The Clever Reason Akira Toriyama Made Goku’s Super Saiyan Hair Gold

When we think of Dragon Ball, one of the most iconic images that comes to mind is Goku with his gold hair in Super Saiyan form. This transformation became legendary, still standing as a symbol of the power, intensity, and growth of the Saiyan race.

But what if we told you that Goku’s golden locks weren’t actually designed for dramatic effect, but rather a great decision by Akira Toriyama to make life easier for the artists working on the anime and manga?

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The Real Reason Behind Goku’s Gold Hair In Super Saiyan Form

In Dragon Ball Z, the moment Goku first goes Super Saiyan against Frieza is unforgettable. His black hair turns a glowing golden color, and his aura flares up with intense energy. Fans assumed that this was meant to showcase his immense power. However, the real reason behind this change is much more practical.

Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, once revealed that coloring in Goku’s black hair for every panel took a lot of time and effort. Since manga is traditionally drawn in black and white, filling in Goku’s dark hair was a tedious process for the artists. By making his Super Saiyan hair golden, they could leave it unshaded, reducing the time spent on each page. This small change helped speed up production while also giving Goku’s transformation a unique and striking look.

A Time-Saving Decision That Changed Anime Forever

What started as a simple time-saving technique ended up becoming one of the most famous transformations in anime history. The golden hair of Super Saiyan not only saved time but also gave Goku a divine, otherworldly appearance that fit perfectly with his increased strength and new abilities. Fans embraced it, and soon, the Super Saiyan form became a defining feature of the Dragon Ball series.

Over time, Super Saiyan evolved into multiple forms, with even more colors like blue, red, and silver appearing in later series. But none of them carry the same impact as that first golden transformation, which was originally just a clever trick to lighten the workload for the artists.

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