Despite being a year that saw the premiere ofDragon Ball Daima, as well as the continued monetary success of the franchise,Dragon Ball’s 2024 will ultimatelyalways be defined by the loss of Akira Toriyama. The once-in-a-lifetime creator of the series passed away in March of last year, prompting fans across the world to pay their respects. In the months that followed, the state of the IP became uncertain, as rights issues arose and theDragon Ball Supermanga was put on indefinite hiatus.
Luckily for the countless fans of the series,Dragon Ball Superwill finally be returning on August 23, 2025, with an all-new special one-shot chapter. Announced at Jump Festa 2025, alongsidean illustration of Black Friezaby series artist, Toyotarou, the manga’s return will be its first release without the legendary Akira Toriyama overseeing production.Dragon Ballwill be forced to step into a future without its creator at the helm, and the upcoming release will be a first glimpse at what that future might hold.
Dragon Ball Super Returns With an All-New One-Shot Chapter
Trunks and Goten Are Set to Star in Dragon Ball Super’s Return
Dragon Ball Super’s last chapter before the nearly year-long hiatus ended on somewhat of an emotional note, following Goku, Gohan, and Piccolo picking Pan up from school. The final page read somewhat like a goodbye to the series' creator, as Piccolo turned towards the reader, and waved before flying off into the distance. After a period of uncertainty, including adispute over the rights to the series,Dragon Ball Superis finally set to returnwith a new adventure following Goten and Trunks.
The upcoming one-shotwill not be a continuation of the story from the events of the last chapter, but will rather take place during the events of theDragon Ball Super: Super Heroarc. The manga’s version of the anime-original film featured Goten and Trunks in a much heavier role, beginning the section by following the two high schoolers' daily lives as Saiyaman X-1 and X-2. These roles will be further expanded on in the new chapter, along with an exploration into Trunks' admiration for superheroes.
The Future Is Bright for Dragon Ball, Despite the Loss of Its Creator
More Dragon Ball May Be on the Horizon as Soon as This Year
A side story might not be exactly how fans wantedDragon Ball Superto return following such an extended break, but there iscause for excitement surrounding the franchise regardless.Dragon Ball’s producer, Akio Iyoku, recently discussed the future ofDragon Ballin a radio interview, strongly hinting at a major announcement to come later in 2025. A recentreport from Toei Animationrevealed the studio has two films currently in production, one of those possibly being aDragon Ballmovie.
Dragon Ball Producer Teases the Anime’s Next Big Project, Signaling a 2025 Surprise
A new interview is teasing some major Dragon Ball news in the coming year, and fans may be in for some exciting developments.
It’s been over two years since the intial release ofDragon Ball Super: Super Hero, and the series is due for its next anime release. Until that announcement comes, however, fans can check outDragon Ball Super’s first new chapter in nearly a year, when it releases onFebruary 20, 2025, inV Jump. The one-shot may not be a direct continuation of the story, though any release at all after such a long hiatus is a sign of good health for the franchise moving forward.
Dragon Ball Super
Cast
Dragon Ball Super is an anime series set after Majin Buu’s defeat. It follows Son Goku, now a radish farmer, as peace prevails until Beerus, the God of Destruction, appears. Seeking to challenge a legendary warrior, the series revisits events from two Dragon Ball Z films before exploring alternate universes.
