Unadapted Dragon Ball Super Sagas: What’s Next for the Anime?

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Akira Toriyama’s “Dragon Ball” franchise was propelled into contemporary times by its sequel anime series. This shonen anime, spanning 131 episodes and concluding in 2018, showcased some of the franchise’s most epic storytelling, keeping viewers enthralled. The anime adaptation of “Dragon Ball Super” produced two feature films, “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” and “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero,” but there has been a significant gap in an ongoing anime continuation since then. In contrast, the manga version of “Dragon Ball Super” has been spinning new tales, amassing a substantial volume of content that could potentially fuel a future anime sequel.

As of now, the Dragon Ball Super manga has surpassed the amount of content following the Tournament of Power, compared to what leads up to its conclusion. The Dragon Ball Super anime currently follows only the first 42 chapters in a story that’s grown to over 100 chapters. With Dragon Ball DAIMA out of the picture now, there’s a chance that conversations about a sequel for Dragon Ball Super might pick up steam. If and when another Dragon Ball Super anime is produced, it will have a rich collection of material to draw from and expand upon.

​​Dragon Ball Super: Broly

Over time, the Dragon Ball series has evolved significantly from when its standalone film stories had no impact on the main narrative. Now, the movies of Dragon Ball Super are officially part of the series’ canon, adding depth to the anime’s storyline. Interestingly, these movies’ events have even been incorporated into the manga version of Dragon Ball. For instance, in the case of Dragon Ball Super: Broly, a single bustling panel in the manga summarizes the movie’s events. This is significant because it marks the first time that events from a Dragon Ball movie have been acknowledged in the series’ manga.

Dragon Ball Super starts off by extending the adaptations of the last two canonical films from Dragon Ball Z, namely Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods and Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F.’ It’s quite intriguing to think about how they would unfold over a dozen or so episodes, providing a deeper look into Saiyan side characters on Planet Vegeta. Additionally, an episodic version of the movie could introduce additional challenges, allowing more characters than just Goku and Vegeta to participate in the saga’s battles.

In Dragon Ball Super: Broly, the fighting scenes are fantastic, but it could be even more exciting if characters like Gohan, Goten, Trunks, and Tien were involved. The finale of the Broly Saga officially introduces Gogeta, the fusion dance between Goku and Vegeta, which would be great to explore in depth over multiple episodes. A serialized adaptation of the Broly Saga could enhance an already great story and benefit from a few years’ worth of hindsight.

Dragon Ball Super, Chapters 42-67

The Galactic Patrol Prisoner Saga in Dragon Ball Super, often referred to by another name, is the longest stretch of content presented after the Tournament of Power. Fans of Dragon Ball are eagerly anticipating the anime adaptation of the entire manga, but it’s the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Saga that has them especially excited. Planet-Eater Moro, an ancient sorcerer with a lifespan spanning millions of years, is one of Dragon Ball’s strongest and most tactical villains. This leads to some truly spectacular battles.

Moro makes this tale captivating on his own, but the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Saga offers a wide range of events that give every character, even secondary ones like Yamcha, their moment to shine. Goku learns Perfected Ultra Instinct from Merus in order to reach new pinnacles and create an extraordinary energy form for his battle against Moro. Meanwhile, Vegeta goes to Planet Yardrat for spiritual control training to better combat Moro’s magic.

In the cosmic adventure known as the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Saga, Buu, once thought impractical, is revitalized and given some of his finest moments in Dragon Ball Super. Simultaneously, Goku and Vegeta undergo significant character development. The breakout from Moro’s Galactic Outlaw gang results in relentless battles that keep not only Goku and Vegeta busy but also provide ample action for the entire Z-Fighter team. For a moment, even Uub makes an appearance, contributing energy to Vegeta’s strategic Force Spirit Fission move.

Dragon Ball Super, Chapters 67-87

This narrative arc boldly takes its characters into uncharted territories, yet it maintains a deep reverence for the series’ roots. For example, the Saiyans’ past is significantly intertwined within this storyline’s developments. Granolah, the sole surviving Cerealian, experienced his planet’s destruction at the hands of Saiyans and resorts to drastic actions using his Dragon Ball wish to build up sufficient strength for retaliation.

