It’s been nearly a decade sinceDragon Ball Superwrapped its anime run, and with the recent release ofDragon Ball DAIMA, many fans are starting to lose hope that a sequel or continuation is on the horizon. The situation has been further complicated by thepassing of Akira Toriyama in 2024, which has left the franchise’s legal rights divided among multiple companies. This has sparked concern not only about the anime’s future but also about the possibility that the manga itself could be discontinued.
Despite the uncertainty, fans are still clamoring for a new season ofDragon Ball Super. Serving as a sequel toDragon Ball Z, the series became one of the most beloved and lucrative anime of the last decade. WhileDragon Ball DAIMAhas carried the torch in the meantime, it isn’t the continuation many longtime viewers have been waiting for. Although some have grown doubtful,there’s still a glimmer of hopethat the anime will continue to adapt what’s left of its current manga.
Dragon Ball Super Ended on A High Note, But There’s Still So Much Story To Tell
On June 07, 2025,Dragon Ball Superaired its final episode, concluding a series that overcame early missteps and a rough adaptation of its first two films to become a global phenomenon.The finale stands out as one of the most iconic moments in the franchise, featuring Ultra Instinct Goku’s climactic battle against Jiren. Just as Goku appears poised for victory, his body gives out, leading to an unexpected alliance with Frieza. Together, they secure Universe 7’s win in a battle widely regarded as the best-animated fight inDragon Balltelevision history, delivering a powerful and unforgettable ending to the series.
While the ending tied up the Tournament of Power, several storylines were left open. In the anime, Goku never defeated Beerus, Vegeta never visited Universe 6, and the fates of the erased universes and Frieza’s restored empire remained a mystery.Dragon Ball Super: Brolydelivered on some of these plot points, butanime-only fans are waiting for the rest to be animated. Meanwhile,the manga introduces two major arcs, the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Saga and the Granolah the Survivor Saga, both of which remain unadapted. It also expanded on the 2022 filmDragon Ball Super: Super Herowith additional original material.
Dragon Ball Is Too Big Not To Continue
It Makes Too Much Money To Stay In Limbo Forever
There’s too much money inDragon Ballfor it to stay dormant forever. Sooner or later, the franchise will return, especially as some executives may look to honor (and capitalize on) Akira Toriyama’s legacy.Dragon Ball DAIMAwas originally planned as a simple web series likeSuper Dragon Ball Heroes, but Toriyama’s involvement changed its course. After years ofToriyama being more hands-off, he helped shape DAIMA and continued guiding theDragon Ball Supermanga alongside his protégé, Toyotaro. Now, anything Toriyama touched is likely to be treasured even more, andDAIMA’s success proves that fans are ready to celebrate his legacy.
When theDragon Ball Supermanga returns from its current hiatus, fans are eagerly expecting the launch of thelong-awaited Black Frieza Saga. Once the current legal hurdles are cleared, itwouldn’t be surprising if the next arcs are adapted as theatrical films. Just asBattle of Godsrevitalized the franchise in cinemas and brought anime to life in North America, the same impact could be replicated with big-screen adaptations of the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Saga or Granolah the Survivor Saga, both of which offer the scale, stakes, and spectacle perfect for a theatrical release.
Toyotaro’s Recent Comments Give Hope
Toriyama’s Handpicked Protégé Honors His Legacy
Toyotaro recently spoke about the latest chapter of theDragon Ball Supermanga, the short “Saiyamen X” epilogue, which was originally intended as aprequel to theSuper Heroarc. He explains how he was able to include this story at the end ofDBSvolume 24, based on a text written by Toriyama. Though he initially had to set it aside, he later requested to publish it as a one-shot. He then ends his story by saying with that chapter, the “Super Hero arc is officially complete” and to “please stay tuned for what’s next!”
The request was fulfilled as a clear tribute to Toriyama, preserving one of his final written contributions to the franchise. That’s why it feels too early to give up on the anime’s return. While Toyotaro isn’t without his flaws as a writer, his deep respect for Toriyama is undeniable. He genuinely values the trust Toriyama placed in him and wants to make him proud. No matter what the future holds forDragon Ball, it’s comforting to know the series remains in the hands of someone who wants to honor its legacy, not just profit from it.
Giving Up On Dragon Ball Super Is Premature
It’s Not About If DBS Will Return — It’s About When and Under Whom
It’s taken much too long forDragon Ball Superto be adapted, and although there are legalities keeping the franchise from shifting into gear, the day will eventually come when the franchise is ready to make a move. And sinceSuperwas adapted alongside Toriyama, and even his notes are being revered for adaptations, it’s safe to say adapting the rest ofSuperis first on the agenda.
Dragon Ballremains one of the most profitable anime franchises, and whileDemon Slayer: Mugen TrainsurpassedBattle of Godsin box office success, it wasBattle of Godsthat paved the way for anime films overseas. A theatrical return could be the spark the industry needs as it faces financial uncertainty. Rather than worrying ifDragon Ball Superwill ever return,fans should focus on whether the franchise will remain in the right hands. Without someone like Toyotaro, who genuinely honored Toriyama’s legacy, there’s a risk of another studio-led spinoff likeDragon Ball GTthat lacks the creator’s spirit.
