For far too long, the one-time desert bandit Yamcha has been the butt of countless jokes in the Dragon Ball franchise. While standing toe-to-toe with Son Goku during his early appearances, the human fighter was left in the dust, with transformations like Super Saiyan and Ultra Instinct thrown into the mix. Luckily, this doesn’t mean that Yamcha doesn’t have plenty to celebrate in his shonen fighting career, and we’re here to reminisce about some of the Z-Fighter’s best victories, sparse as they may be. Let’s get started.

Yamcha’s Baseball Career

While Goku lived in the woods and Vegeta sponged off his rich wife, Bulma, Yamcha decided to forge a career path for himself in the perfect way. Rather than becoming a professional fighter, the one-time bandit decided to step up to the plate and become a baseball player for the West City Taitans. Even though he wasn’t a Super Saiyan, Yamcha was far and away the greatest baseball player in the league and harnessed his secret skills to make him a necessity for his baseball team. This fact would come in handy for Yamcha’s next major victory.

Yamcha Leads The Z-Fighters to Victory

In Dragon Ball Super’s seventieth episode, “A Challenge From Champa! This Time, a Baseball Game!” Yamcha is front and center in the match between Universes 6 and 7. Rather than raising his power level for the affair, Yamcha brings his skills as a baseball player to the table to help his friends on the field. While his tenure in this episode ends with him recreating the now infamous “Yamcha meme” that has become what he’s most known for, he still was able to stand toe-to-toe with Saiyans, Gods of Destruction, and more during this installment.

Yamcha Beats Recoome

While this event never takes place in the Dragon Ball Z manga, Yamcha’s win on the baseball field wasn’t technically “canon” either so we consider this win to be fair game. While residing on King Kai’s planet as he waited to be wished back to life, Yamcha, Chiaotzu, and Tenshinhan fought against the Ginyu Force. While Tenshinhan fought against Burter and Jeice, and Chiaotzu fought Guldo, Yamcha took on the Ginyu member who almost killed Krillin, Gohan, and Vegeta. Unfortunately, Yamcha doesn’t return to life with the ability to use Kaioken, but we’re more than happy to mark this as a victory for the human Z-Fighter.

Yamcha Gets Engaged

In Super Dragon Ball Heroes, Yamcha finds himself becoming a part of the “Space-Time War,” a special tournament that includes other universes and timelines in a fight to the finish. While the human Z-Fighter isn’t strong enough to defeat an alternate Frieza in a one-on-one fight, he does meet a powerful warrior from another dimension named Vidro, who gives him a major win. Becoming infatuated right from the start of the tournament, Vidro immediately proposes marriage to Yamcha, and while the wedding never takes place, we’ll mark this as a win for the human brawler all the same.

Yamcha Beats The Invisible Man

While this win might be the grossest of the victories that Yamcha has secured in Dragon Ball’s history, it’s a win all the same. In the original series, Yamcha finds himself becoming a part of a monstrous tournament orchestrated by Baba, the crystal ball wielder who has been featured sparingly across the shonen’s history. Involving vampires, mummies, and other supernatural creatures, Yamcha fights against an Invisible Man and wins thanks to a gross assist from Master Roshi. Covered in blood from the Turtle Hermit, Yamcha uses brains and brawn to score a win here.

Yamcha Beats The Rabbit Mob

Exceptionally early on in Dragon Ball’s history, Goku and his companions fought against some colorful villains such as Pilaf and his group of ridiculous cronies. While Pilaf and his companions have continued to have a role in Dragon Ball Super, Monster Carrot and his underlings have been stuck on the moon ever since Yamcha and Goku beat them into the dirt. This early fight helped to show how Yamcha was no ordinary warrior and net him a victory when he was still within striking distance of Son Goku.

The Yamcha Isekai

Dragon Ball: That Time I Got Reincarnated as Yamcha is an official spin-off mini-series that focuses on a Dragon Ball fan dying in an accident but being reborn in the body of the human Z-Fighter. Knowing his shonen lore, the new character piloting Yamcha’s body immediately gets to work on making himself strong enough to take on the challenges ahead. While this technically isn’t Yamcha per se, the “new Yamcha” scores quite a few victories in increasing his power level to fight Vegeta, Nappa, and the Saiyamen with ease.

Yamcha’s Moro Arc Win

Anime fans are still waiting for Dragon Ball Super’s grand return to the small screen, as the series made the transition to movies following the Tournament of Power Arc. Of the arcs that have yet to be animated at all, the Moro Arc is easily one of the biggest. Much like how Dragon Ball Super has given plenty of the human fighters the chance to shine, Yamcha finally gets his due after being left out of the universal confrontation. Even though Yamcha hasn’t been able to keep up with Goku and several of his colleagues, he is still a powerhouse in his own right and takes down several henchmen under the wizard’s employ.

Yamcha’s Tenkaichi Budokai Record

While Yamcha never won any of the Tenkaichi Budokai tournaments he was a part of, he still made it quite far in each of the original Dragon Ball events. Routinely, the one-time desert bandit plowed his way through countless characters to hit the top of the rankings, though his allies were usually the ones to net him his defeats. Of course, fighting the likes of Jackie Chun (aka Master Roshi at the time) and Piccolo wasn’t easy by any stretch of the imagination.

Creating Dragon Ball’s Greatest Meme

Even in defeat, Yamcha claims victory. This might be a bit of a cheat, but we’re going to count it all the same, as Yamcha’s death scene has become one of the most iconic moments of the Saiyan Saga. Even outside of Dragon Ball itself, the Yamcha pose has become legendary in countless anime series that would recreate the scene caused by a suicidal Saibaman. Unfortunately, this might be one of the biggest things that Yamcha has become known for, but the meme itself continues to find its way into the most unexpected places.

The post Dragon Ball: Top 10 Times Yamcha Actually Won appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Earlier this month, Crunchyroll helped bring the anime world to new heights, quite literally. The anime streaming service is planning to make over two thousand titles and fifty thousand episodes available on Delta flights later in 2025. While being able to dive into some of your favorite series on the friendly skies is a boon for many anime fans, there are some series that you might want to save for your home, and luckily, we’ve put together a list of shows that fit this bill.

As added background for this deal between Crunchyroll and Delta, the President of the streaming service, Rahul Purini, shared his thoughts on the upcoming partnership: “There is nothing better on a long flight than immersing yourself in the rich storytelling and world-building of anime. Fans can go deep on one series or sample one episode of many series – from action to adventure, romance, and more. And when they get hooked, they can continue their experience on the Crunchyroll app. We are excited to share what we love with Delta passengers and go to new heights together.” While the fair share of anime on Crunchyroll are “safe for work,” there are some options that might get you some raised eyebrows if you decide to watch them on the plane screen in front of you. Let’s get into the list.

1) Dandadan

Dandadan is one of the biggest new arrivals in the anime world, and for good reason. The story of Okarun and Momo by Science SARU blends the supernatural with the extraterrestrial to weave a hard-hitting, often emotional affair. That first episode is a lot to handle, however, as Momo is kidnapped by the Serpoans, stripped of her clothes, and undergoes some wild experiments. Luckily, she’s eventually saved by Okarun and his new Turbo Granny abilities, but watching this premiere episode on a plane might not be the best choice to make. Even outside of the first episode, there are some questionable moments, such as Momo’s hot springs visit, that might raise some red flags.

2) Goblin Slayer

Allow me to give you my personal experience with diving into Goblin Slayer, not knowing what its first episode entailed. On paper, the anime follows a long warrior who has decided to focus all of his attention on the low-level goblins in a world fit to bursting with supernatural creatures and monstrosities. The premiere installment of the series shows you just how terrible goblins can be, not just in murdering their victims but “playing with them” before they shed this mortal coil. Much like Dandadan, the opening episode is the most shocking, and it’s one that might need to be saved for a watch at home with your Crunchyroll subscription.

3) Dragon Ball

This choice might come as a surprise, but Dragon Ball has certainly earned its place on this list. The original anime adaptation of Akira Toriyama’s legendary shonen series was a product of its era, with the young Son Goku being a part of some raunchy scenarios, usually involving Bulma. Aside from nudity, there were also some nauseating moments, such as Krillin’s fight against Bacterian in the original series. This confrontation was free of nudity but had disgusting moments that remain notable in the anime world.

4) Berserk: The Golden Age Arc – Memorial Edition

Berserk as a series has always reveled in its dark, mature subject matter, thanks to Kentaro Miura never pulling any punches when it came to the Band of the Hawk. The franchise as a whole is quite unfriendly for the “friendly skies” but we’ll focus primarily on “Berserk: The Golden Age Arc – Memorial Edition.” The retelling of Guts’ origin story keeps most of the deranged details from the 1997 anime adaptation, including the nefarious “Eclipse.” Never refraining from blood, violence, and nudity, Berserk has long been a series that earns its place as a “not safe for work” franchise.

5) Prison School

Prison School might be one of the lesser-known entries on this list, but its fan service certainly makes it one of the anime series that you might not want to watch on a Delta flight. Even with the series censored on Crunchyroll to a degree, it still has plenty of innuendo and compromising scenarios that might not be ideal to watch in a public setting. Even with only one anime season under its belt, from J.C. Staff, the property left quite an impression on fans.

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6) Hellsing Ultimate

While the live-action Hollywood take on Alucard’s anime adventure might be in limbo, the series that started it all can still be streamed on Crunchyroll. Outside of the sheer amount of blood that the anime vampire spills, Hellsing Ultimate has some truly nerve-wracking, skin-crawling moments that certainly earn their “mature status.” Hellsing remains a fan-favorite series for many, arguably one of the best of the best, focusing on creatures of the night, but it’s one that might not make the cut for airplane viewing.

7) Chainsaw Man

On top of the sheer amount of devils that Denji carves up in his role as the Chainsaw Devil, there are a few scenes that are so violent and/or unsettling that make this a shaky bet on a crowded plane. Specifically, even with the shot of Denji’s “first kiss” censored, it might be tough to explain what transpired to someone sitting next to you on the ride. To say nothing of the twisted monstrosities that hide around corners in Chainsaw Man, this is a series that is best viewed in the comfort of one’s own home, that is, until the movie drops later this fall.

8) The Island of Giant Insects

Speaking of mature, nightmare fuel that probably shouldn’t be watched on a plane, The Island of Giant Insects fits the bill. Not only does the title live up to its name, but it features some of the most horrific death scenes in anime history, while also featuring a plane crash to boot. This movie is simply one of the grossest, cringe-inducing anime properties of all time, and maybe it shouldn’t be watched at all, plane ride or otherwise. Seriously, even writing this article about the movie is giving me the creeps.

9) Inuyashiki

While Inuashiki doesn’t have the same levels of gore as series like Hellsing Ultimate or Berserk, the story is one that has a different kind of violence in some of its final battles. The main antagonist, Shishigami Hiro, uses one of his most devastating attacks against the heroic Inuyashiki Ichiro, hurling multiple planes at him and the city around him. While the material can be somewhat unsettling, this scene specifically might make some flyers uncomfortable.

10) Parasyte -The Maxim–

Parasyte is a body horror unlike any other, remaining a fan-favorite in the anime community while having mind-bending violence that can be so disturbing, it’s hard to process. Using human extremities and organs for most of the battles, this Madhouse series might be so gory that fellow passengers might not even know what they’re looking at. Needless to say, Parasyte -The Maxim- works as a great crescendo to this disturbing list.

The post 10 Crunchyroll Anime You Probably Shouldn’t Watch on Delta appeared first on ComicBook.com.

It has become a running joke in the Dragon Ball franchise that the Prince of the Saiyans will enter into a fight, destined to lose. Vegeta hasn’t just had a difficult time keeping up with Goku’s pace, the former villain turned Z-Fighter has been struggling to score wins when facing more powerful opponents across the shonen franchise. Surprisingly, Vegeta might have won more fights than you expect, and we’re here to rank the best wins that the Saiyan Prince has netted during his anime career.

10.) Nappa (The Saiyan Saga)

You can’t even really qualify the confrontation between Vegeta and Nappa during the Saiyan Saga as a fight, but you sure can qualify it as a victory for the Saiyan Prince. Once Nappa finds himself losing his fight against Kakarot during their one-on-one battle, Vegeta finds that his bald partner’s usefulness has come to an end. Not even feeling the need to let loose with a Galick Gun, Vegeta simply flexes and unleashes an energy wave that atomizes his fellow Saiyan. Hilariously, Nappa would return during the events of Dragon Ball GT’s Super 17 Saga and would die by Vegeta’s hands once again.

9.) Frieza’s Forces on Namek (Frieza Saga)

This might be a bit of a cheat, but seeing Vegeta tear his way through scores of Frieza’s forces should count as one giant campaign for the Prince of all Saiyans. Defeating the likes of Cui, Dodoria, and Zarbon, Vegeta makes up for his loss on Earth by taking down many of his comrades who had been disparaging him behind his back. Beginning his reign of terror amongst the Frieza Force, he lost his initial fight against Zarbon but would go on to tear through him in the same vein as Dodoria and Cui. This campaign made for a cathartic tirade for Vegeta, if nothing else.

8.) Second-Form Cell (Cell Saga)

If there was ever a bigger example of “fumbling the bag” than Vegeta’s fight against Semi-Perfect Cell in Dragon Ball Z, we’d love to hear it. The Saiyan Prince claimed victory in record time against the creation of Dr. Gero, but threw his victory away when he learned that Cell was one step away from perfection. With Cell tearing his way through the Androids, Piccolo, and Tenshinhan, Vegeta had the perfect chance to become the savior of the Earth, even beating Son Goku to the punch. Like many other times in Vegeta’s life, his victory was undone thanks to his pride as he allowed the biological terror to attain his ultimate form.

7.) Frost (Universe 6 Saga)

The Universe 6 Saga might get lost in the Dragon Ball Super shuffle thanks to arcs like the Goku Black Arc and the Tournament of Power, but this storyline was quite big when it hit the sequel series. While the arc did introduce the likes of Cabba and Hit, the arrival of Frost turned quite a few heads, presenting a being who was, seemingly, a heroic version of Frieza. Of course, this turned out not to be true as he used an ace up his sleeve to defeat Piccolo. In a fairly decisive victory, Vegeta knocks Frost out of the ring and in a way, claims the victory against Frieza that he was never able to during the Frieza Saga.

6.) Tamigami #2 (Dragon Ball Daima)

During the events of Dragon Ball Daima, the camera was mostly focused on Goku and his eventual unveiling of Super Saiyan 4 to cap off the spin-off series. Luckily, the anime series gave Vegeta a moment that fans had been waiting to see for decades. In fighting against a keeper of the Demon Realm’s Dragon Balls, the Saiyan Prince finally transforms into a Super Saiyan 3, noting that he had done some off-screen training to achieve the form. While the Prince of all Saiyans overpowers Tamigami #2, the riddle at the end to attain the dragon ball was almost much more difficult than the fight itself.

5.) Toppo (Tournament of Power)

Toppo became a force of nature during the Tournament of Power, as the Universe 11 resident was always a powerhouse when he fought the likes of Goku and Frieza in the past. Once the Pride Trooper revealed that he was a “God of Destruction in Training,” he made mincemeat of Frieza and had a one-on-one fight against Vegeta. Rather than losing in the same way as the alien despot did, the Saiyan Prince unleashed a new iteration of Super Saiyan Blue, utilizing his “self-sacrifice move” to put a nail in Toppo’s coffin. Luckily for Vegeta, this time around, he didn’t kill himself when unleashing his power in the same way he had against Majin Buu. With this being one of the last fights for Vegeta in the Dragon Ball Super television series, what a way to put a pin in the Z-fighter’s Tournament of Power run.

4.) Pui Pui (Majin Buu Saga)

When Babidi unleashed his forces to drain energy from the Z-Fighters to awaken Majin Buu, not even the Supreme Kai saw the Saiyans’ strength coming. While Goku showed his stuff while fighting against Yakon, the Saiyan Prince completely trounced Pui Pui in a way that almost made you feel bad for the alien henchman. Pui Pui might hold the title for the most humiliating defeat in series history, believing that upping the gravity to ten times would be enough to net him victory. With a few blows and an energy blast that atomized the Majin Buu enthusiast, this made for a big cathartic moment for Vegeta.

3.) Goku (Saiyan Saga)

This will be a controversial take, but Vegeta scored the win during his first fight with Son Goku. If he hadn’t toyed with Goku, the Saiyan Prince would have, quite possibly, destroyed the Earth and killed the other Z-Fighters in rapid succession. You might think that Vegeta using his “Oozaru transformation” might be cheating but how is it any more of a cheat than Goku’s Kaioken and/or his Spirit Bomb attack? If a fighter can utilize a transformation or technique, that should be fair game. Vegeta scores a definitive victory against Goku, and if Son didn’t have some serious back-up, we can’t imagine that this one-on-one fight would end any other way aside from the former villain winning it all.

2.) Android 19 (Android Saga)

Vegeta’s fight against Android 19 is arguably the most cathartic victory the Saiyan Prince had in Dragon Ball Z history, arriving on the scene immediately after Goku loses and revealing that he attained the Super Saiyan transformation. The energy-absorbing android went from on top of the world to immediately quaking in fear, with Vegeta basking in the glow of his own aura and his coming victory. Unveiling his “Big Bang Attack”, Android 19 is completely eradicated and gives shonen fans what is arguably Vegeta’s biggest win, if not for one.

1.) Babidi And Majin Buu (Majin Buu Saga)

While Vegeta wasn’t able to put the nail in Majin Buu’s coffin, his victory against Babidi’s magic and the pink powerhouse represented the Saiyan Prince’s biggest victory. Not only did it prove Vegeta’s mettle, but it was also a major victory that he won against his inner demons, putting aside his hatred of Goku and his past as a destroyer. His speech, focusing on his “pride”, is routinely thought of as one of the best moments focusing on Vegeta in history, and it’s well-earned.

The post Dragon Ball: Ranking Vegeta’s Biggest Wins appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Dragon Ball Daima introduced some major retcons to Akira Toriyama’s long running franchise with its new anime, but one of its retcons also means that Dragon Ball GT’s biggest saga can never be an official part of the story. One of the coolest element of Dragon Ball’s later years so far has been seeing how formerly non-canon characters and stories have been brought into the official timeline for the series. Characters like Broly had been given a whole new take from Toriyama himself, and Dragon Ball Daima continued this with even more elements brought it from Dragon Ball GT too.

Dragon Ball Daima incorporated a lot of Dragon Ball GT in terms of what it made officially part of the canon, and surprised fans with the likes of Super Saiayn 4 Goku becoming official too. But with all of these changes bringing Dragon Ball GT more into the official timeline of the series, one of the changes to how Shenron’s wishes work on Earth also means that we won’t be able to see the Shadow Dragons saga ever become an official part of the anime’s future.

Dragon Ball’s Shadow Dragons Might Be Impossible Now

With Dragon Ball Daima’s creative team making a conscious effort to parallel Dragon Ball GT as much as possible, it explained why so many of the new anime’s elements seem to callback to that classic anime series. Dragon Ball GT was in a rough spot with fans because it was a brand new series without any input from Toriyama, and was thus deemed not to be an official part of the Dragon Ball timeline. Even though fans had loved some of the key ideas in the series like the emergence of the Shadow Dragons, which had been bred with the dark energies built within the Dragon Balls after years of use and abuse.

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It was an interesting idea that reflected how much the Dragon Balls had become a crutch for Goku and the others through the franchise at that point, and offered a final boss that saw the Earth reckoning with the use of this magic all this time. But Dragon Ball Daima actually made a change to how Earth’s Dragon Balls actually worked. While it might have been considered a small joke, Shenron revealed that those who used the Dragon Balls regularly enough actually had access to more wishes than those who were using them for the first time.

What Does This Mean for the Shadow Dragons?

What this means is that Shenron himself is inviting more uses of the Dragon Balls. It’s not the version of the Dragon Balls seen in GT that broke after multiple uses, and instead revealed that Shenron is able to manipulate how much magic it uses each time. If Shenron is so in control of how much it’s used depending on who summons him, it also means that the negative energy likely won’t be building in the same way as seen in the Shadow Dragons saga.

So while Dragon Ball Daima was able to make some parts of Dragon Ball GT an official part of the Dragon Ball timeline, this cool idea will never be a part of the canon itself. It’s not going to be possible with a Shenron who is willingly offering more wishes. It’s a Shenron that’s not secretly building up with some kind of dark energy depending on how much he had been used over the years, and thus won’t be a version of Shenron that seeks to get revenge on Goku and the others.

It’s an idea that could somehow work out for Dragon Ball fans in the future with a potential for a new take on the Shadow Dragons if Dragon Ball Super ever does continue with new chapters, but that’s a big maybe. It might even be too big of a maybe with so much still lingering in the air if Dragon Ball will actually ever come back or not.

The post Dragon Ball’s Strangest Retcon Means GT’s Best Arc Can Never Be Canon appeared first on ComicBook.com.

San Diego Comic Con was this past weekend and Bandai has made a collection of S.H.Figuarts exclusives avaialble to the general public for pre-order. The lineup includes 3 awesome Dragon Ball collectibles and an incredible Godzilla, inspired by Godzilla Minus One.

We are especially fond of the S.H.Figuarts Great Ape Vegeta, which is available here at Bandai for $220. It includes tons of detail, a stand, and multiple interchangeable hands, tails, and eyes. Fans who went to the theater to watch Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero back in 2022 will be excited to know that we’re getting a new Beast Gohan figure as well, this one going for $90. Each of these figures is scheduled to release in February 2026, but quantities are limited so reserve them while you can. A complete list of new figures with individual links can be found below.

• S.H.MonsterArts GODZILLA (2023) – SDCC Exclusive Edition / $180 USD – See here at Bandai
• S.H.Figuarts GREAT APE VEGETA – SDCC Exclusive Edition / $220 USD – See here at Bandai
• S.H.Figuarts SON GOHAN (BEAST) – SDCC Exclusive Edition / $90 USD – See here at Bandai
• S.H.Figuarts GREAT DEMON KING PICCOLO – Exclusive Edition / $100 USD – See here at Bandai

Dragon Ball to Open First-Ever Official Store

It was announced this month that the Dragon Ball anime series is getting its first permanent, brick-and-mortar store. The new store will be open in Tokyo, Japan this fall, according to the press release and all social media coverage. The anime series has continued to be incredibly popular, having reached its 40th anniversary with an incredibly strong and dedicated fanbase. Tragically, series creator Akira Toriyama did not live to witness his creation’s 40th Anniversary, having passed away a few months before the 40th Anniversary on March 1st, 2024. With a fanbase as dedicated as this one, it’s no wonder they’ll be opening a specific store for all of the new, exclusive merch. Specific shops already exist for anime like One Piece and Pokemon, so a new Dragon Ball store will just fit in with the bunch. 

Want to stay up to date with all the latest anime news and collectibles? Then keep an eye on our Gear Page!

The post Bandai Dragon Ball and Godzilla SDCC Exclusives Available To Pre-Order Online appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Dragon Ball Daima was a major celebration of how far the franchise has come in the 40 years since its debut with Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, and it turns out the studio behind the new anime really wanted to bring back Kid Goku’s original English voice actor for the occasion. Dragon Ball Daima made its debut last year as fans got to see a whole new take on the Dragon Ball franchise, and it featured the final original story from the late franchise creator Akira Toriyama. But it was also a walk down memory lane as Goku was turned into a child once more.

Dragon Ball Daima turned Goku into a child for this new era of the anime, and the English dub went even further back with its nostalgia by bringing Stephanie Nadolny years after she stopped contributing to the franchise. Speaking to CBR about her return to the franchise with Dragon Ball Daima, Nadolny reveals that Toei Animation specifically requested to bring her back for the new anime as “…they wanted the OG back. They wanted that nostalgia.”

Dragon Ball Star Talks Return as Goku

As Kid Goku voice actor Stephanie Nadolny explained, she had been keeping out of the loop on Dragon Ball’s current events for the past few years because her time had passed, “I didn’t know anything. I’ve been out of the loop because all my characters have grown up, and I was doing different things with other companies, other voices, video games and things like that.” But she had been hearing about Dragon Ball Daima when it began development, and Toei Animation had reached out with the hopes that she would reprise her role as the younger voice of Goku, “I was contacted. Believe it or not, we know very little as voice actors.”

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“We don’t know when it’s coming out, what we’ll be doing next, or what will even happen at our session,” Nadolny continued. “We have zero clue, but it makes it fun. It’s a challenge. And so I heard that [Daima] was in production, and Toei Animation (Thank you, God) — they’re amazing, they wanted the OG back. They wanted that nostalgia. It brought back a whole other wave of nostalgia for those who watched the show 25+ years ago. For me, it was like riding a bike. I’ve been doing the voice for years anyway, so it was back to that.”

