The burning question on every fan’s mind: When is the next Dragon Ball Super episode? While an exact air date remains elusive, informed speculation points towards a potential return in late 2024 or early 2025, fueled by ongoing manga developments, production considerations, and insider rumors.
A Brief History and Current Status
Dragon Ball Super (DBS) concluded its broadcast run in March 2018 with the culmination of the Tournament of Power arc. The animation industry, particularly in Japan, operates on long lead times, requiring substantial planning and production. Given the scale of DBS, a return necessitates meticulous preparation to ensure the high-quality animation and compelling storytelling that fans have come to expect.
Since the anime’s hiatus, the Dragon Ball Super manga, written by Akira Toriyama and illustrated by Toyotarou, has continued to expand the Dragon Ball universe. The current storyline, following the events of the “Granolah the Survivor Arc” and now the “Super Hero Arc,” provides ample material for future anime adaptations.
The success of the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero movie further demonstrates the enduring popularity of the franchise and likely motivates Toei Animation to continue the series. This theatrical release, utilizing a unique 3D animation style, proved to be a box office hit and served as a bridge between the end of the anime and potential future seasons.
Factors Influencing the Return Date
Several key factors influence the potential release date of new Dragon Ball Super episodes:
- Manga Progress: A sufficient amount of manga content needs to be available to allow for a continuous anime adaptation without relying heavily on filler material. The “Super Hero Arc” is still ongoing, which suggests that further manga chapters are needed before animation can commence in earnest.
- Production Timeline: Animating a series like Dragon Ball Super requires significant time and resources. The production pipeline involves storyboarding, character design, animation, voice acting, and post-production. The complexity of these processes dictates a lengthy timeline.
- Studio Priorities: Toei Animation, the studio responsible for Dragon Ball Super, has numerous projects in development. The prioritization of these projects, including the allocation of resources and animation teams, can impact the timeline for DBS.
- Market Demand: The demand for new Dragon Ball Super content is undeniable. However, Toei Animation also considers broader market trends and strategic release windows to maximize the show’s impact.
- Rumors and Leaks: While rumors should be treated with caution, they can sometimes provide insights into potential release windows. Reliable sources within the animation industry occasionally offer hints about upcoming projects.
Potential Release Scenarios
Based on the above factors, there are a few potential release scenarios:
- Late 2024: This scenario is optimistic but not entirely impossible. If production is already underway and the remaining manga chapters are completed relatively soon, a late 2024 release could be feasible, particularly if Toei aims to capitalize on the holiday season.
- Early 2025: This is the most likely scenario. A release in early 2025 would provide ample time for the “Super Hero Arc” in the manga to conclude and for the animation team to complete their work.
- Mid to Late 2025 or Later: This scenario is less likely but cannot be ruled out. Unforeseen delays or shifts in Toei Animation’s priorities could push the release date further into the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3: What happened to Dragon Ball Super after the Tournament of Power?
The Tournament of Power concluded the original run of Dragon Ball Super in March 2018. Since then, the story has continued in the manga, with two major arcs: “Granolah the Survivor” and “Super Hero.” These arcs introduce new characters, powerful enemies, and expand upon the existing Dragon Ball lore. The film “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero” adapts portions of the latter arc.
H3: Is the Dragon Ball Super manga still ongoing?
Yes, the Dragon Ball Super manga is still ongoing. It’s currently serializing the “Super Hero Arc,” adapting and expanding upon the story of the film. This ongoing narrative is a crucial factor in determining when the anime will return, as it provides the source material for future episodes.
H3: What are the “Granolah the Survivor” and “Super Hero” Arcs about?
The “Granolah the Survivor” Arc introduces a new antagonist, Granolah, who seeks revenge against the Saiyans for the destruction of his planet. This arc explores themes of revenge, redemption, and the complexities of morality. The “Super Hero” Arc focuses on Gohan and Piccolo as they face a revived Red Ribbon Army and powerful new Androids. This arc emphasizes character development and features a different animation style in the corresponding movie.
H3: Will the next season of Dragon Ball Super follow the manga?
It is highly likely that the next season of Dragon Ball Super will follow the manga, adapting the “Granolah the Survivor” and “Super Hero” Arcs. While the anime may make minor adjustments or additions, the manga serves as the primary source material.
H3: What about Dragon Ball GT? Will it be revisited?
While Dragon Ball GT is part of the larger Dragon Ball franchise, it is not considered canon to the Dragon Ball Super storyline. It is unlikely that Dragon Ball GT will be revisited or incorporated into the Dragon Ball Super continuity.
H3: Is there any official confirmation about a new season of Dragon Ball Super?
As of the current date, there is no official confirmation of a new season of Dragon Ball Super. However, the ongoing manga, the success of the “Super Hero” movie, and the immense popularity of the franchise strongly suggest that a return is inevitable.
H3: Where can I find reliable information about Dragon Ball Super news?
For reliable information about Dragon Ball Super news, it is best to follow official sources such as the official Dragon Ball website, Toei Animation’s website, and reputable anime news outlets. Be wary of unverified rumors and leaks.
H3: What can fans do to show their support for a new Dragon Ball Super season?
Fans can demonstrate their support by purchasing Dragon Ball merchandise, watching the “Super Hero” movie, reading the manga, and engaging with the franchise on social media. Demonstrating continued interest helps show Toei Animation the strong demand for more content.
H3: Who are the key characters in the “Super Hero” Arc?
The “Super Hero” Arc primarily focuses on Gohan, Piccolo, Pan, and the Gamma Androids. While Goku and Vegeta are still involved, they take a less central role in this particular storyline.
H3: What animation style will the new Dragon Ball Super episodes use?
The animation style of future Dragon Ball Super episodes is currently unknown. The “Super Hero” movie used a 3D animation style, but it remains to be seen whether the anime will adopt this approach or return to the traditional 2D style.
H3: Will Akira Toriyama be involved in the new season?
Akira Toriyama’s continued involvement is crucial. He is the original creator of Dragon Ball and is heavily involved in the creation of the manga storylines. His guidance and creative input are essential for maintaining the integrity and quality of the Dragon Ball universe.
H3: Where can I watch Dragon Ball Super?
Dragon Ball Super is available on various streaming platforms, including Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu. Availability may vary depending on your region. Physical copies of the series are also available for purchase.
Conclusion
While the precise return date of Dragon Ball Super remains a mystery, the overwhelming evidence suggests that it is a matter of when, not if. The ongoing manga, the success of the “Super Hero” movie, and the unwavering demand from fans all point towards a highly anticipated return in the near future. Keep an eye on official channels for announcements, and continue to support the franchise to help ensure that the adventures of Goku and his friends continue for years to come.