The Saiyan from Earth "I Won't Let You Get Away With This"
The scene that changed the world of animation forever.
Goku, the Saiyan from Earth, finally transforming into the legend that is the Super Saiyan. During a battle of catastrophic proportions with arch-nemesis Frieza, the gentle but jacked-up warrior finally snaps after best friend, Krillin, is brutally murdered [for the second time in the series!]. This then becomes the catalyst for one of the most spine-tingling, fist pumping, and nail-biting scenes that would shape a generation of want-to-be golden hair overpowered fighters.
First airing in Japan on June 19th 1991 as the long-awaited 95th episode, the titled ‘Transformed At Last!’ finally blessed the screens of Dragon Ball Z fans, and would later do the same in America on October 18th 1999. Since then, we have seen a plethora of transformations from the Saiyans in the series, but none will ever come close to the original. A phenomenon for television, this moment sparked the excitement and imagination in countless lives as they watch a mixture of anger and emotion emblazon their favourite Z fighter, transforming him into the first Super Saiyan in over 1000 years.
In the original Japanese version of the transformation, it has a more sinister feel to it with an ominous soundtrack which made the transformation feel darker, and more rage induced which in ways aligns more with the traditional Saiyan characteristics. This would later be tuned down slightly in the English version. The soundtrack, accompanied by beautiful animation and the always incredible voice acting from Ryūsei Nakao (Frieza) creates raw emotion and tension within the scene.
What follows this scene is an epic battle between Goku and Freiza, one that many call the most iconic battle in Anime history, which spans across 10 episodes finally concluding the infamously known longest fight in shonen anime history (19 episodes in total! –You have to love that snail pace DBZ story development)
