The Dragon Ball universe is poised for a major comeback in 2025, igniting excitement among fans worldwide. Following the passing of the legendary creator Akira Toriyama and an ensuing hiatus, the franchise is set to return with new content. While a special one-shot manga chapter has been confirmed for February 2025, the future of the anime series remains uncertain. This has left many fans with a plethora of questions about the direction of the beloved series. Here are ten pressing questions that need answers as Dragon Ball Super heads into this new era.
What is the Fate of the Anime Series?
The Dragon Ball Super anime concluded in 2018 with the Tournament of Power saga. Since then, fans have been eagerly awaiting a continuation, especially with the manga having progressed through several new arcs. Despite the success of films like Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, there has been no official confirmation of a new anime series. Rumors of the anime’s return have been circulating, but as of now, there is no concrete news. The earliest any announcements regarding the anime’s return are expected to be around March 2025, after the conclusion of Dragon Ball Daima. The question remains: will the anime adapt the Moro and Granolah arcs, or will it take a new direction?
Will the Anime Adapt the Manga’s Story Arcs?
The Dragon Ball Super manga has progressed significantly beyond the anime, introducing powerful new villains like Moro and Granolah, and a new transformation for Frieza. The manga has also adapted the Super Hero movie, concluding with a sparring match between Goku and Gohan. The anime’s return would allow these storylines to be brought to life on screen. Fans are particularly eager to see the epic battles and character development that these arcs offer, animated with the high-quality animation the series is known for.
How Will the Manga Continue Without Toriyama?
The passing of Akira Toriyama has left a void in the Dragon Ball franchise. While Toyotarou is continuing the manga with the special one-shot chapter in February 2025, the question remains: who will be responsible for writing and steering the ship of the manga going forward? Will it be a collaborative effort, or will a new writer be chosen to carry on Toriyama’s vision? The one-shot story starring Goten and Trunks is a starting point, but it doesn’t answer the broader question of who will take over as the main storyteller.
Will Black Frieza Be the Next Major Villain?
Black Frieza was introduced in the manga as an incredibly powerful new form of the iconic villain. He was teased at the end of the Granolah the Survivor Saga, over two years ago, and he has not been seen since. He poses a significant threat to the Z-Fighters, and his true potential has not yet been explored. Many fans anticipate that Black Frieza will be the next major antagonist, potentially challenging the Zeno twins for multiversal domination. How will Goku and Vegeta contend with this new level of threat?
What Will Happen to Planet Sadala?
The existence of the Saiyans of Universe 6 on Planet Sadala was introduced during the Universe 6 saga, a stark contrast to the destruction of Planet Vegeta in Universe 7. The return of the erased universes after the Tournament of Power presents an opportunity to revisit Universe 6 and potentially delve into the unique culture of these Saiyans. A trip to Sadala could be an intriguing next step in the story. What kind of relationship will Goku and Vegeta form with their counterparts from Universe 6?
How Will Pan’s Powers Develop?
Pan, Gohan‘s daughter, has shown incredible potential from a young age. She was showcased prominently in the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero movie and the Super Hero arc. Fans are keen to see how her martial arts skills evolve, and whether she will eventually unlock the Super Saiyan transformation. Will Pan follow in the footsteps of her father and grandfather and become one of Earth’s strongest warriors? Her training could also be a possible link between Dragon Ball Super and Dragon Ball GT.
Will There be a Second Tournament of Power?
The Tournament of Power was one of the most epic storylines in Dragon Ball Super. The idea of another inter-universal tournament is incredibly appealing to fans. It would offer the opportunity to showcase new characters, transformations, and power levels. Will another Tournament of Power be organized? If so, will it be on an even grander scale than the last one?
What is the future of Uub?
Uub, the human reincarnation of Majin Buu, has been a character with untapped potential. He appeared at the end of Dragon Ball Z and was briefly shown training with Goku. Dragon Ball Super has yet to delve into his character. The Grand Supreme Kai, who resides within Buu, also has a role in the ongoing storyline. Will Uub be given real character development, and will he become a key player in the future of the series?
How Will the Power Scaling Be Handled?
Dragon Ball Super has been criticized for its inconsistent power scaling. Characters such as Gohan and Broly have achieved immense power seemingly overnight, which makes the established power levels feel less meaningful. How will the series manage the power scaling and make sense of it going forward? Will the series focus on training and gradual progression, or will characters continue to receive sudden, massive boosts?
Will New Transformations Be Introduced?
The introduction of new transformations has always been a crucial element of Dragon Ball. Dragon Ball Super has already added forms like Super Saiyan God, Super Saiyan Blue, and Ultra Instinct. Will new transformations be introduced? If so, what will their powers be and how will they affect the overall power dynamics of the series?
What Role Will the Multiverse Play?
The concept of a multiverse with twelve universes has opened up a wealth of storytelling possibilities. The series has barely scratched the surface of the potential that the other universes have to offer. Will the story explore these universes more thoroughly? How might these universes be affected by characters like Black Frieza and the Z-Fighters? The seeds planted in Dragon Ball Daima, which explores the multiverse, may also have implications for the future of Dragon Ball Super.
The return of Dragon Ball Super in 2025 is a momentous occasion for fans. With the special manga one-shot set to release in February and a potential anime return on the horizon, the future of the franchise is full of possibilities. Addressing these ten burning questions will be crucial for the series as it navigates the next stage of its epic journey.
