The roar of the crowd faded as the lights dimmed. Forty years. Could it really have been that long since Goku first graced our screens? The Dragon Ball saga continues, promising a wild ride for longtime fans.
Dragon Ball at 40: A New Galactic Adventure
Time flies. The Dragon Ball anime, a staple of many childhoods, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. From Z to GT, Super, and the upcoming Daima, the franchise has proven its staying power. But the next chapter takes us back to where many feel it shines brightest: Dragon Ball Super, with a brand-new arc titled Dragon Ball Super: The Galactic Patrol.
Announced at Japan’s Dragon Ball Genkidamatsuri event, this story arc sees Goku and Vegeta joining forces with the Galactic Patrol, the universe’s peacekeeping force. Their mission? To stop “Planet-Eater” Moro, the arc’s central antagonist. Think of it as the Saiyan duo becoming intergalactic cops, but with considerably more screaming. The project is currently in production and was highlighted in an anniversary video showcasing the franchise’s history.
How Does ‘Dragon Ball Super: The Galactic Patrol’ Connect to the Manga?
If the anime follows the manga closely, expect a thrilling ride. Moro is a formidable foe, a magic user capable of draining planets of their energy. The arc allows for some creative battles and explores new power dynamics within the Dragon Ball universe. It’s a welcome return to the action and humor that made Super so popular. The arc is like a well-oiled machine, a familiar formula injected with new energy and threats.
Revisiting Beerus: A Remastered Battle of Gods
Nostalgia is a powerful tool. In the nearer term, the anime continues with Dragon Ball Super: Beerus, an enhanced retelling of the 2013 film, Battle of the Gods. This updated version aims for greater faithfulness to Akira Toriyama’s original vision, promising a more compelling portrayal of Beerus. Expect it this fall.
Bandai Namco’s “Age 1000”: Toriyama’s Final Characters?
Teasers dropped for the newest video game from Bandai Namco, currently codenamed “Age 1000.” The trailer opens with a white-haired figure in a Capsule Corp uniform, followed by the words “Akira Toriyama Presents.” The character’s fluid movements hint that these might be some of the final original designs from Toriyama himself.
After dispatching holographic opponents, this unnamed character powers up, going Super Saiyan. The camera zooms in, revealing silhouettes of Frieza, Cell, and, naturally, Goku reflected in his eyes. The focus on Goku seems significant. Is this character a descendant? The game is scheduled for release in 2027, with more details coming in April at the Dragon Ball Games Battle Hour.
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With a return to a beloved series and a game that may contain some of Toriyama’s final contributions, is this the beginning of a new golden era, or are we setting ourselves up for disappointment?