Dragon Ball Super episode 131 marked the triumphant conclusion of the Tournament of Power, leaving fans worldwide yearning for more. While the anime series officially ended, the Dragon Ball saga continues, primarily through the manga and various other media, promising a future filled with even more intense battles and cosmic adventures.
The Immediate Aftermath and Manga Continuations
The answer to “What’s after Dragon Ball Super episode 131?” is multifaceted. While the anime series took a hiatus, the Dragon Ball Super manga, illustrated by Toyotarou and overseen by Akira Toriyama, continued the narrative. This is the primary source for what happens next. It introduced two major arcs that follow the Tournament of Power: the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Arc and the Granolah the Survivor Arc.
The Galactic Patrol Prisoner Arc sees Goku and Vegeta joining forces with the Galactic Patrol to stop Moro, a powerful sorcerer who escaped from prison. Moro, also known as the Planet Eater, possesses the ability to drain the energy of planets, making him a formidable opponent. This arc delves deeper into the lore of the universe and introduces new characters with compelling backstories.
Following the conclusion of the Moro Arc, the Granolah the Survivor Arc takes center stage. This arc introduces Granolah, a Cerelian seeking revenge against the Saiyans and Frieza Force for their role in the destruction of his planet. He becomes the strongest being in the universe by using the Dragon Balls, forcing Goku and Vegeta to push their power to new heights, including mastering Ultra Instinct and Ultra Ego respectively. These new transformations are crucial developments in the evolving power scale of the Dragon Ball universe. This arc explores themes of vengeance, justice, and the consequences of past actions, adding significant depth to the series.
Key Differences Between Anime and Manga
It’s crucial to note that while the core storylines remain consistent, there are some key differences between the Dragon Ball Super anime and the manga. Some battles are depicted differently, character designs vary slightly, and certain plot points are emphasized more in one version than the other. For example, certain power-ups and training methods are explained with greater detail in the manga. Ultimately, both offer complementary perspectives on the ongoing story.
Beyond the Manga: Other Dragon Ball Media
Beyond the manga, the Dragon Ball universe continues to expand through various other media:
- Video Games: Games like Dragon Ball FighterZ, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, and Dragon Ball Xenoverse offer interactive experiences, allowing players to relive iconic moments and explore new storylines. Dragon Ball Xenoverse particularly expands the universe by allowing player created characters to influence the Dragon Ball timeline.
- Movies: The release of Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero demonstrates the continued popularity and viability of Dragon Ball movies. Super Hero focuses on Gohan and Piccolo reaching new heights of power, proving the series’ willingness to explore characters beyond Goku and Vegeta. Future movies are likely to be announced.
- Merchandise: From figures and clothing to accessories and collectibles, the Dragon Ball franchise continues to generate significant revenue through merchandise. This illustrates the enduring appeal of the series across different demographics.
The Potential Return of the Anime
While no official announcement has been made, the return of the Dragon Ball Super anime remains a strong possibility. The popularity of the manga and the success of recent movies strongly suggest that Toei Animation will eventually resume production on the anime series. Fan speculation often revolves around whether the anime will adapt the existing manga arcs or explore new original storylines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dragon Ball Super’s Future
Here are some frequently asked questions about the future of the Dragon Ball Super franchise:
What is Ultra Ego?
Ultra Ego is a transformation achieved by Vegeta through his training with Beerus, the God of Destruction. It’s a destructive, power-hungry form that allows Vegeta to become stronger as he takes more damage. Unlike Ultra Instinct, which focuses on calm and precision, Ultra Ego is all about aggression and a thirst for battle.
Is Ultra Instinct stronger than Ultra Ego?
The strength of Ultra Instinct versus Ultra Ego is a matter of debate and depends on the circumstances of the fight. Ultra Instinct focuses on autonomous movement and defensive capabilities, while Ultra Ego prioritizes destructive power. In a pure power contest, Ultra Ego might have the edge, but Ultra Instinct’s defensive prowess could allow it to withstand attacks and ultimately prevail. Ultimately, the victor depends on the user’s mastery and the specific opponent they’re facing.
When will the Dragon Ball Super anime return?
Currently, there is no confirmed release date for the return of the Dragon Ball Super anime. However, given the continued success of the manga and movies, many fans believe that an announcement is imminent. Keep an eye on official Dragon Ball news channels and Toei Animation’s website for updates.
Will the anime adapt the Moro and Granolah arcs?
It is highly likely that the anime will adapt the Moro and Granolah arcs from the manga. These arcs introduce compelling new characters, explore intriguing themes, and feature exciting new transformations. Adapting these arcs would provide a wealth of material for a new season of Dragon Ball Super.
What is the strongest form of Goku?
As of the most recent developments in the manga, Mastered Ultra Instinct is considered Goku’s strongest form. This transformation allows him to tap into the full potential of Ultra Instinct, enabling him to move and react without conscious thought.
Will Gohan and Piccolo become stronger than Goku and Vegeta?
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero demonstrated a significant power increase for Gohan and Piccolo. Gohan Beast and Orange Piccolo are powerful forms that place them closer to the level of Goku and Vegeta. While it’s uncertain whether they will surpass them entirely, the movie indicates a shift in focus toward other characters in the Dragon Ball universe. This allows for greater narrative flexibility.
Are there any plans for a new Dragon Ball movie?
While no official announcement has been made, the success of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero makes it likely that Toei Animation will produce more Dragon Ball movies in the future. These movies offer a chance to explore standalone stories and introduce new characters and transformations.
How does the Dragon Ball Super manga differ from the anime?
The Dragon Ball Super manga, illustrated by Toyotarou, generally progresses faster than the anime. It often includes more detailed explanations of techniques and power-ups. While the core storylines are the same, some battles and character designs may differ slightly.
Who is Toyotarou?
Toyotarou is the illustrator of the Dragon Ball Super manga. He was chosen by Akira Toriyama to continue the series, demonstrating Toriyama’s confidence in his abilities. Toyotarou’s art style is similar to Toriyama’s, making him a fitting successor to the iconic artist.
What is the Galactic Patrol?
The Galactic Patrol is an organization responsible for maintaining peace and order throughout the universe. They are similar to intergalactic police officers. In the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Arc, Goku and Vegeta join forces with the Galactic Patrol to stop Moro, a powerful sorcerer who threatens the entire universe.
Who is Moro?
Moro, also known as the Planet Eater, is the main antagonist of the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Arc. He is a powerful sorcerer who possesses the ability to drain the energy of planets and other beings, making him a formidable opponent. Moro’s power makes him one of the greatest threats the Z Fighters have faced.
What is the significance of the Dragon Balls in the Granolah Arc?
In the Granolah Arc, Granolah uses the Dragon Balls to become the strongest being in the universe. This wish significantly alters the power dynamics of the Dragon Ball universe and forces Goku and Vegeta to push their limits in order to stand a chance against him. The use of the Dragon Balls highlights the recurring theme of seeking power through external means.
The Future is Bright
While the ending of Dragon Ball Super episode 131 marked the end of an era, it also opened the door to a vast and exciting future. The continued development of the manga, the release of new movies, and the potential return of the anime all point to a bright future for the Dragon Ball franchise. With new characters, transformations, and storylines on the horizon, fans can look forward to many more years of thrilling adventures in the Dragon Ball universe. The legacy of Akira Toriyama ensures that the series will continue to evolve and captivate audiences for generations to come.