Dragon Ball Super concluded its broadcast run in March 2018, making the most recent episode, episode 131, “A Miraculous Conclusion! Goodbye, Goku! Until We Meet Again!” the “latest” aired episode. However, the Dragon Ball Super saga continues through manga chapters and film releases, extending the narrative beyond the original TV series finale.
Where the Anime Left Off: The Tournament of Power
Episode 131: The End of an Era (For Now)
Episode 131 provides a satisfying, albeit bittersweet, conclusion to the Tournament of Power arc. Focusing heavily on Android 17’s sacrifice and subsequent revival, the episode showcases the true spirit of the Z Fighters and their unwavering determination to protect the universe. We witness Goku, Frieza, and Android 17 uniting to finally defeat Jiren, a feat that ultimately allows Android 17 to be revived using the Super Dragon Balls. The episode serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of selflessness and teamwork, key themes throughout the Dragon Ball franchise.
The episode ends with the universes restored, a newfound respect between the gods of destruction, and the promise of future adventures. Goku and Vegeta remain driven to become even stronger, hinting at the challenges yet to come. While leaving many viewers wanting more, episode 131 effectively concludes the initial Dragon Ball Super anime series.
Beyond the Anime: Dragon Ball Super’s Continued Story
While the anime concluded with the Tournament of Power, the Dragon Ball Super story didn’t end there. The manga, illustrated by Toyotarou under the supervision of Akira Toriyama, continues the narrative, exploring new arcs and characters beyond what was shown on television.
The Moro Arc
Following the Tournament of Power, the manga introduced the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Saga, better known as the Moro Arc. This arc features Moro, a powerful sorcerer who escapes from the Galactic Prison and seeks to absorb the energy of planets to regain his youth and power. This arc shows Goku and Vegeta struggling against an entirely different type of threat, forcing them to explore new techniques and strategies.
The Granolah the Survivor Arc
Currently, the Dragon Ball Super manga is delving into the Granolah the Survivor Arc. This arc introduces Granolah, a Cerealian survivor seeking revenge against the Saiyans and Frieza Force for the destruction of his planet. This arc has seen Goku and Vegeta unlocking new transformations and grappling with the complex moral implications of their past actions. The Granolah Arc introduces complex world-building and moral ambiguity not frequently seen in the Dragon Ball franchise.
The Super Hero Arc
The most recent Arc in the Dragon Ball Super Universe is the Super Hero Arc. Set after the events of the Granolah arc, Gohan and Piccolo train together in preparation for a new threat from the Red Ribbon Army, who have created new androids named Gamma 1 and Gamma 2, who they believe are superheroes. Goku and Vegeta are training with Whis on Beerus’s planet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dragon Ball Super
1. Will Dragon Ball Super ever return with new episodes?
While there is no official confirmation of a Dragon Ball Super anime return date, hope remains high amongst fans. The manga continues to progress the story, providing ample material for a new season. The success of films like “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” and “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero” also demonstrates the ongoing popularity of the franchise, making a future anime revival a strong possibility.
2. Where can I watch Dragon Ball Super?
Dragon Ball Super is available on various streaming platforms, including Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu. These platforms often offer both subbed and dubbed versions of the episodes.
3. Is Dragon Ball Super canon?
Yes, Dragon Ball Super is considered canon within the Dragon Ball universe. Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, is heavily involved in the series’ creation, overseeing the story and character designs.
4. What’s the difference between the Dragon Ball Super anime and manga?
The anime and manga follow the same general storyline, but they often diverge in certain details. For example, the anime may include filler episodes or scenes not present in the manga. Additionally, the manga often explores plot points and character development more deeply.
5. What is the power scaling like in Dragon Ball Super?
Power scaling in Dragon Ball Super has been a topic of much debate among fans. The introduction of God Ki and new transformations like Super Saiyan God, Super Saiyan Blue, and Ultra Instinct has significantly increased the power levels of Goku and Vegeta, making them capable of battling opponents far stronger than anything seen in previous Dragon Ball series.
6. What is Ultra Instinct?
Ultra Instinct is a state of being where the body moves and reacts on its own, without the need for conscious thought. It allows the user to achieve incredible speed and power, making them nearly untouchable. Goku is the first mortal to achieve this state consistently.
7. Who is Beerus?
Beerus is the God of Destruction of Universe 7. He is incredibly powerful and often serves as a mentor and rival to Goku and Vegeta. His role in the story is often as a motivating factor for Goku and Vegeta to grow stronger.
8. What are the Super Dragon Balls?
The Super Dragon Balls are a set of seven planet-sized dragon balls capable of granting any wish. They were used in the Tournament of Power to restore the destroyed universes.
9. Who is Jiren?
Jiren is a powerful warrior from Universe 11 who served as the primary antagonist of the Tournament of Power. He is known for his incredible strength and unwavering dedication to justice.
10. What is the Galactic Patrol?
The Galactic Patrol is an intergalactic law enforcement organization dedicated to protecting the universe from threats. Characters like Jaco the Galactic Patrolman are members.
11. What are some of the new transformations introduced in Dragon Ball Super?
Dragon Ball Super introduces several new transformations, including Super Saiyan God, Super Saiyan Blue (Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan), Super Saiyan Blue Evolution, and Ultra Instinct. Each transformation grants the user significantly increased power and abilities.
12. Where can I find the Dragon Ball Super manga?
The Dragon Ball Super manga is available in physical and digital formats from various retailers, including Viz Media, Amazon, and comiXology. You can also find it on the Shonen Jump app.
The Future of Dragon Ball Super
While the anime remains on hiatus, the Dragon Ball Super universe continues to expand through the manga and films. The ongoing story promises exciting new developments, characters, and challenges for Goku, Vegeta, and the Z Fighters. Fans eagerly await the return of the anime, hopeful that it will adapt the exciting storylines currently unfolding in the manga and explore new frontiers within the ever-expanding Dragon Ball saga. The legacy of Dragon Ball continues, captivating audiences worldwide with its action, humor, and heartfelt storytelling.