Dragon Ball Super: Unpacking the Latest Episode & What’s Next

The latest “Dragon Ball Super” episode, as of this writing, does not exist. “Dragon Ball Super” concluded its anime run in March 2018 with episode 131, titled “A Miraculous Conclusion! Farewell, Goku! Until We Meet Again!” While the anime series is currently on hiatus, the franchise continues through its manga adaptation and the “Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO” movie.

Where Did Dragon Ball Super Leave Off?

Understanding the current state of “Dragon Ball Super” requires a brief recap of where the anime concluded. Episode 131 marked the end of the Tournament of Power, a multi-universe battle royale orchestrated by Zeno and Future Zeno to test the strength of the universes. The losing universes were to be erased, but ultimately, Universe 7, led by Goku, emerged victorious thanks to Android 17’s selfless wish on the Super Dragon Balls. This wish restored all the erased universes, effectively saving countless lives.

The final episodes focused heavily on Goku’s mastery (or lack thereof) of Ultra Instinct, a godly technique that allows him to react and move without conscious thought. Although he achieved the incomplete form of Ultra Instinct -Sign- multiple times, he ultimately attained the complete form in the final battle against Jiren. However, using this power proved incredibly taxing on his body.

The ending also showed the budding rivalry between Goku and Vegeta reaching a new level, promising further training and battles to come. While the anime concluded on a hopeful note, it left many questions unanswered and hinted at numerous possibilities for future stories.

The Dragon Ball Super Manga: A Continuing Saga

While the anime is on hiatus, the “Dragon Ball Super” manga continues to be published, and it has moved far beyond the events of the Tournament of Power. The manga, illustrated by Toyotarou, has introduced entirely new arcs and characters that haven’t been adapted into animated form. These arcs include:

  • The Galactic Patrol Prisoner Arc (Moro Arc): This arc introduces Moro, an ancient and powerful sorcerer who can absorb energy from planets and living beings. Goku and Vegeta are forced to confront this formidable foe, pushing their limits even further. This arc heavily features the Galactic Patrol and introduces new techniques for Goku, like perfecting Ultra Instinct.
  • The Granolah the Survivor Arc: This arc centers on Granolah, a Cerealian who seeks revenge against the Saiyans for their role in the destruction of his planet. He makes a wish on the Dragon Balls to become the strongest being in the universe, leading to a clash with Goku and Vegeta who are seeking to surpass their limits with the help of Beerus and Whis. This arc also delves deeper into the Saiyan and Cerealian history, introducing new powerful enemies and transformations.

These arcs are significant because they provide fresh content and continue the “Dragon Ball Super” story in a meaningful way. Many fans anticipate that these manga arcs will eventually be adapted into an anime season, but there’s no official confirmation of that yet.

The Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO Movie

The “Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO” movie, released in 2022, offers another continuation of the Dragon Ball Super story. While not a traditional episode, it’s a significant addition to the canon. The movie focuses on Gohan and Piccolo as they face a newly reformed Red Ribbon Army and their powerful Androids, Gamma 1 and Gamma 2.

Goku and Vegeta are mostly absent, training with Whis and Beerus on Beerus’s planet. This allows Gohan and Piccolo to take center stage and showcase their own impressive power-ups. The movie introduces Gohan Beast, a new and incredibly powerful transformation for Gohan, and Orange Piccolo, a new form for Piccolo granted by Shenron after a wish was made to unlock his potential.

The film’s events are considered canon and have been integrated into the ongoing “Dragon Ball Super” storyline. It demonstrated the continued popularity of the franchise and its willingness to explore new characters and storylines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dragon Ball Super

Here are 12 frequently asked questions about the current status of “Dragon Ball Super,” addressing common points of confusion and providing clarity on the franchise’s future.

When Will Dragon Ball Super Season 2 Be Released?

Unfortunately, there is no official release date for Dragon Ball Super Season 2. While the manga continues to be published, and the “SUPER HERO” movie was a success, no announcement has been made regarding the anime’s return. Speculation and rumors abound, but it’s best to rely on official announcements from Toei Animation for reliable information.

What’s the Difference Between the Dragon Ball Super Anime and Manga?

The anime and manga of “Dragon Ball Super” generally follow the same core storyline, but there can be differences in pacing, character development, and even certain plot points. The manga often progresses the story faster than the anime did, and in some cases, it includes details or scenes not present in the anime adaptation. The current manga arcs (Moro and Granolah) are currently anime-exclusive.

Is Gohan Beast Stronger Than Goku?

The power scaling in Dragon Ball can be notoriously inconsistent. However, according to the creators and in the context of the “SUPER HERO” movie, Gohan Beast is portrayed as being on par with or even surpassing Goku and Vegeta in their current forms at that specific point in the timeline. The exact power level comparison is a matter of debate, but Gohan Beast is undoubtedly one of the strongest characters in the Dragon Ball universe.

Will the Moro Arc and Granolah Arc Be Animated?

This is highly likely, but not confirmed. Given the popularity of these arcs in the manga and the overall success of the “Dragon Ball Super” franchise, it’s reasonable to expect that Toei Animation will eventually adapt them into anime form. However, the timing remains uncertain.

What Happened to Ultra Instinct?

Goku continues to use and refine Ultra Instinct in the manga. During the Granolah arc, Goku shows that he is now able to access and control the Perfected Ultra Instinct form consistently. He utilizes it as a tactical option rather than a last-ditch, unsustainable measure.

What Is Ultra Ego?

Ultra Ego is Vegeta’s godly form, a counterpart to Goku’s Ultra Instinct. It’s a technique taught to him by Beerus and is powered by Vegeta’s Saiyan pride and battle lust. It involves embracing destruction and becoming stronger as he takes damage.

Is Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan (SSGSS) Still Relevant?

While new transformations like Ultra Instinct, Ultra Ego, and Gohan Beast have emerged, Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan (also known as Super Saiyan Blue) remains a viable transformation for both Goku and Vegeta. They can still use it and combine it with other techniques or states of mind for different combat advantages.

What Is The Red Ribbon Army’s Goal in Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO?

The Red Ribbon Army, under the leadership of Magenta and Dr. Hedo (Dr. Gero’s grandson), seeks revenge against Goku and the other Z Fighters for their past defeats. They aim to create powerful Androids to surpass even Goku and conquer the world.

Where Can I Watch Dragon Ball Super Officially?

“Dragon Ball Super” (the original anime series) is available to stream on several platforms, including Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu. Check your local listings for availability in your region. To legally read the manga, consider purchasing volumes from retailers such as Amazon or subscribing to services like Viz Media’s Shonen Jump app.

What Order Should I Watch The Dragon Ball Series In?

A recommended order is: Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT (optional, as it’s non-canon), Dragon Ball Super, then the Dragon Ball Super movies (“Battle of Gods,” “Resurrection ‘F’,” and “SUPER HERO”).

Will Dragon Ball Super Ever End?

While the “Dragon Ball Super” anime is currently on hiatus, the franchise as a whole shows no signs of stopping. The manga continues to progress, new movies are being produced, and the demand for Dragon Ball content remains high. It’s safe to assume that Dragon Ball will continue in some form for the foreseeable future.

What are some good Dragon Ball Super fan theories?

Many fan theories circulate, including those suggesting new transformations, the return of old villains, and the exploration of previously unrevealed aspects of the Dragon Ball universe. One popular theory concerns the further development of characters such as Uub and his potential integration into the main storyline. These theories often spark exciting discussions and add to the franchise’s enduring appeal.

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