku must travel to a new world to try and turn things around.
