Yes, Beast Gohan is officially canon within the Dragon Ball universe. This powerful new transformation, first introduced in the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero film, has since been integrated into the Dragon Ball Super manga, solidifying its place in the main continuity.
Understanding Canon in Dragon Ball
In the context of Dragon Ball, "canon" generally refers to the events, characters, and transformations that are part of the main story established by Akira Toriyama's original manga and its direct, ongoing continuation in the Dragon Ball Super manga. Material that appears exclusively in anime filler, non-manga movies, or spin-offs (like Dragon Ball GT) is typically considered non-canon unless later integrated into the manga.
The Arrival of Beast Gohan
Beast Gohan represents a monumental leap in Gohan's power, distinct from his previous Ultimate or Mystic form. It showcases his immense, untapped potential, stemming from his half-Saiyan heritage and unique nature. This form is characterized by its heightened power, striking visual changes—including elongated, spiked hair and red eyes—and a fierce, almost primal energy.
Why Beast Gohan is Canon
The defining factor that makes Beast Gohan canon is its appearance and subsequent development within the Dragon Ball Super manga. The manga is considered the primary and definitive source for the Dragon Ball Super storyline, with Akira Toriyama overseeing its content. His inclusion in this serialized comic confirms his official status within the narrative.
Here's a quick look at the canon status of some key transformations:
| Transformation Name | Canon Status | Primary Source |
|---|---|---|
| Super Saiyan | Canon | Dragon Ball Z Manga/Anime |
| Super Saiyan Blue | Canon | Dragon Ball Super Manga/Anime |
| Beast Gohan | Canon | Dragon Ball Super Manga |
| Super Saiyan 4 | Non-Canon | Dragon Ball GT (Anime-exclusive) |
| Legendary Super Saiyan (Broly) | Canon | Dragon Ball Super: Broly Movie (integrated into continuity) |
Significance of the Transformation
Beast Gohan's canonization has several key implications for the future of the Dragon Ball narrative:
- Gohan's Relevance: It firmly re-establishes Gohan as a top-tier fighter, capable of standing alongside Goku and Vegeta in terms of raw power. This addresses a long-standing desire among fans to see Gohan reclaim his potential.
- New Power Dynamics: The introduction of Beast Gohan shifts the power landscape, suggesting that unique, individualized transformations might become increasingly important, rather than a singular path for all Saiyans.
- Unexplored Potential: This form opens doors for further exploration of Gohan's abilities and his role in future conflicts, solidifying his unique fighting style and approach to power.
The integration of Beast Gohan into the Dragon Ball Super manga unequivocally confirms its place in the official continuity, making it a pivotal and canonical aspect of Gohan's journey.
