Recent Developments in the Dragon Ball Super Franchise
In a recent press conference held by Shueisha, the renowned publishing house behind some of the most famous manga series, Toyotaro has been designated as the “current author” of Dragon Ball Super. This announcement has sparked a wave of speculation and discussion within the fan community. It may signal that Dragon Ball Super is not finished, despite Akira Toriyama’s retirement set for March 2024.
Shueisha stated: “We will look for a new champion alongside Toyotaro, the current creator of Dragon Ball Super, so please stay tuned!”
The Implications of Toyotaro’s Appointment as the “Current Creator”
Firstly, this announcement clearly confirms Toyotaro’s ongoing role in continuing the storyline and maintaining the manga’s integrity under Toriyama’s supervision. Toyotaro’s continued involvement may indicate that Dragon Ball Super has not reached its final conclusion.
Secondly, Shueisha’s recognition of Toyotaro in this manner could imply that the series is not being officially discontinued and that its future remains open. However, there is a clear lack of official statements from the publisher and other responsible parties regarding this situation, leaving fans in uncertainty.
Toriyama’s retirement has already led to numerous legal and administrative complications for the Dragon Ball brand, one of the most beloved and commercially successful franchises in manga and anime history. The ongoing legal battles focus on copyright issues, with various parties, including Shueisha and Capsule Corporation in Tokyo, embroiled in disputes. These legal challenges have hindered the publication of the manga and have made fans anxious to know the future of the series.
Despite the widespread confidence in the franchise’s success, those responsible for the commercial rights remain silent on this issue, forcing fans to seek any leaks or information during press conferences, interviews, or other events.
This uncertainty has added to the growing suspense surrounding the future of Dragon Ball Super, a work under Toriyama’s guidance and Toyotaro’s management, which seeks to innovate and expand the Dragon Ball universe for a new generation.
With Shueisha referring to Toyotaro as the “current creator,” fans may hold a glimmer of hope that the story of Goku, Vegeta, and the Z fighters is far from over. However, the situation remains precarious, and the manga may face interruptions until the legal matters are resolved and a clear direction for the franchise is established.
