Dragon Ball Super concluded its broadcast run with episode 131, “A Miraculous Conclusion! Farewell, Goku! Until We Meet Again!”, which aired on March 25, 2018. While there isn’t a current weekly episode airing, the series continues through manga chapters and upcoming projects like the Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO movie sequel.
The End of the Tournament of Power and Beyond
The Dragon Ball Super anime culminated in the Tournament of Power, a multiversal battle royale where the losing universes faced erasure. Episode 131 served as the grand finale, showcasing Goku and Frieza teaming up to defeat Jiren of Universe 11 and secure Universe 7’s survival. The episode offered a bittersweet ending, with Goku realizing the power of teamwork and the vastness of the multiverse, leaving fans eager for more. While the anime series ended, the Dragon Ball story continues to unfold in other formats.
The Immediate Aftermath
Following the intense battles of the Tournament of Power, episode 131 provided a sense of closure while simultaneously hinting at future adventures. The episode focused on the friendship and respect forged between the various characters, particularly Goku and his rivals. The ending subtly suggested that the characters’ training and journeys were far from over, leaving the door open for new challenges and transformations.
Where the Story Lives On
While new episodes of the original Dragon Ball Super anime aren’t currently being produced, the narrative continues in two primary forms: the Dragon Ball Super manga and subsequent movies like Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO. The manga has advanced beyond the events of the anime, introducing new arcs and characters, and is a vital source of ongoing Dragon Ball stories. The SUPER HERO movie picks up threads and characters introduced after the anime finale.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dragon Ball Super
Here are some frequently asked questions that delve deeper into the Dragon Ball Super universe and its current status:
1. Will There Ever Be More Dragon Ball Super Episodes?
The future of the Dragon Ball Super anime is uncertain. While there haven’t been any official announcements regarding a new season, the continued popularity of the franchise and the ongoing manga strongly suggest that it’s a matter of “when,” not “if.” Production challenges and strategic decisions regarding the franchise’s direction likely influence the timing of a potential return.
2. What Is the Dragon Ball Super Manga About?
The Dragon Ball Super manga, written by Akira Toriyama and illustrated by Toyotarou, picks up where the anime left off. It explores new story arcs, including the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Arc and the Granolah the Survivor Arc. These arcs introduce powerful new villains and push Goku and Vegeta to new levels of strength.
3. Is the Dragon Ball Super Manga Canon?
The canonicity of the Dragon Ball Super manga is a complex topic. While Akira Toriyama is credited with the original story concepts, the manga and anime often diverge in their plot details and character portrayals. Most fans consider both the anime and manga as separate but related continuities, each representing a valid interpretation of the Dragon Ball Super story.
4. Where Can I Read the Dragon Ball Super Manga?
The Dragon Ball Super manga is available in various formats. You can purchase physical copies of the manga from bookstores and online retailers. Digital versions are also available through platforms like Viz Media’s Shonen Jump app and other digital manga services.
5. What Is Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO About?
Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO is the second film in the Dragon Ball Super series. The film focuses on the revival of the Red Ribbon Army and their creation of powerful androids, Gamma 1 and Gamma 2. Gohan and Piccolo play central roles in defending the Earth against this new threat, achieving new transformations and power-ups.
6. Is Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO Considered Canon?
Yes, Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO is considered canon to the overall Dragon Ball Super storyline. Akira Toriyama was heavily involved in the film’s production, contributing to the story, character designs, and overall direction. The events of the film are expected to be referenced and incorporated into future Dragon Ball stories.
7. Where Can I Watch Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO?
Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO is available to rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play Movies. Physical copies of the Blu-ray and DVD are also available for purchase. The availability may vary depending on your region.
8. What New Transformations Were Introduced After the Tournament of Power?
Both the manga and the SUPER HERO movie introduced new transformations. In the manga, Vegeta achieved Ultra Ego, a form that embraces destruction and relies on taking damage to grow stronger. In SUPER HERO, Gohan unlocks Gohan Beast, a powerful and unique transformation that surpasses even Goku’s Ultra Instinct.
9. What Is Ultra Ego?
Ultra Ego is Vegeta’s latest transformation, achieved during the Granolah the Survivor Arc in the Dragon Ball Super manga. This form is based on the Hakai energy of Destruction Gods. It allows Vegeta to become stronger by taking damage and embracing his destructive instincts.
10. What Is Gohan Beast?
Gohan Beast is a new form unlocked by Gohan in Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO. It’s a unique transformation that draws upon Gohan’s latent potential and is said to be stronger than Goku’s Ultra Instinct. It is visually characterized by its silver hair and red eyes.
11. Are There Any Dragon Ball Super Video Games?
Yes, there are several Dragon Ball Super video games. Popular titles include Dragon Ball FighterZ, Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, and Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, which features elements from the Dragon Ball Super storyline. These games allow players to experience the iconic battles and characters of the Dragon Ball universe.
12. What’s Next for the Dragon Ball Franchise?
The future of the Dragon Ball franchise remains bright. While the anime’s return is unconfirmed, the continued success of the manga, the release of Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO, and the ongoing development of new video games suggest that more Dragon Ball content is inevitable. Fans can anticipate new stories, characters, and transformations in the years to come, ensuring the legacy of Dragon Ball continues to thrive.