The storyline additionally delves into Bardock’s background, as Goku’s father undergoes an unexpected transformation, portraying him as a more complex character who is not just motivated by battles and power-seeking. Granolah, one of the most skillfully crafted original characters from Dragon Ball Super, possesses immense strength and a unique fighting technique. However, his impressive combat skills are later tainted when he discovers that the Heeter Force is his true adversary.

In the grand tale of Dragon Ball Super, The Heeter Force’s Gas takes center stage as the primary adversary, seamlessly transitioning the narrative focus from Granolah to Gas. This epic saga further introduces groundbreaking transformations such as Ultra Ego Vegeta and True Ultra Instinct Goku. These transformations are certain to create a stir when they make their television debut, possibly even causing an online sensation. Lastly, the final moments of the Granolah the Survivor Saga leave viewers on edge with a chilling cliffhanger hinting at Black Frieza and what could potentially be the franchise’s climactic finale.

Dragon Ball Super, Chapters 88-90 & Chapter 104

Fans of Dragon Ball were taken aback when it was initially announced that the storyline of Dragon Ball Super’s manga would innovate by adapting a movie into one of its arcs. Instead of simply following the film’s plot, the adaptation would expand upon it, offering a more detailed account of events. The High School Saga, part of the Super Hero Saga’s prologue, is included in this adaptation, providing a light-hearted, everyday-life spin on teenage versions of Goten and Trunks.

In terms of length, The High School Saga, including the “Birth of Saiyaman X!” one-shot, spans just four chapters. This equates to approximately one or two episodes in the anime adaptation. Despite its brevity, there’s plenty of enjoyable content within this story arc. Most notably, characters from The High School Saga have been gradually reduced to comedic relief throughout Dragon Ball Super.

1. In the High School Saga, these characters work towards restoring their image while secretly fighting crime as street-level superheroes, balancing school life and thwarting Dr. Hedo’s Android projects. The saga also sheds light on how Dr. Hedo developed Gamma 1 and 2, detailing the numerous Android series that failed along the way. At the very least, an animation of the Dinodroid 1 from the High School Saga is a must-have.

2. In the High School Saga, these characters are seen repairing their standing by taking on double duties as street vigilantes and high school students, all while stopping Dr. Hedo’s Android creations. The saga also provides insight into how Dr. Hedo refined Gamma 1 and 2, showcasing the various failed Android series that led to this achievement. Above everything else, the Dinodroid 1 from the High School Saga deserves to be brought to life through animation.

3. The High School Saga portrays these characters rebuilding their standing by working covertly as street-level superheroes alongside their high school responsibilities and confronting Dr. Hedo’s Android projects. The saga also offers a glimpse into the process that led to the completion of Gamma 1 and 2, highlighting the numerous failed Android series that were part of the journey. Most importantly, the Dinodroid 1 from the High School Saga should be given life through animation.

4. The High School Saga follows these characters as they strive to regain their reputation while juggling dual roles as street-level superheroes and high school students, thwarting Dr. Hedo’s Android experiments in the process. The saga also reveals the steps taken by Dr. Hedo to perfect Gamma 1 and 2, illustrating the various failed Android series that were crucial to this development. It is essential that Dinodroid 1 from the High School Saga be animated.

5. In the High School Saga, these characters aim to redeem their image by performing double duty as street-level superheroes and attending high school, simultaneously battling Dr. Hedo’s Android creations. The saga also delves into the journey that led to the completion of Gamma 1 and 2, exposing the numerous failed Android series that were instrumental in this progress. To truly capture the essence of the High School Saga, an animation of Dinodroid 1 is indispensable.