Dragon Ball Star Talks Dragon Ball Daima’s Changes

Nadolny also noted how there were some changes to the English language dub version of the script to better fit the current vernacular, but also emphasized how much Toei Animation had been listening to the fans for this new project, “Toei Animation and the fans,” Nadolny stated. “They listened to the fans, and they all brought me back.” It was certainly a big boost to the English dub release as fans haven’t heard Nadolny in a Dragon Ball role for quite a long time, so it was a blast from the past to hear her as Goku once more.

Dragon Ball Daima’s entire series run, including English dub, is now available for streaming with Crunchyroll (while the Japanese dub is available with Netflix). Dragon Ball has yet to reveal any future plans for its anime franchise as of the time of this writing, but fans are eagerly waiting to see what’s coming next.

HT – CBR

The post Dragon Ball Daima’s Studio Really Wanted Goku’s OG Dub Actor Back appeared first on ComicBook.com.

When people talk about Dragon Ball, they often think of flying kicks, glowing energy blasts, and huge battles. But the original anime series was more than that, with many small, meaningful moments. Back then, Goku was still a kid; innocent, kind, and curious. He didn’t care about being the strongest in the world. He just wanted to explore, meet new people, and eat good food. Each adventure felt fresh as the show gave us silly jokes, strange gadgets, and emotional lessons. That is what made early Dragon Ball so special. It wasn’t just about fights. It was about the journey. And that’s what fans still remember with love.

What makes this version of Dragon Ball truly memorable is the words the characters speak. Whether they’re deep, funny, or thoughtful, the quotes are unforgettable. Sometimes, one short sentence tells you more about a character than a full episode. Goku, Bulma, Master Roshi, and even the villains have lines that are still quoted years later, showing us what Dragon Ball was really about. At its core, it was a story about growing up, making friends, and staying true to yourself while exploring the universe. In this article, we’ll look at ten quotes from the original Dragon Ball series. Each one says something real about the characters and life in general. 

1) G-O-K-U (Dragon Ball, Episode 1, “The Secret of the Dragon”)

“My name is Goku. G-O-K-U.” is the very first time we hear Goku introduce himself, and it says so much about who he is. When Bulma asks for his name, he doesn’t just say “Goku.” He spells it out, proudly and without a hint of self-consciousness. For a kid who has grown up alone in the mountains with only his Grandpa for company, this is his first step into the outside world, and he meets it with trust, honesty, and curiosity.

While Goku is just being himself in the most sincere way possible, the moment also tells us something deeper about the tone of Dragon Ball. Even though the series is full of powerful fighters and huge battles, it begins with something small and real, a small boy confidently saying his name. That simple line, delivered with a smile, sets the stage for a story about evolving, friendship, and owning who you are. 

2) Goku’s Already Made It In the History Books (Dragon Ball, Episode 25, “Danger From Above”)

Yamcha’s line, “Hah! Man! Win or lose, Goku’s already made it in the history books. I have to take my hat off to the kid,” comes during a quiet moment in the middle of action. Goku has just defeated Nam in a hard-fought match at the World Martial Arts Tournament. The crowd is impressed, but this line from Yamcha carries a deeper kind of praise. He is no longer speaking as a rival but as someone genuinely moved by what Goku has accomplished. There is a shift in tone from competition to admiration. 

This quote stands out because it shows how far Yamcha himself has grown. Earlier in the series, he was driven by pride and fear of failure. Here, he is willing to step back and give another fighter their due. Goku’s performance has become a reminder of what real progress looks like, Yamcha’s words reflecting that truth with honesty and quiet respect.

3) So Clever, It Amazes Me (Dragon Ball, Episode 28, “The Final Blow”)

This quote is spoken during the final match of the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament, where fighters from all around the world gather to prove their strength. Goku is battling Jackie Chun, not knowing that he is actually Master Roshi in disguise. The fight is intense, and just when it seems Goku might win, he looks up at the full moon and transforms into a giant ape. The crowd panics as Goku loses control. 

To stop him without hurting him, Jackie Chun makes a bold move. He destroys the moon. Then, without missing a beat, he says, “With the moon destroyed, it can’t possibly get full again, so Goku won’t turn into a big ape. Heh heh heh. Sometimes, I’m so clever, it amazes even me.”

The line stands out because of how calm and funny it is after something so serious. Jackie just erased the moon, but he treats it like a clever trick instead of a disaster. It shows how Dragon Ball can be wild and lighthearted at the same time. But more than anything, it reveals how Jackie protects Goku and saves the tournament, but keeps the mood easy.

4) The Right Time (Dragon Ball, Episode 31, “Wedding Plans”)

In Dragon Ball, after the Ox-King tells Chi-Chi that Goku is on his way, she immediately imagines a romantic future: falling in love, getting married, and living happily ever after with Goku. When her father questions whether she’s too young or barely knows the boy, Chi-Chi says, “Oh, Daddy. When it’s the right time, you just know it.” Her response is dreamy and confident, as if she is fully convinced that fate is already sealed. 

And that’s what makes this quote so memorable: the sheer innocence and certainty behind it. Chi-Chi’s idea of love is romanticized, almost fairytale-like, yet it turns out to be oddly prophetic. It’s funny in the moment, but also serves as a lighthearted yet important step in a relationship that eventually becomes canon.

5) You’ll Always Be Stunned By Someone’s Stench (Dragon Ball, Episode 22, “Smells Like Trouble”)

During the closing moments of Bacterian and Krillin’s match in the World Martial Arts Tournament, the crowd is still reeling from the bizarre spectacle they just witnessed. Bacterian had relied on his unbearable stench to paralyze his opponents, and the fight was more ridiculous than refined. After Krillin manages to win, thanks to Goku reminding him he does not even have a nose, the announcer steps in with a perfectly timed line: “Well, if we learned anything from this match, it’s that no matter how used you are to your own stench, you’ll always be stunned by someone else’s. Now I just hope they can clean up the arena.”

The quote lands with the kind of dry humor Dragon Ball is known for. It takes a silly, over-the-top moment and ends it with a strangely relatable truth. The fight itself was played for laughs, but the announcer’s closing words add a final punchline that sums up the whole mess. It is a reminder that even in the middle of fierce battles, the series never forgets how to poke fun at the weirdness of its own world.

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6) Know How to Use a Strong Body (Dragon Ball, Episode 19, The Turtle Hermit Way)

In The Turtle Hermit Way, Master Roshi introduces a new phase of training for Goku and Krillin. After days filled with intense physical work like carrying milk, farming, and swimming through shark-infested waters, he shifts the focus to mental growth. Sitting with a book, he calmly tells them, “Each day we’ll be hitting the books from now until lunchtime. A strong body is pointless unless you know how to use it, and that takes brain power.”

The quote is simple, but it carries weight. In a show full of wild fights and superhuman strength, Roshi reminds his students that power without thought is useless. He is not just teaching them how to fight. He is teaching them how to think. The line speaks to a larger truth in the Dragon Ball world. Real strength comes from the discipline of the body and the mind working together.

7) A Worthless Shell (Dragon Ball, Episode 143, “Battle for the Future”)

In the last match of the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament, Piccolo Jr. uses the Evil Containment Wave to trap Kami inside a bottle. As Kami’s human body, Hero, falls to the ground, Piccolo looks at him with disgust and says, “Just like any other human: a worthless shell.” It is a quiet line, but it shows how Piccolo truly sees the world. To him, humans are weak and unimportant, with no real value, without someone stronger controlling them.

Piccolo wanted to prove that people like Kami, who believe in kindness and teamwork, are weak and pointless. To him, humans were nothing without someone stronger controlling them. But Goku was fighting for the weak who couldn’t fight back. In that moment, it was all about what you believe in, instead of the fight between good and evil. Piccolo believed in control and fear. Goku believed in hope. And that’s what gave his punches meaning.

8) Another Day of Construction Work (Dragon Ball, Episode 20, “The Tournament Begins”)

While Goku and Krillin are getting ready to compete in their first World Martial Arts Tournament, Krillin, a little anxious, wonders if they are truly ready for something this big. Goku, smiling as always, shrugs off the tension and says, “Who knows? Maybe all we have to do is pretend our opponents are like another day of construction work.” The line shows Goku’s simple but powerful way of thinking. 

He treats this huge moment with the same attitude he brought to mundane exercises during Roshi’s training. To him, the tournament is not something to fear but just the next part of his journey. The quote reflects his calm focus, his ability to stay grounded no matter the pressure, and the quiet confidence that sets him apart from the very beginning.

9) Arrogance and Fools (Dragon Ball, Episode 17, “Milk Delivery”)

While training Goku and Krillin, Master Roshi gives them some of the hardest physical tasks they’ve ever done. In one of the most well-known scenes, he makes them deliver milk across rough terrain as part of their training. But when Goku says he wants to win the World Martial Arts Tournament, Roshi stops him and says, “You will not go in there with hopes of winning the tournament the first time you compete. To do so would be arrogant! And arrogance is for fools, not warriors!” 

This quote shows that real strength takes drive and humility and is a strong reminder of what training is really about. Master Roshi tells Goku and Krillin that going into a tournament thinking you’ll win the first time is foolish. That kind of thinking blocks real growth. What matters is becoming better each day. Goku learns this lesson early, and it stays with him, showing that real strength comes from training hard and being patient.  

10) Cracking Spine (Dragon Ball, Episode 21, “Elimination Round”)

The group is packed into the crowded tournament arena to watch the elimination matches. Bulma, too short to see over the heads in front of her, hops onto Oolong’s shoulders without a second thought. As she balances herself to get a better view, Oolong groans under her weight and grumbles, “Great, Bulma. That’s the important thing. I mean, who cares if my spine’s cracking?”

It is a classic Oolong moment that is full of sarcasm, discomfort, and just the right amount of exaggeration. His complaint, delivered while being used as a human ladder, shows how often he ends up stuck doing things no one else wants to do. The line is funny because it is relatable. Everyone else is focused on the excitement ahead, but Oolong is stuck holding it all up, quite literally.

The post 10 Best Dragon Ball Quotes That Hit Harder Than Any Ki Blast appeared first on ComicBook.com.

When Dragon Ball Z first aired, it didn’t just become a hit; it rewired an entire generation. It shaped modern shonen from the ground up, set the standard for power scaling, and turned training arcs into full-blown emotional journeys. From Goku’s first Kamehameha to the battles on Namek, it wasn’t just a show; it was the blueprint. Nearly every action anime that followed owes something to its legacy.

Now that Dragon Ball Super is on pause and fans are left waiting for the next chapter, the void is real. But it doesn’t have to stay empty. These ten anime bring the same energy, the raw ambition, over-the-top fights, and impossible stakes that made Dragon Ball iconic. Until Goku’s back to blowing up galaxies again, these shows like Dragon Ball Super are more than enough to keep that flame burning.

1) Gurren Lagann  

Simon and Kamina live trapped underground, mining tunnels and dreaming of the surface. Until Simon unearths a mysterious Core Drill and activates Lagann, a miniature mecha. With Kamina’s sheer determination, they punch through the Earth’s crust and spark a rebellion against the Spiral King. 

Over 27 episodes, the story rockets from underground skirmishes to galactic-scale confrontations, even spawning two hit films that reimagine key battles. This is pure power escalation; a journey from “we’ll win one fight” to “we’ll punch galaxies.” It hits the same energy as Dragon Ball Super’s multiverse and Ultra Instinct moments. 

Like Goku and Vegeta, Simon and Kamina push each other past their limits, delivering emotional moments that land like cosmic pep talks. Whether it’s the towering mecha spectacle or Kamina’s defiant battle cries, DB Super fans will feel a familiar thrill. If you miss DB’s big, bold transformations and emotional payoffs, Gurren Lagann offers that same joy.

2) Yu Yu Hakusho

Yusuke Urameshi is the kind of kid teachers warn you about: short-tempered, always skipping class, and not exactly a role model. But when he dies saving a child from an oncoming car, even the afterlife is caught off guard. With no spot prepared for him in heaven or hell, he ends up earning a second shot at life as a Spirit Detective.

The show kicks off like a ghost story but quickly turns into a shonen powerhouse. By the time the Dark Tournament rolls around, it’s all about bone-breaking fights, strategy-heavy matchups, and characters who keep breaking their own limits just to survive. It’s got that same power-up frenzy Dragon Ball is known for, with fighters clashing in massive arenas, backed by pride, loyalty, and wild transformations.

Yusuke himself feels like a more jaded version of Goku. A street brawler turned warrior, always charging forward even when the odds are stacked. While Kuwabara, Hiei, and Kurama round out the lineup with their own unique fighting styles and personalities, giving strong Z-Fighter energy. 

3) Yaiba

If Dragon Ball had a loud little cousin raised on chaos and samurai movies, it would be Yaiba. Yaiba Kurogane is a wild, over-the-top kid who’s basically Goku with a katana; always hungry, always charging headfirst into battle, and somehow too dumb to stay down. His journey kicks off when he stumbles into modern Japan after training in the jungle, only to discover he’s destined to defeat the reincarnated demon god, Onimaru.

What makes Yaiba such a fun ride is how unfiltered it feels. Fights escalate fast, power-ups get ridiculous, and the enemies are straight out of a fever dream. One moment, it’s a sword duel; the next, it’s giant robots and magical girl parodies. It takes Dragon Ball’s early humor, combines it with supernatural mayhem, and cranks the energy to eleven. 

Even the art style echoes early DBZ, which makes sense since Gosho Aoyama leaned heavily into Akira Toriyama’s influence. For fans who miss the pure chaos of Dragon Ball’s OG days, before gods, angels, and timelines, Yaiba brings back that reckless fun. It’s not about perfect animation or complex arcs. It’s about throwing hands, cracking jokes, and seeing how many explosions you can fit into twenty minutes.

4) Fist of the North Star

A brutal martial arts saga set in a post-apocalyptic world where only the strong survive, Fist of the North Star is pure ‘80s shonen. The premise is as heavy as the punches. After nuclear war turns Earth into a desert wasteland, Kenshiro wanders the ruins in search of his kidnapped fiancée and justice, taking down tyrants and gangs with the ancient assassination art of Hokuto Shinken. Each arc escalates the stakes, introducing rival martial artists who are just as unhinged and powerful, with philosophies shaped by loss, war, and raw survival instinct.

While Dragon Ball leaned into adventure and growth, Fist of the North Star dives deep into stoic masculinity and moral retribution. Still, the DNA is similar. Both shows revolve around superhuman martial arts, training that borders on torture, and fights that blow the laws of physics out of the sky. 

5) Baki the Grappler

Baki Hanma doesn’t shoot lasers or charge up energy waves, but he does break bones with his bare hands. Born to Yujiro Hanma, the strongest man alive, Baki trains nonstop to one day beat his dad. This anime is less about saving the world and more about surviving fights that feel like life-or-death every single time.

The show dives straight into underground fighting rings, where strength rules and every punch could end a match. There’s no magic system here. Just brute force, crazy technique, and fighters who’ve pushed their bodies to the edge. Baki takes hits that should end careers and keeps getting up, just like a certain Saiyan fans know well. The series also has the same spirit of pushing limits, meaning Dragon Ball fans who love high-stakes one-on-ones and intense training arcs will feel right at home. 

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6) Saint Seiya

Saint Seiya drops you into a mythical world where young warriors don magical clothes tied to constellations. Their goal? Protect Athena and beat divine foes. But what starts as a straight-up tournament soon morphs into epic cosmic battles, with armor upgrades, unleashed powers, and foes who could give gods a run for their money.

This anime hits Dragon Ball fans right in the feels. It’s full of loud transformations, raw emotion-fueled attacks, and teammates shouting about destiny and friendship mid-fight. But the twist here is the mythic setting: armor that evolves during combat and characters that can tap into celestial energy. If Dragon Ball Super’s multiverse fights made your heart race, Saint Seiya delivers that same vibe with a starry, mythological twist. 

7) Shaman King 

Yoh Asakura’s goal is simple: become Shaman King. That title lets you merge with the Great Spirit and reshape the world, but to get there, you’ve got to fight through a full-blown tournament where every shaman has a spirit partner backing them in battle. Yoh’s relaxed confidence and natural talent channel Goku’s vibe perfectly. And unlike most shonen MCs, he actually listens during fights, which is incredibly refreshing. 

When he fuses with his samurai ghost Amidamaru, things get serious fast. The show mixes sword fights, energy blasts, and wild spirit forms in a way that scratches the same itch as Dragon Ball’s flashiest transformations. There’s a full crew of rivals, friends, and unpredictable powers. It’s not just a battle of strength, but of who connects best with their spirit. And that emotional core hits the same way as Goku syncing with his allies to overcome the impossible.

8) Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric broke the biggest taboo in alchemy: trying to bring their mother back from the dead. What they got instead was missing body parts, metal limbs, and a soul bound to a suit of armor. They chase after the Philosopher’s Stone in an attempt to fix what they lost, but there are world-level stakes, corrupt governments, ancient beings playing god, and a whole army of characters you’ll either love or hate.

Don’t expect energy blasts and screaming power-ups here. The fights are smart, fast, and full of tricks. Alchemy lets them reshape the world in an instant, and it makes for wild one-on-ones. Edward’s got that Goku-style stubbornness, never backing down, always fighting for what’s right, but this story dives deeper. If you want shonen with brains, heart, and battles that go beyond fists, Brotherhood is one of the best picks out there.

9) Jujutsu Kaisen

Yuji Itadori was just a regular teen with freakish strength and a big heart, until he swallowed a cursed object and became the host to Ryomen Sukuna, the King of Curses. Yuji channels Goku’s “fight for others” mindset but walks a darker path. He doesn’t just fight to get stronger. He fights to give people a proper death, something Goku fans will recognize as that same deep-rooted sense of honor.

Right out of the gate, you get fast-paced action, clever power systems, and battles that feel like chess matches with fists. Jujutsu sorcery works like a gritty version of ki; it’s about controlling negative energy, and every technique is loaded with risk and reward. With beautiful animation, brutal fights, and stakes that climb fast, Jujutsu Kaisen is shonen turned up to eleven, making it a no-brainer for anyone craving raw power and emotional weight.

10) Black Clover

Asta is the kind of guy who stares destiny in the face and tells it to take a hike. Born without an ounce of magic in a world where spells are everything, he gets laughed at but refuses to back down. His childhood rival Yuno is a magic prodigy, but Asta? He just hits the gym harder than anyone alive and swings a massive sword that cancels out magic itself.

What makes this anime a standout for Dragon Ball fans is how closely Asta mirrors Goku’s grind. Both start with nothing but raw drive, and both climb higher than anyone through pure willpower. But while Goku walks a divine path with god-level ki and Ultra Instinct, Asta taps into something darker, a devilish power, and still manages to keep his soul intact.

The post 10 Best Anime to Watch if You Miss Dragon Ball Super appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Back in June, some lucky gamers got a first look at the upcoming Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra. The open play test let fans on Steam, PlayStation, and mobile get a first look at the free-to-play team battle game. Now, Bandai Namco is gearing up for the game’s release with a pre-registration campaign. We still don’t know exactly when the newest Dragon Ball game will release. But, pre-registering ensures you’ll be the first to know, and that you’ll start the game with some extra perks.

Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra will release for iPhone, Android, PlayStation, Steam, and Nintendo Switch. The game lets players step into the shoes of various Dragon Ball characters, taking on team-based battles versus other players and bosses from the show. As with many squad-based battle games, each Dragon Ball character has a specific role in battle. There will be tanks, damage dealers, and technical characters on offer. You can get a first look at the game by checking out its announcement trailer below:

The free-to-play game will release sometime in 2025. The official social media account has already offered previews of some of the characters who will be in the game. Familiar faces include Piccolo, Frieza, Krillin, and my personal favorite, Android 18. It’s likely the game will let players collect characters via a gacha mechanic as part of the free-to-play monetization. And players who pre-register will get some in-game currency that will no doubt be helpful to get ahead in Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra.

Pre-Registration Rewards

Pre-registration for Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra is live as of July 22nd. It will last until the game releases. Players who pre-register will get a variety of in-game currency items, based on hitting various pre-registration milestones. The targets and gifts are as follows:

• 100K Pre-Registrations – 3,000 Zeni
• 500K Pre-Registrations – 5 G-Capsules
• 1 Million Pre-Registrations – Super Saiyan Goku Stamp
• 2 Million Pre-Registrations – 7 SG-Capsules
• 3 Million Pre-Registrations – Son Goku (Mini) Character from Dragon Ball DAIMA

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While most players don’t yet know the purpose of many of these items, they’re likely to be useful for unlocking and powering up characters. So, if you’re planning to play Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra, it doesn’t hurt to pre-register. That way you and other players can jump in with a headstart on in-game currencies and items.

How to Pre-Register for Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra

Currently, pre-registration for Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra is available on all platforms except for Nintendo Switch. Pre-registration is fairly similar across platforms, but here’s a quick breakdown.

• Apple App Store – Pull up the game in the app store, then hit “get”
• Google Play Store – Pull up the game in the app store, then click on Pre-Register or Install
• PlayStation – Pull up the game in the PS Store, then click “wishlist”
• Steam – Pull up the game’s Steam page, then add it to your wishlist.

The eShop page for Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra isn’t yet live for Nintendo Switch. However, once it goes live, pre-registration will be available for Nintendo Switch players, as well.

Players can only claim the bonuses once, so pre-registering on multiple platforms won’t secure you additional bonus items. The campaign end date isn’t yet confirmed, since we don’t have a release date for Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra just yet. Hopefully, Bandai Namco plans to unveil this info soon enough, if pre-registration is already going live.

The post Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra Launches Pre-Registration Reward Campaign appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball has left a permanent mark on the industry as one of the most iconic franchises in the history of Shonen. The series isn’t just thrilling, it’s groundbreaking to the point of being the one that has inspired countless mangakas and several popular shows. The series isn’t only known for its breathtaking fights, but also for the memorable characters introduced throughout the years. When it comes to character development in Dragon Ball Z, or the entire franchise as a whole, Vegeta is the first one who comes to mind. He was introduced as a villain in DBZ and gradually transformed into one of the best and most reliable heroes in the franchise.

Everything from his tragic backstory and his rocky path to becoming the person he is now has been nothing short of marvelous. Of course, we can’t rule out characters like Gohan and Piccolo, who have been a part of the story for a long time and have had several memorable moments. However, none of the characters managed to evolve as profoundly and as naturally as Vegeta.

Vegeta’s Growth From a Villain to a Hero

During Vegeta’s introduction, he comes off as a typical old-school shonen villain, having a cold and arrogant personality and being obsessed with power. He was just completely indifferent to life and wouldn’t hesitate to crush anyone in his wake. However, as the story progressed, we gradually learned more about him and even the shallow pride he was so used to protecting, because that’s the only thing he was taught.

Vegeta took pride in his strength in being a Saiyan Prince, but deep down, no one knew his weakness better than him. He was helpless against Frieza and forced to do his bidding, even to the galactic tyrant took everything from him. Frieza’s defeat at the hands of Goku made him feel a deep sense of shame and resentment that pushed him to a new phase in his development, where he took on greater depth.

Even though Goku helped him kill the person he loathed the most, Vegeta couldn’t digest he fact that a low-born Saiyan was able to achieve the pinnacle before him. However, that’s when he began to change. When he was busy satisfying his thirst for power and testing the limits of his potential, he didn’t realize his personality gradually changed as his power grew.

His journey, being an enemy to a reluctant ally and then to a proud father, caring husband, and a rival-turned-friend, was a natural consequence of the events he lived through. Unlike Goku, who lost his memories at a young age and raised a human boy who loved martial arts, the ruthlessness that comes with being a Saiyan was etched into Vegeta’s being. Saiyans didn’t just live to fight; they sought power and destruction, with many who never cared about the lives around them. So, for someone who grew up as a Saiyan, this path to him gaining his humanity, something he was always unfamiliar with, is simply unreal and even awe-inspiring.

Vegeta’s Thirst for Power Came With Its Own Set of Challenges

Vegeta’s transformative journey throughout Dragon Ball Z and beyond was rocky, to say the least. He didn’t just change overnight, either; it took him years to become the person he is in Dragon Ball Super. With each arc, he grew ever so slightly. The biggest mistake he made was accepting Babidi’s power to grow stronger than Goku. Even after fighting alongside the Z Fighters for several years, he still let his dark side get the better of him. At that point, it felt like his arc had just come a full circle and that everything he had been through was all for nothing.

However, Majin Buu was a threat to the world big enough to override Vegeta’s ego, and far stronger than the Z Fighters could have comprehended. Vegeta was the first one to fight Buu and knew that no one on the planet stood any chance against the monster. When things got rough, he acknowledged that he had never held his son since the day he was born. Hence, just before sacrificing himself, he bid farewell to Trunks while protecting him and Goten, the son of his biggest rival.

