The Ultimate Showdown: Dragon Ball Super vs GT – Which Reigns Supreme?

Highlights

Dragon Ball GT introduced a 5-year time skip and character arcs that added tension to the story, unlike Dragon Ball Super which takes place directly after the Majin Buu Saga.

Many fans prefer the darker and more serious tone of Dragon Ball GT over the frequent comedic and childish moments in Dragon Ball Super. GT effectively utilized transformations, specifically Super Saiyan 4, to defeat most villains, while Super introduced multiple forms that quickly became overshadowed. GT's approach kept the previous forms relevant and maintained their significance.

After Dragon Ball Z ended, fans eagerly awaited the next installment and were given Dragon Ball GT in February 1996. This series picked up where Z left off and followed Goku and his friends on new adventures. Despite the initial excitement, fans were ultimately disappointed with the presentation and storytelling of GT. One contributing factor to this disappointment was the absence of writer Akira Toriyama, leading many to deem GT non-canon.

In 2013, Dragon Ball Super: Battle of Gods was released as a direct and canon continuation of the series, taking place after the Majin Buu Saga but before the end of Z. This movie introduced a brand-new series, Dragon Ball Super, and incorporated new elements that have since become integral to the series. While generally well-received, fans believe that Dragon Ball Super could learn from GT and integrate certain aspects to create a more compelling story. Let's delve into these aspects now.

Progression of Time

GT followed a similar structure to previous parts of the series by setting this series after a 5-year time skip, mirroring Dragon Ball Z's 5-year gap after the original series. However, Dragon Ball Super faces a problem as it has only taken place immediately after the Majin Buu Saga, within the 10-year period between it and the end of Z. The creators have not provided any information regarding the connection between the end of Z and Super, leaving its canon status uncertain.

If the end of Z remains canon and Dragon Ball Super concludes before reaching that point, it would eliminate any consequences for the characters, since we know they all survive until the end of Z. Consequently, there is a lack of tension as we are aware that everything will ultimately work out for our heroes. In contrast, GT effectively maintained suspense by depicting character development and unresolved fates, 5 years after the end of Z.

Overall Tone and Atmosphere

Dragon Ball, at its core, is known for its lighthearted and enjoyable nature, which has captivated millions of fans worldwide. However, it is important to note that these moments have a greater impact when used sparingly. Unfortunately, Dragon Ball Super tends to overuse these comedic moments, leading some viewers to perceive the show as overly childish due to certain character portrayals, animation, and dialogue. One character who suffers from this is Goku, who has always been portrayed as simple-minded and carefree. However, in Super, he is often depicted as downright unintelligent, solely focused on becoming stronger. This is exemplified by a moment where he admits to not understanding what kissing is, despite being a father of two.

In contrast, while GT also incorporates comedic elements, they are never used to diminish a character's intelligence. In GT, Goku is portrayed as carefree and childlike, but he showcases exceptional intelligence during combat situations and exhibits a darker side when his loved ones are in danger. Additionally, GT embraces the bloodier aspects of the series, presenting graphic battles when necessary, reminiscent of what made Dragon Ball Z so beloved. Many fans believe that Super would benefit from adopting a darker and more serious tone.

Dealing With Enemies

Although fans universally adore the franchise's transformations, it is undeniable that GT handles them with more finesse. Throughout the entirety of the Dragon Ball GT series, Goku unlocks just one noteworthy transformation: Super Saiyan 4. This form becomes his primary weapon in vanquishing nearly every villain he encounters.

Where Super Saiyan God and Blue are immensely popular among fans, they have quickly become outdated due to SSG being used effectively only in one storyline and subsequently overshadowed by SSB in Resurrection F. These forms were further surpassed by Goku's use of Kaioken and Vegeta's SSB Evolution in the tournament of power. Now, both characters have unleashed their own Ultimate Forms. While it is exciting to witness our heroes reach greater levels of power, the introduction of a new form in each storyline significantly undermines the previous one. In GT, Goku still relies on SS1 and SS3, ensuring that the earlier forms remain relevant.

Making Older Aspects of the Series Relevant

Dragon Ball GT effectively utilizes various elements from the franchise's past, adding a sense of familiarity and significance to the storyline. Instead of simply relying on nostalgia, GT incorporates many older references that contribute to the overall narrative and have a lasting impact on the world it showcases. For instance, in the conclusion of Dragon Ball Z, there was anticipation surrounding the character Uub, who symbolized the positive reincarnation of Majin Buu. However, in Dragon Ball Super, Uub's importance diminishes significantly, whereas GT capitalizes on this opportunity to delve into his character development and enhance his power.

Another significant aspect we possess is the significance of the Red Ribbon Army from the original Dragon Ball and the resurgence of Android 17 and Dr. Gero, two remarkable characters from Dragon Ball Z. This holds utmost importance in the overarching narrative as it grants both fans and characters within the series the opportunity to revisit pivotal segments of the franchise and confront the repercussions of their past actions, as exemplified in the Baby Saga with the historical background of the Saiyans and Tuffles. Primarily, the final Shadow Dragons Saga takes center stage, showcasing the utmost core element of the franchise, the Dragon Balls, becoming corrupted due to decades of excessive utilization.

Transformations

When it comes to franchise transformations, Super Saiyan 4 is widely regarded as the pinnacle of design. Its unique appearance and iconic status make it the most beloved form achieved by a Saiyan since Goku first became a Super Saiyan at the end of the Namek Saga. This transformation beautifully represents the natural evolution of Super Saiyan forms, with increasingly spiky and longer hair, ultimately taking on a primal, ape-like appearance reminiscent of the classic Great Ape transformation.

Super can learn a valuable lesson from this, as it showcases a completely innovative design transformation. One major criticism of Super is that while it introduces numerous new forms, these forms all appear visually similar and offer minimal changes, merely being recolors of traditional forms. Although these recolors are cool, they do not contribute much to the overall variety. Ultra Instinct and Ultra Ego have finally brought much-needed diversity to the formula by incorporating unique techniques. However, despite their distinct functionality, these ultimate forms still lack in terms of original visual design elements. This is where the SS4 transformation stands out, with its animalistic and one-of-a-kind appearance, infusing the series with a refreshing visual variety!

You can stream Dragon Ball on Crunchyroll and Funimation.