Dragon Ball Super, Chapters 91-100

Currently, Dragon Ball Super finds itself in an intriguing position with its Super Hero Saga. This particular story arc is quite renowned within Dragon Ball lore as it has been depicted in a feature film, an extensive manga chapter, and various video games. By now, any Dragon Ball fan is likely familiar with the Super Hero Saga and may not require another adaptation of it. Adapting all the new storylines from the manga for Dragon Ball Super might prove challenging, especially if the Super Hero Saga – which has already been a movie – were to be skipped over.

A fresh take on an episodic Super Hero Saga might appear repetitive, yet that just makes it more intriguing to innovate and surprise viewers. The manga of Dragon Ball Super has already excelled, but there’s a chance to go beyond and delve deeper. The wilderness training between Piccolo and Pan offers potential for numerous episodes, as does Dr. Hedo’s personal struggle with his identity at Red Ribbon.

The main objective here is to rekindle the fighting passion in both Gohan and Piccolo, but there’s room for more development even in the solo training sessions of Goku, Vegeta, and Broly on Beerus’ planet. The transformations of Gohan (Beast) and Piccolo (Orange) are some of the most memorable moments in recent years for “Dragon Ball” fans, and it would be exciting to explore these events from a different perspective.

Dragon Ball Super, Chapters 101-103

In the Dragon Ball Super manga, the Super Hero Saga spans from Chapters 91 to 104, but it also contains exclusive new content beyond Cell Max’s destruction and leading into the movie’s plot. From Chapter 101, titled “Carmine and Solider #15,” there are three chapters that delve into the aftermath of the Super Hero Saga.

The chapters delve into Carmine’s endeavors to recruit Saiyaman X-1 and X-2 for Red Ribbon’s underhanded tasks, yet these efforts turn out to be an engaging platform to demonstrate the enhanced abilities of all characters and compare them against each other. In the world of Dragon Ball, there is constant debate among fans about who has the greatest strength and where everyone ranks in terms of power. This three-chapter conclusion serves as a satisfying treat for fans, as Gohan Beast engages in casual sparring with all others following a storyline that temporarily sidelines Goku and Vegeta.

The highlight of this battle royale is undoubtedly Gohan vs True Ultra Instinct Goku, but don’t forget that Gohan will face off against Gotenks, Broly, and Vegeta too. This Saiyan free-for-all showcases the raw power and camaraderie these characters exude. In this story’s climax, Gohan fully realizes his true potential, transforming into an even more formidable force. Including the emotional scene where our heroes pick up Pan from preschool adds a heartwarming touch to the ending. The narrative arc is rich and powerful in these chapters, making it all the more poignant when animated for viewers to experience.

Dragon Ball Super, Chapters 105 & Beyond

It’s astonishing to think that Black Frieza, who first appeared at the conclusion of the Granolah the Survivor Saga, emerged as an unexpected resolution to the ongoing battle against Gas. With a single powerful punch, Black Frieza effortlessly dispatched this seemingly invincible foe, leaving Goku and Vegeta momentarily helpless. After this display of strength, Frieza decided to depart, harboring ambitions of eliminating the Zeno twins in order to rule as the tyrannical God Emperor of the multiverse.

Given Black Frieza’s extensive training in a time-accelerated dimension for over a decade, a task that usually seems implausible becomes feasible. This is due to the fact that Black Frieza’s power level surpasses Ultra Ego Vegeta and True Ultra Instinct Goku, as confirmed by Toyotarou multiple times. Fortunately, the Z-Fighters are better equipped than ever for a challenging mission following Gohan’s Beast evolution, Orange Piccolo’s transformation, and the appearance of Legendary Super Saiyan Broly.

In the “Dragon Ball Super” series, Goku and Vegeta alone can’t match Black Frieza. However, if they unite with others and seek aid from other universes, their chances could improve significantly, given the imminent threat posed by Black Frieza’s actions. Since every universe is at stake here, it’s not an unusual move to ask for help. The storyline for this has yet to unfold in the “Dragon Ball Super” manga, but it’s certainly forthcoming, and a new “Dragon Ball Super” anime is expected to adapt it. This could potentially be the final saga in the franchise, wrapping up over four decades of exciting adventures.

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2025-04-20 01:56