No evidence here establishes that Super Saiyan was copied from Super Sonic—or that Super Sonic was copied from Super Saiyan. The public timeline points the other way: Super Saiyan is generally dated to 1991, before Super Sonic’s debut in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 in 1992. That makes influence from Super Saiyan chronologically possible, but chronology alone cannot prove borrowing or intent.
Which form appeared first?
Super Saiyan came first in public chronology, according to the dates available. A 2025 PC Gamer article dates Super Saiyan’s debut to 1991. The Dragon Ball Official Site’s chronology includes a 1992 entry labeled “Super Saiyan, Son Goku,” but that entry does not give a manga chapter or exact first-publication date. The sources therefore differ in precision: 1991 is a secondary chronology claim, while the official chronology result cited here only specifies 1992.
SEGA dates Sonic the Hedgehog 2 to November 21, 1992 in Japan. Its official manual gives November 21 for Japan and November 24 for the US and Europe. Super Sonic is associated with that game, so his game debut followed the commonly reported 1991 Super Saiyan debut.
Does that mean Super Sonic copied Super Saiyan?
No. The sequence makes influence possible, but it is not proof of copying. A claim that one form is a “rip-off” needs evidence about development or creator intent, not just an earlier date or a resemblance. The sources available here do not provide a reliable direct statement from a responsible creator saying Super Sonic was designed as a copy of Super Saiyan.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Dragon Ball Evolve delivers a high-quality figure created to look exactly like your favorite character from the popular anime series, Dragon Ball Super
- Each character in the Evolve series is approximately 5 inches tall with 27 points of articulation!
- Dragon Ball Super Evolve figures are so authentic and realistic you can recreate the epic battles and favorite moments from the anime
- Look for more characters from the Evolve series and grow your collection
- Ages 4+
That distinction matters: “came first” is a claim about chronology; “was inspired by” is a claim about influence; “ripped off” implies copying. The public dates support the first claim, but do not establish the latter two.
What the dates do—and don’t—tell us
- Debut chronology: Super Saiyan is generally dated to 1991 in secondary reporting; the official Dragon Ball chronology entry cited here is labeled 1992 without an exact publication date. Super Sonic is associated with Sonic the Hedgehog 2, released in Japan on November 21, 1992.
- Visual design: A visual comparison may prompt the question, but resemblance by itself does not establish a source or prove copying.
- Transformation and function: Those are separate comparison points, but the sources cited here do not establish enough detail to support a close account of their mechanics or story roles.
- Creator intent: No verified, attributable statement from Akira Toriyama, Yuji Naka, or another directly responsible creator answering the specific influence question is established by these sources.
Where to check the release dates
SEGA’s Sonic Origins page lists both the original Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and gives their Japanese release dates as July 26, 1991 and November 21, 1992, respectively. SEGA’s official Sonic the Hedgehog 2 manual lists November 21, 1992 for Japan and November 24, 1992 for the US and Europe. The Dragon Ball Official Site chronology includes the 1992 “Super Saiyan, Son Goku” entry; it should not be read as an exact first-publication date.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Anime-Inspired Warrior Figure Set:This action figure set includes 6 or 8 unique warrior-style characters, inspired by classic anime martial arts themes, each featuring dynamic poses and expressive details for collectors and fans.
- Compact Size for Display:Each figure measures approximately 7.8inches tall, made from durable PVC material, suitable for shelves, desks, display cabinets, or small figure collections.
- Dynamic Energy Style Design:Designed with spiky hair, battle-ready stances, and energy-inspired details, these figures capture the spirit of anime combat scenes without referencing any specific franchise.
- Great for Display & Party Use:Ideal as desk decor, cake toppers, party favors, or collectible displays, also suitable for themed events, birthdays, and anime-style decorations.
- Gift-Ready Collectible Set:A fun gift choice for anime fans, figure collectors, teens, and adults, suitable for holidays, birthdays, or as a starter figure set for new collectors.
Rank #2
- Bandai’S Exciting Dragon Ball Super Evolve 5-Inch Figure: Fans And Collectors Of All Ages Will Be Thrilled By This 5-Inch Figure That Allows Them To Step Into The World Of Dragon Ball Super
- Design Inspired By Popular Anime Tv Series: Bandai’S Dragon Ball Super Evolve Figure Is So Authentic And Realistic You Can Recreate The Epic Battles And Favorite Moments From The Tv Show
- Amazing Articulation And Realistic Details: These High-Quality, Well-Crafted 5-Inch Scale Figures Have Over 16 Points Of Articulation And Are Perfect For Pose, Play Or Display
- A Whole Dragon Ball World At Home: Fans Can Find More Dragon Ball Evolve Figures And Collect Them All To Build Their Own Complete Dragon Ball World, Exclusively From Bandai. (Each Figure Sold Separately)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