It was also a way to redeem himself and the many lives he took after gaining the power through Babidi. Even though Vegeta has had the best development in the series, it’s not usually as acknowledged as his more classic quirks, or even just the end result of his journey. Perhaps because it’s subtle, or perhaps it’s because he continues to get overshadowed by Goku in the plot, but no matter how many years have passed, despite Vegeta having many loyal fans, he really deserves far more.

The post This Dragon Ball Z Character Had the Best Development & It’s Not Even Close appeared first on ComicBook.com.

As one of the oldest and most iconic anime and manga franchises of all time, Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball has introduced us to a vast majority of incredible villains. The original manga was adapted into anime in two major parts: Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z. As a sequel to Dragon Ball, which set up the foundation for the story, Dragon Ball Z helped the franchise gain worldwide recognition. The stakes were higher in Z, with intense action sequences and iconic characters, including the villains. Each villain brings a new set of challenges for the heroes, leaving destruction in their wake.

Since Dragon Ball Z is an action-driven show, the fights against those villains are always thrilling. In the entire franchise, Frieza is often considered the series’ ultimate villain due to the impact of his character on the story’s stakes going forward, helping transform it into a worldwide phenomenon. He was introduced as the main antagonist of the Namek Saga, a space tyrant with exceptional powers who took pleasure in destroying planets. He also led the Planet Trade Organization, often referred to as the Frieza Force, whose primary function was to conquer planets, eliminate their populations, and then sell the planets to the highest bidder. While I see Frieza and understand his impact, the next truly massive villain saw that approach and perfected it.

Cell Brought Out the Best in Every Character, Including Himself

Compared to Frieza, who is an embodiment of pure evil, Cell is far more nuanced as an antagonist. On top of his strength, he was strategic, patient, and had an unnerving calm demeanor. In the Namek Saga, many characters faced off against Frieza but were easily struck down. Even Goku faced a lot of challenges, but he emerged victorious after his transformation. So, the fight against Frieza was basically a one-man show, which heavily focused on the protagonist’s development, instead of the story as a whole.

The Cell Saga, on the other hand, was about legacy, evolution, and the lengths the heroes would go to protect the planet. Piccolo, Vegeta, Tien, and even Future Trunks fought against the villain with everything they had. Goku arrived late as always and declared that Cell isn’t someone he can defeat on his own, which he never did in his fight against Frieza. The villain was defeated by Gohan, Goku’s son and half-Saiyan, who showed immense potential since the age of four.

Cell’s Birth Is a Consequence of the Battles Fought By the Z Warriors

Cell is introduced as a disgusting humanoid bug, who kept evolving depending on the number of people he consumed and their powers. Cell was created by Dr. Gero’s supercomputer, using the DNA of several Z-Fighters, including Goku, Gohan, Vegeta, Piccolo, Frieza, and King Cold. Gero also gathered DNA from some other characters like Raditz, Nappa, Tien, Krillin, and Yamcha. Cell was developed eventually in a future timeline and traveled back in time to absorb Androids 17 and 18 to achieve his perfect form.

He ultimately reached a limit that none of the fighters were capable of catching up to. In a sense, Cell was the culmination of all the battles fought by Z warriors and their legacy. His existence is a direct consequence of the battles the Z Warriors fought, since that’s how Dr. Gero collected the data required to create Cell. Without those fights, this horrifying villain may never have been born.

Compared to Cell, Frieza Comes Off as Rather One-Note

While there’s no doubt that Frieza is iconic (as he should be), his entire character revolves around domination and fear. He is the textbook example of a captivating shonen anime villain who sought power and dominance over the world. He also tried to achieve immortality, and that’s when he failed. The tyrant not only used sheer force but also hit Goku where it hurts. Frieza killed Krillin to aggravate Goku, and that’s what triggered his Super Saiyan transformation, a moment cemented in the anime and manga history.

However, he simply lacks the depth and evolution that Cell possesses. Frieza is petty enough to kill someone when he is challenged and destroys planets when he is angered. Despite his flashy new form in Dragon Ball Super, his character remains fundamentally the same. Compared to Frieza, Cell’s primary goal was to achieve his “perfect form” and then to test its limits by fighting powerful opponents.

Cell was created because of Dr. Gero’s hatred towards Goku and to take revenge against him. As he kept growing from his imperfect to perfect form, his demeanor kept changing, and he transformed from a creature struggling to survive to a confident tactician. I also like how he doesn’t simply end his opponents when provoked. Instead, he enjoys toying with them, testing them, and eventually forcing them to grow. Cell, as a Dragon Ball Z villain, represents a reckoning with the story’s past and what happens when the abilities of the world’s mightiest defenders are turned against themselves. His final confrontation against Gohan remains the most cathartic evolution of Goku’s Super Saiyan debut imaginable, being talked about by Dragon Ball Z fans even decades later.

The post Sorry Frieza Fans, But Here’s Dragon Ball Z’s Best Villain (And You Can’t Change My Mind) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

For years, many Dragon Ball fans have been enjoying the resurgence of the Z-Fighters with the likes of Dragon Ball Super and Dragon Ball Daima. Despite recent storylines introducing some major new transformations to the Z-Fighters, this fact hasn’t meant that every character lost made a comeback. To this day, many anime fans have wondered what the fate was for one character that has long since been missing from the lives of Son Goku and company. Luckily, light has been shed on the fate of a tried and true character that meant a great deal to the shonen universe in its earlier days.

Launch was introduced as quite the wild character in the original Dragon Ball series, going from mild-mannered civilian to a bank-robbing criminal with a simple sneeze. While never having the power to go Super Saiyan or even fire off energy blasts, Launch left an impression on the Z-Fighters and fans alike, but disappeared following brief cameos in Dragon Ball Z. Now, the original voice actor for the character, Mami Koyama, confirmed that since she could no longer voice the character thanks to traveling abroad, she had reportedly talked with Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama. During their discussion, Koyama asked if Toriyama could stop putting Launch into the story, and it seems as though the mangaka took her words to heart.

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Dragon Ball’s “Human Problem”

Over the years of the shonen franchise, the humans of this shonen series have long had a difficult time in keeping up the pace with the likes of Goku and company. Luckily for the likes of Krillin, Tenshinhan, and the other earthly fighters, Dragon Ball Super has been finding interesting ways to still shine a spotlight on many of these characters. During the Tournament of Power, many of the human brawlers were added to Universe Seven’s roster to help in dodging extermination.

While it has yet to be animated officially, the Moro Arc also has some big moments for many of the human characters of the Dragon Ball franchise. Since the villainous sorcerer unleashes a steady string of his followers on the planet Earth, the likes of Yamcha and Chiaotzu are even given the chance to jump back into the fray. As of the writing of this article, Toei Animation hasn’t confirmed when we can expect Dragon Ball Super’s anime to return, though fans continue to count down the days.

Unfortunately, for those hoping to see the Dragon Ball Super manga return this year, we have bad news for you. A recent report revealed that the printed story would not end its current hiatus in 2025, meaning we’re going to have to wait for at least a few more months for the Z-Fighters to return in the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump.

Want to see what the future holds for the Z-Fighters? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on everything Dragon Ball and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime, or hit us up in the comments.

Via X

The post Dragon Ball Finally Reveals What Happened With Long Lost Character appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Toei Animation has revealed that it is doing something special to celebrate the franchise’s 40th Anniversary. In collaboration with Shueisha and the Akira Toriyama-founded Bird Studios, Toei Animation is opening the first-ever official Dragon Ball store in Tokyo, Japan. While the Dragon Ball franchise has had multiple pop-up stores globally, these stores were almost always limited-time offerings that would disappear after a set time. The new, official Dragon Ball Store will be a permanent market that’ll focus exclusively on the series. The official press release didn’t unveil much info other than that it is planned to open this fall. New information on the store can be found on the franchise’s official website and social media accounts.

All parties involved in the new store promise that people will find new limited-time goods and must-have items, making it the perfect retail destination for die-hard Dragon Ball fans. The first Dragon Ball chapter launched in November 1984, beginning one of the most lucrative anime franchises in the world. Tragically, series creator Akira Toriyama did not live to witness his creation’s 40th Anniversary, having passed away a few months before the November 2024 40th Anniversary on March 1st, 2024. Toriyama’s passing made headlines worldwide, with Latin America and even the French president making remarks about the iconic mangaka’s death.

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Dragon Ball Finally Gets Its Own Store

Multiple Japanese franchises have dedicated stores scattered throughout the country, most notably One Piece and Pokémon. Dragon Ball has always been a huge brand from Japan, especially for Toei Animation, but the series’ value has always been with its recognition overseas. In the United States, Dragon Ball Z is inextricably tied to Toonami, helping pave the way for the anime boom of the late 1990s. The Dragon Ball franchise has a powerful fan base in Latin America, with fans gathering in the streets of countries like Mexico to watch Dragon Ball Super.

The lasting appeal of Dragon Ball globally, even in English-speaking areas, has continued to this day, with protagonist Goku having been smeared in American pop culture. Goku is now part of the luxurious, exclusive group of fictional characters to have a balloon at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Anime has now become mainstream in American culture, with 2025 expected to be the biggest year for the medium yet, with Dragon Ball playing a significant role in getting anime to where it is now.

Typically, brand-focused stores like the upcoming Dragon Ball Store stay locked to Japan. Fortunately, the associated parties traditionally release products sold in these stores via pop-up stores released across the world. Besides the new Dragon Ball Store, Shuiesha is releasing a new collector’s box set for the entire Dragon Ball manga called the Double Cover Box. The box set features all 42 volumes of the original manga and artwork by the most successful manga authors of all time, which was created to celebrate the franchise’s continued legacy.

H/T: Official Dragon Ball Website

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Dragon Ball Super might be in the midst of a very long hiatus, but the artist behind the series has returned with a cool new face off between Ultra Instinct Goku and Ultra Ego Vegeta. Dragon Ball Super’s manga has been on a hiatus for the past year as following franchise creator Akira Toriyama’s death, Shueisha confirmed that the series would be on break for an indeterminate amount of time. But even without the original creator, fans have been eagerly waiting for the manga to return for new stories thanks to all of the potential room there is still left to explore.

Dragon Ball Super is likely not going to be returning for new chapters anytime soon as the team at Shueisha and Dragon Ball figure out how to proceed without Toriyama’s involvement. But even with the series at a current standstill, Dragon Ball Super artist Toyotaro has been able to keep the spirit of the series alive with all kinds of cool new art in the meantime. This includes a cool new sketch of Ultra Instinct Goku and Ultra Ego Vegeta shared with fans during Jump Victory Carnival 2025. Check it out below as shared by @cliffeur on X.

Is Dragon Ball Super Ever Coming Back?

Dragon Ball Super has been on a hiatus since Toriyama’s death last year, and unfortunately is showing no signs of coming back soon. The series briefly returned for a special one-shot chapter earlier this Summer, but Toyotaro explained that this one-shot was adapting some of the final material leftover from Toriyama that the artist couldn’t work in during the original take on the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero arc. So while it was technically a brand new entry, it still was inspired by Toriyama’s left behind ideas. But continuing the series wouldn’t be impossible.

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Toyotaro has expressed his desire to continue Dragon Ball Super on a number of occasions, and recently explained how it wouldn’t be impossible to continue the story without Toriyama. Revealing during Japan Expo 2025 earlier this month, Toyotaro explained to fans that while Toriyama often helped with the stories, Toyotaro himself was the main driving force behind the new stories seen in the Granolah the Survivor and Planet Eater Moro arcs. Noting that it would be difficult without Toriyama’s input, Toyotaro is still willing to continue.

What Would Dragon Ball Super’s Future Even Look Like?

It’s going to be a long wait for any potential Dragon Ball Super return despite Toyotaro’s interest in continuing it, however. During Jump Victory Carnival 2025, Shueisha’s V-Jump magazine editor Victory Uchida also reportedly stated that no new chapters of the series would be coming through the rest of the year, and fans are asked to be patient while we wait for future updates. This is a big blow to fans who have been asking to see the franchise return for new stories now that the potential return is no longer on the horizon.

There is a story to continue when Dragon Ball Super returns, however. Black Frieza was revealed to be the strongest warrior of Universe 7 as of the end of the Granolah the Survivor arc, and it primed the classic villain as the main threat of the series once more. With Goku and Vegeta currently training together with Gohan and Broly on Beerus’ planet, it’s possible that any future for Dragon Ball Super would be taking these warriors to higher heights than fans had ever seen before. And maybe even the anime could come back after it’s all wrapped up too.

HT – @cliffeur on X

The post Dragon Ball Super Artist Returns With New Goku vs. Vegeta Promo appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Dragon Ball Super has been in the midst of an indefinite hiatus since franchise creator Akira Toriyama’s death last year, but it seems that fans will be waiting a lot longer than they ever had been hoping for according to a new report. Dragon Ball Super’s anime might have come to an end back in 2018, but the story had actually been continuing through brand new arcs of the manga in the years since. This even led to a full manga adaptation of the events of the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero feature film in the most recent chapters before the hiatus.

Dragon Ball Super fans have been hoping to see the manga return ever since it went on hiatus given that it ended on a massive cliffhanger teasing the series’ future. While the manga briefly returned with a special one-shot chapter in the time since, it’s been fairly quiet for the series overall. According to a new report from @cliffeur on X, who was able to meet with Shueisha’s V-Jump editor Victory Uchida at Jump Carnival, Dragon Ball Super will not be returning in 2025 and fans are asked to be patient in the wait for further updates.

Dragon Ball Super Hiatus to Continue Through 2025

While this is far from a concrete confirmation and should be taken with a healthy dose of skepticism, it is the only update of any kind that Shueisha has shared on Dragon Ball Super’s status. Following Toriyama’s death the series has been in a limbo of sorts as artist Toyotaro has been open about his desire to continue the manga series without Toriyama (even returning for a new chapter earlier this year), but those behind the franchise rights on a whole are concerned as to how to move forward in the wake of the creator’s passing.

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Toyotaro has spoken about a potential continuation of Dragon Ball Super‘s manga as recently as Japan Expo earlier this month, and noted that it wouldn’t be impossible to continue the story given that the artist forged much of the Granolah the Survivor and Planet Eater Moro arcs on his own. He would ask for help and notes from Toriyama (and the creator would often readjust scenes in the manga ahead of their final edits), but Toyotaro explained that he could continue the story. It would be difficult without Toriyama, but not as impossible of a task as a continuation of it would seem on the outset.

What Does Dragon Ball Super’s Future Look Like?

The status of Dragon Ball Super remains uncertain, but it has a potentially bright future to explore if the series does manage to come back some time next year. Dragon Ball Super still has the lingering threat of Black Frieza overhead as the villain is currently the strongest warrior in Universe 7 as of the end of the Granolah the Survivor arc, and Goku and the others have been training ever since to meet that villain on his level. So fans are hoping to see that story resolved in the very least.

But while Dragon Ball Super fans are hoping to see the manga return with new stories, there is an even bigger contingent of fans wanting to see a proper return of its anime. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero released back in 2022 and told its own story, but there’s a hope that a TV anime return could adapt the unseen Granolah the Survivor and Planet Eater Moro arcs. Especially so if the manga is able to tell its full Black Frieza story and bring that to anime someday as well.

HT – @cliffeur on X

The post Dragon Ball Super Shares Bad News for Its 2025 Return: Report appeared first on ComicBook.com.

At this year’s Japan Expo, Dragon Ball Editor Kazuhiko Torishima had quite a bit to say when it came to the current state of manga. Obviously, based on the title of this article, you can probably surmise that the past editor isn’t a fan. Torishima doesn’t knock any current writers or artists who are helping to produce the current manga but rather, takes the opportunity to discuss how the current method of supplying readers with the format is taking the medium backwards. While Kazuhiko might not be currently working with the Z-Fighters, this fact doesn’t mean he’s not an expert in the field.

During the recent Japan Expo panel, Torishima fleshed out why he feels that the move to a digital platform has been steering manga into a direction he isn’t comfortable with, “With digital manga, algorithms feed readers only the same kind of content. We’ve reached a point where all manga look the same, taste the same—like Starbucks manga or McDonald’s manga. Japanese manga has lost its sense of unique artistic identity.“ Working for years with Shueisha, Kazuhiko was a big part of what helped the Z-Fighters become a household name and is currently spending his time as the CEO of Hakusensha, a Japanese publishing company.

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A New Manga Age

Torishima also discussed his reasoning behind why he believes that manga editors shouldn’t just be focused on the medium when it comes to their jobs, “Publishers hire people who’ve only ever read manga. If you don’t hire people with broader tastes—cinema, literature—the creative world keeps shrinking.” During said panel, the former Dragon Ball editor confirmed that he had a love for French literature while also pointing to his top three film list which includes The Godfather, Roman Holiday, and 2001: A Space Odyssey. Obviously, these three films are quite different from the Z-Fighters’ adventures, showing how diverse Torishima’s approach to entertainment is.

Kazuhiko also explained how the disconnect between manga and the current generation is prevalent in the market these days, “Today, there’s a real problem, kids don’t read manga anymore. Editors say kids can’t follow panel layouts, but I tell them, your paneling just isn’t good, it’s hard to read. For example, Toriyama’s manga was crystal clear. One Piece should be readable by elementary school kids, in terms of panel layout. It’s not the mangaka’s fault, it’s the editors, who don’t have strong enough skills in manga layout and readability. One reason is that publishers hire people who’ve only ever read manga. If you don’t hire people with broader tastes – cinema, literature – the creative world keeps shrinking.”

As for Dragon Ball itself, Z-Fighter enthusiasts are waiting on word of the shonen’s return. With Dragon Ball Daima ending earlier this year and no return date set in stone for the manga’s return, Goku and company’s eventual return is sure to be a major event in the anime world.

Want to stay afloat on the Z-Fighters and the ever-evolving state of manga? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on Dragon Ball and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

Via DB-Z

The post Dragon Ball Editor Bashes The Modern Era of Manga appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Since the tragic passing of Akira Toriyama last year, Dragon Ball fans have both mourned and wondered what the future of the shonen series will be. To honor his mentor and collaborator, the artist known as Toyotaro has stated in the past that he plans to continue working on the manga moving forward. Most recently, Toyotaro attended the Japan Expo in France, taking the opportunity to reveal more about how he plans to tackle Dragon Ball Super in the future without Akira Toriyama. Even though Akira Toriyama can never be replaced, Toyotaro is clearly working to honor his teacher with the continuing story of the Z-Fighters.

During the recent Japan Expo panel, Toyotaro stated that it wouldn’t be “impossible” to continue Dragon Ball Super without Akira Toriyama. As the artist explains, he was the one who would forget stories like the Moro and the Granolah The Survivor Arcs, sending them to Toriyama for approval. While Akira would give him notes, such as the creation of the Heeters in the Granolah storyline for example, many of the arcs were born from Toyotaro himself. The manga artist would also ask for Toriyama’s expertise when it came to certain parts of the storylines. Of course, Toyotaro confirmed that it wouldn’t be easy to continue Son Goku and friends’ advnentures but it is still a definite possibility.

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Where Can Dragon Ball Super Go?

The last time we saw Dragon Ball Super’s manga was with a special chapter from Akira Toriyama and Toyotaro that showed readers how Goten and Trunks decided to become masked crime fighters. The prequel story was one written by Toriyama before his passing, taking place prior to the events of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero and showing how the sons of Goku and Vegeta are enjoying their high school years. While this chapter and Dragon Ball Daima are prequel stories, we imagine that whenever the Dragon Ball Super series does return, it will look into the future past the fight against Cell Max.

Of the many story aspects that could be explored, the most obvious is the hanging thread that is Frieza and his ultimate transformation. “Black Frieza” first appeared at the tail end of the Granolah Arc, with the alien despot receiving this power-up thanks to discovering a Hyperbolic Time Chamber to train within. Spending the equivalent of years inside this alternate reality, Frieza has become the strongest being in the universe to the point where he was able to defeat Ultra Instinct Goku and Ultra Ego Vegeta in one hit. With the classic villain now holding a power level far above the heroes, the Saiyans have a wild new goal to hit and some serious training to undertake in order to do so.

Want to stay updated on the Z-Fighters and their future endeavors? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on Dragon Ball Super and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime or hit us up in the comments.

Via X

The post Dragon Ball Super Artist Talks Continuing The Series Without Akira Toriyama appeared first on ComicBook.com.

France’s President has often worn his love of Dragon Ball on his sleeve with Emmanuel Macron paying tribute to Goku and the Z-Fighters in the past. Following the tragic passing of series creator Akira Toriyama, Macron took time to highlight the works of the legendary mangaka while at the same time sharing his love of the shonen. Specifically, Macron shared original artwork he had from the Majin Buu Saga and thus put his anime money where his mouth is. At this year’s Japan Expo taking place in France, not only did Macron make an appearance, but he also let off an energy blast of his own.

During the Japan Expo, Dragon Ball Super artist Toyotaro made an appearance to talk about his work with the series and how he plans to move forward following Toriyama’s passing. While Macron didn’t make an appearance at this panel, the French President did hit the convention floor to take pictures with attendees. While visiting the con, Emmanuel met Akira Toriyama’s editor, Kazuhiko Torishima, and had the opportunity to check out original artwork from the shonen franchise. Finally, and perhaps the biggest moment from the visit, the President of France performed a Kamehameha all his own with the attendees. Luckily, the convention withstood the energy attack from all parties.

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Akira Toriyama’s Passing United The World

When Akira Toriyama passed last year, not only did French President Macron share his condolences, but the world mourned as well. Japan, the birthplace of Toriyama, had its fair share of tributes, while China also made sure to recognize the accomplishments of the prolific manga artist. Thanks to North America’s love of the series, plenty of Western anime fans also recalled how the series affected them and how much they will miss Toriyama.

What’s Next For Dragon Ball?

Unfortunately, despite world leaders’ enthusiasm for the anime, the future of Dragon Ball is anyone’s guess at this point. On the anime front, viewers recently had the chance to see the titanic series known as Dragon Ball Daima, a show that took place following the death of Kid Buu but before Whis and Beerus popped up in Dragon Ball Super. During this spin-off, shonen fans had the chance to see the arrival of Super Saiyan 3 Vegeta and Super Saiyan 4 Goku, scratching off some major items from the bucket list.

On the manga side of the equation, Dragon Ball Super has yet to confirm when, or if, it will be returning to the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump. Toyotaro worked closely with Akira Toriyama for years to create arcs such as the Moro Arc and the Granolah The Survivor Arc, giving the Z-Fighters new challenges and ridiculously powerful transformations. Whenever the shonen series does return, it’s sure to be a major event within the anime world.

Want to see what other world leaders are secretly fans of the Dragon Ball series? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on the Z-Fighters and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

The post France’s President Pays Tribute To Dragon Ball Z appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Believe it or not, it’s been five years since the release of Bandai Namco’s Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot. This installment from developer CyberConnect2 is often lauded as one of the best Dragon Ball games to date, thanks to its immersive RPG style. Since launch, Kakarot has retained a Very Positive rating on Steam, but a recent update suggests the iconic game is about to get even better.

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot brings an open-world RPG spin, letting players step into their Super Saiyan shoes through an immersive story. As many previous Dragon Ball titles were focused on fighting game elements only, fans were happy to be able to dig deeper into the story elements of the classic anime. In addition to reliving the story, gamers can enjoy side activities like fishing and fueling up with food. Basically, DBZ: Kakarot lets you live the Saiyan life you’ve always dreamed of.

But as with many games that are getting on in years, the graphics are starting to feel a smidge dated compared to newer entries. That’s likely the inspiration behind an upcoming update to Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot. On July 4th, a new Steam announcement revealed an upcoming HD graphic enhancement headed to the game. The new, HD version of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot will beef up the visuals, as shown in this side-by-side comparison video:

The HD-enhanced update arrives on July 17th, so there’s not too long to wait. If you already own Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, you will be able to play the new HD version for free. July 17th is also the release date for the next Dragon Ball Daima DLC, Adventure Through the Demon Realm: Part 1. So, it’s going to be an exciting day full of updates for the Dragon Ball RPG.

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Is Currently On Sale Ahead of HD Upgrade

With the new update being free for those who currently own the game, there’s no reason not to go ahead and grab Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot while we wait for July 17th. In fact, now might be an ideal time to grab a copy if you don’t already have one, as the game is currently deeply discounted on Steam.

Until July 10th, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is 75% off on Steam thanks to the Steam Summer Sale. So, you can snag the game for just $14.99 and only have a week to wait for those new HD graphics! Given that Kakarot still runs for $59.99 at full price, that’s quite a deal. For those who like the finer things, the Deluxe and Legendary Editions are also on sale, along with every DLC and Season Pass.

