Dragon Ball Fans Slam New Super Saiyan 4 Goku Official Artwork

The Dragon Ball franchise is facing backlash online after the reveal of a new Super Saiyan 4 Goku illustration, created for the upcoming Dragon Ball Store Tokyo, which opens on November 14 to mark the series’ 40th anniversary. The artwork, reportedly drawn by an unnamed artist, will appear alongside other Goku designs decorating the store’s staircase, but fans aren’t impressed with this one in particular.

【⏰オープンまであと4日⏰】

店内ではこちらのイラストの超サイヤ人4(DAIMA)の悟空が立像で登場予定✨
オープン後はぜひ店舗で実物をご覧ください！#ドラゴンボールストア #DRAGONBALLSTORE pic.twitter.com/NZujgOxvas
— DRAGON BALL STORE TOKYO (@DB_STORE_info) November 9, 2025

The complaints aren’t just from English-speaking fans, as Japanese fans have voiced similar reactions. “Dragon Ball is a popular work all over the world… I don’t know why they cut corners on the illustrations,” one comment read. Another fan added, “The proportions are terrible. Please hire better artists.” Some even said the illustration “makes Dragon Ball look lame” and that it diminished their interest in visiting the store or buying merchandise. Some even think the artwork looks like it is AI-generated.

DRAGON BALL STORE TOKYOの新規描き下ろしぽい悟空たち

特に身勝手と超サイヤ人4かっこいい！ pic.twitter.com/9Tju3z2EEs
— ゲルニカ (@guernicass4) November 7, 2025

Dragon Ball Store Tokyo outside visuals feat. Goku in different forms! pic.twitter.com/rMe6clmGOF
— Hype (@DbsHype) November 7, 2025

Close-up shot of Goku and Shenron statue from Dragon Ball Store! pic.twitter.com/TvpLlLivml
— Hype (@DbsHype) November 13, 2025

Other artworks from the same artist, including one featuring Super Saiyan Blue Goku, have also drawn criticism for awkward poses and off-model anatomy. Despite the controversy, the Dragon Ball Store Tokyo is expected to attract large crowds. The store will feature exclusive merchandise and themed interiors recreating the world of Dragon Ball, offering what’s being marketed as a “special experience” for fans.

Whether this minor uproar affects the store’s opening reception remains to be seen, but for a fandom as detail-obsessed as Dragon Ball’s, even a misplaced muscle can lead to heated debates.

For more on Dragon Ball, check out how to watch the Dragon Ball series in order including the series, sagas, and movies.

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