After a hiatus that left fans eager for more, Dragon Ball Super is set to make a comeback with a special one-shot manga chapter. Scheduled for release on February 20, 2025, this new installment promises to deliver a fresh perspective on the beloved series, focusing on the fan-favorite characters Goten and Trunks. This release marks the first since the passing of Akira Toriyama in March 2024, adding a layer of anticipation and significance to the event.
A New Chapter for Dragon Ball Super
The announcement of the one-shot during Jump Festa 2025 ignited excitement within the Dragon Ball community. Artist Toyotarou will be at the helm, continuing the manga’s legacy, but without the direct guidance of Toriyama.
Release Details
- Release Date: February 20, 2025
- Publication: V-Jump magazine, April 2025 issue
- Artist: Toyotarou
- Focus: Goten and Trunks
Storyline and Setting
The one-shot will explore the events surrounding the “Super Hero” arc, offering a deeper look into Goten and Trunks‘ journey as aspiring superheroes. The story will delve into what led Trunks to admire superheroes. Key artwork released showcases Goten and Trunks admiring Clean God, a superhero seen in the “Super Hero” arc of the Dragon Ball Super manga.
Goten and Trunks in the Spotlight
This special chapter highlights Goten and Trunks, two characters who, despite their potential, have often been sidelined in the main storyline. As teenagers, the hybrid Saiyans have a lot of untapped potential, and this story could show them taking on more important roles. The one-shot offers a chance for the now-teenagers to step back into key roles and contribute meaningfully again. There’s even a possibility that fans might get to see a teenage version of Gotenks, their powerful fusion form.
The Legacy of Akira Toriyama
Akira Toriyama‘s death in March 2024 marked a significant turning point for the Dragon Ball franchise. His unique storytelling and character design shaped the series into a global phenomenon. The final chapter of the Dragon Ball Super manga adaptation of the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero movie, which Toriyama wrote, can be viewed as a symbolic “passing of the torch” to Toyotarou.
Toriyama’s Influence
Toriyama advised Toyotarou to redo the final page of Dragon Ball Super Chapter 103, “A Legacy Toward the Future,” to have Piccolo wave goodbye to Pan‘s teacher as he flew away with Goku and his friends. However, the final page portrays Piccolo waving goodbye to Pan’s teacher as he flies away with Goku and his friends.
A Future Without Toriyama
The new one-shot represents the first major Dragon Ball Super release without Toriyama‘s direct involvement. This has led to speculation and anticipation about the series’ future direction. Fans are eager to see how Toyotarou and the team will honor Toriyama‘s legacy.
What to Expect
While details about the one-shot are scarce, several hints and expectations have emerged.
Superhero Focus
Given the focus on Goten, Trunks, and superheroes, it’s expected that the one-shot will be a side story set either before or during the manga’s Super Hero adaptation. It’s been confirmed that the new Dragon Ball Super chapter will focus on Goten and Trunks‘ superhero obsession — possibly mirroring Gohan‘s transformation into the “Great Saiyaman” from Dragon Ball Z.
Potential Story Arcs
The manga was in the building stages of its next arc when the stoppage initially happened, though all signs seem to point toward Black Frieza in its eventual return. When the series eventually resumes, Goku and Vegeta will face their toughest challenge yet. Black Frieza was last seen easily defeating the strongest Saiyans in the universe. To stand a chance, the heroes might need help from Gohan, who has recently powered up, and Broly, who’s still refining his strength.
The Enigmatic “Clean God”
Longtime fans have deduced that the mysterious purple superhero appears to be Clean God, a heroic figure fighting for environmentalism. Goten and Trunks were shown to be big fans of the climate change hero in the manga adaptation of the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero movie. The high school Saiyan warriors also have superhero alter-egos, Great Saiyaman.
Uncertainty and Hope for the Future
The Dragon Ball Super manga went on an unexpected break in March 2024 after Akira Toriyama‘s passing. This left fans unsure about the future of the beloved franchise. After a period of uncertainty, including a dispute over the rights to the series, Dragon Ball Super is finally set to return with a new adventure following Goten and Trunks.
Return of Monthly Chapters
The return of Dragon Ball Super‘s monthly manga release schedule hasn’t been confirmed yet, but the one-shot is a promising sign for the future of the series. There’s no update yet on the return of monthly chapters, but there are chances for an announcement following the release of the one-shot.
Anime Adaptations
While fans eagerly await the manga’s return, there’s also anticipation for the anime series’ continuation. The earliest anyone’s likely to hear about a Super anime is the end of February into March 2025. The Super manga’s coming back at the end of February around the time of DAIMA‘s projected ending seems like perfect timing, because it shows that the Dragon Ball franchise isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Dragon Ball Daima
While the main manga was on hiatus, the new anime series Dragon Ball Daima filled the gap with a side story separate from the manga’s events. Despite being a year that saw the premiere of Dragon Ball Daima, as well as the continued monetary success of the franchise, Dragon Ball‘s 2024 will ultimately always be defined by the loss of Akira Toriyama.
Fan Expectations
The Dragon Ball community has expressed a mix of emotions, ranging from excitement to cautious optimism.
Honoring Toriyama’s Vision
A primary concern is whether the new content will stay true to Toriyama‘s original vision. Fans hope that Toyotarou will capture the essence of the series while adding his unique flair.
Character Development
Many fans are eager to see Goten and Trunks take on more significant roles. The one-shot presents an opportunity to develop their characters and explore their potential as fighters and heroes.
Anticipation for Future Arcs
The introduction of characters like Black Frieza has set the stage for exciting future storylines. Fans are hopeful that the manga will eventually return to its monthly release schedule and continue these arcs.
A Glimmer of Hope
The release of the Dragon Ball Super one-shot is a significant event for the Dragon Ball community. It marks the return of the manga after a long hiatus and offers a glimpse into the series’ future without Akira Toriyama. While uncertainty remains, the focus on Goten and Trunks, combined with Toyotarou‘s artistic talent, provides a glimmer of hope for the future of Dragon Ball Super.
