Typically, Goku's Super Saiyan transformations are among the most spectacular and enduring scenes in the whole Dragon Ball series. He attacked Frieza in his original Super Saiyan form in a frenzy of fury. The Earth was shaken during his initial Super Saiyan 3 transformation, which is recalled. And how long it continued. However, few individuals can recall the details of his initial Super Saiyan 2 transformation.
Most fans aren't even sure when Goku initially assumed the form because the first Super Saiyan 2 transformation is so forgettable. Some claim that Cell was the target. Others claim that it was directed towards Majin Vegeta, Pikkon, or Yakon. Here's a look back at the journey to Super Saiyan 2 to help explain what happened and when.
When Do Fans Think Super Saiyan 2 Debuted?
The path to Super Saiyan 2 was a long one not just for Goku but for every Saiyan. To attain this state was to ascend and become a Super Saiyan among Super Saiyans. It was the ultimate goal of the Android and Cell Sagas as it seemed to be the only thing strong enough to beat the villains.
In the interim between establishing the goal and achieving it, several new grades of the standard Super Saiyan form were discovered. Vegeta used Super Saiyan Grade 2 to fight Semi-Perfect Cell. The bulky form Trunks used against Perfect Cell was Super Saiyan Grade 3. Each Saiyan had found a new level of Super Saiyan, but they hadn't truly broken the barrier yet.
When Goku and Gohan exited the Time Chamber, they pushed the Super Saiyan form to its maximum potential, known as Super Saiyan Full Power. This fourth grade of Super Saiyan is what Goku used against Cel. It was strong enough to push the android back, but not quite strong enough to overpower him as Super Saiyan 2 would be.
Gohan was the only one to become a full-fledged Super Saiyan 2 in the Cell Saga. This was apparent through the changes in his design, spikier hair and the electricity in his aura. His unique ability to breach the Super Saiyan ceiling was part of what made his ascension so epic.
A few more times, Goku became a Super Saiyan but didn't go up to the next stage. One time was against Pikkon in the Otherworld Tournament; despite this opponent being stronger than Cell, Goku wasn't pushed to ascend. There was also the fight with Yakkon; again, Goku only went to Super Saiyan for this fight. His hair and aura were both giveaways that he hadn't yet taken things to the next level.
When Did Goku First Officially Become A Super Saiyan 2?
Goku's first on-screen use of Super Saiyan 2 transformation was against Majin Vegeta. This is obvious for the same aesthetic reasons Gohan's ascension was obvious; spikier hair and electrical aura. Additionally, Vegeta noted that the transformation made Goku stronger than Gohan was against Cell. With this, Goku was confirmed to be a Super Saiyan 2 in both power and form.
In all likelihood, Goku became a Super Saiyan 2 sometime during his training in Otherworld. In this afterlife, he could push his body past the limits he had when he was alive. He even managed to reach Super Saiyan 3 following the same principle. He wouldn't feel the need to use these forms until certain points in the Buu Saga, but he had them both by the time the fighting started.
