So, you've blasted through Dragon Ball Super, watched the Tournament of Power, saw Goku achieve Ultra Instinct, and now you're sitting there wondering... what comes after Dragon Ball Super? Honestly, I get this question almost daily from fellow fans. It's a big deal. That ending felt both epic and kinda open, right? Like, there's definitely more story to tell. Let me walk you through everything we actually know is coming, what's strongly rumored, and what the fanbase is buzzing about. Forget vague promises, we're diving into concrete details, release timelines, and where you can actually watch or read this stuff.
First off, it’s not just one thing. The Dragon Ball universe is expanding in a few different directions. Some stuff is official and hitting shelves/screens soon. Other things are deep in development. And yes, there's pure speculation (which I'll clearly label). I’ll break it all down so you know exactly where to look and when to expect it.
Officially Announced: What's Next Right Now
Okay, let's cut to the chase. You want to know what content is actually confirmed and coming your way after Dragon Ball Super. This isn't guesswork; these are projects with release dates or ongoing releases.
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero - The Movie & Its Aftermath
While technically set *during* the Dragon Ball Super timeline (after the Universe 6 tournament but before the Tournament of Power), Super Hero is the most recent major theatrical release (August 2022). Its impact directly influences what comes after Dragon Ball Super.
Why it matters for the future:
- Focus Shift: Spotlight was firmly on Gohan and Piccolo (finally!), with Goku and Vegeta taking a backseat. This proved audiences embrace stories beyond just Goku's fights.
- Power Ups: Gohan Beast and Orange Piccolo debuted. These are massive, canon power levels introduced AFTER the Tournament of Power concluded. They are now part of the ongoing power scaling.
- Animation Style: Full CGI (which honestly, had mixed reactions initially but looked great in motion). This tech is evolving fast.
- Canon Status: Written by Akira Toriyama, so it absolutely counts for the main storyline. Events here ripple forward.
Where to Watch: Available for digital purchase/rental (Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu) and on Blu-ray/DVD. It also had limited theatrical re-releases with bonus content.
Straight up, if you skipped this thinking it was filler, you need to watch it. It directly sets up character motivations and power levels for whatever follows the Dragon Ball Super anime.
The Ongoing Manga: Dragon Ball Super Continues Monthly
This is HUGE. While the Dragon Ball Super *anime* ended (for now), the Dragon Ball Super *manga* never stopped. It kept going, adapting the Broly movie, then the Super Hero movie, and then...
It launched into brand new, original arcs set AFTER the events of the Tournament of Power and AFTER the Super Hero movie. This is currently the PRIMARY source for the official "what comes after Dragon Ball Super" story.
Here's the progression:
| Manga Arc | Timeline Position | Key Events & Developments | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galactic Patrol Prisoner Saga | After ToP, Before Super Hero | Introduction of Planet-Eater Moro, Merus (an angel trainee), Goku mastering Ultra Instinct, Vegeta learning Yardrat spirit fission. | Completed |
| Granolah the Survivor Saga | After Moro, Before Super Hero | Granolah (last Cerealian), the Heeters (intergalactic brokers), Bardock flashbacks, Ultra Ego Vegeta, Gas as the ultimate foe. | Completed |
| Super Hero Adaptation | Adapts Movie | Manga version of Gohan Beast & Orange Piccolo origins. | Completed |
| Current Arc (Unnamed) | After ALL previous events (Post-Super Hero) | Introduces new Saiyan from Universe 6 (Sadala), Goten & Trunks as teens stepping up, potential exploration of Universe 6 Saiyans, Beerus/Whis training continues. | Ongoing Monthly in V-Jump |
Where to Read Officially (English):
- Digital: Viz Media's Shonen Jump app/website ($2.99/month subscription gives access to latest chapters & vast library). New chapters typically release around the 20th of each month.
- Physical: Collected volumes released periodically (check Amazon, Barnes & Noble, local comic shops).
Honestly, reading the manga is non-negotiable if you want the true continuation. The current arc feels fresh – Goten and Trunks are finally getting some real focus, which is awesome after years of sidelining. The art by Toyotarou keeps getting better too.
