Author Akira Toriyama passed away in March 2024, leading to speculation about Toyotaro stepping in to continue the Dragon Ball Super manga, as there may be no one more qualified for the role.
Toyotaro may have been planning based on Toriyama’s notes regarding what comes next for Dragon Ball Super, and it would be entirely logical if he sought a way to conclude it appropriately.
Some fans firmly believe that continuing the story without Akira Toriyama at the helm would be a failure. There are several examples to support this, including Dragon Ball GT and even some Dragon Ball movies in which Toriyama did not directly participate.
Even if Dragon Ball Super concludes, there could still be projects in the pipeline like Dragon Ball Daima, implying that the end of DBS does not necessarily mean the end of the franchise.
4. Characters Have Evolved Significantly
Dragon Ball is renowned for its transformations, with characters often surpassing their limits to become stronger. However, the limitless power of Ultra Instinct and Ultra Ego for Goku and Vegeta respectively has seemingly reached a point where they can’t continue to improve without undergoing new transformations, indicating a significant turning point in the narrative.
Moreover, Gohan and Piccolo have also achieved new forms, demonstrating that both have reached their power ceilings. These developments are crucial and would be a “turning point” if Gohan Beast 2 or Piccolo Azul were to appear. Even the supporting characters have reached advanced power levels, becoming formidable forces.
Dragon Ball Super has offered its characters opportunities for growth that they desperately needed. The storyline even hints at the roles of Goku and Vegeta as Gods of Destruction, a new goal that makes them protectors, adding to the grand conclusion of the series.
3. Frieza is the Perfect Final Antagonist for Dragon Ball Super
Dragon Ball Z originally concluded with the Freeza saga, marking Goku’s transformation into Super Saiyan and the epic battles that ensued. However, the narrative expanded to explore the character’s popularity. In this context, Frieza reappeared in Dragon Ball Super with a new form: Black Frieza.
Every story arc has been designed for the final battle with Black Frieza, a character who is both loved and hated in the franchise, perfectly fitting the role of the ultimate antagonist. He battles Goku and Vegeta simultaneously, and now it’s possible that Piccolo, Gohan, and Broly could join the fray. This scenario is intriguing as it would create a new rivalry with Frieza.
2. Dragon Ball Super Nearly Mirrors the Conclusion of Dragon Ball Z
Another reason why Dragon Ball Super’s end feels so close to the conclusion of Dragon Ball Z is that it takes place a decade later, showcasing the development of martial arts and the introduction of a new universe. Dragon Ball Super occurs within a 10-year gap. It’s possible Toriyama intended this timeframe to create new storylines for the series titled “Dragon Ball Super.”
Dragon Ball Super could effectively conclude its storyline with the material it has, signifying the end of Dragon Ball Z.
1. Manga Concludes but Anime Could Still Have Opportunities
The Dragon Ball Super manga contains a wealth of content that has yet to be adapted into anime, meaning it is not necessarily the end of the anime despite the manga reaching its conclusion. Specifically, there are still 61 chapters that need to be adapted, potentially creating more than 100 episodes.
The second season of Dragon Ball Super could be a fantastic way to extend and finalize the story. Toei Animation might choose to conclude the manga before participating in this exciting endeavor, ensuring that Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball remains encapsulated in a compelling manner.
