Special Beam Cannon in Dragon Ball Powers
In the world of Dragon Ball, few attacks carry as much weight, precision, and storytelling impact as the Special Beam Cannon. Known by its Japanese name Makankōsappō (also written as Makankosappo), this technique is more than just another flashy ki blast—it is a carefully crafted combat technique designed for one purpose: to end fights decisively.
Created by Piccolo, this iconic attack reflects everything that defines the dragon ball powers system—strategy, energy manipulation, and relentless power development. Whether seen in Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super, or even Dragon Ball GT, the move has evolved across anime, manga, and even non-canon filler scenes produced by Toei Animation, based on the work of Akira Toriyama.
This article explores the Special Beam Cannon from a deeper angle—not just what it is, but why it matters in the grand scheme of shonen anime, where fighting style, attack evolution, and advanced ki techniques define the strongest warriors.
What is Special Beam Cannon?
The Special Beam Cannon is a high-level ki technique created by Piccolo, a Namekian warrior with deep roots in both strategy and discipline. Unlike simple energy waves, this attack focuses on high penetration, making it one of the most effective piercing attacks in the entire Dragon Ball universe.
It was originally designed to defeat Son Goku (Goku), showing that even before the arrival of major threats like the Saiyan warriors, the stakes were already deadly.
Key traits:
- A precise energy beam
- Built through intense energy concentration
- Designed for enemy piercing rather than explosion
- Known for delivering a fatal blow or even a one-shot kill
How Special Beam Cannon Works
The execution of the Special Beam Cannon is unique and instantly recognizable.
Technique Breakdown
- The user places two fingers on the forehead (finger technique, forehead stance, hand gesture)
- Begins energy buildup through controlled ki control
- Focuses into a focused blast
- Fires a dual beam attack
Beam Structure
- One straight beam
- One spiral beam wrapped around it
- The spiral creates a beam rotation, forming an energy drill
This combination results in:
- Armor piercing
- Defense bypass
- Extreme destructive power
The attack follows a clear beam trajectory, guided by a natural targeting system, ensuring high combat effectiveness.
Power, Speed, and Mechanics
The Special Beam Cannon is a perfect example of how power scaling works in Dragon Ball.
Power Factors
- Longer charge time = higher energy output
- Better ki reserve = stronger result
- Skilled energy control = higher blast efficiency
Speed and Debate
- Sometimes described as reaching the speed of light
- In some cases, implied to be faster than light
- Actual attack speed varies depending on the user
Weakness
- High vulnerability during attack preparation
- Long exposure time
- Leaves user open to counterattacks
This balance makes it a powerful but risky combat strategy.
First Use in Dragon Ball
The first major use happened during the Saiyan arc against Raditz, a powerful Saiyan warrior.
- First attempt: Missed, but damaged battle armor
- Raditz detected its strength using a scouter
- Second attempt: A perfect Full-Nelson Special Beam Cannon
In this moment:
- Goku held Raditz in a full nelson
- Piccolo fired the attack
- Result: Both were killed instantly
This moment defined the move as a true lethal attack.
Key Variations of Special Beam Cannon
Over time, different forms of the move appeared.
- one-handed attack
- two-handed attack
- Kamehameha-like version
- uncharged attack
- blue energy beam
- green energy beam
- yellow beam
- purple spiral
These variations show how the move adapts with power level, ki scaling, and user skill.
Special Beam Cannon in Dragon Ball Z
During Dragon Ball Z, the move appears in many battles:
- Against Nappa
- Training with Gohan
- Used during the Cell Games
- Against Cell, including Imperfect Cell and Perfect Cell
- Used by Cell Juniors
- Appears in battles with Super Buu and Buutenks
Locations and arcs include:
- Gingertown
- Hell
The move also appears in multi-form technique situations and cloning technique training.
Special Beam Cannon in Dragon Ball Super
In Dragon Ball Super, the technique evolves further:
- Used against Frost in the Tournament of Destroyers
- Appears in the Tournament of Power
- Used to eliminate Saonel and Pilina from Universe 6
- Copied by Seven-Three using copy ability
- Later used by Moro after absorption
This era highlights:
- Advanced energy channeling
- Higher damage scaling
- Greater combat effectiveness
Special Beam Cannon in Dragon Ball GT
In Dragon Ball GT, the move returns in unexpected ways:
- Used by Cell in Hell
- Appears during fights involving Goku
Though non-canon, it still shows how iconic the attack is.
Special Beam Cannon in Movies
The move appears in several films:
- Against Turles
- Used to defeat Salza
- Helps against Bojack
- Used against Shisami
- Blocked by Gamma 2 using Android Barrier
- Final battle against Cell Max
In one of the most powerful scenes:
- Beast Gohan uses it
- Clashes with explosive scream
- Ends with a massive explosion impact
Characters Who Can Use Special Beam Cannon
Main Users
- Piccolo
- Son Gohan, including Future Gohan and Super Saiyan 2 Gohan
- Beast Gohan
Other Users
- Cell, Cell Juniors
- Super Buu, Buutenks
- Seven-Three
- Moro
Supporting Characters
- Krillin, Vegeta, Android 17, Android 18
- Appear during team attack or support situations
Organizations:
- Galactic Patrol
Other appearances:
- Garlic Jr., Pikkon, Beerus, Vados, Demigra, Baby Gohan
Special Beam Cannon in Video Games
The move is widely used in games:
- Budokai Tenkaichi 3
- Shin Budokai Another Road
- Raging Blast 2
- Super Butoden 2
- Xenoverse 2
- Dokkan Battle
- Dragon Ball Legends
- Dragon Ball Fusions
- Supersonic Warriors 2
Platforms:
- PlayStation 2
- Nintendo Wii
These games expand:
- attack animation
- fighting mechanics
- Special Move Arts
Combo Attacks Related to Special Beam Cannon
The move is often combined into powerful combo attack systems:
- Masenko
- Masenko Beam Cannon
- Master and Disciple Special Beam Cannon
- Meteor Impact
- Demon Cannon
- Evil Shot
- Burst Rush
- Meteor Combination
- One-Handed Kamehameha
These also involve:
- fusion
- transformation
Special Beam Cannon vs Other Dragon Ball Attacks
Compared to moves like:
- Kamehameha
- Masenko
The Special Beam Cannon stands out due to:
- Superior armor destruction
- Focused blast radius
- High energy drill effect
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Extreme high penetration
- Effective defense bypass
- High chance of fatal blow
- Strong energy output
Weaknesses
- Long charge time
- High vulnerability
- Risk of exhaustion
- Heavy stamina drain
Legacy and Popularity
The Special Beam Cannon remains one of the strongest techniques in the series.
It represents:
- A true signature move
- A defining martial arts technique
- A legendary iconic anime attack
Its influence spans:
- canon
- non-canon
- Games
- Films
- Every era of Dragon Ball
Conclusion
The Special Beam Cannon is not just another attack—it is a symbol of precision, strategy, and raw power. From its origin in the Saiyan arc to its modern use in Dragon Ball Super, it has remained relevant through constant attack evolution.
Whether used by Piccolo, Gohan, or even enemies like Moro, it continues to define what makes Dragon Ball combat so compelling: balance between power, risk, and skill.
