Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero - Is It Canon?

Hey Dragon Ball fans, are you ready to dive deep into the world of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero? This film has caused quite a stir in the community, sparking discussions about its place within the vast Dragon Ball saga. So, is Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero canon? Let's break it down, explore its connections, and figure out if it truly belongs in the official storyline.

Decoding Canon: What Does It Really Mean?

Before we can decide if Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is canon, we need to understand what 'canon' actually means in the Dragon Ball universe. Basically, canon refers to the officially recognized storyline established by the original creator, Akira Toriyama, and the team at Toei Animation. It's the events, characters, and plot points that are considered part of the main story and affect the overall narrative. Non-canon content, such as many of the Dragon Ball Z movies, exist as separate stories, not directly influencing the main storyline. This distinction is crucial because it affects the importance of the film’s events in the grand scheme of Dragon Ball. The film's canon status affects how we understand the character’s development and the evolving universe of Dragon Ball. Canon content typically has a greater impact on the future events in the Dragon Ball franchise.

Think of it like this: the canon is the main road, and non-canon is a scenic detour. While the detour might be fun and interesting, it doesn't necessarily lead you to the same destination as the main road. The main road is always considered the main story, and all the events in that road are the official version of Dragon Ball. The main road is created by Akira Toriyama, and the non-canon content has little to no impact in the main storyline. The reason why canon matters is that it is the official storyline, and understanding the main storyline is essential for understanding the whole Dragon Ball universe. It affects how we understand the character's development and the evolving universe of Dragon Ball. It’s what everyone is following, and it’s always going to be the most important.

In the case of Dragon Ball, the canon is primarily dictated by the manga series created by Akira Toriyama. The anime adaptations, while often expanding upon the manga, generally adhere to its storyline. Dragon Ball Super is a perfect example of this. The anime and manga might have differences, but they are both considered canon because they are based on the core story.

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero - The Canon Arguments

So, why is there such a debate surrounding the canon status of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero? Well, several factors support its canon status. First and foremost, Akira Toriyama was heavily involved in the film’s production. He wrote the original story, designed the characters, and oversaw many aspects of the film's development. This direct involvement is a strong indicator of its canonical nature. When the original creator, the one who made the whole universe of Dragon Ball, is involved in the project, it means a lot. The film's story integrates seamlessly into the existing timeline of Dragon Ball Super. It takes place after the events of the Dragon Ball Super: Broly movie and before the events of the final arc of the Dragon Ball Super manga. The film introduces new transformations for Gohan and Piccolo, which have become a significant part of their power scaling. The film also revisits the Red Ribbon Army, a major antagonist from the original Dragon Ball series, bringing back familiar faces and concepts. The events in the film directly impact the characters and the overall narrative of the Dragon Ball universe, especially Gohan and Piccolo, whose new forms are part of the ongoing story.

Additionally, the film's themes and messages align with the core values of the Dragon Ball franchise: the importance of family, the pursuit of strength, and the fight against evil. The themes are essential in the Dragon Ball universe. The film expands on existing characters, the Red Ribbon Army, and the future of the characters.

Challenges to Canon: The Other Side of the Coin

Despite the strong arguments for its canon status, some fans raise concerns that might cause doubts. One of the main points of contention is the film’s handling of certain power levels and character portrayals. Some argue that the new transformations of Gohan and Piccolo feel somewhat rushed and don't quite align with the established power scaling. This is a common point of discussion among Dragon Ball fans, because power levels matter. Power scaling in Dragon Ball has always been a hot topic, with fans constantly debating the strength of different characters.

Another concern is the film's reliance on certain plot devices or retcons that may contradict earlier established facts. While the Dragon Ball series has always taken some liberties with its continuity, some fans feel that Super Hero pushes the boundaries a bit too far. These inconsistencies can make some people question whether the film is truly canon. However, the involvement of Akira Toriyama usually trumps these concerns.

It's important to remember that the Dragon Ball universe is always evolving. As the franchise continues, some details may change to accommodate new stories and developments. The changes are expected, but they sometimes make things more confusing. The creators have a lot of freedom. The most important thing is the story.

The Verdict: Canon or Not Canon?

So, after weighing the evidence, is Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero canon? Based on the heavy involvement of Akira Toriyama, its integration into the existing timeline, and its impact on the characters and the narrative, the answer is a resounding YES. The film is considered canon. It’s a part of the official Dragon Ball story. Super Hero seamlessly fits into the Dragon Ball Super timeline and contributes to the ongoing evolution of the Dragon Ball universe. However, it's always a good idea to approach these things with a critical eye, consider different points of view, and make your own judgment. The Dragon Ball world keeps on expanding.

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is more than just a movie; it's a vital part of the Dragon Ball saga, enriching the narrative and offering new perspectives on beloved characters. It's safe to say that Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is canon. It's a key part of the Dragon Ball Super story.

Exploring the Impact of Super Hero on the Dragon Ball Universe

The impact of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero extends beyond its status as canon. The film has significantly shaped the trajectory of several key characters and introduced new elements into the Dragon Ball universe. One of the most noteworthy impacts is the significant power-ups of both Gohan and Piccolo. Gohan unlocks his Ultimate Gohan form, and Piccolo gains a new, powerful transformation, Piccolo Orange. These upgrades have substantially altered their roles in the overall power dynamics of the series. The new forms for Gohan and Piccolo are essential for the future events in Dragon Ball.

The film also revisits the Red Ribbon Army, a classic antagonist group from the original Dragon Ball. The return of this organization, with a focus on androids, offers a nostalgic experience. The film also explores themes of family, legacy, and the pursuit of justice, reinforcing the core values of the Dragon Ball franchise. The main concept of the movie is about family, and that is a significant part of the core values.

The Future of Dragon Ball: Where Do We Go From Here?

The success of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero raises exciting questions about the future of the Dragon Ball franchise. The film's focus on Gohan and Piccolo suggests that future stories could further explore their development and role in protecting the Earth. The introduction of new forms and abilities gives the creators a lot of options. The future is bright, and the fans are excited to see what happens.

The film's success demonstrates the enduring popularity of the Dragon Ball series. It signals that fans are eager for new content that expands on the existing world and characters. With the continuous involvement of Akira Toriyama and the team at Toei Animation, the future of Dragon Ball looks incredibly promising. The series has always had an impact on the fans. The future of Dragon Ball is going to be amazing, and the fans are very excited.

Conclusion: Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero and Its Canon Status

In conclusion, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is firmly established as part of the canon in the Dragon Ball universe. The film’s development involved Akira Toriyama, and the events of the movie have a meaningful impact on the story. The film's plot, character development, and introduction of new elements all contribute to its significance. While the debate regarding canon can be interesting, the involvement of the creator and the film's integration into the timeline leave little doubt about its official status. So, embrace the adventure, celebrate the characters, and look forward to the exciting future of Dragon Ball.

For more insights into the world of Dragon Ball, keep exploring and discussing with fellow fans. The Dragon Ball journey is an ongoing adventure, and every new piece of content adds to the richness of the story. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, there's always something new to discover. Keep the passion alive, and keep enjoying the epic saga that is Dragon Ball! Let’s see what comes next.