The first episode of Dragon Ball Super (ドラゴンボール超, Doragon Bōru Sūpā) aired on July 5, 2015, in Japan. This marked the return of the beloved franchise after an 18-year hiatus following the conclusion of Dragon Ball GT.
A New Era Begins: Dragon Ball Super’s Genesis
The return of the Dragon Ball franchise was a momentous occasion for fans worldwide. After years of spin-offs, video games, and re-releases, the announcement of a brand-new anime series featuring Goku and his friends was met with feverish excitement. Dragon Ball Super not only continued the saga but also introduced new characters, powerful deities, and compelling storylines that resonated with both veteran viewers and a new generation of fans.
The Legacy of Akira Toriyama
One of the key elements contributing to the success of Dragon Ball Super was the continued involvement of Akira Toriyama, the creator of the original Dragon Ball manga. While not directly animating the series, Toriyama was credited with the original concept and character designs, ensuring that the show remained true to its roots while exploring new and exciting territories. His influence is evident throughout the series, from the introduction of the God of Destruction Beerus to the multi-dimensional Tournament of Power.
Toei Animation’s Production
Toei Animation, the studio behind the original Dragon Ball anime, spearheaded the production of Dragon Ball Super. While the series experienced some initial animation inconsistencies that drew criticism from some viewers, Toei Animation eventually addressed these concerns, and the show’s animation quality progressively improved throughout its run. Their dedicated team of animators, directors, and voice actors worked tirelessly to bring Toriyama’s vision to life, captivating audiences with dynamic fight sequences and heartwarming character moments.
Delving Deeper: Dragon Ball Super FAQs
To further expand on the launch and impact of Dragon Ball Super, let’s address some frequently asked questions.
H3: FAQ 1: What Time Did the First Episode Air in Japan?
The first episode of Dragon Ball Super, titled “Peace Reward – Who Will Get the 100,000,000 Zeni?!” aired in Japan at 9:00 AM JST on Fuji TV.
H3: FAQ 2: Was Dragon Ball Super Broadcast Internationally?
Yes, Dragon Ball Super was eventually broadcast internationally. Funimation acquired the rights to stream and dub the series in North America, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand. Other international distributors also picked up the series for broadcast in various regions around the world.
H3: FAQ 3: Where Can I Watch Dragon Ball Super Legally Now?
Dragon Ball Super is readily available on several streaming platforms. Some of the most popular options include Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu, and Adult Swim (Toonami). Availability may vary based on your region. It is always recommended to watch the series through legitimate sources to support the creators and avoid copyright infringement.
H3: FAQ 4: What Story Arc Did the First Episode Kick Off?
The first few episodes of Dragon Ball Super cover the “Battle of Gods” arc, which adapts the events of the 2013 Dragon Ball Z film of the same name. This arc introduces Beerus, the God of Destruction, and Whis, his attendant, who are searching for the Super Saiyan God.
H3: FAQ 5: How Many Episodes Does Dragon Ball Super Have in Total?
Dragon Ball Super consists of a total of 131 episodes. The series concluded its broadcast on March 25, 2018, with the epic conclusion of the Tournament of Power arc.
H3: FAQ 6: Will There Be More Episodes of Dragon Ball Super?
While Dragon Ball Super’s anime series concluded in 2018, the franchise continues through the Dragon Ball Super manga, which is written by Akira Toriyama and illustrated by Toyotarou. There have also been two feature films released since the anime’s conclusion: Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018) and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022). Whether the anime will return with a new season remains unconfirmed, but the ongoing manga and films keep the franchise alive.
H3: FAQ 7: How Did the Initial Animation Quality Affect the Show?
The initial animation quality of Dragon Ball Super was met with mixed reactions. Some episodes featured noticeably inconsistent art styles and animation errors, leading to criticism from fans. However, Toei Animation acknowledged these concerns and made significant improvements to the animation quality as the series progressed.
H3: FAQ 8: What New Characters Were Introduced in Dragon Ball Super?
Dragon Ball Super introduced a plethora of new characters, including:
- Beerus: The God of Destruction
- Whis: Beerus’s attendant and martial arts master
- Champa: Beerus’s twin brother and God of Destruction of Universe 6
- Vados: Champa’s attendant
- Zamasu: A Kaioshin apprentice who plays a significant role in the Future Trunks arc
- Goku Black: A mysterious and powerful antagonist
H3: FAQ 9: What New Transformations Were Introduced in Dragon Ball Super?
Dragon Ball Super expanded the power scale significantly, introducing new transformations such as:
- Super Saiyan God: A divine transformation achieved through a ritual involving five Saiyans with righteous hearts.
- Super Saiyan Blue (Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan): A transformation combining the power of Super Saiyan God with the Super Saiyan form.
- Ultra Instinct: A technique that allows the user to react and move without conscious thought, achieved by Goku during the Tournament of Power.
H3: FAQ 10: What is the Tournament of Power?
The Tournament of Power is a multi-dimensional battle royale involving eight universes, each represented by a team of ten warriors. The universes deemed to be weaker are erased from existence, making the stakes incredibly high. The Tournament of Power arc is a pivotal point in Dragon Ball Super, showcasing the incredible power levels of various characters and introducing new concepts.
H3: FAQ 11: How Does Dragon Ball Super Connect to Dragon Ball GT?
Dragon Ball Super retcons the events of Dragon Ball GT. It’s considered a direct sequel to Dragon Ball Z, effectively ignoring the storyline and characters introduced in GT.
H3: FAQ 12: What is the Significance of the 100,000,000 Zeni in the First Episode?
The 100,000,000 Zeni is a reward Mr. Satan received for “saving the world” after the events of the Majin Buu saga. The money is meant to be distributed amongst the Z Fighters, but the episode focuses on the characters’ various spending habits and financial situations, serving as a lighthearted introduction to the new series. It also re-establishes the characters’ personalities and everyday lives before the arrival of Beerus and the commencement of new cosmic threats.
A Lasting Impact
Dragon Ball Super has undoubtedly left a significant mark on the anime landscape. Its revival of the Dragon Ball franchise has reignited passion among long-time fans and introduced the series to a new generation of viewers. While the future of the anime remains uncertain, the ongoing manga, feature films, and the enduring legacy of Goku and his friends guarantee that the spirit of Dragon Ball will continue to thrive for years to come. The series solidified itself as a cornerstone of modern anime, proving that even after decades, the Saiyan saga still has plenty of power to unleash.