Overview of Gohan’s Transformations
- Ultimate Gohan’s Potential Unleashed form possesses significant power despite its seemingly modest appearance.
- The Great Ape form illustrates Gohan’s primal strength and his ability to instill fear in his adversaries.
- Gohan’s Beast transformation emphasizes his capacity to unlock greater power when driven by strong emotions.
Gohan is a fan-favorite among Saiyans, consistently captivating audiences with his journey. His breakthrough transformation during the Cell Saga left a lasting impression, enabling him to confront Cell and secure a decisive victory.
Although many fans express frustration over his character development in Dragon Ball, it’s widely recognized that such shortcomings do not overshadow the monumental peaks he has attained. Currently, Gohan is poised to adopt new transformations, equipping him to compete against formidable foes like Ultra Instinct Goku and Ultra Ego Vegeta.
5. Ultimate Gohan
An Unassuming Form with Incredible Power
- First Appearance: “Unlucky Break”(Episode 262 of Dragon Ball Z)
At first glance, Ultimate Gohan’s Potential Unleashed form may not seem overly impressive. Its unassuming white aura might lead some to believe he is merely powering up in his base form. However, a glimpse of his true power quickly dispels any doubts—Gohan is a force to be reckoned with.
He decisively defeated Super Buu, displaying power that could have concluded the Buu Saga. Unfortunately, his overconfidence led to him being absorbed by Buu, disrupting his potential victory.
4. Great Ape
A Classic Transformation for Saiyans
- First Appearance: “Gohan Goes Bananas!”(Episode 8 of Dragon Ball Z)
The Great Ape transformation is accessible to all Saiyans with tails, including Gohan. He first transformed while training with Piccolo, frightening the Demon King in the process. Despite looking similar to other Saiyans in this form, Gohan’s mindless fury proves to be incredibly powerful.
This transformation was instrumental in defeating Vegeta during their climactic battle on Earth. Though Gohan lost his tail after the fight, he humorously had the last laugh by landing a crushing blow on Vegeta before reverting to his usual self.
3. Super Saiyan
Mastering Super Saiyan Under His Father’s Guidance
- First Appearance: “Bow to The Prince”(Episode 156 of Dragon Ball Z)
Gohan’s journey to becoming a Super Saiyan was not instantaneous; it required extensive training with his father in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. Eventually, he mastered this form, allowing him to use it almost as comfortably as his base state. This transformation, coupled with his iconic blond hair, delighted fans eager to see him rise to this level.
Although his strength during the battle with Cell did not outmatch the villain’s at that time, this form paved the way for Gohan to unlock a game-changing transformation that would ultimately seal Cell’s fate.
2. Gohan Beast
A Distinctive and Formidable Transformation
- First Appearance: Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
In Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, Gohan’s character arc repeats itself, with the academically minded Saiyan neglecting his training once again. This regression left fans uncertain about how he would reclaim the spotlight.
Yet, Gohan’s unbounded potential allows him to unleash greater power when driven by strong emotions. This capability was dramatically illustrated when he witnessed his mentor fall to Cell Max, triggering the evolution of his Ultimate form into Gohan Beast. This new transformation, featuring striking red eyes and gray hair, echoes the heights of power he achieved during the Cell Saga.
1. Super Saiyan 2
The Original Attainer of This Legendary Form
- First Appearance: “Cell Juniors Attack!”(Episode 184 of Dragon Ball Z)
One of the most memorable moments in Dragon Ball Z is encapsulated in the scene where a bird flies across Gohan’s eyes, symbolizing the loss of his innocence. Following Android 16’s impactful words before his demise, Gohan embraced a more aggressive fighting style, unlocking the Ascended Super Saiyan form.
The visual of his electrifying hair surrounded by energy is among the most captivating in the series. Gohan quickly demonstrated his power, showcasing a clear advantage over Cell with just a single punch. Had Cell not returned as Super Perfect Cell, he would have faced a swift defeat at the hands of Super Saiyan 2 Gohan.