Goku: Goku unlocking the Super Saiyan in Dragon Ball created a Bannister effect for others and the plot proves

Goku unlocking the Super Saiyan in Dragon Ball created a Bannister effect for others and the plot proves

Modified Nov 01, 2024 13:30 GMT

Super Saiyan Goku (Image via Toei Animation)

Goku unlocking the Super Saiyan form in Dragon Ball Z is one of animanga's most iconic moments. This transformation was just a display of power that Goku achieved when he witnessed his best friend, Krillin, die at the hands of the tyrant Frieza. The event became a game-changer and raised the bar for the Saiyan race.

Alongside being legendary, it created a "Bannister effect," which helped push other warriors to surpass the limits they thought they had. Following Goku's transformation, what once seemed impossible became attainable for other characters like Gohan, Vegeta, Goten, Trunks, etc.

Such a shift in Dragon Ball opened up a new world of power dynamics, with each Saiyan discovering ways to achieve the legendary form and even surpass it.

Dragon Ball's plot proves that Goku going Super Saiyan led to a Bannister effect

Super Saiyan Broly (Berserk) (Image via Toei Animation)

Before delving in, it would be beneficial to understand what the "Bannister Effect" is. It refers to the mental shift that occurs when a significant barrier is broken, indicating that what once was thought to be impractical is, in fact, doable. This concept is named after English athlete Roger Bannister, who was the first person to run a mile in under four minutes.

His accomplishment demonstrated that such a feat was indeed possible, and following him, many others began to emulate. In a similar manner, Son Goku was the first to achieve the Super Saiyan form. As he stated, "Power comes in response to a need, not a desire." The rage he felt towards Frieza as he watched Krillin die helped him overcome his limits.

Witnessing this happen pushed Vegeta to shatter his own limits and achieve the form on his own terms. In Vegeta's case, i.e., he was able to ascend to the form by letting go of his rivalry with Goku. Goku's son, Gohan, also achieved the Super Saiyan form during training in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber before the Cell Games. Again, Gohan went beyond Super Saiyan when he fought Cell, enraged at Android 16's death and the havoc caused by the Cell Jrs.

Super Saiyan Vegeta (Image via Toei Animation)

After this, the Super Saiyan transformation became the new normal for many of the Saiyans in the series. Characters like Trunks and Goten could do it with ease. But it didn't stop there - surpassing one's limits became a trend, and with each intense battle, the Saiyans grew and overcame their previous selves to ascend further, i.e., Super Saiyan 3, Super Saiyan God, Super Saiyan Blue, etc.

As such, Dragon Ball's narrative kept on increasing the stakes bit by bit, masterfully building on the idea of “limitless potential.” All of this was possible and inspired by Goku’s transformation. Even other characters began to shatter their limits and reach new forms, a notable example is the tyrant Frieza. To match his skin in the game, he unlocked his Golden form and most recently ascended beyond that to Black Frieza.

Final thoughts

Golden Frieza (Image via Toei Animation)

To conclude, characters unlocking more powerful transformations helped the tale of Dragon Ball evolve into an endless journey of breaking one's limits. Goku's transformation into a Super Saiyan marked a monumental shift in the series, resulting in what is known as the "Bannister Effect." By shattering the Saiyan's perceived power limit, Goku inspired others (Vegeta, Gohan, and even Frieza) to do the same.

As such, a recurring theme began to take shape: the constant pursuit of Power. Goku's desire to become and fight the strongest led to a cascading effect of successively powerful transformations. Each transformation urged characters to conquer their own limits, furthering the plot and elevating Dragon Ball into a tale of resilience, growth, and the tireless chase for glory.