Dragon Ball After Super: What's Next For The Z Fighters?
Hey Dragon Ball fans! The big question on everyone's mind is: What comes after Dragon Ball Super? We all love Goku, Vegeta, and the whole Z gang, and the end of Dragon Ball Super left a void in our anime-loving hearts. So, let's dive into everything we know, what's rumored, and what we can realistically expect from the future of the Dragon Ball franchise.
The Current State of Dragon Ball
First off, let's address the elephant in the room. Dragon Ball Super concluded its anime run in March 2018, but that wasn't the end of the Dragon Ball story. The manga series, also titled Dragon Ball Super, has continued under the creative guidance of Akira Toriyama and illustrated by Toyotaro. This is super important because the manga has been consistently ahead of the anime, introducing new characters, storylines, and transformations that haven't yet been animated. Think of it as the main source material currently driving the Dragon Ball narrative forward. The manga is essential for understanding where the series is heading.
Dragon Ball Super Manga: Continuing the Saga
The Dragon Ball Super manga has given us some fantastic arcs, including the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Arc featuring the powerful Moro, and the Granolah the Survivor Arc, which introduces a new level of power and complexity to the Dragon Ball universe. These arcs are not just filler; they're adding significant layers to the characters and their abilities. For example, the Granolah arc explores themes of revenge, justice, and the consequences of seeking ultimate power. It also introduces new concepts like the Heeters and their nefarious plans, which keep Goku and Vegeta on their toes. Reading the manga is like getting a sneak peek into the future of Dragon Ball, giving us clues about potential storylines that could be adapted into anime form. Plus, Toyotaro's art style is fantastic, staying true to Toriyama's original designs while adding his own flair.
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero Movie
We also got the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero movie, which was released in 2022. This movie was a big deal because it featured a completely new animation style, using 3D CGI. While it was a bit of a departure from the traditional 2D animation, it brought a fresh look to the series and allowed for some dynamic and visually stunning fight scenes. The movie focused on Gohan and Piccolo, giving them a chance to shine and develop their powers further. Gohan's new Beast form and Piccolo's Orange Piccolo transformation were major highlights, showing that there's still plenty of room for growth and innovation in the Dragon Ball universe. The movie's success proves that Dragon Ball is still relevant and capable of surprising us with new and exciting content. It also sets the stage for future storylines that could explore these new transformations and characters in more depth. So, while we're waiting for a new series, the movie helps keep the Dragon Ball flame alive!
Rumors and Speculations
Now, let's get to the fun part – the rumors! The internet is always buzzing with speculation about a new Dragon Ball series. There have been whispers about a potential adaptation of the Moro and Granolah arcs, which, as we discussed, are already well-established in the manga. These arcs are packed with action, new villains, and significant character development, making them perfect candidates for an anime adaptation. Imagine seeing Moro's magic abilities and Granolah's incredible power brought to life with the animation quality of Dragon Ball Super. It would be epic!
Will There Be a Dragon Ball Super Season 2?
Another popular rumor is the possibility of Dragon Ball Super Season 2. Given the popularity of the series and the continued success of the manga, it seems like a no-brainer. Many fans are eagerly waiting for an official announcement, hoping to see Goku and Vegeta continue their training and face even stronger opponents. The end of Dragon Ball Super left many plot threads unresolved, such as the mystery surrounding the other universes and the potential return of powerful enemies from the past. A second season could explore these storylines and introduce new ones, keeping the Dragon Ball saga fresh and exciting. Plus, with the introduction of new characters and transformations in the manga, there's plenty of material to work with. So, while we don't have any official confirmation yet, the possibility of Dragon Ball Super Season 2 is definitely something to keep an eye on. Fingers crossed!
Dragon Ball Daima: The Newest Installment
Get hyped, Dragon Ball fans! A brand new anime series called Dragon Ball Daima has officially been announced and is set to release in Fall 2024! The legendary Akira Toriyama himself is heavily involved in the project, crafting the original story, settings, and character designs. What makes Daima especially intriguing is that Goku and his friends are transformed into smaller, younger versions of themselves, embarking on a journey in a mysterious and unknown world. This opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for the series, blending the classic Dragon Ball action with a fresh, adventurous twist. Toriyama's direct involvement ensures that the series will stay true to the core values and spirit of Dragon Ball while also delivering something unique and unexpected. Dragon Ball Daima is poised to be a significant addition to the franchise, and fans around the world are eagerly awaiting its arrival. Keep an eye out for more updates as we get closer to the release date!
What to Realistically Expect
Okay, so while we're dreaming of new series and epic battles, it's important to be realistic. Anime production takes time. A lot of time. From planning and writing to animation and voice acting, there are countless steps involved. Plus, the team behind Dragon Ball wants to make sure that whatever they release is up to the high standards that fans expect. Rushing a new series would be a disservice to the franchise and its dedicated fanbase.
Factors Influencing a New Dragon Ball Series
Several factors influence the decision to create a new series. First and foremost is the success of the manga. If the manga continues to perform well and generate interest, it increases the likelihood of an anime adaptation. Second, the popularity of the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero movie plays a role. Its success demonstrates that there is still a strong demand for Dragon Ball content. Finally, the availability of Akira Toriyama is crucial. His involvement is essential for maintaining the quality and consistency of the series. Considering all these factors, it's reasonable to expect that a new Dragon Ball series is on the horizon, but it's going to take time and careful planning.
How Long Does Anime Production Take?
Let's talk about the anime production timeline. On average, a single episode of anime can take anywhere from several months to over a year to produce. For a full season, that timeline can stretch even longer. This includes scriptwriting, character design, storyboarding, animation, voice recording, and post-production. Given the complexity and scale of Dragon Ball, the production time is likely to be on the longer side. This means that even if a new series is greenlit today, it could still be a year or two before we see it on our screens. So, patience is key, my friends! In the meantime, we can enjoy the manga, re-watch our favorite episodes of Dragon Ball Super, and keep an eye out for official announcements.
Staying Updated
So, how do you stay in the loop with all the latest Dragon Ball news? The best way is to follow official sources. Keep an eye on the official Dragon Ball website, social media accounts, and news outlets that specialize in anime and manga. These sources will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information about new series, movies, and merchandise. Be wary of rumors and unconfirmed reports from unofficial sources. While speculation can be fun, it's important to distinguish between what's real and what's just wishful thinking. By staying informed and relying on credible sources, you can ensure that you're always in the know about the future of Dragon Ball.
Official Dragon Ball Resources
Here are some essential resources for staying updated on all things Dragon Ball:
- Official Dragon Ball Website: This is your go-to source for news, announcements, and information about the franchise.
- Social Media: Follow official Dragon Ball accounts on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for real-time updates.
- Anime News Sites: Reputable anime news sites like Anime News Network and Crunchyroll News provide comprehensive coverage of the anime industry, including Dragon Ball.
- Manga Publishers: Keep an eye on the websites and social media accounts of manga publishers like Viz Media for updates on the Dragon Ball Super manga.
By utilizing these resources, you can stay informed and be among the first to know about any new developments in the Dragon Ball universe.
Conclusion
So, is there a new Dragon Ball series after Super? The answer is a resounding YES! With Dragon Ball Daima on the horizon and the ongoing success of the manga and the Super Hero movie, the future of Dragon Ball looks bright. While we wait for more official announcements, we can enjoy the existing content, speculate about what's to come, and continue to celebrate the series that we all love. Keep training, keep watching, and keep the spirit of Dragon Ball alive! And remember, the adventure never truly ends as long as we keep believing in the power of Saiyans!