Summary::
- Over one month after Akira Toriyama’s passing, the Dragon Ball website has declared the continuity of the popular manga franchise.
- The next arc will likely be about the remnants of the Black Ribbon Army, alongside Black Frieza.
- Toyotarou is expected to carry the torch, and succeed Toriyama’s legacy.
Since the unexpected passing of Akira Toriyama, the beloved creator of the Dragon Ball franchise, fans have been devastated and left wondering about the future of the manga, and of course, the anime that follows. Following Toriyama’s death, V Jump magazine put the series on an indefinite hiatus, leaving many to speculate whether the adventures of Goku and his friends in the Dragon Ball universe would continue.
Recently, the official Dragon Ball website brought some hope to fans by confirming that the manga will eventually resume, though a specific timeline for its return remains uncertain. In the meantime, Toyotarou, the series’ secondary artist, will keep fans engaged by contributing special illustrations and sharing exclusive insights about the manga. The next issue will notably include features on the Red Ribbon Army.
Future editions of V Jump are expected to delve deeper into the series’ lore, particularly focusing on the recently concluded Super Hero arc. An intriguing addition to the announcement was a sketch of Gevo, Dr. Gero’s son, and the inspiration behind Android 16, a character previously unexplored in the manga.
While it’s still unclear who will take over Toriyama’s role as the writer for Dragon Ball Super, the manga is set to continue. Fans are particularly excited about the teased next saga involving Black Frieza, a transformation of the notorious villain that was introduced in the manga last year in the Granolah the Survivor Arc.
Dragon Ball Super has left several storylines open, including the integration of Broly into the main group of Saiyan heroes. Broly, who recently joined the manga’s narrative, is seen training with Goku and Vegeta in Beerus’ world, suggesting his potential as a powerful ally in future conflicts, after many years playing the arch-nemesis of Kakarot.
However, the most anticipated plot to be revisited is that of Black Frieza. This new form of Frieza made a dramatic entrance in Chapter 87 by sweeping the floor with the protagonists and then mysteriously sparing their lives, setting the stage for a complex storyline that fans are eager to see unfold. However, Toriyama’s sudden passing has left this potential arc clouded in mystery.
Speculation is rife that Toyotarou might be Toriyama’s successor. Having worked closely with Toriyama and being deeply familiar with the Dragon Ball universe, Toyotarou appears to be a fitting choice to carry on the legacy. His previous work on Dragon Ball Heroes: Victory Mission and the manga adaptation of Resurrection ‘F’ showcases his capability as both a writer and an artist, making him well-prepared to helm the future of Dragon Ball Super.
As fans await more details, the commitment to continuing the manga, and very possibly the anime, ensures that the spirit of Toriyama’s creation will live on, exploring new depths and heights in the ever-expansive Dragon Ball universe.
