Since Akira Toriyama’s passing in March 2024,Dragon Ball Super’s future has been entirely unknown. Every few weeks, a new rumor will swirl about the series' potential return or cancellation, only to fizzle out with more silence from Shueisha and Toei Animation. It’s unknown what will come of either the anime or manga,but there have been glimmers of hope.
TheDragon Ball Supermanga has retained its spot in theV Jumplineup despite the long break, whileanime producer Akio Iyokuhas stated on several occasions that he and the anime staff are working diligently to figure out where to take the series next. Chances are thatDragon Ball Superwill return to screens, and when it does, it needs to do one thing a little differently.
It’s Time For Dragon Ball Super to Adapt Its Manga
The Series' Source Material Continued Far Beyond the Anime’s Conclusion
TheDragon Ball Superanime wasn’t exactly what fans' rose-tinted glasses would lead them to believe it was. The series struggled mightily for a large portion of its run, failing to deliver consistent, high-quality visuals. It wasn’t untilthe Tournament of PowerthatDragon Ball Superreally came into its own, but after the thrilling climax of the arc, it ended.
However, the manga’s version of events extended far beyond Android #17’s ever-important, universe-saving victory,and introduced new all-new arcs that have remained exclusive to its pages. Though the anime wasn’t exactly done, with two highly successful theatrical films released in 2018 and 2022, neither made use of the source material.
Both the Moro and Granolah arcs introduce key developments and transformations into the series that fans have all but spent the last seven years begging to see brought to screens. And, in some ways, the Toriyama and Toyotarou-spearheaded version ofDragon Ballfar surpasses what Toei has done with the franchise in recent years.
Toei Animation’s handling ofDragon Ballhasn’t been bad by any stretch of the imagination, but before they take the reins of a potential return forDragon Ball Super, it’s past time for the manga to be put to animation.
With the anime-original one-offDaimain the rearview mirrorand Toriyama no longer able to oversee the series, there’s no better time forDragon Ball Superto adapt what story it already has available at its fingertips. When that’s all finished, the artist’s successor is the best choice to oversee what comes next.
Toyotarou’s Dragon Ball Is the Future
There’s No Better Choice Than Toriyama’s Successor to Oversee the Franchise
Toei has done well withDragon Ballin their limited productions sinceSuperended.Dragon Ball Super: Brolyis one of the all-time best entries in the franchise, whileSuper Herooffered an incredibly enjoyable experience, despite the sudden Gohan transformation in its finale.Dragon Ball Daimabrought along a similarly worthwhile adventure that expanded on franchise lore.
A common theme between all of them is thatAkira Toriyama was heavily involved in their productions. Before Toei decides to venture off on their own, the best course of action would be to explore his already completed Moro and Granolah arcs, and move into the future with input from Toyotarou acting as a guiding light.
ThoughSuper’s illustrator has yet to work on an officialDragon Ballproduction without its original creator, he is the artist who has worked closest with him over the last decade.Toriyama also hand chose Toyotarouas his successor, claiming that he was the one creator who could draw and panel the most like him.
His work has spoken for itself even without Toriyama by his side, asDragon Ball Super’smost recent one-shot chapter, released this past February, adequately captured the tone of the series, despite Toyotarou crafting it solely from notes and drafts left behind. Wherever the franchise goes from here, it’s time for Shueisha and other execs to see what Toyotarou can do, rather than leave it in the hands of Toei.
What Might Dragon Ball Super Have In Store?
The Series Has a Ton of Excitement In Store
If all goes right, andDragon Ball Super’s return to screens covers the missing arcs from the manga,fans will be in for a treat. The magic-heavy, mystery-laden confrontation with Moro sees some of the series' best action yet, as well as some important character development from Vegeta and a new technique used by Goku.
The Granolah arc features the prince’sall-new Ultra Ego form, once again allowing him to stand on relatively equal footing with Goku. Bardock also makes a highly important appearance, giving fans a rare look into Goku’s origins, as well as what the fan-favorite Saiyan was up to before the destruction of Planet Vegeta.
The arc ends with thedevastating arrival of Black Frieza, who proves himself far stronger than any of Earth’s greatest defenders. Beyond that point, anything can happen, but the series has now assembled a dream team of fighters including Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, Piccolo, and Broly, all of whom are powerful enough to make serious contributions in battle.
Toei Animation’s handling ofDragon Ballhasn’t been bad by any stretch of the imagination, but before they take the reins of a potential return forDragon Ball Super,it’s past time for the manga to be put to animation. From there, Toyotarou should have built up enough trust to lead the franchise on his own.
Regardless of the direction the series takes, however, fans would be happy enough just to seeDragon Ball Superreturn.
Dragon Ball Super
Cast
Dragon Ball Super is an anime series set after Majin Buu’s defeat. It follows Son Goku, now a radish farmer, as peace prevails until Beerus, the God of Destruction, appears. Seeking to challenge a legendary warrior, the series revisits events from two Dragon Ball Z films before exploring alternate universes.
