The latest installment of the Dragon Ball universe, in its consistent official animation and broadcast form, is complex because of ongoing projects and varied release schedules. While there isn’t a currently airing Dragon Ball animated series, the latest episode that continued the main storyline within the official Dragon Ball Super canon is episode 131, “A Miraculous Conclusion! Farewell, Goku! Until We Meet Again!”, which concluded the Tournament of Power arc.
Where We Stand Now: The State of the Dragon Ball Universe
The Dragon Ball franchise has a long and storied history, evolving from its humble beginnings to a global phenomenon. To understand the current situation, it’s essential to acknowledge the different facets of the universe, including the original Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT (non-canon), Dragon Ball Super, and ongoing manga adaptations. The anime adaptation of Dragon Ball Super concluded some time ago, but the manga continues, expanding on the story beyond the Tournament of Power. Currently, the theatrical films like Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero have taken the lead in continuing the narrative.
Beyond the Anime: Manga and Movie Adaptations
The Dragon Ball Super manga, written by Akira Toriyama and illustrated by Toyotarou, continues to explore new storylines and characters, diverging from the anime adaptation in several key areas. This includes different power scaling, new techniques, and distinct plot points. Recent chapters have focused on the Granolah the Survivor Arc and the current Super Hero Arc, adaptations of the films of the same name.
The movies, such as Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, represent another important aspect of the evolving narrative. These films introduce new transformations, characters, and conflicts that reshape the Dragon Ball universe. The latest film focuses heavily on Gohan and Piccolo, giving them a chance to shine while Goku and Vegeta are away training.
FAQs: Your Burning Dragon Ball Questions Answered
To provide a comprehensive understanding of the current Dragon Ball landscape, here are some frequently asked questions:
FAQ 1: Is Dragon Ball Super coming back?
The demand for a continuation of the Dragon Ball Super anime is immense. While there’s no officially announced release date for a new season, consistent rumors and insider reports suggest that the anime will eventually return. Production delays and strategic decisions about when to adapt the latest manga arcs are potential factors influencing the timeline. Stay tuned to official announcements from Toei Animation and related sources for confirmation. The strong financial performance of recent Dragon Ball media suggests a return is highly probable.
FAQ 2: What happened after the Tournament of Power?
Following the Tournament of Power, the Dragon Ball Super manga continued the story with the Granolah the Survivor Arc, where Goku and Vegeta confront a powerful new enemy seeking revenge on the Saiyans. This arc significantly expands on the lore of the Saiyans and introduces new characters and power-ups. The Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero film then adapts the same-named story from the manga, showcasing Gohan and Piccolo’s power growth and their battles against the Red Ribbon Army’s new Androids.
FAQ 3: Is there a new Dragon Ball movie coming out?
As of now, there is no confirmed release date for a new Dragon Ball movie beyond Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. However, given the success of the previous films, it’s highly likely that new movies will be produced in the future, continuing the Dragon Ball storyline. Keep an eye on official announcements from Toei Animation for any potential new movie releases.
FAQ 4: Where can I watch Dragon Ball Super?
Dragon Ball Super is available on various streaming platforms, including Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu. You can also purchase digital copies of the series on platforms like Google Play and iTunes. Make sure to check your local availability.
FAQ 5: What are the latest power levels in Dragon Ball Super?
Power levels are rarely explicitly stated in Dragon Ball Super, as the focus has shifted towards ki control and strategic fighting. However, characters like Goku and Vegeta have achieved forms like Ultra Instinct and Ultra Ego, respectively, which place them among the strongest beings in the universe. Gohan Beast, as seen in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, is another powerful form.
FAQ 6: What is Dragon Ball GT and is it canon?
Dragon Ball GT is a sequel to Dragon Ball Z that was not directly created by Akira Toriyama. While Toriyama contributed some initial designs, he wasn’t as involved in the story and production as he was with the other series. Therefore, Dragon Ball GT is generally considered non-canon. Dragon Ball Super essentially replaced Dragon Ball GT as the official continuation.
FAQ 7: What is the difference between the Dragon Ball Super anime and manga?
While the Dragon Ball Super anime and manga initially followed the same plot points, they began to diverge after the Tournament of Power. The manga introduces different storylines, power scaling, and characters. For example, the manga’s Granolah arc plays out differently than a potential anime adaptation might. Some events and transformations that happen in one version might not exist or occur in the other. The manga also often features a slower, more detailed approach to storytelling, giving characters more development.
FAQ 8: What is Ultra Instinct?
Ultra Instinct is a state of being where the user’s body moves and reacts independently of their conscious thoughts. This allows them to dodge attacks and deliver precise strikes with incredible speed and power. Goku is the first being to fully master this form, achieving it during the Tournament of Power. The form requires immense mental and physical discipline.
FAQ 9: What is Ultra Ego?
Ultra Ego is a transformation achieved by Vegeta. This form taps into Vegeta’s Saiyan pride and fighting spirit, granting him immense power at the cost of taking damage. The more damage Vegeta takes, the stronger he becomes, embodying the Saiyan’s masochistic fighting style. It is considered a counterpart to Goku’s Ultra Instinct.
FAQ 10: Who is the strongest character in the Dragon Ball universe?
This is a highly debated topic with no definitive answer. Characters like Goku, Vegeta, Beerus, Whis, and Zeno are often cited as contenders for the title of the strongest. Each character possesses unique abilities and power levels that make direct comparisons difficult. Ultimately, the “strongest” character often depends on the specific context and storyline. It is safe to assume the Angel and God of Destruction are always in the top tier of power.
FAQ 11: What is the deal with the Red Ribbon Army in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero?
The Red Ribbon Army, a recurring antagonistic organization throughout the Dragon Ball franchise, makes a return in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. The army aims to revive its power and seek revenge against Goku. They create new Androids, Gamma 1 and Gamma 2, to achieve their goals, sparking a conflict with Gohan, Piccolo, and other Z Fighters. The film explores the Red Ribbon Army’s legacy and their ongoing threat to the peace of the universe.
FAQ 12: Where can I find the Dragon Ball Super manga?
The Dragon Ball Super manga is available in print and digital formats. You can purchase physical copies from bookstores and online retailers like Amazon. Digital versions can be found on platforms like Viz Media’s website and ComiXology. Ensure you are purchasing from official sources to support the creators.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Dragon Ball
The Dragon Ball franchise remains a vital and evolving entity. With the success of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, the ongoing manga adaptation, and the unwavering fan base, the future of the series looks bright. While the return of the Dragon Ball Super anime remains uncertain, the continued production of new content ensures that the Dragon Ball saga will continue to captivate audiences for years to come. The potential for new stories, characters, and transformations is limitless, promising exciting new adventures for Goku, Vegeta, and their friends. The strength of the brand coupled with the constant creation of new content all but guarantee a continuation of the franchise.