Super Saiyan 2 Gohan Transformation: Settling the Score

One scene, but two contrasting philosophies, both shaped the same iconic moment. Let's explore how.

You're here because you love Dragon Ball Z's musical score, and you want to hear, see and feel the scene when Gohan's latent potential is finally unleashed in its full glory, but do you know the version you are looking for?

The English version made by Bruce Faulconer

Or the Original Japanese version scored by Shunsuke Kikuchi.

Fans may have never directly compared the two musical scores of one of the most beloved scenes in all fandom, Gohan's Epic SSJ2 Transformation. One scene takes us down two different emotional paths using the same visuals. The version you grew up with heavily influences your nostalgia and may instinctively put you off the other musical score. I'm here to tell you how both excel in their own ways.

My story intends to provide you with a clear reference point to contrast the musical styles. You should be able to enjoy the moments with the videos below. If not official releases can be found in many places. The trouble is finding which music you grew up with.

"The Tragedy of No. 16!! Super Gohan's Anger Explodes"

Just as the title says, Android 16 meets a tragic end, breaking Gohan and leading him to realise his latent potential. But his rage does not immediately explode. Android 16's last words resonate with Gohan, and depending on the score, you might have felt yourself steadily pumping up, or grieving alongside him.

The physical pacing of the moment is slow and thoughtful, but what is the music doing?

Depending on where you're from it's either pulsing towards a mind shattering crescendo, or you are sitting devastated, suspended in musical ambiguity.

One Scene, Two Ideas

Gohan's Super Saiyan 2 transformation gives us a clean example of the contrasting styles of Dragonball Z's music. long term fans of the series are probably familiar with the name Shunsuke Kikuchi, he lead the music from the earliest days of Dragonball.

The biggest difference (that becomes glaringly obvious) is the use of tension. Kikuchi's music is suspended in moments. The music hits a beat late and stretches into the next moment. You hear the world around the characters and feel like you're in their shoes. The music garnishes the scene, almost like gossamer. Long moments that do not inform the viewer of what's about to happen, but respond with the audience.

Shunsuke Kikuchi keeps restraint on the scene and lets emptiness build tension. Trusting the audience is on the same emotional trip and does not need to be guided. The original Japanese is less of a super power up, and more the ending of youth.

When the music does come, it doesn't race forawrd it signs along with Gohan, and we lose our innocence together.

Kikuchi trusted the audience and the audience and the music arrived at the moment together.

The English broadcast featured a score provided by Bruce Faulconer, and it is truly iconic. The music is constantly driving forward. Even in this scene where Gohan is devastated Faulconer doesn't let off the musical gas pedal.

Drums and synths pulse, with only brief moments of stillness. When I went back to watch and enjoy this moment, I will be honest and say the music from the original Japanese confused me. It wasnt what I expected. So what made Faulconer's music so iconic? Well, what is working is the forward momentum. It constantly drives the viewer, demanding escalation of emotions. It does not allow you to have time to think. It demands immediacy, and that is such a great companion for Dragon Ball Z.

But this Gohan isn't coming of age the same way. Both are broken by the loss of 16, but Faulconer puts Gohan in a pressure cooker until he explodes off our screen.

Its strength is the directness and clarity it gives the audience.

So, with Faulconer we have an abundance of music filling the space, and with Kikuchi, we have silence put to a purpose.

I would hesitate to say one is better or the other is wrong, but they are a very curious example of parallel worlds.

One that lives in discomfort and silence as a way of emotional expression, and the other that lives by sustaining momentum.

That's why they feel like two different moments. Even with the exact same animation and story. One is a door into someone's heart, the other is a train roaring to the station.

This moment is the absolute perfect comparison. Not only is the moment iconic, but it's rich in emotion and consequences. The scene is not driven by a fight sequence leaving the audio front and center ready to be analysed.

Ok so let SETTLE THE SCORE

If the musical score you remember is constantly driving you down the hill like a SemiTruck on a mountain, you likely grew up with Faulconer and the English dub.

If the was quiet yet emotionally heavy to the point you felt uncomfortable right until it finally turned triumphed. You were listening to the score made by Kikuchi

I love how it's the same story, but that different emotional truths are revealed.

This is not a weakness in the DBZ legacy. It shows how broad the story has reached.