The Evolution of Dragon Ball Super: A Journey of Transformations

The Creative Process

The evolution of Dragon Ball Super from its predecessor, Dragon Ball Z, is a fascinating journey of creative transformations and meticulous planning. Akira Toriyama, the brilliant mind behind the Dragon Ball franchise, introduced several incredible changes that elevated Dragon Ball Super to new heights.

Throughout the franchise's history, Goku has undergone remarkable power-ups, each accompanied by stunning transformations and new hair colors. However, one particular revelation from Toriyama shed light on a significant advantage in the creation of Dragon Ball Super compared to its predecessor.

The divine and awe-inspiring Ultra Instinct form marked a pivotal moment in Goku's evolution, featuring a godly glow and white hair. Toriyama's original vision for Goku's transformation during the Resurrection 'F' film was to give the Saiyan white hair instead of blue. His decision was influenced by a thoughtful consideration of color coordination with the 'next enemy,' revealing a glimpse of the meticulous planning behind the series.

Meticulous Planning and Insightful Revelations

The release of Dragon Ball Super's manga Volume #1 unveiled an insightful interview between Toriyama and the comic's illustrator, Toyotaro. In this interview, Toriyama not only hinted at the origin of Super Saiyan Blue but also foreshadowed the emergence of the villainous Kai Zamazu. This revelation showcased the meticulous planning behind Dragon Ball Super's arcs, setting it apart from the more spontaneous approach of Dragon Ball Z's weekly manga releases.

Toriyama's foresight became evident as Goku and Vegeta engaged in intense battles against Goku Black and Zamazu, each adorned in their distinct transformations. The deliberate contrast between Super Saiyan Blue forms and the adversaries' unique hair colors underscored the strategic planning that had long been simmering in Toriyama's creative mind.

This thoughtful approach to storytelling and character development exemplified Toriyama's ability to plan ahead, a stark contrast to the more fluid and adaptive nature of Dragon Ball Z's manga releases. While Dragon Ball Super's manga releases monthly, the meticulous planning behind its storylines and character arcs is a testament to the creators' dedication to delivering a well-crafted narrative.

The Impact of Strategic Storytelling

The strategic and deliberate planning that shaped Dragon Ball Super's narrative trajectory stands in contrast to the more improvisational nature of Dragon Ball Z's storyline. While the latter often adapted to reader and staff input, Dragon Ball Super's return as a beloved series was a carefully constructed endeavor, driven by a desire to deliver a captivating and cohesive narrative.

Despite the meticulous planning evident in Dragon Ball Super, the series still faced challenges in maintaining a seamless and interconnected storyline. However, the series' best arcs benefitted from the groundwork laid by previous story elements, such as the Saiyan Saga's escalation to the clash with Frieza and the Tournament of Power's rewarding payoffs.

With the conclusion of Dragon Ball Super on the horizon, fans eagerly anticipate the culmination of a well-planned and strategically crafted narrative. The evolution of the series from Dragon Ball Z to Dragon Ball Super is a testament to the creators' commitment to delivering a compelling and thoughtfully constructed storyline.