Dragon Ball’s Most Overlooked Super Saiyan Form Returns in DC Artist’s New Project

Over the years, Dragon Ball has given Goku several memorable transformations, but Super Saiyan 3 remains one of the most distinctive. Despite its incredible debut during the Majin Buu Saga, the form has gradually lost attention as newer transformations have taken over. Now, acclaimed DC artist Dan Mora has brought it back into the spotlight with a stunning new illustration for the charitable Kameko Cosplay Cards project.

Goku SSJ 3 para KAMEKO COSPLAY CARDS, son un proyecto benéfico que apoya a la Asociación Vida sin Barreras, contribuyendo a mejorar la vida de niños y familias que lo necesitan. https://t.co/2caarSL3wj

— Dan Mora (@Danmora_c) November 3, 2026

Mora’s artwork celebrates one of Akira Toriyama’s most recognizable designs while adding the artist’s own comic-book touch. It has also reminded fans why SSJ3 deserves considerably more appreciation than it receives today.

Dan Mora Gives Dragon Ball‘s Super Saiyan 3 Goku a Stunning New Look

Dan Mora has built a strong reputation through his work on DC titles such as Batman/Superman: World’s Finest and Superman. His artwork often blends traditional comic-book visuals with manga-inspired expressions and dynamic action. That combination works surprisingly well with Goku’s Super Saiyan 3 design.

The illustration captures Goku’s long golden hair, fierce expression, and intimidating appearance without losing the original character design created by Toriyama. SSJ3 is an unusually difficult transformation to draw because its exaggerated features can easily look awkward. However, Mora finds the right balance between his own style and the familiar look that Dragon Ball fans love.

Fans have also been sharing their excitement on social media. Several praised Mora for respecting Toriyama’s original designs while maintaining his own artistic identity. Others called the illustration peak artwork and expressed interest in seeing him draw an entire Dragon Ball series. Considering how naturally his style fits Goku, that reaction is understandable.

@Danmora_c WOAH THIS LOOKS AMAZING https://t.co/N9W8v0CGE9

— Kokonutz | FORTUNE’S WEAVE (@z_kokonut) November 3, 2026

@Danmora_c Se ve increíble https://t.co/XAoHk78Ty5

— Yugideshi (@Yusei_Stardust5) November 3, 2026

@Danmora_c Dan and DBZ! Match made in heaven. Love it.

— MrName (@ThisName2211) November 4, 2026

@Danmora_c Now you gotta do Trunks or Teen Gohan https://t.co/FEuOkMWloM

— Prime (@Primarilylost) November 4, 2026

Meanwhile, the artwork is part of Kameko Cosplay Cards, a trading card initiative that brings together professional cosplay photography and original illustrations from guest artists. What makes the initiative even more special is its charitable purpose. The project supports Asociación Vida sin Barreras, an organisation working to improve the lives of children and families facing difficult circumstances, including health challenges.

Why SSJ3 Remains One of Dragon Ball‘s Most Overlooked Forms

Super Saiyan 3 has always had something that separates it from Goku’s other transformations. When he first revealed the form during the Majin Buu Saga, his appearance changed dramatically. His hair grew down to his waist, his eyebrows disappeared, and his facial features became noticeably fiercer.

The transformation also had one of the most memorable introductions in Dragon Ball Z. Goku’s enormous energy release shook the surrounding environment, creating earthquakes and violent weather. It was a spectacular demonstration of how far he had progressed since first becoming a Super Saiyan.

Interestingly, Akira Toriyama himself discussed how extravagant the transformation had become while explaining the design of Super Saiyan God in a 2013 interview (via Kanzenshuu).

I made it by taking Super Saiyan, which I’d made flashy up through ‘3’, and paring it down to the absolute limit.

Akira Toriyama in Weekly Shonen Jump Interview Series – Super Long Interview!! Please Tell Us, Akira Toriyama-sensei!!

The creator’s comment explains why Super Saiyan God looks so different from its predecessors. While SSJ3 represented the increasingly elaborate direction of Goku’s transformations, the red-haired form deliberately moved towards a simpler design. Unfortunately, SSJ3 also came with a serious weakness. The transformation consumes enormous amounts of energy, making it difficult to maintain for long periods.

Its performance against Majin Buu did not help its reputation either. Despite the impressive power increase, Goku failed to finish off Buu, and the form was gradually pushed aside as stronger transformations entered the story. Super Saiyan God, Super Saiyan Blue, and Ultra Instinct eventually took centre stage, leaving SSJ3 with fewer opportunities to shine.

However, its lack of victories does not make it any less memorable. Its dramatic design and incredible debut remain among the highlights of Goku’s journey. Mora’s new illustration is a welcome reminder of that. Super Saiyan 3 might not be Goku’s most practical transformation anymore, but it remains one of his coolest.

So, what do you think of Dan Mora’s take on Super Saiyan 3 Goku, and would you like to see him illustrate more Dragon Ball characters? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.