The Birth Of Saiyaman X: 5 Shocking Takeaways From Dragon Ball Super Chapter 104

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The landscape of the Dragon Ball Super manga has shifted dramatically in recent months, and as of today, December 19, 2025, the conversation is dominated by the release of Chapter 104. While fans worldwide were bracing for the next major arc following the conclusion of the Super Hero Saga, Toyotarō delivered a surprising, yet deeply nostalgic, one-shot story that serves as a 'prequel to a prequel,' focusing entirely on the origins of Goten and Trunks’ superhero alter-egos. Titled "The Birth of Saiyaman X," this chapter has successfully bridged the gap between major storylines, offering a fresh, character-driven narrative that is essential for understanding the current generation of Z Fighters.

This unexpected narrative choice—a dedicated short story instead of an immediate return to the main continuity—has sparked significant discussion. It’s a deliberate move to slow the pace, honor the legacy of the Great Saiyaman, and firmly establish the motivations of Goten and Trunks as they step into their roles as Earth’s newest, albeit most awkward, protectors. For a fandom conditioned to expect constant escalation, Chapter 104 is a welcome pause, rich with character development and subtle world-building.

"The Birth of Saiyaman X": A Deep Dive into Goten and Trunks' Superhero Origin

Dragon Ball Super Chapter 104, officially released on February 19, 2025, by Viz Media and Manga Plus, is a standalone story that fully commits to the Great Saiyaman legacy. Instead of continuing the epic battles with Frieza or exploring Goku and Vegeta's training, the chapter rewinds the clock to focus on the younger Saiyans. The entire narrative is dedicated to the moment Goten and Trunks, in their early teenage years, are inspired to become costumed crime-fighters, setting the stage for their roles as Saiyaman X1 and Saiyaman X2.

The chapter is a masterclass in lighthearted, character-focused storytelling, a style often overshadowed by the series' focus on cosmic power levels. It addresses a long-standing curiosity among fans: what exactly motivated these two young, powerful Saiyans to embrace the absurdity of superhero secret identities? The answer, as revealed, is a charming mix of teenage boredom, a desire for justice, and, most importantly, the enduring influence of Gohan’s original Great Saiyaman persona.

Key Biographical Profiles and Entities in Chapter 104

  • Goten (Son Goten): The second son of Goku and Chi-Chi, best friend of Trunks. In this chapter, he is portrayed as the more impulsive and enthusiastic of the duo, quickly embracing the superhero concept.
  • Trunks (Briefs): The son of Vegeta and Bulma. He is the more pragmatic and technologically-inclined partner, often using his intellect to devise the superhero gadgets and strategies.
  • Gohan (Son Gohan): The original Great Saiyaman. His exploits, particularly his early days of crime-fighting, are the primary inspiration for Goten and Trunks. The chapter subtly reinforces his role as a foundational hero.
  • Videl Satan: Gohan's wife and the daughter of Mr. Satan. Her early interactions and knowledge of Gohan's secret identity are referenced, adding depth to the Saiyaman lore.
  • Great Saiyaman: Gohan’s original, iconic superhero persona. The chapter is a direct continuation and homage to this concept, showing its generational impact.
  • Saiyaman X1 and Saiyaman X2: The new superhero identities adopted by Trunks and Goten, respectively. The 'X' signifies the next generation of the Saiyaman mantle.
  • Toyotarō: The artist and writer for the Dragon Ball Super manga, who penned this special one-shot, continuing the work established by the late Akira Toriyama.
  • Akira Toriyama: The original creator of Dragon Ball. The chapter is viewed by many as a tribute to his unique blend of action and slice-of-life comedy.

The Five Unexpected Revelations That Define Chapter 104

Chapter 104 is deceptively simple, but it contains several key thematic and narrative elements that elevate it beyond a mere filler story. These revelations are crucial for the future character development of Goten and Trunks.

