TheDragon Ball Supermanga went on an indefinite hiatus following the passing of creator and manga legend, Akira Toriyama. Leaving the story off between arcs, fans were jumping with anticipation at the prospect of uncovering the mystery behind Black Frieza. Unfortunately, the break has continued for much longer than anyone anticipated,largely due to a dispute over the manga’s rights. The long wait is finally over, however, asDragon Ball Superis set to return in 2025with a special all-new one-shot chapter.
Announced at Jump Festa 2025,alongside a new illustration of Black Friezaby series artist Toyotarou,Dragon Ball Super’s long hiatus is finally set to end on June 26, 2025. No official word has been given on whether the manga will be returning to its regular monthly release schedule, though a new chapter of any kind is a good sign for the overall health of the series moving forward.
Dragon Ballhas a spotty history without Akira Toriyama at the helm, though it seems thatthe new chapter will mark the beginning of the franchise’s next phase without the manga master. Toyotarou has worked alongside Toriyama for the entirety ofDragon Ball Super’s run, and if there were anyone qualified to continue the work, it would be him. Little has been revealed regarding the manga’s return, though there are a few details thatDragon Ballfans will want to know.
Dragon Ball Super Is Taking Goten and Trunks on a New Adventure
The Two Half-Saiyans Will Be in the Spotlight For the Series' Return
Dragon Ball Super’s last chapter before the stoppage was a wholesome onewhich features a sparring match between Earth’s greatest fighters on Beerus' planet, before everyone goes to pick up Pan from school. The entry is drawn as a celebration of Akira Toriyama’s characters, and the world he created. However, a few plot elements, like Black Frieza, loomed over the story. Unfortunately, it seems fans will have to wait a bit longer for the series to explore those ideas further, as the upcoming one-shot is set to follow Goten and Trunks in the leading roles.
The two hybrid Saiyans played crucial roles inDragon Ball’s Majin Buu Saga, introducing fusion to the franchise and battling with the main villain. They also claimed lead roles in several films, likeBroly - Second Coming,Bio-Broly, andWrath of the Dragon. However, whenDragon Ball Superbegan,it became clear relatively quickly that the two would be relegated to background characters, and both remained that way until the manga’s adaptation ofDragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
Now, it seems Goten and Trunks will be stepping back into the spotlight for the manga’s upcoming one-shot chapter,and will reveal how the latter began admiring superheroes. Fans have long criticized the series for not utilizing the now-teen fighters in any meaningful roles since their debuts, and the manga seems primed to address those complaints. Goten and Trunks have only fought briefly since finally growing up, and now have an opportunity to show what they’re capable of.
What Can Fans Expect From the Upcoming One-Shot?
There Are Several Directions the Upcoming Chapter Might Take
Given the promotional image for the upcoming chapter, along with its focus on Goten, Trunks, and superheroes, it’s likely thatthe one-shot will be a side story set either before or during the manga’sSuper Heroadaptation. The portions of the arc which focused on the two young half-Saiyans in school were rather unique toDragon Ball, and more of a slice-of-life setting could be in the cards for the upcoming entry.
Though a lower-energy return is likely not what fans are looking for after the long break, the manga might want to use this opportunity to feel out a return without Akira Toriyama overseeing the series. It wouldn’t beDragon Ballwithout any action, however, and the possibility thatTeen Gotenks might finally make an appearance is no longer far-fetched. The mention of a hero inspiring Trunks is also similar to the events ofDragon Ball Z’sWrath of the Dragon, and the chapter may want to loosely incorporate the Tapion story within the canon of the series.
Dragon Ball Retcons Trunks & Goten’s Role in a Big Super Hero Plot Point
The Dragon Ball Super manga greatly implies that Trunks and Goten will likely play a larger role than they did in the Super Hero film.
There are countless different directions that the upcoming one-shot may take,but with Goten and Trunks in the leading roles, the story is bound to be fresh. It likely won’t kickstart the newest arc given its supposed placement in the timeline, though an accompanying announcement of some kind regarding a full series resume is a very real possibility when the chapter releases in February.
The Future of Dragon Ball Is Still Uncertain Without Akira Toriyama
Dragon Ball Super Still Has More Stories to Tell
TheDragon Ball Supermanga was halted just before a new arc could begin,though the set-up was quite promising. Black Frieza appeared and humbled Goku and Vegeta, before quickly taking off never to be seen again. And with theSuper Herosection of the series reintroducing both Gohan and Piccolo to relevancy, the main team of fighters has gained new, powerful weapons to combat the consistently evil space dictator. Broly, arguably the series' most dangerous fighter, is also training on Beerus' planet, and could become a very prominent warrior in upcoming battles.
Dragon Ball Superhas quite a bit of story left to tell, despite Toriyama no longer being around to direct its events. Appointing Frieza as the manga’s final villain might wrap the series up nicely, closing the current chapter ofDragon Ballhistory with itsleading Saiyans once again overcoming the iconic villain. Many fans would also like to see an all-new villain introduced into the franchise, andSupercould have Frieza fighting for the side of good once more to close itself out.
The possibilities are endless, thoughDragon Ball Superwill have to return in full before any plot progression can be made. Nevertheless, the upcoming one-shot will be the first entry into the franchise without Akira Toriyama’s supervision, and will be a first glimpse at where the franchise might be headed without its creator. Fans will not have to wait much longer for the series to return, and won’t want to miss its newest adventure in February 2025.
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.
