Dragon Ball Super’s future has been largely uncertain for some time. The hit anime series, which originally concluded all the way back in 2018, was kept alive by periodic movie releases likeDragon Ball Super: BrolyandDragon Ball Super: Super Hero. However,many have wondered when the show might return to cover the events of the ongoing manga. The story continued far beyond the Tournament of Power in the monthly series by Akira Toriyama and Toyotarou, and as long as the manga continued, fans held out hope that the anime might as well.
Now, it seems that even that hope is fading, as theDragon Ball Supermangais set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in the next issue ofV Jumpwhile remaining on an extended hiatus. Following the passing of series' creator Akira Toriyama in March 2024, questions surrounding what was in store for the iconic franchise took a backseat to expressions of gratitude and mourning. A little over a year later, however,the future ofDragon Ball Superisn’t looking as bright as fans had hoped.
Dragon Ball Super Will Remain on Hiatus During Its 10th Anniversary
The Ongoing Manga Series Remains Inactive Despite Reaching a Major Milestone
As reported by DbsHype and ryokutya837 on X, the upcoming issue ofV Jumpwill be celebratingDragon Ball Super’s 10th anniversarywith all-new illustrations by series artist Toyotarou. One drawing will specifically commemorate the series, while the other will be in collaboration withDragon Ball Legendsfor the mobile game’s upcoming 7th anniversary celebration. Unfortunately, despite the major milestone, there will not be a newDragon Ball Superchapter released alongside Toyotarou’s new artwork.
Following chapter #103, fittingly titled “A Legacy Toward the Future”, which was finished and released shortly after Toriyama’s passing,Dragon Ball Superremained on a lengthy hiatus, only returning this past February witha special one-shot focusing on Trunks. Other than the side story and a handful of illustrations, any news regarding the future of the series hasn’t been particularly bright. ThoughV Jumpcontinues to hold a spot forDragon Ball Superwhile the online platform MangaPlus displays a message telling readers to wait for its return,there has been no official word on whether the series will continue.
Dragon Ball Remains Successful Despite Its Inactivity
Though the future ofDragon Ballwithout its creator at the helm is uncertain, the franchise continues to be incredibly successful. Just this past year, the series raked in 190.6 billion yen for Bandai Namco,a new record for the companyand a number that comfortably placedDragon Ballas their most profitable IP in 2024. However, despite its ongoing success and ever-growing fan base, there are currentlyno confirmedDragon Ballanime or manga projects in the worksfrom Shueisha or Toei Animation.
Nevertheless,Dragon Ball’s ability to remain profitable is a healthy sign for the future of the franchise, and as long as a demand for new shows, movies, and games exists, there will always be a chance that the series can return.Dragon Ball Superwasreportedly in the middle of a rights disputefollowing Akira Toriyama’s passing, though the release of the one-shot chapter in February likely means there’s nothing there holding the manga back. Unfortunately, until official news about the series resuming is given, all fans can do is hold onto hope that Goku and company will return.
Source:DbsHype and ryokutya837 on X
Cast
WHERE TO WATCH
Dragon Ball Super is an anime series set after Majin Buu’s defeat. It follows Son Goku, now a radish farmer, as peace prevails until Beerus, the God of Destruction, appears. Seeking to challenge a legendary warrior, the series revisits events from two Dragon Ball Z films before exploring alternate universes.
