Why is Dragon Ball Super considered to have a different canon than earlier Dragon Ball series?
Is dragon ball super anime not canpn? This topic has sparked much debate among fans and casual observers alike. This article delves deep into the aspects that surround the Dragon Ball Super anime, examining why some people question its canonical status against the rich backdrop of the Dragon Ball universe.
Understanding Canon in Anime
To address the question of whether is dragon ball super anime not canpn, it is essential to understand what “canon” means within the context of anime and manga. Canon usually refers to the official storyline that is recognized by the original creators and is often the source from which other narratives are derived. In the realm of anime, determining canon can be straightforward, as it generally follows the manga or light novels closely.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- George Trombley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
- Ken Fukuyama, Yuki Fukuyama (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 246 Pages - 10/11/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Sumiko Uo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 6 Pages - 01/01/2005 (Publication Date) - QuickStudy (Publisher)
The Evolution of the Dragon Ball Franchise
The Dragon Ball franchise has had a profound impact on the shonen genre of anime and manga. Created by Akira Toriyama, this multimedia structure includes various adaptations:
- Dragon Ball – the original series that introduced us to Goku and his adventures.
- Dragon Ball Z – a continuation of Goku’s story that became a cultural phenomenon.
- Dragon Ball GT – a non-canonical sequel produced without Toriyama’s direct input.
- Dragon Ball Super – a more recent installment that has generated discussion regarding its canonicity.
The Journey to Dragon Ball Super
After the completion of Dragon Ball Z, there was considerable demand for more content in the franchise. In response, Dragon Ball Super was launched in 2015, continuing the story after the defeat of Majin Buu. It features new characters, transformations, and story arcs, such as the Tournament of Power, while incorporating established ones as well.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- George Trombley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
- Ken Fukuyama, Yuki Fukuyama (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 246 Pages - 10/11/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Sumiko Uo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 6 Pages - 01/01/2005 (Publication Date) - QuickStudy (Publisher)
Canonical Position of Dragon Ball Super
The primary question remains: is dragon ball super anime not canpn? To address this, we must analyze several factors:
- Creator Involvement: Unlike Dragon Ball GT, which was a sequel that Toriyama had minimal input on, Dragon Ball Super has been directed by Toriyama, indicating a more extensive connection to the original narrative.
- Adaptation of the Manga: Dragon Ball Super was originally serialized as a manga illustrated by Toyotarou, with Toriyama providing the story. The anime aired parallel to the manga, a notable commitment that often signifies canonicity.
- Connection to Other Series: In addition to its ties to previous Dragon Ball series, many plot points and characters introduced in Super have been referenced in other media related to the franchise, including video games and movies.
Anime vs. Manga: How They Affect Canonality
The relationship between the print and screen adaptations of an anime often complicates its canonical standing. For Dragon Ball Super, both the anime and manga have unique storylines that diverge at times, leaving fans to wonder how to evaluate the ”true” narrative.
Differences Between the Super Anime and Manga
While both rendering mediums share mutual elements, significant differences exist:
- Character Development: Some characters receive more focus in the manga, enriching their arcs, while others may appear more developed in the anime format.
- Story Arcs: Certain arcs in the anime, such as the “Filler” arcs, are unique to the animation and are not covered in the manga. This discrepancy highlights the additional narrative layers that complicate the question of canon.
| Aspect | Anime | Manga |
| Character Focus | Broader ensemble cast with some filler | Intense focus on main characters like Goku and Vegeta |
| Story Arcs | Includes unique filler arcs | Follows the main plot closely without filler |
| Ending | Concludes with an unlimited arc | Continues beyond the anime’s ending with further developments |
Community Perspectives on Canon
The Dragon Ball fan community, known for its passionate debates, often intersects on the topic of canon. For many fans, the essential elements of Dragon Ball Super solidify its status as canon despite its divergence from Dragon Ball Z.
Arguments Supporting Dragon Ball Super as Canon
- Director Involvement: As mentioned, Toriyama’s significant involvement in the Super narrative lends credence to its canonicity.
- Continuation of Lore: Dragon Ball Super builds upon established lore, exploring the realms of gods and multiverses, deepening the storyline that fans have come to love.
Arguments Against Dragon Ball Super as Canon
- Filler Episodes and Arcs: Critics point to the unnecessary filler as a reason for questioning the series’ integrity as canon. Non-essential episodes may diminish the overall narrative impact.
- Diverging Story Points with the Manga: The differences in storytelling styles lead some fans to favor one interpretation over another, causing division regarding what constitutes the ‘true’ storyline.
The Future of Dragon Ball Super
With Dragon Ball Super’s popularity, new projects continue to emerge from the Dragon Ball franchise’s innovative storytelling well. Future developments include movies, specials, and further manga installments. It remains vital for the franchise to balance storytelling complex narrative paths with fan expectations while maintaining coherence.
Community Events and Adaptations
Fan conventions, special screenings, and community discussions continuously engage focus on the ongoing developments in the Dragon Ball universe.
Conclusion on Dragon Ball Super Canon Status
Returning to the central query, is dragon ball super anime not canpn? The answer seems rooted in a blend of factors—creator involvement, narrative structure, and community consensus. Despite diverging opinions, Dragon Ball Super, through its continued exploration of characters and stories, exemplifies itself as a canonical part of the expansive Dragon Ball universe.
For further reading on the subject of anime canon in the broader context, check out these sources:
while debates around canon status will continue, it is clear that the animated and visual narratives presented in Dragon Ball Super strongly resonate with viewers, achieving a lasting presence in anime history. The numerous avenues available for each fan to engage with the narrative allows for an interactive experience, contributing to its massive success and ongoing relevance in pop culture.