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In addition to Steam, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is also available on PlayStation and Xbox consoles, but for now, it looks like the HD graphics upgrade has only been announced for Steam. The game is also not on sale on either console platform at the moment. So, PC gamers have a slight edge here, both with the discounted price and the upcoming graphics update.

Have you played Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot yet? If not, will the HD update draw you in? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

The post Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Is Getting an HD Upgrade Soon appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Super Saiyan 4 transformation in the Dragon Ball franchise stands out as one of its most iconic offerings. Though it is a form that requires a Saiyan to ascend beyond their normal state, what truly sets this transformation apart is the distinct physical appearance of Goku and Vegeta in this form. Steering away from the traditional blonde hair, Super Saiyan 4 introduces a unique design that emphasizes traits rooted in Saiyan heritage. Most notably, this transformation highlights their primal ape origins.

Not only is the design itself distinct, but the method of acquiring this transformation for the first time is also different. In Dragon Ball GT, Goku obtains this form by gaining control over his Golden Great Ape transformation. Meanwhile, Dragon Ball Daima portrays Goku achieving the transformation through Neva’s magical powers. The visual depiction in Daima clearly shows Neva’s magic altering something within Goku to awaken his primal ape form. Both instances confirm that Super Saiyan 4 is unlike other transformations, requiring special assistance to attain initially. This is why Goku’s conversation with Vegeta during the finale of Daima seems misleading or underplayed, as it doesn’t clearly explain how Goku was able to achieve the transformation in the first place.

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Goku Only Hints at How He Managed to Access Super Saiyan 4 in Daima‘s Finale

In the finale of Dragon Ball Daima, near the end of the episode, fans finally witness Vegeta asking Goku a crucial question: was Goku keeping Super Saiyan 4 a secret? Goku’s response is either misleading or heavily undersold, which led many fans to believe that he had already attained the transformation and was simply hiding it. However, a closer interpretation of his words reveals that even Goku himself was uncertain whether Super Saiyan 4 was truly possible. Goku tells Vegeta that after the events with Buu, and realizing just how formidable Buu was, he trained relentlessly and wasn’t sure if “it” would work. This vague statement gives the impression that he developed Super Saiyan 4 on his own.

But it becomes evident that Goku was referring to whether achieving a new transformation beyond Super Saiyan 3 was even possible. His uncertainty implies that Super Saiyan 3 might be the furthest a Saiyan can push through training alone, and surpassing that level would require external assistance. Considering that Neva’s magical intervention clearly altered something within Goku, possibly even his DNA, it suggests that outside help was indeed necessary. This mirrors how Goku first achieved the transformation in GT, where he became a Golden Great Ape after his eyes were exposed to 17 million Zenoes of Blutz Waves, a special lunar energy. Daima merely adapted this concept, using Neva’s magic instead. This is what makes Goku’s statement in the Dragon Ball Daima finale either an outright lie or something he significantly undersold, failing to acknowledge that he needed Neva’s magical powers to attain the Super Saiyan 4 transformation.

Dragon Ball Daima can be streamed on Crunchyroll and Netflix.

The post Dragon Ball: Goku Is Lying About Super Saiyan 4 appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Dragon Ball Super was definitely one of the last decade’s most popular anime, continuing the franchise’s long history of domination in the anime world, and a large part of that reason is the anime’s final arc before going into hiatus. What is now one of the biggest tournament arcs in the medium, the sequel shattered records and was a historic achievement with a sequence of some of the most hype and exciting fights, which culminated in an iconic moment.

8 years ago on June 30th, fans caught a glimpse of the poster commemorating the start of the Tournament of Power in Dragon Ball Super’s Universe Survival Arc, with Episode 97 of the anime soon to follow. Organized by Zeno, the tournament involved eight universes, each selecting ten fighters to compete in a massive battle royale. Held on a neutral stage, the rules are simple: if all team members are eliminated, that universe is erased. As the clock ticks down, intense battles unfold between elite warriors from across the multiverse. The reason for the large stake tournament is effectively to cull out the less advanced universes. Everyone fights for their right to live and their chance to have anything they wish granted in an intense arc where friends and foes put aside their differences to live.

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Goku and His Allies Faced Their Greatest Opponents

If there is one thing the franchise did well, it was fights, and this arc had some of the best animated fights and most emotional ones as well. Between Vegeta’s pride as a Saiyan, Goku taking down Kefla with ease, Team Universe 7’s last stand together, Frieza and Goku working together for the first time, and of course, the iconic awakening of Ultra Instinct which was a pivotal moment in the entire tournament and one of anime’s most legendary moments. The arc is filled with some incredibly hype and memorable moments, and while it does drag on in some places, the highs make up for the lows significantly.

What is amazing about this arc, though, is just how massively popular it was. It not only crashed Crunchyroll but also many of the illegal anime sites as well. It even got to the point where Toei Animation urged the government of Mexico to shut down planned watch parties that were not authorised. It was truly a time that one had to be there to understand its cultural significance, and such a fever is yet to be topped to this day. The anime has sadly been in hiatus for a while, and while there are movies being released occasionally, fans are still excitedly for the drought to end and the anime to adapt some other highly exciting storylines like the Moro Arc.

The post 8 Years Ago Today, Dragon Ball Super Kicked Off Its Best Arc appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Dragon Ball franchise has always been an interesting one when it comes to the great beyond. When Dragon Ball Z first started airing in North America for example, the series was censored to the point where death was explained as “being sent to another dimension.” Thanks to the fact that the wishing orbs routinely bring back deceased characters from the grave, it might seem difficult for certain death scenes to still land. Luckily, the emotional beats of some of Dragon Ball Z’s greatest deaths still have a lot of weight and we’re more than happy to share some of our favorites.

Dishonorable Mention: Yamcha’s Death

Yamcha’s death might just be one of the biggest demises in Dragon Ball Z history for all the wrong reasons. With the former desert bandit introduced as a major part of the original series, Yamcha’s death at the hands of a suicidal Saibaman has become, perhaps, the most recognizable moment of his anime career. Even Dragon Ball Super recreated the moment in a filler episode focusing on baseball, proving that even the creative team is aware of Yamcha’s meme moment. Unfortunately, Yamcha was never able to keep up with the likes of Goku and we have to imagine that his death in Dragon Ball Z was, in some form, holding him back.

8.) Nappa’s Death

In the Saiyan Saga, Nappa’s demise didn’t just satisfy the viewers who had wanted payback for the deaths of many Z-Fighters but it helped establish just how powerful Vegeta was. Nappa had taken so many beats in stride while fighting against Piccolo and the human fighters that shonen fans were hoping for serious payback. While hardly an emotional hard hitter like many of the other entries on this list, it earns its place on this list to see the bald brawler bite the big one.

7.) Frieza’s Death

The alien despot eeks out a victory over Nappa on this list as Frieza’s death was a long time coming, especially since Goku wasn’t able to “finish the job” on the Planet Namek. Not only was Frieza killed in an amazing fashion by being chopped into pieces in mid-air, and subsequently blasted to atoms with an energy attack, but it worked as the perfect introduction to one of Dragon Ball Z’s biggest characters. Trunks hit the ground floor running before any anime fan knew exactly who he was and he stepped on Frieza’s corpse to do so.

6.) Chiaotzu x Tenshinhan Death

This is a bit of a cheat because we’re rolling two deaths into one but they are so interlocked with each other in the Saiyan Saga, it felt fair to have Tenshinhan and Chiaotzu be ranked together. Much like with Yamcha, Chiaotzu’s demise might be what he is best known for but luckily, the albino powerhouse didn’t get made fun of for his passing, or at least not nearly as much as the desert bandit. Tenshinhan’s response of putting everything into one final blow in an attempt to take down Nappa but ultimately failing worked well. Two of the most noble deaths on this list and even while the two Earth-based fighters don’t keep up with the Saiyans, they still proved their worth and then some.

5.) Goku Death

Goku’s reunion with his brother Raditz wasn’t exactly the sort of sibling get-together that many family members hope for. With Goku’s older brother wanting his younger sibling to join his destructive campaign across the galaxy, Son’s death makes for the first big casualty of Dragon Ball Z and it starts the series strong. While Goku, and his friends, knew that he would be revived in a year’s time, the scene still pulled on the heartstrings when it came to witnessing the demise of the beloved anime character. The final shot of Goku dying with a smile still makes for an amazing still from the shonen sequel.

4.) Krillin Death

Krillin’s death will forever be the key beat that introduced anime fans to the Super Saiyan transformation but it worked on several different levels. Frieza blowing up the bald headed Z-Fighter was quite the shock but it did make for a hard-hitting death for Goku and his friends. Since Krillin had been wished back by the Dragon Balls before, Son believed that there would be no bringing back his best friend, making it hit that much harder. While this made for quite the scene, our top three earned their place over this death taking place on the Planet Namek.

3.) Android 16

Android 16 might have wanted Son Goku dead but the creation of Dr. Gero surpassed his programming and gave Gohan the “motivation” he needed to go Super Saiyan 2. Giving Goku’s son a motivational speech to prepare him to take down Cell, 16’s death was both sudden and brutal, easily claiming its place high up on this list. With so many years having passed since 16’s demise, we do have to wonder why they never decided to bring 16 back using the Dragon Balls though.

2.) Piccolo’s Death

After you’ve read this list, we challenge you to go back and rewatch this Dragon Ball Z scene and have your heart torn apart by Piccolo’s death at the hands of Nappa. Throwing himself in front of the Saiyan’s blast to save Gohan, this moment solidified Piccolo from being a demon lord to a hero that would work to protect the Earth. Every single moment of this scene is pitch perfect and is one of the greatest death scenes in anime history. It was a tough call and this could certainly be number one on this list, but for us, there was one DBZ death to rule them all.

1.) Majin Vegeta Death

If there has to be one to rule them all, it’s Vegeta’s death during the Buu Saga. Following some of the best character development in Dragon Ball Z history, the Prince of all Saiyans goes from wanting Goku’s head to making one last effort to take down Majin Buu in a flashy display. While Vegeta would return like many of the other characters on this list, his self-sacrifice is still a pivotal moment for the former villain turned hero and easily earns its place at the top of this list.

The post Dragon Ball Z: Ranking the Deaths of Your Favorite Z Fighters & Villains appeared first on ComicBook.com.

It isn’t hard to write a good anime villain—there are countless examples of brilliantly bone-chilling anime villains—but it’s hard to write one of the best. The simple truth is that there are a lot of amazing anime villains, and trimming down the selection to just a handful of highlights is a task much easier said than done. A wonderful villain transcends a simple judgment of their actions, power, or ideology.

Nonetheless, we’ve tried! These villains are the best anime has to offer. They aren’t necessarily the strongest, scariest, or most hated; these are the icons of anime villainy who stand out within the industry. Whether it’s because of their impact, cultural relevance, or just being incredibly well-written, every single villain on this list earned their place.

1) Johan Liebert (Monster)

Monster is required viewing for pretty much everybody who takes anime seriously. Monster‘s entire cast is profoundly strong, but there are two obvious faces who stand out from the rest. On one side, there’s protagonist Kenzo Tenma, the surgeon falsely accused of murder who finds himself on the run needing to clear his name; on the other, there’s Johan Liebert, the mysterious and enigmatic serial killer whose crimes fall on Tenma’s head.

As a villain, Johan is simply chilling: manipulative, charming, and chameleon-like. His backstory itself is horrifying, and it really brings a brand new depth to his character—but it’s also not totally necessary for him to be as overpowering as he is. As one watches Monster, one realizes that Johan independently isn’t nearly as responsible for the series’ events as those swept up in the cult of personality that surrounds him. His smart writing, horrifying disposition, and uncanny ability to make others act out terror is the factor that has made Monster one of the most acclaimed and unforgettable anime ever.

2) Meruem (Hunter x Hunter)

When you start watching Hunter x Hunter, it’s a little slow. As you investigate online during the series’ early slog—the hype around it must exist for a reason, after all—you’ll see some confirmation that it hits its stride especially with the “Yorknew City” arc. The other thing you’ll inevitably see during your research is Hunter x Hunter being worth it because of the “Chimera Ant” arc especially, cited endlessly by fans as one of anime’s best ever. Meruem is the reason for that.

Overpowered, ruthless, and commanding an army of evolved humanoid ants, Meruem leaves no room for doubt that he’s the best—and that humans fall well below his own species. As his arc develops, he gains even more depth, and his eventual death comes with a soul-crushing set of revelations. It’s hard to say what the best anime villains possess, but one quality is critical: being able to get into their head and understand them, even if empathy is hard. Meruem exemplifies that as he elevates Hunter x Hunter‘s stakes to a feverish new high.

3) Yoshikage Kira (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)

On the other side of things would be JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure‘s Kira, the central antagonist of Part 4, Diamond is Unbreakable. When you think of JoJo, there are definitely more identifiable villains: DIO, Kars, and Steel Ball Run‘s main antagonist who we’re opting not to spoil. Beyond that, though, are its most bone-chilling villains: people like Santana and Diavolo, say. Kira stands apart from all of those villains.

Kira is incredible because unlike essentially every other JoJo villain, he lacks any big aim; he wants to have a quiet life and commit his murders in the background, for his own sake. For that reason, he becomes so deeply terrifying and overpowering. On one hand, because his bloodlust is so intense and in your face; on the other, because he’ll go to such lengths to see it through. The final battle against Kira is the most unbeatable any animated JoJo villain has ever felt (at the time of writing)—and all for the sake of one man’s quietly twisted desires.

4) Sousuke Aizen (Bleach)

The Soul Society arc is renowned as one of Bleach‘s best. The beauty and impact of the arc both come down to one key plot twist: Aizen’s betrayal of Soul Society. The twist’s ripples were seismic, and while the story arguably lost steam not long after, the build-up and reveal were sufficient to catapult Bleach into anime’s Big Three. The reason for that is simple: Aizen is an amazing, iconic villain, with straightforward ambitions that arguably put him well in the territory of moral ambiguity.

He’s not just ridiculously strong, though he certainly is (his ability to manipulate senses with Kanzen Saimin is formidable and terrifying). His ideals aren’t necessarily the problem: the problem is how he goes about them, utterly stuck within a god complex and unable to interact regularly with people. He’s manipulative and endlessly charismatic, taking viewers captive as readily as his victims on-screen. Today, Bleach is regaining prestige among anime fans with the beloved Thousand-Year Blood War arc, where Aizen still makes a handful of pivotal contributions to Bleach‘s narrative.

5) Madara (Naruto Shippuden)

In Naruto Shippuden, there are plenty of amazing villains: honorable mentions here would be the likes of Pain and Orochimaru. But Madara is just unbelievable. His resurrection scene is one of Naruto‘s most iconic ever, when he comes out the gate to slaughter uncountable shinobi without breaking a sweat, taunting the whole time. After more or less establishing him as the final villain for the entire series, Madara’s big reveal (and consequent wartime rampage) is one of anime’s greatest payoffs ever.

The most brilliant thing about Madara is that he changed how anime villains work on a fundamental level. While he certainly wasn’t the first villain to have an empathetic backstory, Kishimoto’s special focus on empathetic villainy made it pretty much mandatory for any anime worth its salt to give its villain a Joker-style origin story. He makes all of the peripheral conflicts fall into place by showing how, fundamentally, Akatsuki has a point about Naruto‘s world. Madara is a masterful foil few other anime villains can match.

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6) Suguru Geto (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Jujutsu Kaisen is loaded with fantastic villains and, inevitably, some people will think Sukuna, Mahito, or whoever else deserved a mention instead. However, this list isn’t about the strongest villains (a list where Sukuna would definitely earn a place) or the most terrifying villains (a list where Mahito might stand a chance), it’s about the best, most identifiable, and most iconic villains. For Jujutsu Kaisen‘s part, nobody fits that description better than Suguru Geto.

Suguru Geto illuminates the role of chance and willpower in the series through his backstory with Gojo, and he’s so deeply embedded into the underlying themes of the series that it’s hard to call him a villain, properly speaking. Nonetheless, in Jujutsu Kaisen, he represents a eugenicist idea of order that sorcerers stand in defiance of: he is, regardless of circumstances, a villain—and a very good one. He’s impressive powerful, of course, but let’s be honest: Geto isn’t an iconic Jujutsu Kaisen character because of his strength, his ideology, nor the havoc he wreaks. He’s iconic because, like the best villains, he’s unforgettably compelling.

7) Light Yagami (Death Note)

In terms of their explanation through backstory, Geto finds a polar opposite in Death Note‘s iconic Light Yagami. Light Yagami’s story takes place essentially entirely in the here and now; the show makes few excursions into the past. For Light, what matters isn’t how he developed his ideals, but that he has them at all—and that he’ll do anything to see them through. Feeling chosen by the Death Note, he takes the opportunity to enact his own model of justice.

The interplay of his meticulousness and his seeming inability to err make him an attention-arresting, unstoppable protagonist. Death Note is ingeniously paced so as to saturate all of Light’s movements with meaning, even if that meaning is only apparent after the fact. Once you realize it, you realize that you’d rather do anything than hold ideals opposite of the twisted, charming young man on the screen. Light rarely ever lays a hand on anybody directly, and all his power is invested in two things: his little notebook and his evasive, intelligent, and charismatic personality. That’s all he needs, too.

8) Char Aznable (Mobile Suit Gundam)

Brilliant, manipulative, and marked by his stunning evolution—starting with absolute revenge against the Zabis for the death of his father, but growing well beyond it—Char Aznable is one of the most identifiable villains in anime history. Before there was Lelouch Lamperouge, there was Char, who represented a new depth for villains in both the mecha genre and anime writ large.

Beyond providing some of the best lines in Gundam history, his journey is deeply engaging to watch. His relationships are thorough and considered, adding extra layers to his sporadically shifting allegiances. Regardless of which of his many personas he’s donning, Char is definitively one of anime’s earliest and greatest examples of psychologically deep antagonists, playing a pivotal role in the UC timeline.

9) Shogo Makishima (Psycho-Pass)

Psycho-Pass is a ridiculously good series, and it’s one of the best thriller anime of all time. One of the greatest arcs in the series is centered around Shogo Makishima, a Joker-esque enemy om Psycho-Pass‘s dystopian world where people are examined and suppressed for their stress and potential for rebellion. Well-read and articulate, Shogo Makishima elegantly lays out his philosophy to Psycho-Pass star detective-in-the-dumps Shinya Kogami, also disillusioned with the Sybil System. And the truth is: he makes a lot of sense.

He yearns for past societies where there was a greater degree of free will, and he’ll do anything to get there. Not only are his crimes masterfully executed and the chase around him a true nail-biter, but the fact that the societies he yearns for draw closer to our own means that he’s built from the ground up to draw out viewers’ identification with him. Makishima is a brilliant villain because, while many villains allow their ideals to supersede morality, those ideals rarely match our own.

10) Frieza (Dragon Ball Z)

Within the anime milieu, Frieza is the perfect foil to Madara and his deep, emotional backstory: a villain whose intentions are, frankly, pretty straightforward. Frieza, the Emperor of Universe 7, simply wants to maintain his power. He pushed for the Saiyan genocide on Planet Vegeta for no other reason than snubbing out any potential threat the Saiyans might have posed.

On a list chock-full of options that make you think, he’s also a perfect foil to Char Aznable: Frieza is a welcome throwback to an era in shonen where things were simpler. An icon of one of the most popular anime of all time, Frieza’s villainy remains formidable throughout Dragon Ball. Notably, his lengthy battle with Goku is arguably the best fight in all of Dragon Ball Z, but he remains a primary antagonist across Dragon Ball Z and Super.

In the end, it’s hard to say exactly what makes a top-notch anime villain, and inevitably, there might be some huge picks we missed or couldn’t fit in. We can practically already feel the inbound “what about Griffith?” comments! Good thing is, we encourage that kind of engagement: drop a comment below with your thoughts.

Can’t get enough of a good villain? There’s overlap between this list and our selections for the best anime thrillers out there! Click the link below to give it a look.

The post 10 Best Anime Villains of All Time appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The latest installment in the Dragon Ball franchise, Daima, is certainly one of the most special, primarily because it stands as the final project the late Akira Toriyama ever worked on. This series captures the essence of the franchise, presenting a lighthearted adventure in which the Z Fighters embark on a new journey with a renewed purpose. As Goku and the others face new enemies and are transformed into younger versions of themselves, the story creates space for character development and the introduction of new transformations. However, the series is far from flawless. As the narrative progresses, several elements fail to make sense.

While Daima, like most Dragon Ball installments, embraces supernatural themes, it often struggles to bridge the gap between fiction and internal logic. The real shortcoming lies in how the series builds promising foundations that could have been logically expanded within the bounds of its fantasy framework, but instead introduces elements that feel misplaced or unearned. At times, developments feel forced or entirely incoherent. We’ve selected seven such moments from Daima in which a few should have followed a more consistent, logical approach, but ultimately fall apart, while others don’t make sense at all.

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7) Gomah Being the Final Villain

The journey in Daima begins with Gomah’s scheme to turn the Z Fighters into children. From the start, Gomah is portrayed as a relatively weak and comedic character, leading many to believe that the series was building toward a different, more formidable final villain. Throughout the story, several new elements were introduced that could have served this role, but one stood out in particular: a new creation reminiscent of Majin Buu, yet more obedient and potentially more dangerous. This plotline was tied to Dr. Arinsu, the elder sister of Supreme Kai Shin, who had been secretly working behind the scenes since Buu’s arrival on Earth. By retconning parts of Majin Buu’s lore, the new Majin Buu seemed to lay the groundwork for a final antagonist with deep narrative roots.

However, as Daima approaches its conclusion, the series shifts direction and reinstates Gomah as the ultimate threat through the hasty implementation of the Evil Third Eye initially alluded to near the start of the series. This artifact grants Gomah limitless power and regeneration, turning him into a villain who, despite his newfound strength, lacks any real depth, echoing a common criticism of many past Dragon Ball villains. Considering the groundwork already laid, Daima would have benefited from keeping Gomah as a lighthearted, comedic antagonist and focusing instead on expanding the Buu mythology. Doing so could have delivered a truly menacing final villain and given the franchise a chance to rebuild its reputation for compelling antagonists.

6) Goku and Vegeta’s Strength Doesn’t Seem To Find Balance

Daima struggles with how it wants to portray Goku and Vegeta, whether as significantly weakened or still among the strongest fighters. After they are turned back into children, the series initially implies that their power has been greatly diminished and that adapting to their younger forms would be a major challenge. However, as the story unfolds, Daima quickly reintroduces the Super Saiyan transformation, presenting it as an overwhelming force, even within the Demon Realm.

Yet in Episode 10, Goku and Vegeta are suddenly shown struggling against a sea monster named “Kraken,” with Goku even admitting out loud that they aren’t strong enough to handle it. This moment feels completely inconsistent. Given that both can still access Super Saiyan, a form synonymous with immense power, even a reduced version of that strength should be more than enough to defeat a mere monster. The scene creates a jarring disconnect, highlighting how Daima lacks clarity in its power scaling. With no real foundation or backstory provided for the Kraken, this inconsistency reinforces the sense that the series was unsure of how to balance its heroes’ power levels, weakening the internal logic of the narrative.

5) Piccolo’s Abandoned Character Development

With the Demon Realm serving as the central setting of Daima, and Neva as one of its most prominent figures, fans naturally expected significant revelations about both the realm and its inhabitants. Neva delivers on this front, unveiling major lore about the Namekian race that even retcons long-standing beliefs. In Episode 11, he reveals that the Namekians are actually demons, sharing their tragic origins and detailing how they eventually migrated to the planet Namek.

Among these revelations, the Nameless Namekian is confirmed to have originated from the Demon Realm, opening up major opportunities for character development, especially for Piccolo, who is directly connected to this mysterious figure. However, in typical Daima fashion, the series builds up this foundation only to abandon it soon after. Despite being in a setting that could have significantly deepened his character arc, Piccolo is sidelined and given no meaningful moment to shine. This missed opportunity not only undercuts the potential of the lore but also squanders a chance to elevate one of the franchise’s most beloved characters.

4) Dragon Ball Daima Uses Vehicle Malfunctions to Take Pauses

As Dragon Ball Daima progresses, the series begins to introduce new elements from the outskirts of its world; however, the method it uses often relies on a recurring and somewhat lazy narrative device: repeated malfunctions of the spaceship used for travel. Given that Daima establishes early on that the Demon Realm’s dense atmosphere and harsh environment make spaceship travel essential, the series repeatedly uses breakdowns as a way to force pauses in the journey and introduce new plot points.

Right from the beginning, limitations are placed on who can travel due to the ship’s restricted capacity. One example also includes a scene where Goku steals Vegeta’s spaceship simply to stay ahead of their allies, without any real justification. Over time, this became a running trope in Daima, with fans beginning to predict that every two or three episodes would be interrupted by another mechanical failure. Considering the Z Fighters’ journey in previous installments, it feels out of place and makes absolutely no sense for Daima to resort to such a cheap strategy to create pauses.

