Overview
- Super Saiyan Blue Kaioken is an advanced transformation first seen in Dragon Ball Super.
- This powerful technique is anime-exclusive and carries significant risks.
- The contrasting emotional states between standard Super Saiyan forms and Super Saiyan Blue enable a unique synergy with Kaioken.
Table of Contents
The Kaioken technique, created by the North Kai, is one of the earliest power enhancements introduced in Dragon Ball Z, often used prior to the emergence of the Super Saiyan transformations. Its execution and nuances are more thoroughly depicted in the anime compared to the manga.
With the advent of Dragon Ball Super, this technique saw a resurgence when Goku unveiled Super Saiyan Blue Kaioken, an upgraded version that merges the power of Kaioken with the Super Saiyan Blue form. The manga addresses the reasoning behind the technique’s initial neglect and why it shines in this newer context.
What Exactly Is Super Saiyan Blue Kaioken?
Super Saiyan Blue Kaioken, also referred to as Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan: Kaioken, is where a Saiyan channels the Kaioken technique while in the Super Saiyan Blue state. This combination was notably showcased in Dragon Ball Super.
The Kaioken technique significantly amplifies a user’s power but at a steep price. Mastery over ki is essential, as improper use can lead to severe exhaustion or even death, particularly with extended usage.
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Apart from the standard variations, Goku has taken Kaioken to extreme levels, scaling it up to Kaioken x2, x3, x4, and beyond, including the Blue Kaioken x10 and x20. It’s worth noting that higher levels of Kaioken are presumed to be riskier and more taxing. Various forms of Kaioken can also be found in related Dragon Ball video games, such as Dragon Ball Fusions.
Is Super Saiyan Blue Kaioken Canon?
Interestingly, the Blue Kaioken represents the sole blending of Kaioken and Super Saiyan depicted within the manga. In the anime, Goku employs Super Kaioken, activating Kaioken while in a Super Saiyan or Super Saiyan 2 form during his clash against Pikkon (also known as Paikuhan). However, it’s crucial to note that Super Kaioken is exclusive to the anime adaptation.
While Goku applies Super Kaioken in the anime version of Dragon Ball Super, this element was omitted from the manga, suggesting that Toriyama may never have recognized it as a viable technique. Nevertheless, fans are free to include Super Kaioken within their personal interpretations of the canon.
Why Does Super Kaioken Appear Illogical?
The lore of Dragon Ball Super offers clarity on why Super Kaioken was excluded from the manga. The core issue lies in the emotional chaos associated with Super Saiyan transformations, which clashes with the precise ki control necessary for effective Kaioken execution.
Old Kai warns in Dragon Ball Super that the combination of Kaioken and Super Saiyan forms could be perilous and lead to severe repercussions due to emotional instability. On the contrary, Super Saiyan Blue is a divine transformation that mandates tranquility, allowing a seamless blend with Kaioken and opening avenues to amplify its power.
Who Is Capable of Utilizing Super Saiyan Blue Kaioken?
At present, Goku remains the sole combatant from the Dragon Team proficient in Kaioken. Although speculation arises about whether human characters like Yamcha or Krillin could take on this technique, it’s apparent that their physical limitations hinder them. Notably, Vegeta, Gohan, Trunks, and Goten have yet to master this technique.
It’s possible that Pan could learn the technique in the future, given her demonstrated power even as a child. Meanwhile, it remains uncertain if Piccolo or any other Namekian could appropriately harness Kaioken, but there’s no explicit reason barring them from doing so.
As powerful transformations continue to evolve, there may still be other forms—similar to SSJ Blue—that could significantly benefit from integration with Kaioken techniques.
The Dragon Ball Super manga is conveniently accessible for reading in English and Spanish via MANGA Plus.