The Dragon Ball series, which began in 1989, has grown into a vast universe, bringing in intriguing characters such as Hit and Jiren. After the Tournament of Power arc ended, there has been a lack of new canonical anime. However, with the upcoming release of Dragon-Ball Daima in October 2024, fans are eagerly awaiting new developments.
The dearth of recent canonical content has led to a strong desire among fans for spin-offs that delve into the untold stories of other beloved characters in the expansive Dragon Ball universe.
Disclaimer: This article contains minor spoilers for the Dragon Ball series. Parts of the article reflect the writer's opinion.
Dragon Ball: The franchise needs a better exploration
With its rich lore and diverse cast, Dragon Ball has ignited a desire among fans for a Marvel Cinematic Universe-style expansion. This longing has gained traction, especially with recent developments in the Dragon Ball Super manga, where certain story arcs, such as Granolah and Moro, received lukewarm reception.
Critics and fans alike have expressed disappointment in the recent storyline, which involved the adaptation of the Super Hero movie and the reintroduction of Gohan's character, showcasing a new transformation known as the Gohan Beast form.
The recent storyline of the Super Hero movie has left many feeling let down, especially with the reintroduction of Gohan's character and the new Gohan Beast form.
The announcement of Dragon-Ball Daima has sparked controversy among fans, creating a divide within the fandom. However, anticipation for the series has grown with the news that it will feature an opening theme sung by the famous Japanese actor and singer Hiroki Takahashi, known for his iconic contribution to the very first opening of the series, Makafushigi Adventure!
Dragon Ball, which first debuted in 1989, has expanded into a complex and expansive universe, incorporating numerous universes and different iterations of the powerful Supersaiyan characters. The introduction of figures such as Jiren, Hit, Future Trunks, the formidable Pride Troopers, and the enigmatic tales surrounding the Nameks and the Super Saiyan god Yamoshi have sparked intense speculation and captivated the curiosity of devoted fans.
Fans are seeking a more cohesive and organized storytelling approach for this expansive universe, inspired by the successful model of the MCU. There is a growing momentum for a greater universe centered around this franchise, with fans proposing a roadmap or phases similar to the MCU. This would focus on various characters and plot points introduced throughout the series.
Fans of the series draw parallels with the diverse roadmap of the MCU, which delves into individual character stories such as Spider-Man in movies and series like Loki to explore different aspects of characters and overarching plots. They believe that such an approach would bring depth and richness to the narrative.
Many fans are pushing for spin-offs that focus on individual characters, and grown-up Gohan is often proposed as a strong candidate. This idea reflects the view that the Dragon Ball series has evolved beyond just Goku and Vegeta. Narrowing the focus to these two main characters could restrict the immense opportunities that this expansive universe presents.
Final Thoughts
Additionally, supporters suggest delving into the stories of characters such as Hit or the Pride Troopers in their own dedicated series. They argue that this would not only add variety to the storytelling, but also give Akira Toriyama, the creator of the series, the time needed to carefully plan and develop the main storyline without rushing through important plot points.
Rumblings of a Dragon-Ball Cinematic Universe grow louder as fans express worries about recent manga storylines. Dragon Ball Daima, taking place after the Majin Buu saga, hints at an exciting plot, with more information set to drop on January 28, 2024.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I'm excited about the potential for a Dragon Ball MCU-inspired universe. The series has such a rich history and diverse cast of characters that it's a shame not to explore them more deeply. I think spin-offs that focus on individual characters or groups, like Hit or the Pride Troopers, would be a great way to add variety to the storytelling and give fans a chance to learn more about their favorite characters.
I also think it would be beneficial for the series to take a more cohesive and organized approach to storytelling, similar to the MCU. This would help to create a more immersive and interconnected universe that fans can really get invested in. Overall, I believe that embracing an MCU-inspired universe could be a great way to revitalize the Dragon Ball series and bring it to new heights.