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3) The Lack of Fusion

Among the many iconic references featured in Daima, the introduction of medicinal bugs stood out, particularly the “Join Bug.” Introduced in Episode 4 of Daima, this mysterious element caught the attention of fans due to its unique ability: as its name suggests, it facilitates the fusion of warriors into a single, more powerful being. Given the franchise’s long-standing familiarity with the concept of fusion, it was clear that Daima was setting the stage for the return of a Goku and Vegeta fusion to confront the final antagonist. However, in the series’ climax, this setup is completely abandoned. Instead of delivering a much-anticipated fusion, Daima reintroduces Goku’s Super Saiyan 4 transformation, effectively discarding a golden opportunity.

This decision feels illogical, especially considering the continuity issues that come with bringing back Super Saiyan 4. Rather than relying on that controversial form, Daima could have brought back Vegito or Gogeta for the final battle, both fan-favorite fusions that wouldn’t disrupt the canon timeline. With Vegeta also shown to be capable of achieving Super Saiyan 3 in this series, there was a chance to introduce an entirely new transformation, such as Super Saiyan 3 Vegito or Gogeta, which might have generated even more excitement without compromising narrative consistency. Additionally, Daima revealed that the Join Bug could fuse more than two warriors, opening the door for a groundbreaking fusion of Goku, Vegeta, and Piccolo. Such a combination could have marked a historic moment in the franchise and made Daima unforgettable for all the right reasons.

2) Goku’s Super Saiyan 4 Transformation

There’s no doubt that Goku’s Super Saiyan 4 transformation is the standout highlight of Daima, delivering a form fans never expected to see again, especially not in a canonical storyline, given that Daima is considered part of the official continuity. However, unlike its original debut in GT, the Super Saiyan 4 transformation in Daima lacks a solid foundation and feels clearly out of place. In this series, Goku attains the form with the help of Neva, a legendary Namekian residing in the Demon Realm. Neva uses his magical abilities to awaken Goku’s dormant power, pushing him to transform into Super Saiyan 4, a form meant to represent the primal essence of a Saiyan’s power.

The problem lies in the fact that, unlike GT, which firmly established Super Saiyan 4 through the Golden Great Ape transformation and Goku’s ability to control it, Daima introduces the form without sufficient groundwork. It feels more like a last-minute decision aimed at generating hype rather than serving the story. The biggest issue, however, is the continuity error it creates with Dragon Ball Super, the next installment in the timeline, which is still ongoing and accepted as canon. The appearance of Super Saiyan 4 raises the glaring question of why Goku never used this powerful transformation against Beerus. Instead of reintroducing an old form, Daima would have benefited from showcasing a new, one-time transformation, one that could be attributed to the Demon Realm’s magic and thus easily written off. This would have allowed Super to acknowledge it later, or at least not contradict it. By presenting Super Saiyan 4 as a fully embraced and repeated transformation, Daima ultimately undermines its own coherence for the sake of short-term excitement.

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1) The Evil Third Eye Artifact

The Evil Third Eye artifact, as the series came to an end, suddenly emerged as the strongest element ever introduced, leading up to Daima‘s timeline. While it is an intriguing concept, like many elements in the series, its placement feels out of place. It was revealed that Dabura’s father, Abura, once ruled the Demon World using its power, and that Dabura hid the artifact to overthrow him. Given Dabura’s portrayal in the Z saga as a power-hungry demon, it feels inconsistent that he wouldn’t use this artifact himself.

This portrayal casts him in a different light, almost as a kind or noble figure, which doesn’t align with his established character in Dragon Ball Z. Furthermore, the fact that two more of these artifacts were casually being sold in a shop makes it implausible that other Demon Kings wouldn’t be aware of their existence, especially when the artifact is presented as the most significant source of power in the universe so far. Ironically, it’s these elements that don’t make sense that end up being the highlights of Dragon Ball Daima, suggesting that this installment was more focused on fun, adventure, and spectacle rather than its impact on other series. In doing so, Daima stands out as a classic entry in the franchise, one that embraces laughter, fun, and action above all.

Dragon Ball Daima can be streamed on Crunchyroll and Netflix.

The post 7 Times Dragon Ball Daima Made Absolutely No Sense appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Dragon Ball Daima, the latest installment in the franchise, taking place after the events of the Majin Buu Saga and before Dragon Ball Super, sets up a fun adventure, with the main cast embarking on a quest to regain their adult bodies. From the outset, with the main villain appearing to be no more threatening than foes the Z Fighters have already defeated, it’s clear that Daima is more about the journey, evoking nostalgia through the lighthearted and adventurous elements that defined earlier installments. While Goku naturally takes center stage with his Super Saiyan 4 transformation, Vegeta also establishes a strong foundation early on with impressive character development.

Vegeta’s most surprising development is undoubtedly his ability to tap into the Super Saiyan 3 state. However, upon deeper reflection, this isn’t the most significant growth he undergoes. Daima allows Vegeta to express emotions in quirky and humorous ways that the franchise has rarely explored before, making him appear more human than ever. Especially in contrast to Goku, Vegeta is shown to express a wider emotional range, an evolution that can largely be credited to his relationship with Bulma.

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Vegeta Displays Closer Human Emotions Than Goku Ever in Daima

Dragon Ball Daima was quite adamant about showcasing Vegeta as a family man, especially through his affection for his wife, Bulma. Episode 9 features a hilarious moment that underscores an embarrassing situation for him, highlighting what he likes about his wife. When Bulma, fascinated by her younger skin, expresses that she wouldn’t mind staying in that form, Vegeta immediately insists that they turn back. Hybis, who has been trying to win Bulma over, remarks that Vegeta is eager to return to adulthood because he prefers bigger bosoms, something that could have been brushed off as a joke, but Vegeta’s reaction all but confirms it. However, what truly solidifies Vegeta’s affection for Bulma comes in the second-to-last episode of the series.

Episode 19 of Daima features Vegeta backing out of a fight, a prideful Saiyan warrior who has never stepped back, after Bulma gives him an ultimatum: either keep fighting or lose the chance to bathe with her ever again. These moments, while comedic, are a testament to how Vegeta displays human-like reactions, making him a character fans might even relate to.

In comparison, Goku, who was raised by humans, never shows any romantic affection toward his wife, something that should have come naturally. Even after hearing Bulma’s ultimatum, Goku doesn’t react in a way that would register as a normal or expected human response, reinforcing the idea that he rarely takes anything seriously outside of fighting. In contrast, Vegeta’s vulnerability in Daima highlights his emotional growth, making him appear more human than Goku has ever been. As a result, Vegeta now feels like a character who could be brought into realistic light more convincingly, thanks to these emotional nuances.

Dragon Ball Daima can be streamed on Crunchyroll and Netflix.

The post Dragon Ball Daima Proves That Vegeta Is More Human Than Goku appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Dragon Ball has been having a moment recently, what with the recent anime Dragon Ball Diama receiving great reviews and Dragon Ball Sparking Zero reinvigorating the gamers. While not the number one series in the franchise (that rank belongs to Z, obviously), Dragon Ball GT still holds up, and the inclusion of one of the coolest transformations in the franchise, Super Saiyan 4, means GT will always hold a place in our hearts. Funko obviously felt the same way as they’ve given us some incredible Pops this week.

The two exclusives from Funko and Chalice Collectibles give us a Super Saiyan 4 Goku (Pop Plus) and a Flocked SS4 Vegeta that also includes a glow-in-the-dark Chase option. The main wave is also pretty spectacular with an SS4 Gogeta, SS4 Goku, SS4 Vegeta, Android 17, and a 6-inch Super Yi-Shinron. You can pre-order all of the commons here at Entertainment Earth and they will be available here on Amazon soon. Details on the exclusives can be found below, and you can keep tabs on all of this week’s best Funko Pop drops right here.

Buy New Dragon Ball GT Funko Pops

Buy at Entertainment Earth

Buy at Hot Topic

• Dragon Ball GT Super Saiyan 4 Goku Funko Pop! Plus Vinyl Figure – Funko Exclusive
• Dragon Ball GT Super Saiyan 4 Vegeta Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure with Glow-in-the-Dark Chase – Chalice Collectible Exclusive / See here at Chalice Collectibles
• Dragon Ball GT Super Saiyan 4 Gogeta Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure
• Dragon Ball GT Super Saiyan 4 Goku Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure
• Dragon Ball GT Super Android 17 Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure
• Dragon Ball GT Super Saiyan 4 Vegeta Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure
• Dragon Ball GT Super Yi-Shinron Funko Super 6-Inch Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure
• Dragon Ball GT Super Saiyan 4 Goku Funko Pocket Pop! Key Chain

Dragon Ball Diama, the newest Dragon Ball anime to entire the franchise, brought back the legendary Super Saiyan 4 transformation much to fans’ delight. And obviously longtime Goku English-Dub voice actor Sean Schemmel knocked it out of the park with some insane transformation. Comicbook’s own Adam Gonzales said that, “beyond the initial transformation, we see a lot of bestial and guttural energy from Goku, and by extension, Schemmel.” And “bestial” and “guttural” are exactly the words I’d use to describe the original SS4 transformation scream from Dragon Ball GT. Although things are changing in the Dragon Ball universe, it’s nice that that stayed the same. 

Want to stay up to date with all the latest Dragon Ball news and collectibles? Then keep an eye on our Gear Page!

The post Dragon Ball GT Gets a Huge Wave of Funko Pops With SS4 Goku and Flocked Vegeta Exclusives appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Dragon Ball franchise celebrated its 40th anniversary in late 2024, but the party continues with a new, limited edition collection of iPhone and Android accessories from Casetify that are set to launch on June 24th. Specifically, the collection will be inspired by Dragon Ball Z, and it will include iPhone and Android cases, lenticular phone cases, AirPods cases, AirPods Max covers, Apple Watch bands, wireless chargers, and more featuring characters like Goku, Vegeta,Gohan, Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu. Of course, Casetify collabs always include some eye-popping standout items. As you are about to see, The Dragon Ball Z x CASETiFY Collection will be no different.

CASETIFY Dragon Ball 40th Anniversary DBZ Collection / Drops June 24th

See at Casetify

Undoubtedly, the two hot ticket items from the DBZ lineup will be The “Father-Son Kamehameha” Phone Case and The Scouter AirPod Max Cover. There will also be an Adventurous Journey Premium Box Set with multiple items. Below you’ll find a breakdown of these items along with a gallery of images. Specific pricing for each item hasn’t been announced at the time of writing, but Castify notes that the lineup will range from $38 to $184. Naturally, the three spotlight items will be on the high end of that spectrum.

• The “Father-Son Kamehameha” Phone Case: This limited-edition lenticular design animates the most unforgettable moment of the Cell Saga when Gohan and Goku launch a Kamehameha together. The dynamic design animates as you tilt the case, capturing the emotional and explosive moment when Goku and Gohan join forces.
• The Scouter AirPod Max Cover: Inspired by the series’ OG battle power trackers, this online exclusive features interchangeable red and green lenses to transform headphones into a true Z-fighter essential.
• Adventurous Journey Premium Box Set: A bundle featuring two Silver Mirror with Silver Bumper phone cases boasting iconic character designs for the iPhone 14-16 Pro and Pro Max. Inside, consumers will find a silver serial number card that highlights the limited number of bundles issued.

The Dragon Ball Z x CASETiFY Collection will be available for purchase globally starting on June 24th here at the Casetify website. As noted, these are limited edition items, so you only have one chance to grab them. You can check out more of their collaboration collections right here.

The post New Dragon Ball Z CASETiFY Collection Includes The Scouter AirPods Max Cover appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball franchise has been running for decades and is now just one short decade away from reaching its half-century mark. This longevity speaks volumes about the world the late Akira Toriyama built. Over the past four decades, Dragon Ball has consistently released new installments, introducing new threats and worlds that continue to mesmerize fans with their rich narrative and exploration. However, despite its long run and numerous arcs, the series has consistently featured Goku as the main hero, leaving little room for other characters to rise to the forefront or even hint at replacing him.

The closest the franchise ever came to doing so was during the climax of the Cell arc, where Gohan, having reached an ascended Super Saiyan level, became far stronger than both Goku and Vegeta. With Goku’s apparent death, it seemed that Gohan would finally carry the torch. However, in the very next arc, the series found new ways to bring Goku back. While Goku is undoubtedly an iconic hero not only within the Dragon Ball universe but also across the entire anime and manga industry, it feels like a missed opportunity, especially considering how Gohan has consistently demonstrated immense potential. With his inheritance and emotional depth fueling his power, the franchise has laid a strong foundation for possibly its most powerful hero yet in the form of Pan, Gohan’s daughter.

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The reason Gohan has shown the potential to surpass Goku as the strongest warrior in the Dragon Ball franchise, and has done so on multiple occasions, is due to his inheritance from his parents. A concept known as “heterosis” or hybrid vigor has been recently explored, suggesting that Gohan’s immense potential stems from being a hybrid, inheriting the best traits from both his parents. With Gohan possessing S-Cells from his father and emotional depth from his human mother, it’s likely why he has surpassed Goku at times, especially considering how emotions have consistently played a critical role in helping Saiyans break their limits. This concept is even more evident in Goten and Trunks, who achieved the Super Saiyan state at an extremely young age, as they were conceived after their fathers had already reached that transformation, thereby passing on stronger S-Cells.

With this in mind, Pan’s case becomes even more compelling. By the time she was conceived, Gohan had already achieved even more powerful forms, such as Super Saiyan 2 and Ultimate Gohan. This genetic inheritance, combined with Gohan’s extraordinary emotional capacity, which has repeatedly enabled him to transcend limits more than others, as seen with the recent emergence of Beast Gohan, suggests that Pan may possess the greatest potential of all. She could very well become the next strongest warrior, capable of surpassing both Goku and Vegeta.

Given that GT has a mixed canonical status with the anime but not with the manga, and Dragon Ball Super is the current canon, Toyotarou has the opportunity to fully embrace this concept of emotional depth and inheritance. If he does, the foundation has already been perfectly laid for Pan to rise as the next strongest hero. However, the chances remain slim, based on the franchise’s recurring patterns and the possibility that the author may use Pan’s heritage, being three-quarters human and only one-quarter Saiyan, against her development.

The post Dragon Ball Has Laid the Perfect Foundation for Its Next Strongest Hero appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Gohan in the Dragon Ball franchise holds a strong reputation, largely due to his consistent portrayal as one of the most powerful fighters, if not the strongest. While Gohan possesses many unique traits that set him apart from Goku and Vegeta, one aspect has always stood out: he is often depicted as surpassing them in raw potential. For decades, fans have debated Gohan’s strength compared to others, and one common explanation emerges time and again: his inheritance from both Goku and Chi-Chi.

Unlike Goku and Vegeta, Gohan is not a pure Saiyan but a hybrid, born from a Saiyan father and a human mother. This technically makes him only half a warrior race member, yet scientific theories, particularly the concept of “heterosis” or hybrid vigor, suggest that hybrids can inherit the best traits from both parents, often resulting in enhanced abilities. This theory holds especially true in Gohan’s case, as both Goku and Chi-Chi are among the strongest individuals in the Dragon Ball universe. Interestingly, it is Gohan’s human side, rich with deep emotions, that gives him a unique edge and contributes significantly to his overwhelming power.

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Gohan’s Raw Power Comes From His Human Emotions

Even as a child, not older than four years old, Gohan demonstrated such immense power that he surpassed his father, as proven by numerical power levels, his spiking above 1300 while Goku’s was under 500 at the time. Despite having no formal training or fighting experience, Gohan exhibited an innate talent, which is a direct result of crossbreeding. However, the factor that consistently propelled Gohan’s power even further has always been his emotions. While Goku, a full-blooded Saiyan, also uses emotion to elevate his strength, eventually achieving the Super Saiyan form because of it, Gohan, being half-human, likely possesses an even stronger emotional depth that enhances his power more profoundly.

This idea gains even more credibility when examining how Goku has always maintained an edge over Vegeta. As the prince of the Saiyan race, Vegeta likely trained more intensely than Goku from a young age. Yet, Goku’s upbringing among humans gave him a deeper connection to emotion, which helped him unlock transformations and power levels more quickly. Vegeta, in contrast, only began closing the gap once he formed bonds with humans and learned to tap into his own emotions. Since emotions are clearly a major factor in unlocking Saiyan potential, this further explains why Gohan, who is literally half-human, has consistently stayed one step ahead of both his father and Vegeta.

There is plenty of evidence showing that emotions play a critical role in unlocking greater power, with one of the clearest examples being Gohan achieving Super Saiyan 2 at just 11 years old, purely through the intensity of his emotions. His most recent and most powerful transformation, Beast Gohan, also emerged from emotional turmoil. In Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, Gohan achieves this form not through intense training like Goku or Vegeta, but after witnessing his mentor Piccolo being gravely injured by Cell Max. With even scientific theory supporting the advantages of hybrid vigor and emotional depth, it’s evident that Gohan’s power stems from this unique combination. And factoring in both inheritance and emotion, it suggests that there may be someone in the future who could surpass even him and Goku.

Three Possible Candidates Could Surpass Gohan and Goku Through Emotion and Inheritance

The role of inheritance has already been demonstrated through Goten and Trunks, who achieved the Super Saiyan transformation at just seven and eight years old, respectively. This early transformation is largely due to the higher concentration of S-Cells in their bodies, a result of Goku and Vegeta already having attained the Super Saiyan form by the time their sons were conceived. Compared to other Saiyans at that age, Goten and Trunks were significantly stronger.

With their human side also contributing emotionally, it suggests that both Goten and Trunks have the potential to tap into even greater hidden powers through emotion, possibly enough to surpass Gohan. With the latest Dragon Ball Super manga chapter giving them a slight spotlight, it seems Toyotarou might be planning to elevate their roles. Goten and Trunks are promising candidates to become even stronger than Gohan and surpass Goku in the future.

However, an even stronger candidate, one who could potentially surpass both Goten and Trunks in terms of inheritance and emotional depth, is Gohan’s daughter, Pan. When Pan was conceived, Gohan had already achieved the Super Saiyan 2 and Ultimate Gohan forms. This means Pan likely inherited an even higher concentration of S-Cells, potentially putting her above Gohan in terms of latent potential.

Combined with her human emotions, Dragon Ball Super, which remains undeniably canon unlike GT, has the opportunity to shape Pan into the strongest character the franchise has ever seen. That said, it’s important to consider that being only a quarter Saiyan might limit her chances. However, if Toyotarou leans heavily into the concepts of emotional power and genetic inheritance, Pan could become the ultimate warrior, but that all depends on whether the franchise is ready to embrace a female lead who could replace Goku, which is another debate entirely.

The post Why Dragon Ball’s Gohan Was Stronger Than Goku, and Who Could Surpass Him in the Future appeared first on ComicBook.com.

With some anime franchises releasing new chapters after decades of stories, not every character is going to stand still in time. Unfortunately, there are often times wherein some of your favorite heroes skip a beat and aren’t able to retain the mystique that made them such powerhouses to begin with. In compiling a list of “anime heroes who have only gotten worse over time,” we narrowed the choices down to seven of the worst offenders and are more than happy to break down what happened to make these figures lose their luster.

Goku

Let’s get one of the obvious choices out of the way. Goku went from an air-headed toddler who likes brawling to a full-fledged warrior who seemed like he was more than willing to do anything to get into a fight. Along with abandoning his family for years at a time to increase his power level, Goku nearly brought trillions of lives to an end simply to get his next fight. Effectively, Goku’s influence on the all-powerful being known as Xeno helped to create the Tournament of Power, a competition that saw entire universes wiped off the map. While Android 17’s victory assured that all universes destroyed returned from the grave, it goes to show just how bad Son’s state of mind has been in Dragon Ball Super and who can suffer as a result.

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Naruto Uzumaki

While the torch has been passed from father to son in both Boruto: Naruto Next Generations and Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, this fact has made it so that Naruto Uzumaki has suffered as a result. Now that Naruto has achieved his dream of becoming the seventh Hokage of Konoha, he has taken a backseat to his son, which is both good and bad. As it stands in the recent sequel series, Naruto has been locked away in another dimension by Kawaki for years, making him effectively a non-player in the shonen franchise. Following the death, and resurrection, of the Nine Tails, hopefully Naruto will one day return to shine in the spotlight once again.

Light Yagami

Light Yagami started off the Death Note series “strong,” in that he was totally goal-focused and had a back and forth dance with L that showed his brain power and skill. Unfortunately, as the series progressed, Light got sloppy and eventually met his end thanks to biting off far more than he can chew. At his height, Light was able to effectively change society and create a new era wherein “Kira” was able to strike fear into the hearts of criminals. At his lowest, however, everything unraveled and he became far less of the brilliant mind that had put together his intricate plan involving the Death Note.

Guts

Specifically, Berserk’s protagonist is having quite a difficult time maintaining his previous glory in recent chapters of the bleak manga. With the tragic passing of series creator Kentaro Miura, the manga has continued to release new chapters but has focused on a Black Swordsman who can’t quite keep things together. Thanks to Casca being kidnapped by Griffith, Guts has spiralled into emotional turmoil as he can barely even put words together as the Kushan Empire has decided to exile him thanks to his brand. Most likely, Guts will eventually pull himself out of this tail spin but for now, the swordsman is far from the destructive force of nature that we once knew him as.

Jotaro Kujo

Jotaro Kujo started as an anime protagonist who wanted nothing more than to defeat Dio Brando to both end the vampiric threat in Stardust Crusaders and save his mother’s life. As JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure advanced, Jotaro went from being a world-saving hero to a deadbeat father, leaving his daughter Jolyne to suffer being framed for a crime she didn’t commit. While Kujo would help his daughter get a Stand of her own, he was the reason why she was put into this situation in the first place and we have to wonder if Jolyne’s story would have turned out different had he been in his offspring’s life.

Eren Jaeger

The star of Attack on Titan found himself transforming from an underdog hoping to protect his friends into a genocidal force of nature, using the power of the Founding Titan to murder a large majority of the world’s population. While anime fans got a better idea of what Eren was doing when he unleashed the Rumbling and his thought process, it doesn’t change the fact that he clearly went from a troubled hero to, at best, a murderous anti-hero if not outright villain. Effectively, Eren became the main villain of Hajime Isayama’s dark epic and while this turn was certainly an interesting one, it didn’t exactly have the youngest Jaeger become a shining light in the anime realm.

Denji

The Chainsaw Man was always air-headed but Denji has taken that status to new heights in the latest arcs of the manga. Author Tatsuki Fujimoto not only has shown Denji still trying to achieve his goals of getting a girlfriend and leading a quiet life but he has also fumbled the ball quite a few times thanks to losing himself to his desire to be known worldwide. Most recently, a sin Denji committed in his devil hunting has come back to haunt him and in all honesty, he completely deserves it. While this descent is some time away from taking place in the anime adaptation, it is quite the downfall for the bloody shonen character.

The post 7 Anime Heroes Who Have Only Gotten Worse Over Time appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Dragon Ball Daima might not have taken place in the period that gave us the likes of Ultra Instinct Goku and Gohan Beast, but the original anime series gave anime fans the Z-Fighter fix that they needed. Since the anime heroes finished their adventures in the Demon Realm, shonen fans have been waiting to see whether the Dragon Ball Super manga would return from its hiatus and/or if its anime would make a comeback. Unfortunately, while the series was teasing something big, a comeback for Goku and company doesn’t appear to be in the cards as of the writing of this article.

Following the release of new art of Gohan Beast and Ultra Instinct Goku side-by-side from artist Toyotaro, many manga readers wondered if the Dragon Ball Super hiatus was about to end. Shueisha had even hinted that something major was coming down the pike, though it’s not the news that many were hoping for. The recent art from Toyotaro has been announced to receive its own figures, placing father and son side-by-side in the same way they have been depicted in this special illustration. We have yet to see what these new figures will look like but they’re sure to be a hot ticket item for many Saiyan enthusiasts.

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Gohan Vs. Goku

When last we left the Dragon Ball Super manga, the biggest battle was focused on father and son. Following the events of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, the manga decided to see Gohan brought to his father on Whis and Beerus’ planet as both Goku and Vegeta wished to see Gohan’s new ultimate transformation. In a fight that has yet to be animated, the powers of Ultra Instinct and Beast clash though an answer as to which is the most powerful remains a mystery. While this tussle would lead to the likes of Broly and Ultra Ego Vegeta testing their strength against Gohan, the question now arises as to what threat could be on the horizon for the anime fighters.

