The burning question on every fan’s mind is: where’s the new Dragon Ball Super episode? To put it simply, there isn’t one currently airing. The anime series concluded its broadcast run in March 2018 with the finale of the Universal Survival Saga. However, the story is far from over, and the future of Dragon Ball Super is brighter than ever.
The End of an Era, the Dawn of a New One
The conclusion of the Universal Survival Saga left a significant void in the anime landscape. For over two years, fans were treated to weekly doses of Saiyan action, mind-bending transformations, and universe-threatening villains. The animation quality improved dramatically, the story arcs became more complex, and the fanbase grew exponentially. But all good things must come to an end, at least temporarily. So, what happened?
Behind the Scenes: The Reasoning for the Hiatus
Several factors contributed to the decision to put Dragon Ball Super on hiatus. The primary reason was to allow the manga series, illustrated by Toyotarou, to progress further ahead in the storyline. Animating directly from the manga source material ensures greater fidelity and consistency, preventing the anime from overtaking the source. This also provides more breathing room for the animation team to produce high-quality episodes without rushing.
Furthermore, Toei Animation, the studio responsible for Dragon Ball Super, likely wanted to avoid animation fatigue. Producing a high-quality anime series on a weekly basis is an incredibly demanding process. A break allows the animators, writers, and voice actors to recharge, refine their skills, and return with renewed energy and creativity.
The Dragon Ball Super Roadmap: Manga, Movies, and the Anime’s Future
While the anime is on hiatus, the Dragon Ball universe continues to expand through other mediums. The manga series, written by Akira Toriyama and illustrated by Toyotarou, continues to introduce new characters, techniques, and storylines. Additionally, the success of Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018) and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022) demonstrated the franchise’s continued popularity and profitability on the big screen.
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero – A Glimpse of What’s to Come
The “Super Hero” movie provided fans with a taste of what they can expect when the anime returns. The movie boasted stunning 3D CGI animation, a departure from the traditional 2D style of the series. While initial reactions were mixed, the CGI approach allowed for dynamic camera angles and intricate action sequences that would have been difficult to achieve with traditional animation. More importantly, the movie continued to develop the narrative, focusing on Gohan and Piccolo, expanding their power levels, and introducing new threats like the Red Ribbon Army.
Anticipating the Anime’s Return: Speculation and Timelines
Predicting the exact return date of the Dragon Ball Super anime is challenging. However, several factors suggest that a return is imminent. The manga is now significantly ahead of where the anime left off, providing ample material for several seasons. The immense popularity of the franchise ensures that Toei Animation will eventually capitalize on the demand for new episodes. While there is no official release date yet, most analysts believe a return in late 2024 or early 2025 is a realistic expectation, especially given the production lead time required for a series of this magnitude.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Dragon Ball Super hiatus, designed to address common concerns and provide clarity on the situation:
FAQ 1: Is Dragon Ball Super cancelled?
No, Dragon Ball Super is not cancelled. It is currently on hiatus, meaning that the production of new anime episodes has been temporarily paused.
FAQ 2: What is the current status of the Dragon Ball Super manga?
The Dragon Ball Super manga is ongoing and continues to introduce new story arcs and characters. It’s published monthly and serves as the source material for the anime’s potential future seasons.
FAQ 3: Will the Dragon Ball Super anime use CGI in the future, like in “Super Hero”?
While the “Super Hero” movie utilized CGI, it’s not confirmed whether the anime series will fully adopt this style. Toei Animation may opt for a hybrid approach, blending CGI with traditional 2D animation. The response to the CGI in “Super Hero” will likely influence their decision.
FAQ 4: What story arcs can we expect to see adapted in the next season of Dragon Ball Super?
Likely candidates include the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Arc (featuring Moro) and the Granolah the Survivor Arc, both of which are highly regarded in the manga and introduce powerful new antagonists.
FAQ 5: How can I stay updated on Dragon Ball Super news and announcements?
Follow official sources such as Toei Animation’s website and social media channels, as well as reputable anime news websites and forums. These sources will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.
FAQ 6: Where can I watch past episodes of Dragon Ball Super?
Dragon Ball Super is available for streaming on various platforms, including Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu. Availability may vary depending on your region.
FAQ 7: Will Dragon Ball Super ever surpass Dragon Ball GT in terms of popularity?
Dragon Ball Super has already arguably surpassed Dragon Ball GT in terms of overall popularity, due to its wider reach, improved animation quality, and significant contributions to the Dragon Ball lore.
FAQ 8: Will we see more transformations in the next season of Dragon Ball Super?
Given the history of the franchise, it’s highly probable that new transformations will be introduced. Expect Goku, Vegeta, and potentially other characters to unlock new levels of power. The manga has already hinted at some exciting possibilities.
FAQ 9: What is the difference between Dragon Ball Super’s manga and anime adaptations?
While both tell the same overarching story, there can be differences in pacing, character development, and certain plot details. The manga is considered the original source material, so the anime adaptation may sometimes deviate from it.
FAQ 10: Will characters like Gohan and Piccolo continue to be more prominent in the future of Dragon Ball Super?
The “Super Hero” movie strongly suggested a greater focus on Gohan and Piccolo, and their continued development as powerful fighters seems likely in future installments.
FAQ 11: Is there a possibility of other Dragon Ball series besides Dragon Ball Super?
Yes, it’s certainly possible. Given the franchise’s continued success, Toei Animation may explore spin-offs or entirely new series set within the Dragon Ball universe.
FAQ 12: How can I support the Dragon Ball franchise?
You can support the franchise by purchasing official merchandise, subscribing to streaming services that offer Dragon Ball Super, and buying the manga volumes. This helps to ensure the continued success and future of the series.
The Future is Bright
The hiatus of Dragon Ball Super may be disappointing for fans, but it is ultimately a strategic decision that will benefit the series in the long run. By allowing the manga to progress, providing the animation team with a well-deserved break, and exploring new animation techniques, Toei Animation is positioning Dragon Ball Super for a triumphant return. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements in the coming months, and prepare to be amazed when the next chapter of the Dragon Ball saga unfolds. The power levels are only going to climb higher.