The Dragon Ball Super: Broly movie marked a pivotal moment in the Dragon Ball universe, solidifying Broly as a canon character and ushering in a new era of power scaling. But what followed this groundbreaking cinematic event? The answer lies in the transition from movies back to serialized storytelling and the hints dropped about future arcs within the Dragon Ball canon.
The Granolah the Survivor Arc: The Official Sequel
The direct continuation of the Dragon Ball Super story post-Broly movie is the Granolah the Survivor Arc, which played out in the Dragon Ball Super manga. While an anime adaptation is highly anticipated, it currently exists only on the page. This arc significantly expanded the Dragon Ball universe, introducing new powerful characters and complex narrative threads.
This arc is not merely a rehash of old tropes. It presents a character, Granolah, who, driven by the genocide of his race by the Saiyans and Freeza’s forces, seeks ultimate power to exact revenge. This pursuit leads him to make a deal with the Heeters, an organization rivaling Freeza’s empire. The arc explores themes of revenge, the burden of power, and the cyclical nature of violence. Goku and Vegeta, having achieved new forms and techniques, must confront a foe fueled by intense hatred and a wish granted by the Dragon Balls to become the “strongest in the universe.” This wish, however, comes with its own limitations and drawbacks, leading to a more nuanced and strategic battle than simply overpowering the opponent.
Super Hero and Beyond: Hints of the Future
While the Granolah arc is the direct sequel in the manga, the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero movie exists somewhat parallelly in the timeline. This movie features Gohan and Piccolo as the central protagonists, showcasing their character development and unlocking new transformations. Super Hero also introduces Gamma 1 and Gamma 2, powerful Androids created by the Red Ribbon Army, now led by Commander Magenta and Dr. Hedo.
The significance of Super Hero lies in its potential to foreshadow future events. The movie subtly hints at further exploration of Gohan’s untapped potential and the continued evolution of Piccolo’s power through his Orange Piccolo form. Furthermore, the reemergence of the Red Ribbon Army suggests a continued thread that might weave its way into future arcs. Importantly, the creation of Cell Max, while ultimately defeated, demonstrates the continued pursuit of power and technological advancement within the Dragon Ball universe, potentially leading to even more dangerous artificial life forms. The movie’s conclusion leaves the door open for a potential rematch, or a new threat entirely inspired by Cell Max’s existence. The presence of Pan and her training under Piccolo also hint at the next generation’s growth and their eventual role in protecting the Earth.
The Anime’s Return: When and What?
The biggest question on the minds of Dragon Ball fans is undoubtedly the return of the Dragon Ball Super anime. While there’s no official confirmed date, the immense popularity of the franchise and the wealth of material provided by the Granolah arc and Super Hero movie make its return inevitable. Rumors and leaks circulate constantly, but reliable sources suggest that production is underway, with a likely release sometime in the near future (potentially 2025-2026).
The anime adaptation will likely cover the Granolah the Survivor arc first, bridging the gap between the end of the Tournament of Power and the events of Super Hero. This would provide context for Gohan’s renewed focus on training and the overall shift in the power balance of the universe. The Super Hero arc could then be adapted either as a separate season or integrated into the main storyline. The animation style and overall tone will likely evolve, potentially incorporating elements from the Super Hero movie’s CGI animation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Is Dragon Ball Super Finished?
No, Dragon Ball Super is not finished. While the anime concluded with the Tournament of Power, the story continues in the Dragon Ball Super manga, and a new anime adaptation is highly anticipated.
FAQ 2: What is the next arc after the Tournament of Power in the manga?
The next arc is the Granolah the Survivor Arc, which introduces Granolah, a Cerealian seeking revenge against the Saiyans and Freeza’s forces.
FAQ 3: Will the Granolah arc be animated?
It is widely expected that the Granolah the Survivor Arc will be adapted into an anime. The manga’s popularity and the demand from fans make it a near certainty.
FAQ 4: Is Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero canon?
Yes, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is canon, supervised and approved by Akira Toriyama himself.
FAQ 5: What new transformations appear after the Broly movie?
The post-Broly era introduces several new transformations, including Ultra Ego Vegeta (in the manga), Gohan Beast (in Super Hero), and Orange Piccolo (in Super Hero).
FAQ 6: Who are the Heeters?
The Heeters are a powerful organization seeking to control the universe through manipulation and strategic alliances. They are major antagonists in the Granolah the Survivor Arc.
FAQ 7: What is the significance of Cell Max?
Cell Max, while ultimately defeated, demonstrates the continued threat of artificial life forms and the Red Ribbon Army’s persistent pursuit of power. He serves as a warning about the dangers of unchecked technological advancement.
FAQ 8: What is Ultra Ego?
Ultra Ego is Vegeta’s God of Destruction transformation, which he achieves through training with Beerus. It grants him immense power but also relies on taking damage to become stronger, demanding precise control.
FAQ 9: What is Gohan Beast?
Gohan Beast is Gohan’s awakened potential form, unlocking a previously unseen level of power. This transformation is triggered by emotional turmoil and represents a culmination of his training and latent abilities.
FAQ 10: Why did Gohan become so strong in Super Hero?
Gohan’s strength in Super Hero stems from his rediscovering his love for fighting and dedication to protecting his family. He focused on unlocking his inner potential, leading to his powerful new transformation.
FAQ 11: Does Broly appear in the Granolah arc or Super Hero?
As of the current manga storyline (beyond the Granolah arc) and the Super Hero movie, Broly has not reappeared, but his power is acknowledged, and his potential involvement in future arcs remains a possibility. His training with Goku and Vegeta after the Broly movie suggests a path towards further integration into the Z-Fighters.
FAQ 12: What are the main themes explored in the post-Broly era?
The post-Broly era delves into themes of revenge, legacy, the burden of power, the consequences of unchecked ambition, and the importance of self-discovery. It emphasizes character development beyond simply achieving new power levels and explores the complexities of morality in a universe constantly threatened by destruction.