Thinking "what comes after Dragon Ball Super"? The manga is it, right now.
Dragon Ball Daima: The Brand New Anime Series (Late 2024)
Announced in October 2023, this was the bombshell. A completely new Dragon Ball anime series titled Dragon Ball Daima. This is the next major animated project.
Key Facts (What We Know):
- Premiere: Fall 2024 (Exact date TBA).
- Story: A mysterious force turns Goku, Vegeta, Bulma, and most of the main cast (even villains like Pilaf gang!) into children. They must journey to a new realm to find a way to restore themselves.
- Creative Force: Akira Toriyama is deeply involved, stating he came up with the concept and has been deeply involved in character design, story, and overall production – more than usual.
- Design: The designs are reminiscent of classic Dragon Ball, adapting well to the "de-aged" characters.
- Focus: Toriyama emphasizes adventure and mystery, potentially scaling back the universe-threatening stakes (at least initially). Expect more exploration and discovery.
- Animation: Toei Animation is producing. Trailers show fluid, dynamic action with a vibrant aesthetic.
Why it matters for "what comes after Dragon Ball Super":
- It's a brand new canon story created by Toriyama.
- It exists outside the Dragon Ball Super manga continuity. Its exact placement in the timeline relative to the Super manga arcs or End of Z isn't confirmed, but it's a new major adventure.
- It proves Toei and Toriyama are actively developing new animated Dragon Ball stories beyond just movies.
Where to Watch: Official platform hasn't been announced yet (as of writing). Expect it to be on major anime streaming services (Crunchyroll is highly likely, possibly Hulu/Funimation legacy). Broadcast details in Japan will come first.
My Take: I was skeptical about the "turning into kids" premise – it felt like GT territory. But seeing Toriyama's heavy involvement and the trailer's energy won me over. It looks fun, visually stunning, and focused on adventure. It might not continue the Ultra Instinct/God power creep directly, but it expands the world. Plus, Goten and Trunks finally looking their actual age? Long overdue!
So, Daima is a huge piece of the "what comes after Dragon Ball Super" puzzle – it's the next major anime we're getting.
What's Strongly Rumored & In Development
Beyond the officially announced manga and Daima, there are projects simmering that heavily influence what ultimately comes after Dragon Ball Super on screen.
The Elusive Dragon Ball Super Anime Return
This is the big one most fans crave: The return of the Dragon Ball Super anime series, picking up after the Tournament of Power.
The Evidence & Rumors:
- Manga Material: The Moro and Granolah arcs are tailor-made for anime adaptation. They are action-packed, introduce new forms, and have high stakes. Animating them is practically inevitable from a business standpoint.
- Voice Actor Hints: Masako Nozawa (Goku) and other seiyuu have occasionally mentioned in interviews hoping to return to Super soon or referenced future work. While not confirmation, it fuels speculation.
- Toei's Workload: Toei Animation has been busy with One Piece, Digimon, and other projects. The end of major arcs on some shows (like the Wano arc in One Piece) frees up resources. Daima is their *next* DB project, but after that...
- Merchandise & Games: New forms (Ultra Ego, Gohan Beast) and characters (Moro, Granolah, Gas) are already appearing in games (Dragon Ball Legends, Dokkan Battle) and merchandise. The anime is the ultimate promotional tool.
Likely Timeline (Pure Speculation, but educated):
- Short Term (2024-2025): Dragon Ball Daima airs.
- Medium Term (Late 2025 - 2027): Potential return of Dragon Ball Super anime, adapting the Moro and Granolah arcs. This would be the direct continuation fans are waiting for.
- Long Term (2027+): Anime potentially catches up to or adapts the current post-Super Hero manga arc, or even branches into new stories concurrently with the manga.
Bottom Line: A new season of Dragon Ball Super feels like a matter of "when," not "if." The manga provides more than enough content, and the demand is massive. Daima coming first suggests Toei wants to let the manga build more chapters before adapting it.
Future Dragon Ball Movies
The Dragon Ball movie pipeline is established now. Broly (2018) and Super Hero (2022) were huge successes. Expect another movie roughly every 3-4 years.
- What Could It Be? Possibilities include:
- Adaptation of a future manga arc (if the anime doesn't get there first).
