The Dragon Ball franchise, created by Akira Toriyama, has captivated audiences worldwide for decades with its rich lore, compelling characters, and intense battles. Among the latest additions to this vast universe is the film “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.” A common question among fans is whether this new movie is considered canon within the Dragon Ball continuity. To address this, we must delve into the definitions of canon within the Dragon Ball series, the involvement of the original creators, and how the film aligns with the established timeline.
Is Dragon Ball Super super Hero Canon?
Understanding Canon in Dragon Ball
In the context of a long-running series like Dragon Ball, “canon” refers to the material that is officially recognized as part of the main storyline and continuity. This typically includes the original manga, its adaptations, and any media explicitly endorsed by the creators. For Dragon Ball, canon primarily consists of the original manga series written by Akira Toriyama and its direct anime adaptations, including “Dragon Ball,” “Dragon Ball Z,” and “Dragon Ball Super.”
Movies and spin-off series often exist in a gray area regarding their canonical status. Many Dragon Ball films, especially the earlier ones, are considered non-canon because they feature alternate storylines or character developments that do not align with the main series. However, more recent productions, particularly those directly involving Toriyama, have been increasingly recognized as part of the official continuity.
Akira Toriyama’s Involvement
One of the most compelling arguments for considering “Is Dragon Ball Super super Hero Canon” canon is the involvement of Akira Toriyama. Toriyama has played a significant role in the film’s production, contributing to the story, character designs, and overall creative direction. His involvement lends significant weight to the film’s canonical status, as he is the original creator and primary storyteller of the Dragon Ball universe.
Toriyama’s direct contribution to recent Dragon Ball films, such as “Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods” and “Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’,” has established a precedent for these movies being considered canon. Both films were later incorporated into the “Dragon Ball Super” anime series, further solidifying their place in the official timeline. Given Toriyama’s similar level of involvement in “Super Hero,” it is reasonable to consider this film as a continuation of this trend.
Alignment with Dragon Ball Super
“Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero” fits within the broader narrative established by the “Dragon Ball Super” series. The movie takes place after the events of the “Granolah the Survivor Saga” and continues the storyline by exploring new character arcs and developments.
The plot centers around Piccolo and Gohan as they face a new threat from the remnants of the Red Ribbon Army, an organization from the original Dragon Ball series. The film introduces new characters, including Gamma 1 and Gamma 2, who are androids created by Dr. Hedo, a descendant of Dr. Gero. This continuation and expansion of existing plotlines and characters further reinforce the film’s place within the canon.
Moreover, “Super Hero” delves into Gohan’s development, emphasizing his potential and training under Piccolo. This focus aligns with Gohan’s established character arc, particularly his struggle to balance his life as a scholar and a warrior. By addressing these ongoing character themes and developments, the movie integrates itself seamlessly into the Dragon Ball Super narrative.
Canonical Implications and Fan Reception
The inclusion of “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero” within the canon has significant implications for the Dragon Ball universe. Firstly, it expands the lore by introducing new characters and technologies, such as the Gamma androids and Dr. Hedo’s advancements. These additions enrich the world-building and open up new possibilities for future storylines.
Secondly, the film’s focus on Piccolo and Gohan addresses fan demands for more screen time and development for these beloved characters. Gohan, in particular, has been a fan favorite since his epic battles in “Dragon Ball Z,” and many fans have long awaited his return to prominence. By centering the movie around these characters, “Super Hero” acknowledges and responds to the fan base, strengthening its connection to the series’ core audience.
The reception of “Is Dragon Ball Super super Hero Canon” has been largely positive, with fans and critics praising its animation, storytelling, and character development. The film’s success at the box office and its critical acclaim further validate its status as a significant and impactful addition to the Dragon Ball franchise.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero” can be considered canon within the Dragon Ball universe. This conclusion is supported by several factors: Akira Toriyama’s significant involvement in the film’s creation, the movie’s alignment with the established timeline and character arcs of “Dragon Ball Super,” and the positive reception from fans and critics alike. By expanding the lore and addressing ongoing character developments, “Super Hero” solidifies its place as an integral part of the Dragon Ball narrative. As the franchise continues to evolve, this film represents a meaningful and exciting chapter in the ongoing saga of Dragon Ball.
