The Legacy and Impact of the Great Ape Transformation in Dragon Ball

The Great Ape Transformation in Dragon Ball

The Great Ape transformation in Dragon Ball is one of the series' most iconic features. This transformation increases a Saiyan’s strength exponentially and plays a significant role in the series narrative. Below, we explore each instance of a Saiyan transforming into a Great Ape throughout the Dragon Ball franchise.

The Impact on Grandpa Gohan

The very first, albeit unseen, instance of the Great Ape transformation in Dragon Ball sets a dramatic undertone. Goku, as a child, unknowingly transforms into a Great Ape under the full moon’s influence, resulting in the tragic death of his adoptive grandfather, Grandpa Gohan. This pivotal moment is only realized by Goku during his fight against Vegeta, where the staggering revelation that he was the "monster" who killed his grandfather is uncovered.

Young Goku’s Transformation

Goku's first on-screen transformation into a Great Ape occurs in Dragon Ball Episode 13. Trapped inside Pilaf's castle, Goku inadvertently transforms after observing the full moon, breaking free but wreaking havoc in his uncontrollable state. This transformation highlights the formidable power and the inherent danger of the Great Ape, finally countered by the removal of Goku's tail, a crucial vulnerability.

Goku’s Great Ape Evolution

Episodes 27 and 28 of Dragon Ball present another pivotal transformation during the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament. After catching sight of the full moon, Goku's change into a Great Ape showcases his uncontrollable power, only stopped by Jackie Chun's – Master Roshi in disguise – destruction of the moon. This transformation concludes Goku’s ventures into the Great Ape form; from then on, it becomes a relic of his past strength.

Gohan’s Intense Awakening

In Dragon Ball Z, the Great Ape form resurfaces with Gohan. His transformation during training with Piccolo underscores the uncontrollable power inherent in Saiyan biology. This moment not only cements his Saiyan heritage but also serves as an awakening for Piccolo regarding the looming threat of the Saiyans Nappa and Vegeta.

Vegeta’s Control and Mastery

During Goku’s fierce battle against Vegeta, the latter showcases a controlled version of the Great Ape transformation. Using an artificial Power Ball to simulate the moon’s light, Vegeta transforms, maintaining his intelligence and proving his superiority over Goku. This scene for the first time reveals the enlargement of Saiyan armor with the transformation, emphasizing Vegeta's mastery over this formidable power.

The Uncontrolled Power of Gohan’s Ape Form

In the climactic fight against Vegeta, Gohan, aided by a returning tail and the Power Ball, undergoes a chaotic yet strategically advantageous transformation into a Great Ape. Despite initially rampaging, Goku's encouragement helps Gohan channel his energy into defeating Vegeta, marking the final use of the Great Ape form in Z as all full-blooded Saiyans thereafter lose their tails.

Historical Reflections and Symbolic Imagery

Dragon Ball Z highlights the Great Ape’s significance through flashbacks and storytelling. In an anime-exclusive segment, King Kai recounts the fearsome impact of the Saiyan’s Great Ape transformation in their conquest of Planet Vegeta. This ferocity even worries Frieza, culminating in the destruction of the Saiyans. Later imagery throughout the series, particularly during transformations like Super Saiyan 3, symbolically represents this mighty form, illustrating Goku's increasing strength explore the use and imagery of Ape transformations further here.

The Great Ape in Spin-offs and Films

In Dragon Ball Z: Bardock - The Father of Goku, Bardock and his team control their Great Ape forms during missions, a rarity among Saiyans. Furthermore, in the film Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might, Turles forces Gohan to transform, illustrating yet another instance of a Saiyan tapping into this formidable power. Lastly, Dragon Ball GT revives and alters this form with the introduction of the Golden Great Ape, crucial in Goku's transformation into Super Saiyan 4 learn more about transformations in GT here.

The Great Ape Legacy

Though sparingly used in the latter half of the Dragon Ball series, the Great Ape transformation remains a potent symbol of Saiyan power and an integral element in the series' lore. In rare glimpses seen throughout films and manga-only content such as Dragon Ball Super, the transformation signifies the formidable power and primal nature of the Saiyan race. As Dragon Ball continues to evolve, the Great Ape remains an iconic representation of true Saiyan might. For more on the evolution and impact of Saiyan transformations, you can dive deeper here.