Earlier this year, Dragon Ball Super’s hiatus ended for a brief moment as a “lost chapter” from Akira Toriyama was released, venturing into the story of how Goten and Trunks decided to pursue a crime-fighting career of their own. Most likely, whenever the manga does return, it’s entirely possible that it could incorporate more than a few elements introduced as a part of Dragon Ball Daima. Luckily, creators behind the scenes have stated in recent memory that they plan to continue the story of Dragon Ball for years to come, so fans shouldn’t expect to say goodbye to the likes of Goku and Gohan any time soon. Fingers crossed that we’ll see the return of Dragon Ball Super sooner rather than later.

Want to see what the future holds for Dragon Ball as the agonizing hiatus continues? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on the Z-Fighters and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime or hit us up in the comments.

Via DBS Hype

The post Dragon Ball Super Offers Disappointing Update For Series’ Return appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Dragon Ball Super has unfortunately been on a hiatus since the tragic passing of franchise creator Akira Toriyama, but the artist behind the manga series has returned with an awesome new team up for Ultra Instinct Goku and Gohan Beast. Dragon Ball Super has yet to reveal its plans for the future as of the time of this publication as the manga has been on hiatus for the past year, but it’s been made clear that the artist has a lot of interest in the franchise’s characters with the hopes that he’ll be able to continue the story in full someday.

Dragon Ball Super artist Toyotaro has returned to the manga on several occasions with special new artworks and more showing off each of the characters at every opportunity, and that includes the newest special illustration that unites Ultra Instinct Goku and Gohan Beast for a powerful new Father-Son Kamehameha. To help celebrate the 10th anniversary of Dragon Ball Super‘s initial manga release, Toyotaro has dropped this special illustration that you can check out below as shared by Dragon Ball’s official website.

What’s Next for Dragon Ball Super?

Dragon Ball Super has unfortunately been on a hiatus for the past year, and has left fans on quite the cliffhanger following the introduction of Black Frieza at the end of the Granolah the Survivor arc. While the manga ended with its adaptation of the events of the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero feature film, there’s still that lingering cliffhanger that fans are hoping to see revisited someday with more of the story. But without original creator Akira Toriyama around to provide ideas, approaching such a continuation is likely what those at Shueisha and the Dragon Ball team are debating over. It’s a very touchy situation to be in for all those involved.

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Dragon Ball Super did briefly return earlier this year with a special one-shot chapter taking place before the Super Hero prologue. Sharing more of how Goten and Trunks were inspired to become heroes in their town, Toyotaro then revealed that this was the final story that Toriyama had left behind but it just wasn’t used in the original version of the arc. So as a special request to Shueisha, Toyotaro was able to fully illustrate this final bit of Toriyama’s story to help bring it all to life. But the series has been quiet ever since.

Will Dragon Ball Super Ever Return?

Dragon Ball Super fans want to see the manga continue with new stories, but they are more hoping to see the anime return with new episodes someday. While that is possible as there is plenty of material to adapt before the manga went on hiatus, it’s not likely to happen until the Dragon Ball Super manga continues or reaches a proper stopping point. There would be no sense in bringing back an anime that would be incomplete and reach a sudden end, and that’s not the kind of experience that Dragon Ball Super fans would want out of a new anime either way.

So until the Dragon Ball Super manga continues, there’s really no hope of a potential new anime adaptation for the series. With the manga now celebrating its 10th anniversary, and the team at Shueisha’s V-Jump teasing a special announcement with the next issue, there could be some forward momentum coming in the immediate future. But we’ll see how that shakes out as Dragon Ball Super’s future continues to be uncertain. Either way, fans will be ready and waiting to see whatever new material could happen next, if at all.

The post Dragon Ball Super Artist Returns With New Goku & Gohan Team Up appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The latest brand-new Dragon Ball video game was announced last August. Since then, we haven’t heard too much about the new battle arena game. But that’s all about to change as the newly unveiled Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra hosts its first open play test! Gamers can check out the first team-based, free-to-play Dragon Ball game for free by opting in to the play test across Steam, PlayStation, and mobile platforms. This first chance to test drive the newest Dragon Ball game runs from June 11th to June 15th.

Bandai Namco shared the announcement trailer for Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra just last week. So, it’s pretty exciting that gamers are already able to jump in and check out the team-based fighting action for themselves. The trailer shows off many beloved fan-favorite characters in action, ready to join the battlefield as part of players’ 4 vs 4 team battle squads. If you haven’t gotten a chance to see it yet, you can check out the Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra trailer below:

As you can see, Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra immerses players in the world of Dragon Ball with 4 vs. 4 team battles. Several iconic characters, including Goku, Android 18, and Trunks, have already been revealed. Players will face off against one another and in-game bosses alike. Like many free-to-play fighting games, different characters will take on different roles, including Damage, Tank, and Technical options. And yes, there will be character skins, special animations, and more.

If the trailer and description for this new Dragon Ball game have you ready to jump into the action, you can! The game’s first network test is live now on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Steam, and mobile platforms. The test is expected to arrive on Nintendo Switch, as well, but ran into unexpected delays.

How to Join the Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra Playtest

The current playtest runs from June 11th until June 15th at 10:59 PM Pacific Time. As long as the playtest is still live, checking out Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra is easy and free. No advance applications are required. To join the Network Test, you simply need to search for and download the game on your preferred platform.

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To play on PC via Steam, simply head to the game’s Steam page. Then, hit “Join the Playtest” to download the game. Once the files are downloaded, you can launch and play the game on your PC. Be sure to check out the listed PC specs first to make sure you’ll be able to run the game.

For PlayStation consoles, add the game to your library from the PlayStation Store and download to participate. There is a PS4 and PS5 version of the game available, so choose accordingly for your console.

Mobile gamers can grab the playtest from the iOS or Google Play Store, just as they would any other mobile game. Simply search for and download Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra.

For now, Nintendo Switch users won’t be able to participate in the play test. However, Bandai is working on a solution and may add the game to the platform before the play test period ends on June 15th. So, you can always check the Nintendo Switch eShop for the game to see if the issue has been resolved.

The post Fans Have a Limited Time to Try Out New Dragon Ball Game for Free appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball franchise has consistently portrayed Goku as the central hero who always arrives in time to save the day. From the very beginning, Goku has been the heart of the series, and over time, he has become synonymous with the franchise itself. His presence defines Dragon Ball, and without him, the series often feels incomplete. This is why, no matter how many times the franchise returns, Goku remains the main protagonist, each time embarking on a new journey, facing fresh challenges, and ultimately unlocking a new transformation. This formula has become the franchise’s hallmark, fueling its enduring popularity and sustained commercial success.

Fans have long debated the possibility of someone replacing Goku as the lead hero. Among the many candidates, one name frequently resurfaces: Gohan. Gohan’s character was built on a solid foundation, with immense latent potential, something he proves at the climax of the Cell Saga. This potential, possibly tied to his half-human heritage, positioned him as a worthy successor. However, by the time of the Cell Saga, Goku had already become the franchise’s emblematic figure, and removing him from the spotlight would risk alienating the fanbase. As a result, the only way Gohan could have truly taken over as the main hero would have been if the Dragon Ball franchise had concluded with the Cell Saga, allowing Gohan to inherit the mantle in a symbolic and definitive end.

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Gohan Could Have Only Symbolically Replaced Goku After the Cell Saga

The long-standing fan debate about the definitive end of the Dragon Ball franchise was recently addressed in Kosokoso’s J-Wave interview featuring three main editors of Dragon Ball. In the interview, they confirmed that Akira Toriyama had originally intended to conclude the series after the Cell Saga. In hindsight, this decision makes sense. Goku’s death and his choice not to return to life served as a powerful, symbolic gesture, passing the mantle of Earth’s protector to Gohan, who, even as a teenager, proved himself more than worthy of carrying the role his father had held for decades. This moment could have marked Gohan’s rise as the new main hero, effectively bringing the series to a meaningful and definitive end.

However, as Toriyama was pressured to continue the story, any plans to feature Gohan as the central hero may have also been overshadowed by the editorial team’s insistence on bringing Goku back, knowing that his return would ensure continued success. As revealed in the same interview, Toriyama wanted to have fun with the Majin Buu Saga, which explains the arc’s more whimsical tone, the emphasis on transformations with numbers and fusions, and why Gohan only received a brief heroic spotlight. The sudden introduction of Goten further reflects Toriyama’s experimental approach during this arc. Despite fans’ hopes for Gohan to fully take over, the editorial team’s priorities likely prevented that shift. Therefore, the only way Gohan could have truly replaced Goku as the Dragon Ball‘s main hero was in a symbolic sense, had the series concluded with the Cell Saga.

The post Dragon Ball & How Gohan Could Have Ever Replaced Goku as the Main Hero appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Moms tend to be pretty cool. I’d know — I have three! You know who else is pretty cool? Anime moms! So, let’s pay homage to moms everywhere by listing the 10 Best Anime Moms that any anime fan or mom can appreciate! Whether they’re a mom who firmly supports their child’s dreams like Delia Ketchum or a mom who looks like an absolute snack like Carla Jaeger, there’s so many anime moms to choose from! “But which moms are the best?” Well, that’s a weird question for you to ask. While the obvious answer is my own, a list pertaining to the moms in anime will have to do.

Whether they’re a single mom, a working mom, a domestic mom, adoptive mom, fun mom, strict mom, or whatever mom, these moms have certain traits that make them stand out from all the other moms in anime. Some anime moms have the dreaded side plait to seal their fates. Some have a certain devotion to their children that are unmatched. Whatever the case, these anime moms have certain qualities that will make you want to binge the animes they’re in just for their motherly presences!

1) Maquia from Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms

The mystical race of the Iorph, known for their longevity, live isolated from the tumultuous outside world of mankind. But when the power-hungry kingdom of Mezarte in their endeavor to add the immortality of the Iorph to the king’s bloodline invade their homeland, ravaging their home with what is left of the dragons, the Renato, at the invaders’ disposal, Maquia is carried off by one of the rogue Renato and left deserted in a forest far from her homeland. Finding the baby in a nearby destroyed village, she decides to raise him as her own, naming him Ariel. Knowing nothing of the world of mankind nor how to raise one of its children that ages much faster than her, she’s determined to not let Ariel feel the loneliness she’s had to endure.

As much as I enjoy anime, ’twasn’t I who suggested seeing Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms when it came out in theaters, but my own mother. She’s not much of an anime fan, but apparently saw that this was available and thought it would be a great mother-daughter film to go see. And it was. And you should too. Maquia, though generally inexperienced as an adult Iorph let alone knowing anything about motherhood, has a certain determination to provide for her adopted son that shows such a vulnerable, tender, and heartwarming love between mother and child.

Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms can be streamed on Crunchyroll, Prime Video, Pluto TV, and Tubi TV.

2) Hana from Wolf Children

When college student Hana notices a mysterious man without a textbook in one of her classes, although he isn’t really a student, she becomes curious. Though the two end up really hitting it off and falling in love, the man reveals his secret: he’s a wolf! Not only does this revelation not deter Hana, but the lovers decide to start a family and have two half-wolf children, Ame and Yuki. But having a half-wolf family isn’t easy in the city, especially when Hana’s left to fend for her wild children as a single mother when her love and the father of her children suddenly passes away. Deciding to move to the countryside, the family faces a new set of struggles as Ame and Yuki grow up: to decide to live as human or wolf.

Motherhood is hard enough. Becoming a widow and single mother is even more difficult, especially when your kids aren’t entirely human. I may have a pet, but I could never imply any sort of comparison to actual parenthood by calling my rabbit my “fur-baby” as my nieces and nephews, with love, are pretty wild enough. Though, the struggles Hana faces could possibly only be comparable to the difficulties parents of children who dub themselves “furries” face (joking, joking).

3) Chi-Chi from the Dragon Ball Series

After Kakarot is sent from Planet Vegeta of the nearly-extinct Saiyan race to Earth, he becomes adopted by Grandpa Gohan and renamed to Goku. As Goku grows up, instead of destroying Earth as originally intended, he instead travels and defends the world from other powerful enemies who search for the legendary wish-granting Dragon Balls. Endeavoring to become as strong as possible to fend off increasingly powerful foes, the only thing that truly rises to match the strength of Goku’s powers is his heart. Just because Goku eventually even creates a family for himself doesn’t mean he settles down. In fact, having sons of his own only means more allies to power up.

Eventually becoming friends with Bulma, the two bond over the struggles of raising a Saiyan family. With Goku often absent, she ended up becoming tougher and temperamental as compared to her shy and sweet childhood self in order to raise her sons Gohan and Goten, but still cares for her family with a pure heart. Although she often yells at Goku over fighting and tries to emphasize academic achievements over martial arts,
Chi-Chi is willing to fight as a stereotypical shōnen mother to protect her family. Much like my own out-of-this-world, kick-a-s step-mom and my feisty sister with her two sons.

Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

4) Trisha Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist

The Elric brothers, in their endeavor to bring their mother back from the dead, ignored the ban of human transmutation and ended up paying a hefty price. While trespassing the taboo cost Edward an arm and a leg, Alphonse lost his entire body. With their bio-mechanical engineer neighbor and friend Winry able to fit Edward with advanced automail prosthetic limbs, Alphonse had his soul bound to an entire suit of armor in Edward’s attempt to save him. Determined to restore their bodies, they set out to find the Philosopher’s Stone, an item said to allow an alchemist to defy the traditional laws of Equivalent Exchange, and become caught in the middle of a conspiracy along the way.

The late Trisha Elric had always put her beloved sons first when she was alive, always encouraging Edward and Alphonse to not just grow in their alchemical prowess and achievements, but to look out for each other and work together as brothers. Although she basically raised her children on her own as the boys’ father, Van Hohenheim, was absent, she seemed to cherish and nurture their talents as sons of the most powerful alchemist in the world. And Edward and Alphonse loved her more than the alchemical limits of life itself.

While the original Fullmetal Alchemist series isn’t widely available, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood can be streamed on Netflix, Crunchyroll, or Hulu where available.

5) Lisa from Ponyo

When a curious goldfish sneaks away from home, five-year-old Sousuke finds her trapped in a bottle near the shore and frees her, cutting his finger in the process. The small fish licks his wound and heals it. Realizing she’s special, Sousuke puts her in his bucket and names her Ponyo, taking his new friend home to his mom, Lisa. Frantic that she’s missing, the sorcerer Fujimoto searches for and recaptures his daughter Brunhilde. The goldfish insists she prefers the name Sousuke gave her, rejects living as a fish, and is determined to return to her friend. Sousuke’s blood having given her the power to transform to look like a human girl, she rushes back to him, creating an imbalance in nature in her wake. As the two grow close in their friendship, Sousuke and his mother embrace Ponyo with open arms as not just human, but one of the family.

Lisa seems to be the type that reminds me a bit of both my sister and my mother-in-law — somehow managing to balance being both a responsible, caring parent and just being super chill, taking things as they come and just being fun to hang out with. Like Lisa, my sister is the type to dote upon her son while thinking of creative ways to make the mundane fun and her family welcoming others into their home with open arms. Akin to my mother-in-law who even shares the same name, Lisa shows a certain resilience and optimism that I admire even when the world itself seems to start to fall apart.

Ponyo can be streamed on Max.

[RELATED: 10 Best Anime Movies by Studio Ghibli, Ranked]

6) Miyako Ishida from A Silent Voice

Shouya Ishida was a bit of a wild child in elementary school, but unfortunately he found entertainment in cruel ways. When Shouko Nishimiya transfers to Shouya’s class, Shouya takes to relentlessly bullying the deaf girl along with the rest of the class. But when her mother notifies the school that she suspects her daughter has been bullied, Shouya is singled out and Shouko transfers, leaving Shouya to become ostracized and the target of his class’s bullying. All the way up to high school, Shouya’s cruel past has haunted him. Filled with guilt and regret, Shouya tries turning a new leaf in honest attempts to redeem himself. Although he’s determined to meet Shouko and make amends, the road to redemption is much more difficult than he could’ve imagined, for both himself and for Shouko.

Shouya Ishida’s hair stylist mother Miyako is an absolute gem of a human being. When she learns that her son had done wrong, she takes it upon herself to meet with Shouko’s mother, even receiving physical recompense herself for the harm her son caused. She cares so much for her son and gets the hint when he showed signs of “planned obsolescence”. Even as a single mother, she’s shown to have helped raise her grandchild Maria.

7) Yor Forger from Spy x Family

As the neighboring countries Ostania and Westalis quietly plot against each other, spy Twilight takes on the alias of psychiatrist Loid Forger in the Ostanian city of Berlint to conduct intel. His target: the politician Donovan Desmond. The problem is Donovan only rarely appears at his son’s school, Eden Academy. In order to get closer to his target, Loid enlists Yor Briar, an unmarried city hall clerk, and Anya, his newly adopted daughter, who he enrolls at Eden Academy, to act as a normal, happy family. Unbeknownst to the spy, Loid’s new family hides their own secrets — Yor is actually an assassin known as “Thorn Princess” and Anya is a telepath secretly able to read others’ minds.

Agreeing to enter a fake marriage with Loid Forger in order to continue her work as an assassin, Yor also subsequently becomes the mother figure to Loid’s adoptive daughter, Anya. Although Yor had basically raised her younger brother, Yuri Briar, on her own, she somehow still seems to lack much common domestic knowledge, such as cooking. Even so, she always strives to better herself for the daughter she’s more than willing to protect and the family she’s grown to love.

Spy x Family can be streamed on Hulu and Crunchyroll where available.

8) Ai Hoshino from Oshi No Ko

In the world of entertainment, idols hide behind masks of lies and fans buy into the illusions. Although Ai Hoshino is one such sixteen-year-old idol of pop idol group B Komachi selling said lies, she still hopes that the faux love she gives to and receives from her fans could someday become true. But just as she has the world enamored, Ai announces going on hiatus due to a vague health concern, which makes fans concerned. Meanwhile at a countryside hospital, Dr. Gorou Amemiya cares for the terminally ill Sarina Tendouji who are both fans of Ai and would be a dream come true if they could someday meet her. When Ai shows up to the hospital pregnant with twins, although Dr. Amemiya is mysteriously killed, he wakes to find he’s been reincarnated along with the late Sarina as Ai’s newborn twins, Aqua and Ruby Hoshino.

Oshi No Ko may have quite an unorthodox premise, but there’s good reason fans love Ai Hoshino. As a single teenage mother, Ai may not be the “best” mom, but, with the help of Miyako Saitou, she absolutely does her best to give her children every opportunity for success and every ounce of her true love. Aqua and Ruby may have been fans of Ai as an idol in a previous life, but, as her children, they become fans of her as their mother. Stylish, bubbly, and sociable, Ai is much like another of my sisters, having both a certain spirited twinkle in her eye and being absolutely devoted to giving her adorable daughter the best in life.

Oshi No Ko can be streamed on Netflix, Hulu, or HiDive where available.

9) Inko Midoriya from My Hero Academia

In a world where super powers, or “quirks”, have become so common to the point of eighty-percent of humanity possessing such abilities, middle school student Izuku Midoriya dreams of becoming a hero as amazing as the one he idolizes. Unfortunately, Izuku is in the quirk-less minority. Devastated but still determined, not even lacking a quirk will stop Izuku from diligently taking notes on heroes and clinging to his dream. When he finally meets his hero All Might, Izuku gets the opportunity to make his dream of becoming a hero true. As All Might’s quirk is able to be transferred to others, he chooses Izuku as his successor. As he enrolls in UA High to train to become a full-fledged hero alongside other skilled classmates and against powerful foes, Izuku will learn what it means to be a true hero.

Even when her son was deemed to be quirk-less at first, although devastated at first, Inko never lost faith in Izuku’s ability to someday become a hero, encouraging him all along the way. Inko’s support and compassion are as boundless as she is proud when it comes to her son. Although, that’s not to say she’s completely okay with her son being in the line of danger; the typically soft Inko even gives All Might himself an earful at one point for putting her son in harm’s way and threatens to pull him from the academy. Even so, Inko is still willing to put her son’s dream first and support him however she can.

My Hero Academia can be streamed on Netflix, Prime, Hulu, or Crunchyroll where available.

10) Sachiko Fujinuma from Erased

29-year-old detached manga artist Satoru Fujinuma experiences the odd phenomenon he calls “Revival” of being sent back several minutes before an accident occurs, of which he takes advantage of the ability to save the lives of those around him. When he’s wrongfully accused of the murder of someone close, this time, he’s sent back 18 years in the past to to his childhood in 1988. Suspecting the present-day murder may be connected to a childhood incident, the abduction and murder of his quiet classmate Kayo Hinazuki, Satoru speculates it’s a chance to make things right as to uncover the truth and prevent present-day tragedies.

Sachiko Fujinuma is an absolute bada-s of a mom. As a former news announcer and single mother, her intuition is unmatched; She both is able to piece together the unsettling patterns in her neighborhood in connection to the serial kidnappings and is able to read her son’s emotions so well to the point of practically having a sixth-sense. Her strength and love proves to be unwaveringly devoted even in the face of danger and adversity. But even aside from specific acts of bada-sery, Sachiko worked hard to impart a subtle, steady everyday love that can unfortunately go overlooked, providing a nurturing environment for her son, diligently making sure he was supported in every aspect of everyday life, and giving lighthearted reassurance that he could count on her no matter what.

Erased can be streamed on Hulu or Crunchyroll where available.

Who’s your favorite anime mom? Let us know in the comments which anime moms deserve some recognition!

The post 10 Best Anime Moms Adored by the Fans appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Dragon Ball Daima is coming to Toonami, and the Adult Swim anime block is getting ready for the new anime’s premiere with a special teaser trailer. Dragon Ball Daima was a brand new entry of the anime featuring an original story from franchise creator Akira Toriyama before his tragic passing. The anime sent Goku and the Supreme Kai on a surprising new adventure through the Demon Realm, and explored more of the timeline between the events of the Majin Buu and Battle of Gods arcs. Now it’s about to find a whole new audience when it joins the Toonami lineup this Summer.

Adult Swim has officially announced that Dragon Ball Daima will be joining the Toonami schedule beginning on Saturday, June 14th at 12:30AM ET. The anime will be kicking off its run from the very beginning, and it will likely be the first time many fans get to check out the new series. With Dragon Ball Daima premiering so soon, Toonami has dropped a special promo hyping up its premiere and you can check it out below as spotted by @swimpedia on X.

Toonami Schedule for Saturday, June 14th

With Dragon Ball Daima officially joining the Toonami line up next week, it means the anime block is going to get even stronger following the massive additions of both Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga and Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War earlier this Spring. The new schedule for Adult Swim’s Toonami programming block beginning on Saturday, June 14th breaks down as such (in EST):

• 12:00AM – Lazarus
• 12:30AM – Dragon Ball Daima
• 1:15AM – Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War
• 1:45AM – Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga
• 2:15AM – One Piece
• 2:45AM – Naruto
• 3:15AM – Sailor Moon

This small 15 minute shift in the schedule is due to the fact that Dragon Ball Daima‘s premiere is actually an extended 45 minute episode. This is only the case for the premiere, so future editions of the Toonami schedule will go back to the standard timeslots seen before (barring any new additions through the rest of the Summer). So not only is the Toonami block about to get some brand new Dragon Ball, but it’s going all out for the premiere episode as well. For fans jumping in for the first time, there really isn’t going to be any better opportunity to do so.

RELATED: Toonami Needs Its Own Channel Already

Why Dragon Ball Daima Is So Special

Dragon Ball Daima was launched as part of the celebration for the 40th anniversary of Akira Toriyama’s original Dragon Ball manga launching in the pages of Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. It sparked a lot of debate among fans thanks to its place in the overall timeline as it’s meant to serve as a more immediate sequel to Dragon Ball Z’s Majin Buu arc, but doesn’t include any of the future events that would come during Dragon Ball Super. But it also sparked debate with how it all began as Goku and the others were turned into children at the start of their newest adventure.

As Dragon Ball Daima continued to release its new episodes, fans were split week to week as it seemed to return to the earliest roots of the franchise with a cute new adventure through a brand new realm. Then as the final episodes kicked off the climax, the action fans loved came roaring back with some surprising transformations and big debuts that are sparking even more debate now that it’s all come to an end. Now that the anime is coming to Toonami, even more fans will be able to see what the big deal has been about all this time.

The post Toonami Readies for New Dragon Ball Anime Premiere With Special Promo appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The future of Dragon Ball is anyone’s guess at this point, with Dragon Ball Daima’s anime ending earlier this year and the manga remaining in limbo. In previous interviews, creators behind the scenes have confirmed that Shueisha plans on continuing the franchise for decades to come. With the Dragon Ball Super manga still in limbo following the release of one of Akira Toriyama’s chapters, there might be some bad news coming down the pike for Son Goku and the Z-Fighters. Artist Toyotaro, the heir apparent to the shonen franchise, is unveiling a new manga which might cut into his time with the Saiyans.

