Why You Should Read The Dragon Ball Super Manga

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Summary

  • The Dragon Ball Super manga is ahead of the anime, preventing spoilers.
  • The manga provides better character development than the anime.
  • Manga offers consistent power scaling and features underutilized transformations.

Upon the resurgence of the beloved “Dragon Ball” series following a significant break with “Dragon Ball Super”, there was an immense wave of excitement amongst viewers, eager to consume fresh content they’d been yearning for. It is well-known that the “Dragon Ball” franchise holds the title as the most renowned anime series in history. The “Dragon Ball Super” animated adaptation garnered a considerable following but elicited a divided response from its audience, with long-term fans and fresh viewers often at odds over its merit.

Dragon Ball Super stands out as one of the rare occasions where the manga could continue the storyline started by the anime, even surpassing it in some aspects. This allows it to benefit from the lessons learned and errors corrected in the anime, resulting in a more coherent, sequential narrative. There are numerous benefits to reading the Dragon Ball Super manga, making it a rewarding experience.

The Manga Is Ahead Of The Anime

There’s No Need To Worry About Spoilers For The Anime

  • Chapter: 87
  • Writer: Akira Toriyama
  • Release Date: August 2022
  • Platforms: Shonen Jump, Viz

In contrast to most anime and manga series where the manga typically follows after the anime, the Dragon Ball Super manga actually started at the same time as the anime and sometimes lagged behind it. However, since the Tournament of Power arc, the anime hasn’t released any new episodes, while the manga has continued the storyline. Except for the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero movie, the manga has moved a few story arcs past the Tournament of Power.

Instead of relying on the Dragon Ball Super anime for updates, opting to read the manga offers a way to steer clear of spoilers. This becomes particularly useful if the anime catches up or airs the Moro and Granolah the Survivor arcs. Additionally, the manga might carry on, as Toyotaro is carrying forward Akira Toriyama’s remarkable legacy.

No Filler In The Manga

Linear Pacing And Storytelling For Those Who Dislike Filler

In many anime adaptations of manga, you’ll find extra episodes that don’t follow the main storyline (often referred to as “filler”). Reactions to these filler episodes vary among fanbases – some enjoy the occasional break for character-focused scenes, while others prefer a more continuous plot progression. The quality of these filler episodes can make all the difference, but in fast-paced action series like Dragon Ball, where viewers eagerly anticipate the next major battle, such filler episodes can feel quite frustrating.

In simpler terms, the manga version of Dragon Ball Super outshines the anime due to its coherent narrative structure. It smoothly transitions from one story arc to another in a chronological order, allowing readers to easily follow along with the storyline without any unwanted interruptions.

Better Character Development

Improves On The Anime’s Notoriously Underwhelming Character Development

  • Chapter: 39
  • Writer: Akira Toriyama
  • Release Date: August 2018
  • Platforms: Shonen Jump, Viz

A common criticism levied against the Dragon Ball Super anime is that the characters tend to be flat and underdeveloped, leaving fans wanting more depth. Additionally, it’s noted that the series often centers heavily on Goku and Vegeta, frequently sidelining other Z fighters such as Gohan, Piccolo, Android 17, and Frieza. Even when these characters do appear, it’s usually during significant arcs like the Tournament of Power. Regarding Goku and Vegeta themselves, they are often the focus, but their personalities can seem one-dimensional, as they mostly prioritize fighting and trying to outdo each other, rather than displaying a broader range of emotions or interests.

In the manga adaptation, instead of primarily focusing on Goku and Vegeta, it explores significant moments for various other characters. Gohan, who often disappoints anime viewers due to his inconsistent training and underutilized fighting potential, shines brightly in the manga, even defeating Kefla – a character that needed Goku’s Ultra Instinct form to conquer in the anime.

Additionally, Jiren, the primary villain of the arc, is more complex and less one-dimensional in the manga compared to his depiction in the anime, where he’s portrayed as a relentless force who seeks ultimate power at any cost, devoid of nuanced character development.

Goku Isn’t An Idiot In The Manga

His Characterization In The Manga Is Noticeably Better

  • Chapter: 50
  • Writer: Akira Toriyama
  • Release: July 2019
  • Platforms: Shonen Jump, Viz

One common criticism leveled against the Dragon Ball Super anime is that the character of Goku has been simplified into a stereotypical bumbling hero, constantly seeking battles and power-ups. He often appears carefree and unserious, even failing to grasp simple concepts like romantic relationships. This portrayal of Goku is quite different from the Goku in Dragon Ball Z, who was depicted as a strategic fighter with strong emotional bonds towards his friends and family.