- A completely original storyline by Toriyama (like Broly/Super Hero).
- Potentially exploring more Universe 6 (Saiyans, Hit), other universes from the ToP, or entirely new threats.
- Realistic Timeline: Earliest would likely be late 2025 or 2026, especially with Daima launching in late 2024.
Movies allow for higher budgets and spectacle, often introducing significant new forms or characters that then influence the broader canon.
Fan Theories & Hopeful Possibilities
Okay, let's get into some fun speculation. What do fans *want* to see next after Dragon Ball Super? What are the big discussions?
Exploring Universe 6 Saiyans (Sadala)
This is a massive untapped well. We met Caulifla, Kale, and Cabba during the Tournament of Power. The manga's current arc is *finally* teasing a journey to Planet Sadala. Fans desperately want to see:
- The history and culture of U6 Saiyans (peaceful warriors?).
- More development for Caulifla, Kale, and Cabba.
- Potential new Super Saiyan variants unique to U6.
- Maybe even meeting the U6 Saiyan God?
The End of Z / Uub Setup
Dragon Ball Z ended with a time skip showing Goku meeting Uub (the mortal reincarnation of Kid Buu) and flying off to train him. Dragon Ball Super is currently set before this epilogue. How do they bridge the gap? Key questions:
- How do Goten and Trunks grow up? (Daima exploring teen Goten/Trunks is a start!)
- How does Pan grow up?
- Do we see the actual tournament where Goku meets Uub?
- How do the God forms fit into the relatively low-power End of Z fights?
More Gods, Angels, and the Grand Priest
The Tournament of Power blew open the cosmic hierarchy. Fans are fascinated by:
- The other Angels and their personalities.
- The motivations of the Grand Priest (he gives me the creeps sometimes).
- Exploring the Omni-King's backstory and other Zenos.
- The mysterious "highest-ranking" angel Merus hinted at.
- Other gods of destruction and their universes in more depth.
Honestly? I just want to see Vegeta finally get a clean, undisputed win against a major villain. Is that too much to ask?
Where to Find All This Content (Official Sources Matter!)
Knowing what comes after Dragon Ball Super is great, but you need to know where to actually get it legally and support the creators!
Manga
- Digital (Latest Chapters): Viz Media's Shonen Jump App or Website (subscription required, approx $2.99/month). This is the fastest, legal way to read the newest chapters monthly. Crucial for following the current post-Super Hero arc.
- Digital/Physical (Collected Volumes): Viz Media volumes (Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, RightStufAnime). These collect the arcs into book form, usually lagging a year or so behind the latest chapter.
Anime
- Dragon Ball Super (Existing Series): Crunchyroll, Hulu, Funimation (legacy).
- Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (Movie): Digital Purchase/Rental (Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu), Blu-ray/DVD.
- Dragon Ball Daima (Upcoming Series - Late 2024): Platform TBA. Extremely high probability it will be on Crunchyroll simulcast/subtitled shortly after Japanese airing. Announcements expected closer to launch.
Movies (Older & New)
- Digital Purchase/Rental: Major platforms like Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play.
- Physical: Blu-ray/DVD releases widely available.
- Streaming (Legacy): Crunchyroll/Hulu/Funimation often have older DBZ/Super movies in rotation.
Using official sources ensures quality, supports the creators, and guarantees you're getting the correct translations and uncut versions.
Frequently Asked Questions (Seriously, I Get These All The Time)
Let's tackle those burning questions head-on about what comes after Dragon Ball Super.
Is Dragon Ball Super over?
Anime: Yes, the original Dragon Ball Super anime series concluded with episode 131 (Tournament of Power ending). Manga: No! The Dragon Ball Super manga is ongoing, releasing new chapters monthly in V-Jump and Viz's Shonen Jump. It's way past the anime, covering Moro, Granolah, Super Hero movie adaptation, and now a new original arc. New Anime: Dragon Ball Daima, a brand new series, is launching Fall 2024.
When is the next Dragon Ball Super season?