1. Deconstructing the Secret Identity Trope

The most profound element of "The Birth of Saiyaman X" is its philosophical take on the superhero secret identity. The chapter includes a surprisingly deep discussion where the boys question the purpose of the mask. Why do heroes wear masks if their power levels make them virtually unstoppable? The answer provided—and the ultimate lesson for the young Saiyans—is that the secret identity isn't for concealing their power, but for separating their dangerous, world-saving lives from their mundane, school-attending ones. This adds a layer of maturity to what was once a purely comedic gimmick, giving weight to the Saiyaman mantle.

2. The True Extent of Gohan’s Influence

While Gohan is often critiqued by fans for prioritizing his family and career over training, this chapter re-establishes the incredible, positive influence he has on his family and friends. The mere legend of the Great Saiyaman is enough to inspire the two most powerful teenagers on Earth. The chapter shows Gohan’s legacy not through raw power, but through his commitment to protecting the weak and maintaining a double life, which the boys view as the height of cool and responsibility.

3. The Dynamic Between Saiyaman X1 (Trunks) and X2 (Goten)

The chapter solidifies the distinct personalities of the new superhero duo. Trunks (Saiyaman X1) is shown to be the strategist, using Capsule Corp technology and his inherent intelligence to create their costumes and gadgets. Goten (Saiyaman X2) is the heart of the operation, driven purely by the joy of helping people and the excitement of the chase. This clear division of roles—Brains and Brawn—is a refreshing change from their usual fused form, Gotenks, and promises more engaging interactions in the future.

4. A Calm Before the Storm Narrative Device

In the context of the larger Dragon Ball Super storyline, Chapter 104 serves as a deliberate "calm before the storm." Following the intense battles of the previous arc and the looming threat of major villains like Frieza, this short story allows the narrative to breathe. It’s a necessary palate cleanser that grounds the story back on Earth before inevitably launching into the next cosmic-level conflict. By focusing on street-level crime, Toyotarō reminds the audience what the Z Fighters are ultimately fighting to protect.

5. A Testament to Toyotarō’s Unique Vision

With the manga continuing under Toyotarō’s pen, "The Birth of Saiyaman X" is a strong statement on his ability to blend action with the slice-of-life comedy that defined much of the original Dragon Ball. The chapter confirms that the manga will continue to honor the foundational elements of the series while exploring new, character-centric avenues. It is a powerful sign that the future of Dragon Ball Super is not just about new transformations, but also about the emotional and personal journeys of its vast cast of characters.

The Future of the Dragon Ball Super Manga Post-Chapter 104

The release of Chapter 104, despite being a self-contained story, has significant implications for the future of the Dragon Ball Super manga. Its timing, following a brief hiatus and amidst a period of transition for the franchise, has positioned it as a crucial piece of world-building.

Firstly, it firmly establishes the Saiyaman X characters. This means that Goten and Trunks, as Saiyaman X1 and X2, are now officially part of the main continuity's ongoing narrative. Expect to see them utilize their superhero personas—and the unique gadgets that come with them—in future major arcs, perhaps even providing support in ways that their raw Saiyan power cannot.

Secondly, the chapter’s success in engaging fans with a non-action story suggests a willingness by the creators to explore different genres within the Dragon Ball universe. This opens the door for more character-focused short arcs or even dedicated side stories that flesh out other characters, such as Piccolo, Krillin, or even Bulma and the Capsule Corp’s technological advancements.

Finally, the chapter has successfully warmed up the audience for the inevitable return to the main storyline. The lighthearted tone is a deliberate contrast to the gravity of the potential next arc, which is heavily rumored to involve the long-awaited confrontation with Black Frieza and the exploration of new, god-tier transformations. "The Birth of Saiyaman X" is the perfect bridge, a moment of peace before the next great challenge that will test the limits of Goku, Vegeta, and the entire Z Fighter team.

The narrative choice to focus on this "prequel to a prequel" may have initially surprised the fanbase, but it ultimately delivered a meaningful, fresh, and deeply satisfying story that enriches the Dragon Ball lore. It proves that even after decades, the series can still deliver compelling content that isn't solely dependent on escalating power levels, ensuring the legacy of the Great Saiyaman lives on.

The Birth of Saiyaman X: 5 Shocking Takeaways from Dragon Ball Super Chapter 104
dragon ball super chapter 104
dragon ball super chapter 104

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