The last episode of Dragon Ball Super, episode 131 titled “A Miraculous Conclusion! Farewell Goku! Until We Meet Again!” aired on March 25, 2018, in Japan. This marked the end of the “Universal Survival Saga” and left fans worldwide yearning for more adventures with Goku and his friends.
The End of an Era (For Now)
The conclusion of Dragon Ball Super’s televised run was met with both excitement and disappointment. The “Universal Survival Saga” had captivated audiences with its high-stakes battles, new transformations, and the introduction of intriguing characters like Jiren. The epic final battle between Goku and Jiren pushed both warriors to their absolute limits, culminating in a satisfying resolution (at least, temporarily).
However, the ending also sparked a wave of speculation about the future of the Dragon Ball franchise. Would Dragon Ball Super return? When? What new challenges would Goku face? The absence of a definitive announcement fueled these questions, and the void left by the show’s departure continues to resonate with fans even today.
Explaining the Hiatus
While Dragon Ball Super has not aired any new episodes since March 2018, it’s crucial to understand that the franchise itself is far from over. The hiatus was partly strategic, allowing the team to focus on other projects, including movies like Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. These films have been incredibly successful, further solidifying the franchise’s global appeal.
Additionally, the gap provided an opportunity for the manga adaptation to progress, offering a different take on the Dragon Ball Super storyline and introducing new characters and arcs not yet seen in the anime. This staggered release strategy helps maintain excitement and prevents the anime from outpacing the source material.
FAQs: Decoding the Dragon Balls of Information
This section addresses some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding Dragon Ball Super’s hiatus, providing clarity and insight into the current state of the franchise.
FAQ 1: Is Dragon Ball Super Officially Canceled?
No, Dragon Ball Super is not officially canceled. While there is no confirmed release date for new episodes, the franchise remains active with ongoing manga publications and successful movie releases. Toei Animation, the studio behind the anime, has not made any definitive announcements about cancellation.
FAQ 2: What Happened After Episode 131?
After episode 131, the timeline continued in the Dragon Ball Super: Broly movie, which is considered canon. The movie explores the origin and power of the legendary Saiyan Broly, introducing him into the main timeline. Subsequent events are explored primarily in the manga, including the “Galactic Patrol Prisoner Saga” and the “Granolah the Survivor Saga.”
FAQ 3: Where Can I Read the Dragon Ball Super Manga?
The Dragon Ball Super manga is available through various platforms, including Viz Media’s Shonen Jump subscription service and physical volumes sold at bookstores and online retailers.
FAQ 4: Is Dragon Ball Super: Broly Canon?
Yes, Dragon Ball Super: Broly is considered canon within the Dragon Ball Super timeline. It directly follows the events of the Tournament of Power and introduces Broly as a major character.
FAQ 5: What is Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero About?
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero focuses on Gohan and Piccolo as they face a newly revived Red Ribbon Army and their powerful Androids, Gamma 1 and Gamma 2. The film features new transformations and showcases the continued growth of these beloved characters.
FAQ 6: Will There Be a Dragon Ball Super Season 2?
While not officially announced as “Season 2,” new episodes picking up where episode 131 left off are highly anticipated. There have been numerous rumors and speculation, but Toei Animation has yet to confirm a specific release date. Most fans expect a continuation of the anime at some point.
FAQ 7: What is the Current Arc in the Dragon Ball Super Manga?
Currently, the Dragon Ball Super manga is adapting the “Super Hero Saga,” aligning with the events of the movie. This adaptation adds further depth and detail to the story presented in the film.
FAQ 8: Why is the Manga Different From the Anime?
The manga and anime, while based on the same overall storyline created by Akira Toriyama, sometimes diverge in their execution and pacing. The manga often introduces new characters and plot points earlier than the anime or explores storylines in greater detail. This allows for a richer and more varied experience for fans.
FAQ 9: Where Can I Watch Dragon Ball Super?
Dragon Ball Super is available for streaming on various platforms, including Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu, depending on your region. It is also available on Blu-ray and DVD.
FAQ 10: What are Some Good Dragon Ball Super Filler Episodes to Watch?
While Dragon Ball Super has less “filler” than its predecessor, Dragon Ball Z, some episodes focus on character development and lighthearted adventures. Episodes such as the baseball episode (episode 70) or the episodes focusing on Goten and Trunks are generally considered filler but offer fun and entertaining side stories.
FAQ 11: Who is Stronger, Goku or Jiren?
This is a hotly debated topic. In the “Universal Survival Saga,” Goku ultimately surpassed Jiren by mastering Ultra Instinct. However, the power scaling in Dragon Ball is constantly evolving, and future storylines could potentially shift the balance of power. The answer depends on the current state of each character in the ongoing narrative.
FAQ 12: How Can I Stay Updated on Dragon Ball Super News?
The best way to stay updated on Dragon Ball Super news is to follow official sources, such as Toei Animation’s website and social media accounts, as well as reputable anime news websites and fan communities. Be wary of unconfirmed rumors and speculation from unofficial sources.
The Future of Dragon Ball Super: Hope Remains
Despite the absence of new episodes, the Dragon Ball franchise continues to thrive. The success of the movies and the ongoing manga publication demonstrate the enduring popularity of the series. While the exact return date of the anime remains uncertain, the passion and dedication of the Dragon Ball community ensure that Goku and his friends will undoubtedly return to our screens, stronger and more determined than ever before. The Dragon Balls may be scattered, but the quest for power and adventure is far from over. Keep an eye on official announcements for the next Saiyan saga to unfold!