There is no official announcement for a new season of the Dragon Ball Super anime continuing after the Tournament of Power yet. The manga has plenty of material (Moro, Granolah arcs), making an adaptation highly likely. However, the next confirmed anime is Dragon Ball Daima (Fall 2024). A new Super season adapting the manga would likely be after Daima finishes its run, potentially late 2025 or 2026. Keep an eye on official Toei Animation and Shueisha announcements!
What should I watch after Dragon Ball Super anime?
Here’s your roadmap:
- Dragon Ball Super: Broly Movie (2018): Canon, set after the Tournament of Power. Essential lore and power scaling.
- Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero Movie (2022): Canon, introduces major new forms (Gohan Beast, Orange Piccolo).
- Read the Manga (Moro & Granolah Arcs): This is the direct continuation of the story after the anime ended. Use the Viz Shonen Jump app.
- Dragon Ball Daima (Late 2024): The upcoming new anime series. A brand new canon adventure.
Is Dragon Ball Daima replacing Dragon Ball Super?
No, not necessarily. Daima is a new, distinct series with its own premise (characters turned into kids). It occupies its own space in the franchise timeline. The Dragon Ball Super manga continues its own storyline set after the Super Hero movie. Daima doesn't erase Super; it adds another branch. Think of it like how GT coexisted with the original manga ending back in the day. A new season of the Super anime adapting the manga could still very well happen after Daima.
Where does the Super manga continue after the anime?
The anime ended adapting the "Tournament of Power" arc (Chapter 42 of the manga). Here’s where it continued:
- Broly Movie Adaptation (Ch 41-42? Wait, actually...) Hold up! The manga actually did a brief recap of Broly after the ToP, but the full story is best seen in the movie. Then it jumped into...
- Galactic Patrol Prisoner Saga (Moro Arc): Starts around Chapter 43. Brand new story!
- Granolah the Survivor Saga: Follows directly after Moro.
- Super Hero Movie Adaptation: Adapted the film into manga form.
- Current Arc (Unnamed, Post-Super Hero): Ongoing, featuring Goten/Trunks as teens and hints towards Universe 6 Saiyans (Sadala).
So yeah, if you finished the anime, start the manga around Chapter 43 for the Moro arc.
Will Goku ever surpass Beerus?
Ah, the eternal question! Toriyama keeps moving the goalposts. Beerus's full power is intentionally vague. Goku achieved Ultra Instinct (a technique even Angels use) but still couldn't definitively beat Beerus in a sparring session shown briefly in the manga after the Moro arc. Whis implies Beerus has room to grow too. My cynical fan take? They probably never let Goku *fully* surpass Beerus permanently. It's a running gag and a power ceiling. He'll get closer, maybe tie sometimes, but Beerus will likely always have a little more in the tank when it matters. It keeps the dynamic.
Staying Updated: Don't Miss the Next Big Thing
The Dragon Ball news cycle can be fast. Here's how to make sure you know what comes after Dragon Ball Super the moment it's announced:
- Official Sources:
- Toei Animation (English): Twitter (@ToeiAnimation), Website (toei-animation-usa.com)
- Viz Media: Twitter (@VIZMedia), Website (viz.com), Shonen Jump App notifications
- Dragon Ball Official Sites: dragonball.com (International), dragonball.news (Japan - use browser translate)
- Reputable News Hubs:
- Anime News Network (ANN): (animenewsnetwork.com) - Reliable, fact-checked news.
- Crunchyroll News: (crunchyroll.com/news) - Official streaming partner, gets direct announcements.
- Caution with Fan Sites/YouTubers: Many sensationalize rumors. Stick to sources that cite official press releases or credible leaks (like trusted leakers on Twitter - but even then, take with a grain of salt until official confirmation). Don't believe every "SUPER SEASON 2 ANNOUNCED TOMORROW?!" clickbait thumbnail.
Being informed means you won't be scrambling later wondering where everyone heard about that new movie saga or anime return.
Look, the future of Dragon Ball is actually pretty exciting. Between the ongoing manga, Daima coming soon, and the inevitable anime return and movies, there's a ton on the horizon. The key is knowing where to look *right now* (the manga!) and where to look next (Daima this fall). Stay hyped, train hard, and keep those Dragon Radars charged!
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