At the recent Japan Expo Paris convention, Toyotaro was confirmed to be working on a brand new manga with Dragon Ball editor Kazuhiko Torishima. Unfortunately for Z-Fighter fans, the manga is listed as a completely original work from Toyotaro, meaning we most likely shouldn’t expect it to cross over into Goku’s universe. Details regarding the new manga are few and far between but here’s how the panel described the events, “Toyotaro, the mangaka of Dragon Ball Super, talks with the editor who made his mark on manga history, Kazuhiko Torishima, about his first original manga project! Kazuhiko reveals his powerful techniques that he has honed throughout his career.”

[RELATED: Dragon Ball Super Artist Returns With New Goku & Vegeta Team Up]

Toyotaro’s Wild Beginnings

Working initially with Akira Toriyama on Dragon Ball Super, Toyotaro got his start in the manga world in an unexpected way. Working on a fan series known as Dragon Ball AF, the experience allowed the mangaka to have a worthy resume to give him a sport on Dragon Ball Heroes, the spin-off manga that brings back heroes and villains from the shonen franchise’s past. It was with this work that Toyotaro was given the promotion of working on the current series where he has remained ever since.

During Dragon Ball Super’s manga run, Toyotaro handled the art of the story but also worked with Toriyama directly in forging the stories of arcs such as the Moro Arc and the Granolah The Survivor Arc. Should Toyotaro return to create all new manga chapters for the legendary shonen series, it would be interesting to see if he helms the ship entirely himself or if he’ll need some help in working on the Z-Fighters’ future.

When it comes to Dragon Ball Super’s anime adaptation, fans are still waiting on word from Toei Animation when it comes to finally bringing to life the fights against Moro, The Heaters, and Granolah. With the production house working diligently on the Straw Hat Pirates’ journey in One Piece, no one knows for sure when the Z-Fighters might make their return to the screen. Following the original Dragon Ball Super series that ended with the Tournament of Power, the sequel series continued with two animated movies, further fleshing out the shonen universe and introducing plenty of new heroes and villains into the mix.

Want to see what the future holds for Toyotaro’s new series? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest on all things Dragon Ball and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

Via DBS Hype

The post Bad News For Goku? Dragon Ball Super Artist Making New Manga appeared first on ComicBook.com.

If you’ve ever heard of the word anime, you’ve undoubtedly heard about Dragon Ball as well. Thanks to Akira Toriyama’s brilliant mind, it didn’t take long for Goku to become a familiar name among anime watchers and non-anime fans alike. And it all started in 1986 when the first episodes of Dragon Ball came out on Fuji TV and later on Cartoon Network. The series took everyone by surprise with its fame and charm, introducing Goku as a kid who trained his way to become the strongest among all. Along the way, he came across quite a lot of friends and villains, many far stronger than himself.

The power system in the Dragon Ball franchise has always been Earth-shattering, but before our favorite characters turned into Saiyan modes, they were young warriors under the tutelage of powerful mentors. The Dragon Ball series paved the way for the beloved Dragon Ball Z series featuring many of the strongest characters of all time. But that doesn’t mean the original series had nothing going on for it. Which is why we have compiled this list of the strongest OG Dragon Ball characters and ranked them based on on-screen feats, power, and impact. Let’s get started!

10) Yamcha 

Once a desert bandit, Yamcha quickly turned into a fighter after training under the ever-famous Master Roshi. He was hesitant to make friends with Goku, but formed an alliance with him whenever there was trouble. Coming to skillset, Yamcha has got some serious moves: Spirit Ball for those tricky ki control moments and Wolf Fang Fist for raw, aggressive strikes — proving he’s more than just a lone bandit.

But what really sets Yamcha apart is that he’s a strong Earthling who is not afraid to try his luck even with significantly more powerful opponents. His battles may not always result in victory, but they always show resilience and a strong fighting spirit. His fights against Tien and Piccolo Jr. in the 21st Tournament were brutal (even if he lost). While his journey from Emperor Pilaf’s arc to the World Tournaments proved he could hold his own… at least until the power levels went insane.

9) Krillin 

Like most characters, Krillin was originally introduced as Goku’s rival in the Dragon Ball series. But during their training under Master Roshi, Krillin became Goku’s best friend and ally in no time. Despite his short appearance, Krillin is a powerful Earthling who is often underestimated. His battle tactics, combined with his abilities, make him a powerful ally among the Z warriors. 

Known for techniques like the Solar Flare, Kamehameha, and the devastating Destructo Disc, Krillin has repeatedly proven that he can hold his own even against overwhelming odds. His combat against Piccolo Jr. earned him Piccolo’s respect as well as showcased his skills as a martial artist. And his character development shines particularly in the 21st to 23rd World Tournament Sagas, as well as the King Piccolo Saga, where he continuously evolves from a comic sidekick to a genuinely skilled warrior.

8) Mercenary Tao 

A famous and very expensive assassin for hire, General Tao was the epitome of ruthlessness. He was known for making crude jokes at bad times and would often resort to dirty tactics when close to defeat. But it came to fighting, Tao didn’t mess around. Hired by the Red Ribbon Army, he effortlessly killed General Blue using only his tongue and accepted the mission to dispose off kid Goku.

His Pressure Point tongue can paralyze his opponents mid-fight like it’s nothing. Then there’s the Dodon Ray, a ki blast deadlier than a bullet, and the Super Dodon Wave for enemies he really wants gone. His fight against Goku in the Red Ribbon Army Saga showed just how vicious he was. And let’s not forget his twisted comeback in the Tien Saga—because apparently, getting blown up just turns him into Cyborg Tao, who’s a whole new level of terrifying. 

7) Master Roshi 

With over 300 years of life experience, Master Roshi has proudly taught numerous students who have now surpassed even Saiyan modes. But that’s not what makes him one of the anime’s oldest and most powerful characters. This pervy old man is in fact the founder of the mighty Kamehameha, the move that shaped Dragon Ball’s entire power system. 

Roshi’s got tricks for days: the Thunder Shock Surprise to fry opponents, Hypnosis for mind games, and centuries of combat IQ. He fought Goku in the 21st Tournament finals to prove even monsters need finesse, clashed with Tien in the 22nd to show how age meant nothing, and sacrificed himself against King Piccolo like a true master. From early tournaments to backing the crew against the Red Ribbon Army, Roshi is the godfather of Earth’s warriors.

6) Tien Shinhan 

Tien is a powerful earthling who possesses non-human powers due to his ancestry. Initially seeking to eliminate Goku as revenge for his former master, Mercenary Tao, Tien quickly realized he was on the wrong side. After that, his training under Master Roshi turned him into an ally for the Z warriors, where he wasted no time in becoming a hero. 

Tien’s no Saiyan but he’s also not completely human, and it shows during his fights. His Solar Flare blinds gods, his Tri-Beam burns life force for raw power, and the Four Witches Technique multiplies his limbs. During the 22nd World Tournament, he pushed Goku to the absolute limit in their iconic clash before defeating Master Roshi himself, proving Crane School’s brutality could rival even Turtle wisdom. And when King Piccolo terrorized Earth, Tien stepped up and gave his all. 

[RELATED – Dragon Ball/One Piece Studio Creates New Branch, Promises Debut Title Reveal Soon]

5) Mr. Popo

Little has been said about the mysterious Mr. Popo but one thing is for sure: he remains undefeated. Mr. Popo is Kami’s servant in the Lookout who has served Kami and even his predecessors, making him one of the oldest and strongest characters in the OG Dragon Ball series. Although he does not actively participate in matters of the Earth, he can teleport anywhere when needed.

With Magic Materialization, he conjures anything out of thin air, and his Spiritual Awareness means he’s always ten steps ahead. For three years, Mr. Popo trained Goku at Kami’s behest, tossing him around the Lookout like a ragdoll until the Saiyan earned his respect. After that, Goku was ready to battle in the 23rd World Tournament. From the Kami training arc to guiding Earth’s defenders in the Piccolo Jr. saga, Popo’s the silent powerhouse who’s seen it all. Later Dragon Ball iterations have Popo even facing down Super Saiyan forms of Goten and Trunks, suggesting inconsistent power levels down the line, but he still ranks among the strongest in the original Dragon Ball.

4) Kami 

As the Guardian of the Earth, Kami should just be chilling with his almighty powers and playing god. But when the stakes got high, he had to intervene and show his true potential. The good counterpart of the evil King Piccolo possesses phenomenal abilities and aura. His Eye Laser slices through foes, his Evil Containment Wave seals away nightmares, and his Sealing Magic locks down threats permanently. 

With Spirit Energy and the Divine Dragon Orb, he manipulates the battlefield like a god (because he is one). Even his Explosive Wave isn’t just for show. During the 23rd World Tournament, he destroyed Yajirobe and Yamcha without breaking a sweat before facing Piccolo Jr. in a battle that shook the arena. From guiding warriors in training arcs to the high-stakes Piccolo Jr. Saga, Kami is Dragon Ball’s shadow protector — always watching and ready.

3) King Piccolo 

Kami’s evil and demonic counterpart, King Piccolo did nothing but wreak havoc on the peaceful Earth. He sought to eliminate every martial artist and seek the position of the Guardian of the Earth. Making him the first Dragon Ball villain who made the world feel actually helpless.

His Explosive Demon Wave leveled cities while the Makosen punched holes through mountains, and his Finger Beam picked off enemies like target practice. But nothing matched his rage when he fought Goku, brutally avenging his son’s death. The battle was so vicious that it nearly ended the Dragon Team for good, almost rewriting the fate of every character with his raw, merciless strength.

2) Piccolo Jr. 

One of Goku’s best friends and allies, Piccolo Jr. was once a ruthless villain just like his father, the Demon King. In fact, he surpassed even his father when it came to being skilled and calculated. But his story wasn’t just about power; it was about breaking free from your past and not just being another monster.

At the 23rd World Tournament, he crushes Krillin, then pushes Goku to the absolute edge. His Mouth Blast turns the air into a killzone, his Light Grenade hits like a falling star, and the Dust Attack blinds the enemy before they even know what’s happening. Even his Chasing Bullet ki blasts hunt you down like a predator, establishing him as one of the strongest characters in the OG Dragon Ball series. 

1) Goku 

Is it a surprise that the main character of the entire Dragon Ball franchise is also its strongest character? Most certainly not! But Goku did not achieve this greatness overnight. He trained under the most powerful beings in the universe for several years. From Bora and Master Roshi to Kami and Mr. Popo, Goku has worked immensely hard on his skills.

Master Roshi may be the pioneer of the Kamehameha, but it was Goku who perfected it. The Power Pole extended his reach (literally) in early fights. And then there’s Ultra Instinct, the pinnacle of his growth, where his body moves faster than thought itself. But the Saiyan’s greatest trait is how he never gives up, even when critically wounded. Pushing himself to the limit to face every villain and walking away stronger each time.

The post 10 Strongest Dragon Ball Characters, Ranked appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Hop on Goku’s Flying Nimbus, we’re heading over to Kame House to meet up with the gang! Funko’s dropped 5 new Funko Pops straight from the original Dragon Ball anime back in April, so if you’re used to these characters’ looks in Dragon Ball Z or Dragon Ball Super, prepare to step into a time machine. Bulma, Chichi, Krillin, Oolong, and Master Roshi all appear as their younger selves, with Master Roshi’s Pop being a Funko Pop Town with the Kame House included. Each Pop is available to pre-order at Amazon and here at Entertainment Earth with a delivery date set for June 26th, 2025. Today, BoxLunch added to this collection with the debut of an exclusive Funko Pop of Lunch in her classic form, though lucky collectors might end up with a Chase version of her angry blonde form. Read on for a breakdown of the entire wave.

• Drahgon Ball Lunch Funko Pop (With Chase) / BoxLunch Exclusive
• Dragon Ball Bulma (Shop) Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure / See here at Amazon / See here at Entertainment Earth 
• Dragon Ball Chichi Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure / See here at Amazon / See here at Entertainment Earth
• Dragon Ball Krillin Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure / See here at Amazon / See here at Entertainment Earth
• Dragon Ball Oolong Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure / See here at Amazon / See here at Entertainment Earth
• Dragon Ball Master Roshi with Kame House Funko Pop! Town / See here at Amazon / See here at Entertainment Earth

Dragon Ball Super Manga Hits Big Milestone

While the Dragon Ball Super anime has been on hiatus since 2018, the manga has continued to reach new heights and new sales numbers. The Dragon Ball Super manga completed 2 more arcs after the anime had ended, and is now seemingly returning from its hiatus, meaning even more copies will sell in the future. Currently, the manga is set to reach 12 million copies, an impressive milestone to have without an anime uplifting it into mainstream consumption. 

Since Dragon Ball Super went on a hiatus after creator Akira Toriyama passed away, the future of the manga has been unclear. But with new changes happening behind the scenes, it seems likely the profitable IP will continue without him. Obviously, there are many who hope to see the franchise return with new projects in both manga and anime formats, but there’s also no clear path forward as of now. Shueisha and the Dragon Ball franchise are now navigating a world without Toriyama to guide the franchise forward, something that is sure to be very difficult.

My main hope is that, as such a longtime enjoyer of the franchise, that the vision and the characters are handled with care, especially as the world turns to cheap, nostalgic party tricks to keep fans returning. It’ll take some time for Dragon Ball to get on the right track, and I’m willing to be patient.

Want to stay up to date with all the latest anime news and collectibles? Then keep an eye on our Gear Page!

The post Dragon Ball Funko Pop Lineup Adds Lunch Exclusive With Chase appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Toonami might have left Cartoon Network at one point but the programming block returned stronger than ever thanks to hitching its wagon Adult Swim. Housing recent anime hits like Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, Lazarus, and more, it is time for the latest story of the Z-Fighters in the anime world to arrive on the cable network. Dragon Ball Daima has been confirmed to arrive on Toonami’s platform and we won’t be waiting long to check out the Dragon Ball Super prequel series that gave us a canon Super Saiyan 4.

Toonami has had quite the long history with the Dragon Ball franchise, as the programming block helped to put Dragon Ball Z on the map in North America. Originally airing in the afternoons, the Cartoon Network platform worked to push Goku and the Z-Fighters to an entirely new generation of viewers and in doing so, helped further establish anime in the West. For Dragon Ball Daima, the latest anime will air on Toonami on June 14th at 12:30AM, following the latest episode of Lazarus. With twenty episodes to its name, Adult Swim will have quite a few weeks dedicated to the Z-Fighters and their travels within the Demon Realm.

[RELATED: Dragon Ball Daima Could Have Fixed Its SSJ4 Continuity Error by Using This Form Instead]

Dragon Ball Daima Season 2?

Dragon Ball Daima ended its first season definitively, seeing Goku and his friends undoing the work of the Demon Lord Gomah and becoming adults once again. Unfortunately, Dragon Ball anime’s future remains a mystery at this point as no second season has been confirmed, though fans are crossing their fingers that several of Daima’s elements will play a role in Super’s future. While Goku and Vegeta might be harboring the power of Ultra Instinct and Ultra Ego in the present, seeing the Saiyans access the power of SSJ4 in Dragon Ball Super would still be quite the pivotal moment.

Dragon Ball Super’s comeback is much more likely than seeing a Dragon Ball Daima season two, since artist Toyotaro has confirmed that he plans on eventually returning for new chapters. While one of Toriyama’s final chapters arrived earlier this year, new chapters of the manga have yet to be unveiled. In terms of the anime adaptation, there are still some major arcs from the manga that Toei Animation has yet to cover, including the Moro Arc and the Granolah The Survivor Arc. Even with Akira Toriyama gone, it appears as though his franchise will live on for quite some time to come.

At present, it’s unclear whether the next anime project will be either an anime series or a feature-length film, but the Z-Fighters have found success with both in the past. Fingers crossed that we won’t be waiting too long to see Goku and company make their much-anticipated comeback.

Want to stay afloat of the Z-Fighters and their many battles? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on all things Dragon Ball and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

The post Dragon Ball Daima is Coming to Toonami appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Toei Animation remains a juggernaut when it comes to giving anime fans some of the biggest series to this day. Responsible for the likes of Dragon Ball Daima and One Piece, Toei has had its hands full when it comes to pre-established franchises. To help venture further into the world of original anime properties, the production house has announced that they will open a new branch to celebrate the studio’s 70th anniversary. Luckily, we won’t be waiting long to see what ETERNA Animation has up its sleeves.

The statement from Toei Animation regarding ETERNA Animation’s creation was revealed in a new press release which reads as such, “Through Eterna Animation, the company will establish a sustainable creative platform dedicated to the ongoing production of original works. The initiative also places a strong focus on discovering and nurturing emerging creative talents as part of a next-generation animation project model. The brand name “ETERNA” (meaning “eternal”) reflects Toei Animation’s aspiration to create works that linger deeply in the hearts and memories of viewers. Guided by five core creative values—Originality, Exclusivity, Artistry, Quality, and Decency—the brand seeks to deliver new stories, spotlight new voices, and explore expressive new forms of animation with artistic freedom and lasting emotional impact.”

[RELATED: Toei Claims No Anime Project Has Used AI In The Midst Of New Controversy]

ETERNA’s First Project Revealed

The first project from Toei Animation’s latest endeavor is titled “FOXING: Kitsune-tsuki” which is set to release in 2026. Luckily, anime fans will get a preview for the original project at this year’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival. ETERNA released the first story description for the original project dropping next year, “The story explores universal themes such as isolation, fantasy, and the confrontation of the self in contemporary society. It poetically and visually depicts the protagonist’s emotional transformation as she journeys toward personal liberation.”

Toei’s Current Works

Following the conclusion of Dragon Ball Daima earlier this year, Toei Animation has been hard at work on One Piece’s current arc and it shows. The Straw Hat Pirates’ journey on Future Island is one that has used stellar animation to pitch Luffy and his crew members against the strongest member of the World Government. The anime adaptation of Eiichiro Oda’s manga masterpiece still has quite a few major battles to translate from the manga’s latest chapters that are sure to put Toei to the test.

As of the writing of this article, Dragon Ball’s future remains a mystery both on the screen and with its manga. Dragon Ball Daima expanded the Z-Fighters’ universe in some wild ways, introducing the likes of Super Saiyan 4 and Super Saiyan 3 Vegeta to the shonen’s canon. Following the tragic passing of Akira Toriyama, the status of the franchise remains in limbo but creators behind the scenes have hinted at far more stories to arrive in the future.

Want to see what else Toei Animation will release in the future? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on Dragon Ball and One Piece.

Via Press Release

The post Dragon Ball/One Piece Studio Creates New Branch, Promises Debut Title Reveal Soon appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Since its October 2024 release, Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero has earned a solid place in the DBZ gaming ranks. With a Very Positive rating on Steam, many gamers feel this latest game delivers on the graphics and gameplay that fans crave. Plus, thanks to regular DLC installments, gamers keep getting new playable characters that keep things feeling fresh. That said, not every feature in Sparking! Zero is easy to understand. In fact, gamers confess that they’re still struggling to get a handle on one of the game’s mechanics even months after release.

Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero is a fighting game at its core, with a story mode to keep single-player gameplay engaging. With over 180 fighters and counting, Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero gives gamers plenty of fighting styles to try on for size. However, the game’s beam clash battle mechanic has players confused. As one Redditor recently shared, even with over 300 hours in the same, some fans are struggling to use the beam clash to its best advantage.

Kind of like hitting the accelerator button at the precise moment in Mario Kart, the beam clash mechanic relies largely on timing. As a result, even seasoned Sparking! Zero fans are struggling to get a grip on the feature’s full potential.

How Beam Clash Works in Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero

As many gamers note in response to @FreedomOwn2329’s plea, the beam clash mini-game in Sparking! Zero requires both patience and precision. With beam clash, the two opponents face off to supercharge their attack, with the stronger attack winning out. Only, it’s not so simple thanks to just how confusing the beam clash mini-game actually is. Though it’s modeled after the Ultimate mini-game in Dragon Ball Budokai 3, not everyone has that prior experience to rely on. And it’s just different enough to be tricky even if you do. In fact, even seasoned players disagree about the best strategy to utilize here.

RELATED: Dragon Ball Game for Nintendo Switch 2 Reportedly Leaked

The black beam clash bar fills up with orange, and the idea is that you want to hit the button at the optimal amount of boost. However, gamers have some seriously differing opinions on the best way to approach this. A few players suggest just waiting for the bar to fill on its own, while others offer various methods for hitting the “boost” button to charge more quickly. Some say you should spam the button, while others suggest a targeted boost strategy of one or two goes before finally pulling the trigger on the attack. Regardless, you want to hit the final button at the precise moment when the bar is at its fullest, which can be tricky to time due to lag with online connections in multiplayer.

Another reason gamers can’t get a handle on the beam clash mechanic is that it doesn’t actually come up all that often in-game. In fact, some players say they have yet to actually experience one outside of the tutorial. So, thankfully, not fully understanding the beam clash mechanic won’t necessarily end your Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero career. Even so, players would love to get a more definitive answer on how, exactly, this feature is supposed to work.

Have you mastered the beam clash in Sparking! Zero? Share your technique or just your bragging rights in the comments below.

The post Dragon Ball Sparking Zero Players Still Don’t Understand This Feature Months Later appeared first on ComicBook.com.

With only 20 episodes, Dragon Ball Daima proved itself to be a truly special installment, blending nostalgia with its premise of turning the Z Warriors into children, while also fulfilling fans’ long-standing wishes of seeing certain transformations become canon. The series first does this by introducing Vegeta’s Super Saiyan 3 form, something fans had only dreamed of for decades, making its appearance in Daima a dream come true. Furthermore, with Daima being considered a canon installment, Goku’s Super Saiyan 4 is now also canon, another long-awaited wish fulfilled for many fans.

However, making these transformations canon has created a major continuity issue with the chronologically subsequent installment, Dragon Ball Super. Super never featured either Vegeta’s Super Saiyan 3 or Goku’s Super Saiyan 4 during its run. Neither character transforms into these forms, and Goku even states that Super Saiyan 3 was his strongest form, making it difficult to align both installments within the same canonical timeline. This suggests that these transformations were introduced more to generate buzz than to maintain canonical consistency. What’s even more unfortunate is that Daima had laid the perfect groundwork to introduce an entirely new, never-before-seen transformation in all of Dragon Ball anime — Gogeta Super Saiyan 3 — one that could have resolved the continuity issues while generating just as much, if not more, excitement.

[Related: Dragon Ball Daima’s English Dub Finally Unleashes Adult Super Saiyan 4 Goku]

Dragon Ball Daima Laid the Perfect Groundwork for a Transformation Never Before Seen

It is important to note that, while it is almost impossible to explain Goku’s Super Saiyan 4 omission from Super, Vegeta’s Super Saiyan 3 absence is easier to justify. When Goku’s Super Saiyan 3 failed against Beerus, Vegeta likely saw no reason to pursue or showcase the form, which could have explained why it was never seen. With this in mind, it is reasonable to assume that Vegeta’s Super Saiyan 3 is still canon within Super and does not create a continuity issue. Therefore, to address the inconsistency, Daima could have fused Vegeta’s latest transformation with Goku’s Super Saiyan 3 to introduce a never-before-seen transformation in anime, Gogeta Super Saiyan 3.

From the beginning, Dragon Ball Daima consistently hinted at a future fusion, particularly with the introduction of a new fusion method through a medicinal enhancement called the “Join Bug.” In Daima, it is explained that this bug can fuse two or more fighters into a single, powerful entity. Since the incorporation of SSJ4 in Daima was never directly addressed until the very end, many fans assumed fusion would be the method through which Goku and Vegeta would defeat their latest enemy in this new adventure.

Assuming the Join Bug functions similarly to the established fusion methods, particularly similar to the fusion dance method, Gogeta’s appearance was strongly foreshadowed. Since both Saiyan warriors were capable of transforming into Super Saiyan 3, Gogeta Super Saiyan 3, a transformation never before seen in the anime, canonically or otherwise, was fully possible without disrupting the established timeline. Such a transformation in Dragon Ball Daima could have generated even more excitement than Goku’s Super Saiyan 4, which lacked a compelling narrative foundation, while also resolving the continuity error with Super.

Dragon Ball Daima can be streamed on Crunchyroll and Netflix.

The post Dragon Ball Daima Could Have Fixed Its SSJ4 Continuity Error by Using This Form Instead appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Dragon Ball is one of the oldest and most iconic anime and manga franchises of all time. The series’ creator, Akira Toriyama, is responsible for creating the majority of the characters. Even so, Toei Animation’s contribution to the series’ popularity can’t be overlooked. Not only did the studio release an anime adaptation of the manga, but it also created several spin-offs, sequels, and prequels that weren’t part of the main story. In such cases, Toei animators and artists would create new characters and even transformations from scratch that’d end up becoming fan favorites. Goku’s father, Bardock, is one of the best characters in the franchise, introduced in the 1990 television special, Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku.