As a die-hard fan of Dragon Ball Super, let me tell you – the manga version of this epic series really shines! Goku’s character development is truly remarkable, as he becomes not only stronger but also significantly smarter and more serious in comparison to his anime counterpart.

Take, for example, during the Zamasu arc, where Goku demonstrates impressive tactical acumen by strategically retreating and even selflessly saving an unconscious Vegeta! He then boldly pilots the time machine himself to travel back in time when things look grim. That’s some next-level thinking from our beloved Saiyan warrior!

But that’s not all – Goku also takes his fights against Moro, Granolah, and Gas with renewed determination and a clear strategic approach. Facing characters who are undeniably stronger than him, he adopts a calculated plan to gain the upper hand. It’s truly fascinating to witness this new side of the iconic character we all love!

Underutilized Transformations Get A Lot More Screen Time

Transformations Like Super Saiyan God Make More Appearances

In the Dragon Ball series, it’s a recurring theme that stronger transformations usually take precedence over weaker ones. Yet, even though more powerful transformations are present, the weaker ones sometimes get their chance to shine, such as when Goku transformed into his first Super Saiyan form against Kid Buu in Dragon Ball Z to control the Spirit Bomb attack. This isn’t a common occurrence in the Dragon Ball Super anime.

In the anime, we only witness Goku using his Super Saiyan God transformation against Beerus once, apart from that during the Tournament of Power arc, specifically when he faces Dyspo. The manga emphasizes this transformation’s importance, showcasing improved ki control and speed, which come in handy against adversaries like Zamasu, even helping Vegeta to achieve it. Furthermore, this form proves beneficial against Hit’s timeskip attack, a move that would normally catch Super Saiyan Blue Vegeta off guard.

The Manga-Specific Arcs Are Excellent

The Two New Arcs Beyond The Tournament Of Power Are Brilliant Stories

  • Chapter: 60
  • Writer: Akira Toriyama
  • Release: May 2020
  • Platforms: Shonen Jump, Viz

Though the television series of Dragon Ball Super hasn’t progressed beyond the Tournament of Power, the manga version has moved forward with two distinct storylines not yet covered by the anime. These are referred to as the Moro arc and the Granloah the Survivor arc. Both arcs offer captivating standalone narratives, exploring the history of the Kais’ planet, Saiyans, Frieza, and furthering Goku and Vegeta’s individual stories.

It’s uncertain if the “Dragon Ball Super” anime will broadcast these storylines right now, but if not, they’ll only be found in the manga. Just like the manga, the quality of storytelling and pacing in these arcs is top-notch. Notably, even the Z warriors receive recognition during the Moro arc when an evil Sorcerer attacks Earth, prompting the Z warriors to rise up and protect it from his forces.

Power Scaling Is More Consistent

The Manga Scales The Characters’ Powers Much Better

  • Chapter: 60
  • Writer: Akira Toriyama
  • Release: May 2020
  • Platforms: Shonen Jump, Viz

In the anime series “Dragon Ball Super,” viewers often express concerns over the inconsistent distribution of power. It seems that when Goku reaches a dead end, he discovers a new source of strength, making seemingly impossible situations manageable. This pattern leaves some fans feeling let down by certain battles and yearning for more significant roles for characters other than Goku. Vegeta, the sole pure-blooded Saiyan from Universe 7, often takes a back seat to Goku, despite this. Characters from Universe 6 can quickly enhance their power through Super Saiyan transformations, even though they’ve only recently learned about them. Aside from Frieza, most other characters find themselves overshadowed in terms of power when compared to Goku, Vegeta, and the primary antagonist.

In this manga version, there is a balanced distribution of power-ups among characters, ensuring each one gets their fair share. Moreover, it sensibly adjusts the strength of Goku and Vegeta. Additionally, it highlights the importance of learning and mastering special skills that aren’t solely tied to becoming stronger than an opponent. For instance, during the Moro arc, Vegeta acquires the Spirit Fissure ability from the Yardrats.

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2025-08-07 08:35