The Ultimate Fan-Made Manga: 7 Essential Lessons for Dragon Ball Super
Discover Dragon Ball Kakumei, a remarkable fan manga that presents an ideal blueprint for the final arc of the official series Explore the unique aspects that set Kakumei apart from Dragon Ball Super Curious to know if Kakumei is worth your time? Read on!
Highlights
Dragon Ball: Kakumei fixes some of the storytelling problems in Dragon Ball Super, providing a darker tone and more mature themes.
The doujinshi reintroduces characters from eliminated universes and presents a cohesive narrative that links various storylines, addressing the concerns of fans. Kakumei highlights each character's pivotal moments, as the Z Fighters engage in training and embark on diverse quests across multiple universes.
Despite Dragon Ball Super ending in 2018 and no news of its return, the franchise continues to generate a tremendous amount of hype. Fans have been indulged with two films, a separate non-canon show, numerous video games, and a monthly manga. The manga has maintained a consistent monthly release schedule since its launch in June 2015, with the exception of a four-month hiatus from August to December 2022.
However, some fans within the fandom have expressed concerns about the series becoming repetitive in its storytelling for each arc and lacking a cohesive overarching plot. Although appreciated individually, the Galactic Prisoner/Moro arc and Granolah arc have sparked debates among fans, suggesting that a central and interconnected story, like One Piece, would enhance the overall experience. That's where Dragon Ball: Kakumei steps in. A doujinshi created by Reenko, this work addresses many of the issues faced by the canonical story of Dragon Ball Super. It not only boasts exceptional artwork but also introduces a darker tone, making it truly captivating.
What is Dragon Ball Kakumei about?
Following the Tournament of Power arc, in which Android 17's wish brings back all the erased universes, including those previously erased by Zeno (universes 13-19), Kakumei introduces an important continuity element. This wish, although seemingly benevolent, has an unintended consequence. The significance lies in its reference to a throwaway line spoken by Whis in Dragon Ball Super episode 47, "SOS From The Future! A Black New Enemy Appears," creating a connection to earlier episodes and setting up a larger, overarching story.
However, there is a surprising twist. For a significant portion of this shonen action series, Goku, the main character, is removed from the playing field. While this unexpected decision may be shocking to most readers, it adds an intriguing dimension to the Dragon Ball formula. With Goku trapped in a mysterious location and seemingly absent from the story for a considerable period, the spotlight shifts to the minor characters. This choice proves to be a masterstroke, allowing these characters to shine in a way that has often been overlooked in previous Dragon Ball narratives.
How Kakumei is Different From Super
The central villains in the narrative are the Gods of Destruction and the Angels from the seven previously annihilated universes, who have united under the leadership of The Grand Priestess with the aim of toppling the reign of Zeno and the Grand Priest. In response, the protagonists must unite and forge alliances with familiar characters to overcome the impending danger and liberate Goku from his captivity.
A commonly raised criticism of the series, specifically the two latest manga arcs, is the perceived lack of grandeur in their scope. While the Tournament of Power encompassed a colossal event featuring the finest warriors from each universe fighting for survival across the vast expanse of existence, the Moro and Granolah arcs were confined solely to Universe 7, resulting in a more insular feel. With a plethora of unexplored possibilities for the Z Fighters to venture into new universes, it was disheartening to witness the writers overlook this opportunity to unravel captivating narratives. Moreover, the monthly release of just one chapter in the manga can give the impression that the series is progressing at a slower pace.
Dragon Ball Super and Kakumei differ primarily in tone. Kakumei fearlessly explores darker themes, gore, and strong language, making it a superior series. From the beginning, Goku and Beerus engage in a brutal rematch following their Battle of the Gods fight. This battle is filled with bloodshed and intensity, leading to the destruction of an inhabited planet. Beerus's ki-blast scorches Goku's back, revealing his exposed muscles.
The series's dark and serious tone significantly enhances its storytelling, as it delves into weightier subjects like isolation, torture, revenge, and death. Although Dragon Ball Super doesn't necessarily require excessive violence, incorporating mature themes would greatly benefit its long-time fans. The success of Kakumei amongst fans attests to this need.
Additionally, what sets this doujinshi apart is its ability to showcase the individual strengths of each character. Reenko has made sure that every member of the Z Fighters plays a vital role in the upcoming battles, as they all undergo rigorous training. A perfect example of this is Vegeta and his team's journey to Universe 6, where they train alongside beloved characters like Cabba, Kale, and Caulifla. Moreover, new personalities such as King Sadala and the formidable Gods and Angels are also introduced, adding to the excitement.
Moreover, Kakumei takes the concept further by assigning each Z Fighter on a unique quest to prepare for the impending war. They are sent to different universes to join forces with the fighters from the Tournament of Power. Piccolo visits Namek in Universe 6, Gohan trains with Jiren and the Pride Troopers in Universe 11, and Goten and Trunks receive guidance from Whis on Beerus's planet. Even Yamcha, Tien, and Krillin embark on a training journey in Universe 9, partnering with Bergamo. This further reinforces the idea that every character is given their moment to shine.
Should You Pick Up Kakumei?
Dragon Ball Kakumei is a must-watch for all Dragon Ball fans. It offers a captivating and mysterious storyline, stunning artwork that rivals the official release, and memorable character moments that showcase each individual's shine throughout the series. The characters are exceptionally well-developed, staying true to their original identities.
While it may not follow the canon timeline or arc, Dragon Ball Kakumei is an expertly crafted and visually appealing adaptation of Dragon Ball Super. It serves as an enjoyable companion read to the official manga. Moreover, Kakumei possesses all the essential elements to be considered the ultimate arc of Dragon Ball Super. It brings a satisfying conclusion to the series, serving as a source of inspiration for the official final arc created by the writers themselves.
Dragon Ball Super is available to stream on Crunchyroll.