Dragon Ball’s animator and character designer, Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru, was primarily responsible for designing Bardock along with the rest of the team. After all, it was for a prequel story following Goku’s father before Frieza destroyed Planet Vegeta. Bardock sent his son to Earth before the tragedy took place, for less-than-ideal reasons. He also fought on the frontlines to stop the villain, but was no match against Frieza’s overwhelming force. Later on, Toriyama even briefly included in the main story, honoring the character’s efforts in trying to save his son and his people.

[RELATED: Dragon Ball Super Hits Major Sales Milestone Even Without a New Anime]

Bardock Is Still an Iconic Dragon Ball Character

One of the qualities that makes Bardock intriguing is that he doesn’t fit the standard criteria of a “hero.” Saiyans weren’t peaceful people; rather, they were bloodthirsty and always craved more power. Bardock was no different since he was introduced as a ruthless Saiyan warrior who takes pride in battle and conquest. However, after gaining the ability to see the future, he realizes the Saiyans are on the verge of extinction and that Frieza will betray them. He transforms from a bloodthirsty warrior to a kind and loving father towards Goku. After ensuring his son is safe, he does everything he can to save his race, but to no avail. Later on, Bardock became a canon character after appearing in Dragon Ball Super: Broly.

He also appears in Chapter 77 of the Dragon Ball Super manga during a flashback scene. Toei’s version of Bardock is more ruthless, cold, and emotionally distant, perfectly fitting for an anti-hero. However, Toriyama made the character more caring and soft, who sent his son away to protect him from the impending destruction. While one is morally gray and complex, the other is a tragic hero. Despite the significant differences, both versions of Bardock are just as popular, with the Toei one being slightly more favorable to fans.

The post Akira Toriyama Didn’t Create One of Dragon Ball’s Best Characters appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The latest installment in the Dragon Ball franchise, Dragon Ball Daima, holds special significance as it marks the final project the late Akira Toriyama contributed to. What makes this installment even more unique is its premise: the Z Fighters embark on a journey through the outskirts of the Demon Realm in search of a way to return to their adult forms after the Demon King, Gomah, uses a wish to turn them into children. Seeing Goku as a kid on an adventure brings a strong sense of nostalgia, clearly drawing inspiration from the iconic Dragon Ball GT.

Amplifying this nostalgic tone is the presence of Bulma, Goku’s very first close companion from the original Dragon Ball, joining him on the journey. This dynamic perfectly echoes the foundational adventure of the franchise. Additionally, witnessing Kid Goku reclaim his iconic weapon, the Power Pole, further connects Daima to the spirit of the original series. However, as the series progresses, Daima loses the core essence that once made the original so captivating, opting for “numbered transformations” over storytelling rooted in adventure, adaptability, and genuine growth.

[RELATED: Dragon Ball Daima Sticks to an Anime Tradition in Goku’s Latest Fight]

Dragon Ball Daima Fails to Capture Genuine Growth and Relies on the Franchise’s Flagship Appeal

The concept of transformation in the Dragon Ball franchise was first introduced during the Frieza Saga in Dragon Ball Z, with Goku achieving the iconic Super Saiyan form near the end of his battle with Frieza. This moment holds more weight than most iconic scenes in anime history, as it encapsulates Goku’s spirit as both a warrior and a Saiyan. It also inspired many other anime to adopt “transformations” as a symbol of growth. Even the recent standout transformation in the anime world, Monkey D. Luffy’s Gear 5 in One Piece, shows clear influence from Dragon Ball Z. However, there was a time when Dragon Ball portrayed growth without relying on transformations, instead emphasizing strategy, resilience, and a more grounded approach.

This is best exemplified in the original Dragon Ball series when Goku first faces Mercenary Tao (Taopaipai) during the Commander Red Saga. Tao proves too powerful for Goku initially, prompting him to rely on his warrior spirit, raw strength, and martial arts training, and coming back again to ultimately secure his first major victory. Similarly, in the early Dragon Ball Z saga, Goku’s battle against Raditz required him to adapt quickly, teaming up with Piccolo and even sacrificing himself to defeat his older brother. These moments reflect the franchise’s core storytelling — growth through experience and adaptability.

Over time, however, the reliance on transformations to signify growth began to overshadow the original formula. Dragon Ball Super exemplifies this shift, heavily favoring transformations, such as the “God” forms, that lack meaningful development and often feel like fairy tales. In contrast, Daima, whose trailers and teasers stayed grounded in fan expectations, and having turned Goku and the Z warriors into children, created the perfect opportunity to provide the root essence of the original installment. However, as the series progressed, it began to feature new transformations, and what makes no sense is how their placement creates major problems for the franchise.

New Transformations in Dragon Ball Daima Make No Sense and Create Major Continuity Issues

There are major issues with the inclusion of new transformations in Dragon Ball Daima, but the most significant concern is the continuity conflict it creates with Dragon Ball Super, especially given that both installments are considered canon. Even Vegeta’s Super Saiyan 3 appearance feels unexpected. Since Super Saiyan 3 Vegeta was never mentioned in Super, a series widely regarded as canon due to its accompanying manga adaptation, it seems this inclusion was primarily intended to generate buzz among fans who had long wanted to see Vegeta in that form.

While Vegeta’s Super Saiyan 3 could still be rationalized within the canon and aligned with Super, Goku’s Super Saiyan 4 transformation presents a much bigger problem for the franchise’s future, particularly if it plans to continue the Super timeline. The other issue is that this transformation doesn’t reflect symbolic or earned growth; instead, it appears as sudden and unearned, lacking any meaningful foundation or narrative justification. This ultimately positions Dragon Ball Daima as an out-of-the-blue installment meant to capitalize on the franchise’s flagship appeal, rather than offer meaningful storytelling, which is unfortunate, as it had laid strong foundations to deliver a return to the franchise’s roots.

Dragon Ball Daima can be streamed on Crunchyroll and Netflix.

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If you have been an anime fan since the early 2000s or earlier, it’s probably safe to assume your first few anime were one of the Big Three of the shonen jump genre: One Piece, Bleach, or Naruto (and as an honorable mention, Dragon Ball). All of these combined majestic world building, fleshed out characters, and engaging story arcs to immerse fans in worlds that would normally feel bizarre but held up very well thanks to the authors’ writing. If not anything else, the shonen genre’s fight scenes and choreography are often the center of countless discussions and debates among the fandom. 

Out of these classics, my personal favorites have to be Dragon Ball and Naruto. As I rewatch these anime known for their high-stakes battles, I wonder which of these two legendary anime have better fight scenes and choreography. Each fan has a unique perspective on which anime performed better depending on their movies, budget, frames-per-second ratios, etc. But in my personal humble opinion, Naruto has better fights than Dragon Ball and in this article, I’m going to dive into exactly why I think that.

[RELATED – Dragon Ball Super Artist Returns With New Goku & Vegeta Team Up]

Naruto’s Strategic Fights and Balanced Power Scaling

What sets Naruto’s fights apart is its emphasis on strategy over brute force. Everything in Naruto has complex moves involved. When Naruto Uzumaki, who’s not even known for being a strategic planner, faces challenging opponents, each battle almost feels like a chess match. For instance, in the Chunin Exams arc, Naruto’s fight against Neji showcases his ingenuity, using misdirection to land a decisive blow. Some fights, like Shikamaru vs. Temari, show viewers how a previously underestimate character can use his massive talents to secure the upper hand, yet know when to quit while ahead, serving a strong lesson on tactics in Naruto. At the same time, we learn that hard work (Naruto Uzumaki) does have a chance against talent (Neji Hyuga). 

In the same arc, Rock Lee’s fight against Gaara was among the best animated and choreographed fights in the entire anime despite Lee’s clear disadvantage against a powerhouse like Gaara. Almost everyone thought Gaara would win with no trouble, but there are so many jutsus, different classes of power, and innate abilities like Kekkei Genkai, Genjutsu, Taijutsu, and much more, that the anime is able to give a lot of variety in action and comprehension. You don’t see the same fighting sequence that often and battles depend more upon an intricate combination of technique, tactics, and talent than brute force. This strategic depth makes every encounter unpredictable and engaging, as raw power rarely secures victory.

In contrast, Dragon Ball often leans on linear power scaling, where the strongest fighter typically wins. Goku’s battles are thrilling but revolve too much around who can unleash the bigger energy blast or achieve the next transformation. Many fans have echoed this sentiment, noting that Dragon Ball Z’s fights, like Goku versus Frieza, prioritize spectacle over nuance, with power-ups like Super Saiyan escalating the stakes but simplifying the outcome. 

Naruto’s power scaling, however, feels less rigid. Characters like Shikamaru, who lacks overwhelming strength, can defeat stronger foes like Hidan through intellect and planning, keeping fights varied and grounded. This balance ensures that Naruto’s battles reward creativity, making them more compelling to me as a viewer and to everyone who values brains alongside brawn.

Choreography and Animation: Naruto’s Fluid Precision

Regarding fight choreography and animation, Naruto delivers a masterclass in fluid, expressive combat. Studio Pierrot’s work, particularly in arcs like Sasuke Retrieval or the Pain arc, brings a cinematic quality to the battles. The choreography is intricate, seamlessly blending hand-to-hand taijutsu, ninja tools, and jutsu techniques. 

A great example of this is Kakashi’s fight against Obito in the Kamui dimension. You can’t help but be mesmerized by the dynamic camera angles, the weight of each punch, and the emotional stakes reflected in every move. The fight also makes great use of flashbacks, something the anime is normally criticized for. The animation amplifies these moments with vibrant colors and smooth transitions, making the fights feel alive.

Dragon Ball, while iconic, often relies on repetitive animation cycles, especially in Dragon Ball Z. Fights like Goku versus Vegeta are thrilling but feature prolonged staring contests, reused energy beam sequences, and less varied choreography. And while Dragon Ball Super improved with crisper animation, it still leans heavily on power clashes over complex movements. Naruto’s fights, by contrast, feel meticulously crafted, with each arc introducing fresh visual styles and combat dynamics that keep the action engaging.

However, I must acknowledge Akira Toriyama’s genius in manga paneling as a counterpoint to where Dragon Ball shines. Toriyama’s clean, dynamic layouts in the Dragon Ball manga make every punch and ki blast feel monumental. His use of angles and pacing creates a sense of unmatched speed and impact, influencing countless artists. 

Of course, Naruto’s manga, drawn by Masashi Kishimoto, is no slouch either. Kishimoto’s detailed artwork and creative paneling, especially in battles like Rock Lee versus Gaara, convey motion and emotion equally. While Toriyama’s paneling is legendary, Naruto matches it with its flair, ensuring its fights remain visually stunning in both manga and anime.

The post Naruto Has Better Fights Than Dragon Ball, and Here’s Why appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Vegeta, from Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball franchise, is the embodiment of a prideful warrior. Since his introduction, he has relentlessly pursued greater strength, fearing nothing, not even death, in his quest to become the ultimate Saiyan. Over the decades, the series has locked Vegeta into a consistent pattern: trailing behind Goku’s new achievements and eventually replicating them through intense training. While this approach maintains his character’s core identity, it has also limited his development in other areas. As a result, fans often see him as little more than a prideful rival chasing Goku’s shadow.

However, the latest installment, Dragon Ball Daima, offers a fresh perspective. In this series, the Z Warriors journey through the Demon Realm to reverse Gomah’s wish that turned them into children. Vegeta is given several moments to shine in Daima, revealing new dimensions to his character, including his biggest fear. One might remember Vegeta’s memorable line when killing Android 20 in Dragon Ball Z, schooling it while dishing out the concept of fear before the advent of Cell. In Episode 19 of Daima, even after exhausting all his stamina in battle against Gomah, Vegeta refuses to retreat. But when Bulma gives him an ultimatum, give up fighting or lose the chance to bathe with her again, Vegeta, faced with a fear more personal than defeat, immediately steps back.

[RELATED: Dragon Ball Super Artist Shares New Look at Ultra Instinct Goku and Gohan Beast]

Dragon Ball Daima Reveals Vegeta’s True Fear and It’s Hilarious

Vegeta’s depiction in the Dragon Ball franchise has always centered around his pride and relentless pursuit of strength. While the series has occasionally shown him reacting to powerful villains with fear, it can be deduced that it’s never due to a fear of the villains themselves or of death. Instead, it is evident that it stems from frustration at falling behind in power, which is an emotion that fuels his determination to train harder. That’s why it’s both refreshing and hilarious that the one thing Vegeta truly fears, enough to set aside his Saiyan pride, is something so deeply human.

This moment casts Vegeta in a more realistic light, making him more relatable to fans who seek a deeper emotional connection with his character. In fact, this development humanizes Vegeta even more than Goku, who, despite living on Earth far longer than Vegeta, rarely expresses romantic vulnerability. Notably, this isn’t the first time Vegeta’s softer side and affection for Bulma have been highlighted.

In Episode 9 of Dragon Ball Daima, when Bulma expresses a desire to remain in her younger form, Vegeta immediately insists that they will be returning to adulthood. Hybis, who has had a brief spat with Vegeta over Bulma, quickly deduces that Vegeta’s urgency is due to his fondness for larger bosoms. Vegeta’s angry and embarrassed reaction all but confirms it. Though Dragon Ball Daima was short, it gave Vegeta well-deserved moments in the spotlight, which also revealed his true fear and added meaningful depth to his character by portraying him as more human.

Dragon Ball Daima can be streamed on Crunchyroll and Netflix.

The post Dragon Ball Daima Confirms The One thing Vegeta Truly Fears, And It’s Not Anything Fans Would Expect appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Dragon Ball Super is currently still on hiatus even as the series prepares to celebrate the manga’s 10th anniversary, but the artist behind it all has returned once more with a powerful team up between Goku and Vegeta with some cool new art. Dragon Ball Super first went on hiatus last Spring following the passing of franchise creator Akira Toriyama. The series wrapped up with its extended adaptation of the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero feature film (that included both a new prologue and epilogue), but has since not yet revealed whether or not there are any plans for the franchise to return in the future.

Dragon Ball is now celebrating the seventh anniversary of the Dragon Ball Legends mobile game, and things have kicked off with some cool new art from Dragon Ball Super artist Toyotaro himself. The illustrator has returned with some slick new art of both Ultra Instinct Goku and Super Saiyan Blue Evolution Vegeta, and imagines the two Saiyans in a fierce fight that fans can’t wait to see come to fruition someday. You can check out the special new Dragon Ball art for Goku and Vegeta below.

Dragon Ball Super’s Artist Returns for Goku and Vegeta

In explaining about how Toyotaro has returned to the franchise for this new look at Ultra Instinct Goku and Super Saiyan Blue Evolution Vegeta to Dragon Ball’s official website, the Dragon Ball Super artist explained, “When deciding on the poses, I wanted Goku and Vegeta to be able to stand on their own but also give a sense of teamwork when put together. I also wanted to make it look really dynamic, so I had them face the viewer, and gave extra thought to their clothing and facial expressions.” Toyotaro even guessed who the two would be fighting with this special art.

“I wasn’t thinking of anyone in particular, but since I think the setting is the Tournament of Power, then I guess it must be Jiren. The idea is that they’ve both transformed after a long battle, so I thought it would make sense for their clothes to have some tears in them,” the artist continued when asked about their looks. As for what he kept in mind when drawing the duo, the artist revealed, “I wanted to keep it from looking too symmetrical, so I lined up their fists vertically instead of being right next to each other. There’s also some overlap between one character’s fist and the other’s body, which helps to add some depth.”

RELATED: Eric Legrand, Beloved Dragon Ball Z Voice of Vegeta and Yamcha, Dies at 66

Will Dragon Ball Super Ever Return?

Toyotaro even went into how the design changes with Goku and Vegeta’s transformations, “Since they’re in their Ultra Instinct and Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan (Evolved) forms, I tried to bring out the unique characteristics of each form in their expressions. In particular, this version of Vegeta doesn’t exist in the manga, and it was my first time drawing this form. So, I paid close attention to his expression and hairstyle to make sure everything looked natural to fans of the anime.”

It’s clear the Dragon Ball Super artist still loves the series characters and takes these opportunities to still bring them to life. As the manga remains on hiatus even through its 10th anniversary, both Toyotaro and fans want to see make its comeback. But it’s a tougher road to navigate than expected following Toriyama’s passing, so fans will have to wait patiently until a decision on Dragon Ball Super‘s manga future is officially made one way or the other.

The post Dragon Ball Super Artist Returns With New Goku & Vegeta Team Up appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The world of live-action anime adaptations is hitting something of a renaissance these days, as offerings like One Piece and Avatar: The Last Airbender have helped change the game. In the past, the term “live-action anime adaptation” was often thought of with disdain but those times have changed. Various live-action projects are currently in the works, including the likes of Naruto, Mobile Suit Gundam, One-Punch Man, and many more. When it comes to what the live-action anime adaptation world has to offer, there are more than a few terrible examples that helped the medium gain its original infamy.

1) Cowboy Bebop

Let’s start with one of the most obvious, and most infamous, recent examples of live-action anime adaptation series to go awry according to fans. 2021’s Cowboy Bebop premiered on Netflix with ten episodes, with many Bebop enthusiasts finding that the series starring the likes of John Cho, Daniella Pineda, and Mustafa Shakir simply wasn’t able to hit the same heights as the original anime. Perhaps, it was an impossible task for any live-action Cowboy Bebop to come close to the original, even with the series using “Tank” as its opening song but I personally appreciated the effort to do so. Never receiving a second season despite its cliffhanger ending, the Bebop remains a prime example of what can go wrong when it comes to adapting anime stories.

2) Death Note

Another Netflix offering, 2017’s Death Note failing still throws me for a loop at this point. On paper, the Adam Wingard directed project seemed as though it was bound to be a hit. On top of Wingard making a name for himself with the likes of You’re Next, The Guest, and Blair Witch, the live-action film had serious star power behind it. Atlanta’s Lakeith Stanfield playing L was inspired casting to say nothing of Willem Dafeo taking on the role of the Shinigami Ryuuk. Unfortunately, the story of the film is a muddled mess and is unable to capitalize on what made the source material work so well. Much like Cowboy Bebop, Death Note’s movie ends on a cliffhanger with no sequel in sight, though Netflix is returning to the property with a future live-action television show helmed by Stranger Things creators, The Duffer Brothers.

3) Attack on Titan

On paper, an Attack on Titan live-action project is simply begging to come to life. The bleak anime franchise will stand the test of time and remain a fan-favorite anime series for years to come. Unfortunately, the two-part live-action films released in 2015 were unable to capitalize on what made Hajime Isayama’s series work so well. To start, the CG used for the Titans never quite elicited the true terror of them and from a strictly curiosity standpoint, the new additions to the films that weren’t a part of the source material need to be seen to be believed. We have to imagine at some point, a Western live-action take will come down the pike but these two films are sure to be forgotten in the mix.

4) Ghost In The Shell

2017 was not a great year for live-action anime adaptations. Ghost In The Shell has become legendary in its inability to live up to the source material especially considering just how much time and money seemingly went into the film starring Scarlett Johansson. The film’s story and characterization were found lacking according to many anime fans, especially when it came to the big twist involving Major Kusanagi in the film’s final minutes. Despite this failure to launch, the Ghost In The Shell franchise is still going strong and has a new anime adaptation dropping from Science SARU next year. Speaking of Science SARU…

5) Devilman

Science SARU had created one of the most nihilistic, best takes on the classic anime character Devilman. Unfortunately, the same couldn’t be said for 2004’s live-action movie that attempted to breathe no life into Devilman. Much like Attack on Titan, the demon-centric story suffers from terrible computer-generated graphics and some horrible acting that doesn’t live up to the sheer emotion conveyed in the original story. You don’t hear as much about Devilman’s live-action portrayal too often, which makes sense considering the lack of groundswell.

6) Fist Of The North Star

Sometimes when you find yourself wading into the world of bad movies, you tend to steer your way into offerings that are “so bad they’re good.” Such is the case with 1995’s Fist of The North Star, which dodged a theatrical debut entirely. Many of the battles of the live-action anime adaptation were nowhere close to the excessive carnage that was a part of the original anime, and the lack of budget showed itself in more ways than one. Ironically enough, star Gary Daniels had been signed on for three films but the failure to launch for the first outing meant that this live-action anime adaptation was never meant to continue.

7) The Guyver

I really struggled with putting The Guyver on the list of “worst live-action anime adaptations” because I have a deep nostalgic affinity for this trashfire. Even with a film that is unable to live up to its source material, there is plenty to love here in the same way that fans have fallen for the previous Fist of The North Star entry. Even starring Star Wars’ Mark Hamill wasn’t enough to have the armored superhero series live up to its source, but with that being said, I refuse to add Guyver 2: Dark Hero to this list as the David Hayter-starring film improves on its predecessor in almost every way. Guyver simply didn’t have enough going for it to be a live-action anime adaptation and that’s a shame for fans of the character.

8) The Last Airbender

No, not the recent Netflix Avatar: The Last Airbender. I am of course referring to M. Night Shyamalan’s The Last Airbender which is now legendary for its infamy. The Paramount produced film was simply unable to capture what made the original series so special with its terrible bending, subpar acting, and strange tendency to completely rename characters with different pronunciations. The film is absolutely swimming in exposition to try to blast out as much information as possible and it’s almost a miracle that another live-action anime adaptation was released at all.

9) Black Butler

While making changes to the source material is nothing new for many live-action anime adaptations, 2014’s Black Butler took things a little too far for most fans of the anime franchise. Normally, these aspects can be dodged with a truly great outing but this can’t be said for the Warner Bros-produced film. Unfortunately, the changes made to the source material weren’t able to elevate the movie enough to make fans of the original overlook the drastic differences.

10) Dragon Ball Evolution

Everyone had to have seen this one coming right? Dragon Ball Evolution is legendary at this point, often considered by many to be the cream of the crop when it comes to just how horribly wrong live-action anime adaptations can go. On top of attempting to recreate Goku’s story in an American setting, Evolution misses the mark in almost every conceivable way in adapting Akira Toriyama’s shonen story. So terrible was the movie, that it somewhat caused the resurgence of the franchise as Toriyama created Dragon Ball Super as an answer to it, wanting the Z-Fighters to not be remembered for the awful live-action showing.

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Dragon Ball Daima was Akira Toriyama’s final project, which launched its lauded run last year, a few months after his death. The story is set six months after the Buu Saga, when Goku and his friends defeated Majin Buu, the biggest threat the Earth had faced so far. Unfortunately, Gomah, the new king of the Demon Realm, after Dabura’s death, saw their powers and concluded they would be a threat to him. Out of fear, he traveled to Earth and used the Dragon Balls to turn them into children before taking Dende with him. Goku and the others soon follow suit and go to the Demon Realm.

Not only are they weakened in their child form, but they have to explore an unknown world in hopes of getting back to normal and saving Dende. The 20-episode series follows their adventure as they fight enemies during their search for the Demon Realm’s Dragon Balls. Amid those fights, Goku and Vegeta reveal their Super Saiyan 3 forms, that was introduced in Dragon Ball Z over 30 years ago. Although Chapter 474, “The Limit!! Super Saiyan 3,” was released in 1994 in Japan, it made its global appearance in 2006 in Weekly Shonen Jump. Unlike the first time we saw this form, Dragon Ball Daima gave it new life.

[RELATED: Dragon Ball Super Artist Shares New Look at Ultra Instinct Goku and Gohan Beast]

Super Saiyan 3 Was Underwhelming in Dragon Ball Z Unlike in Daima

The only time Goku used SSJ3 in Dragon Ball Z was when he had to stall Majin Buu in the Buu Saga. Considering Toei’s pacing, it took several minutes for Goku to power up, and even then, he couldn’t fight for long. Considering Buu’s childish nature, Goku believed that it would be a good trick to distract the villain, and it worked. Unfortunately, Toriyama didn’t have the opportunity to develop this transformation further. Even Vegeta, who is usually one step behind Goku, didn’t achieve this transformation since the story ended shortly after that.

By the time Dragon Ball Super was released, SSJ3 was more or less forgotten or just rarely mentioned. Fans were focused on Super Saiyan God and Ultra Instinct, which introduced new and exciting forms that took over the internet. Fans slowly phased out SSJ3, and it became one of the least discussed transformations in the show, especially since it featured among some of the worse-animated moments, on top of other forms rendering it obsolete.

Compared to that, Dragon Ball Daima was able to adapt this old form with clean new animation to give it the proper amount of gravitas unlike in Z, which mostly focused on a lot of the form’s drawbacks. It easily drained Goku’s energy, and he couldn’t even maintain that form for long. Compared to that, Daima showed him fighting in SSJ3 without highlighting those drawbacks. Not only that, but the show even featured Vegeta in that form, which fans have been waiting for years to see. Whether future Dragon Ball projects will give similarly great glimpses at SSJ3 is too hard to say, but at the very least, Daima gave fans what they were craving with this form, if only for a short while.

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