Dragon Ball Super, a series brought to life by Toei Animation and the creative genius of Akira Toriyama, debuted on July 5th, 2015. Serving as a sequel to the iconic Dragon Ball Z, this series continues the legacy of its predecessor by following Goku and the Z Fighters on new adventures filled with fresh enemies and challenges.
With a total of 131 episodes, Dragon Ball Super had its fair
share of highs and lows. Initially, the series faced challenges with rushed
production schedules, resulting in episodes with subpar animation and uneven
writing. However, as the series progressed, it found its footing and delivered
moments that rivaled the greatness of its predecessors.
Let's delve into each saga individually to provide a
comprehensive overview of Dragon Ball Super:
Dragon Ball Super: A Comprehensive Review
Battle of Gods Saga
The Battle of Gods Saga, spanning the initial 14 episodes of Dragon Ball Super, serves as a reimagining of the acclaimed film Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods. While it endeavors to delve deeper into certain plot elements and offers a slightly altered narrative from its cinematic counterpart, the saga ultimately falls short in delivering significant novelty.
In essence, the Battle of Gods Saga struggles to carve out its own identity, as it remains largely tethered to the storyline of the original film. While it does provide some additional context and explores certain plot points in greater detail, it fails to introduce substantial new content that distinguishes it from its cinematic predecessor.
Critically speaking, the Battle of Gods Saga emerges as one of the weaker arcs within the series. Its reliance on retelling an existing story diminishes its impact, resulting in a lack of excitement and anticipation among viewers. Some may even find themselves questioning the necessity of these episodes, considering that the film adequately covers the essential plot points required for the series.
In hindsight, one might contemplate bypassing these 14 episodes altogether and opting for the cinematic experience, which encapsulates the core essence of the Battle of Gods storyline more efficiently. While the saga contributes to the overarching narrative of Dragon Ball Super, its execution leaves much to be desired, relegating it to a relatively forgettable segment within the series.
Rating: 2/5
Resurrection F’ Saga
The Resurrection F’ Saga, inspired by the events of the Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F’ film, marks another instance of Dragon Ball Super revisiting familiar territory. Unfortunately, akin to its predecessor, the Battle of Gods arc, this saga fails to deliver a truly captivating experience.
Much like its predecessor, the Resurrection F’ Saga suffers from several shortcomings, including subpar animation quality and a plotline that feels recycled. While it attempts to expand upon certain aspects of the Resurrection F’ narrative, the overall execution falls short of igniting the same level of excitement and engagement seen in earlier installments of the Dragon Ball franchise.
The saga's reliance on retelling a story already depicted in a feature film inhibits its ability to stand out as a unique and compelling arc within Dragon Ball Super. Despite the potential for additional character development and narrative depth, the series struggles to capitalize on these opportunities, resulting in a saga that feels lackluster and uninspired.
While there may be certain elements of the Resurrection F’ Saga that benefit from the extended episode format, such as exploring character motivations or expanding upon key plot points, these moments are overshadowed by the saga's overall mediocrity. Ultimately, the saga's contribution to the series is modest at best, failing to leave a lasting impression on audiences.
In summary, while the Resurrection F’ Saga may have its moments, it ultimately falls short of recapturing the magic of Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z. Hindered by its recycled plotline and lackluster execution, the saga struggles to find its footing and fails to resonate with viewers in the same way as its predecessors.
Rating: 2.5/5
Universe 6 Saga
The Universe 6 Saga of Dragon Ball Super marked a turning point for the series, offering a fresh and original storyline outlined by the legendary Akira Toriyama. With improved animation quality, this saga allowed Dragon Ball Super to finally come into its own and embrace its unique identity.
In this saga, Goku and Vegeta embark on a journey to further hone their skills under the guidance of the Gods of Universe 7. However, their training takes an unexpected turn when Universe 6 and Universe 7 are pitted against each other in a high-stakes tournament for control of Goku’s Earth. This tournament sets the stage for thrilling battles and introduces audiences to a host of new characters from Universe 6, including Champa, Hit, and Cabba.
One of the highlights of the saga is the intense showdown between Goku and Hit, two formidable warriors battling at the peak of their powers. The tournament arc is filled with exhilarating action sequences and compelling character dynamics, making it a standout moment in Dragon Ball Super.
Overall, the Universe 6 Saga is a refreshing departure from the retellings of previous arcs, offering a dynamic and engaging storyline that propels the Dragon Ball franchise in a new direction. With its captivating plot twists and memorable character development, this saga revitalized the series and laid the foundation for future adventures in the Dragon Ball universe.
Rating: 3.5/5
Future Trunks Saga
The Future Trunks Saga stands out as the pinnacle of Dragon Ball Super, delivering a captivating storyline filled with incredible animation and unforgettable characters. This saga, in my opinion, represents classic Dragon Ball at its finest.
At the heart of the saga is Future Trunks, a character last seen in the Cell Saga of Dragon Ball Z, who finds himself facing a grave threat in the form of Goku Black. Trunks is forced to travel back in time to seek the assistance of his old allies, setting off a chain of events that unravel the mystery surrounding Goku Black and his origins.
One of the most compelling aspects of this saga is the introduction of Goku Black, arguably one of the greatest villains in Dragon Ball history. His menacing presence and complex motivations add depth to the story, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with each new revelation. Additionally, the saga delves into the character development of Goku, Vegeta, and Trunks, showcasing their growth and resilience in the face of adversity.
The Future Trunks Saga is also notable for its breathtaking fight scenes and dynamic choreography, which are brought to life with stunning animation. From epic battles to heart-pounding showdowns, each encounter is meticulously crafted to keep audiences engaged and immersed in the action.
Furthermore, the saga strikes a perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation, paying homage to past moments while also forging ahead with new and exciting storylines. It seamlessly integrates fan service with fresh ideas, creating an experience that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
In summary, the Future Trunks Saga solidifies Dragon Ball Super's place alongside its predecessors, Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z. Through its gripping plot, memorable characters, and thrilling action sequences, this saga elevates the series to new heights and leaves a lasting impact on fans around the world.
Rating: 4.5/5
Universe Survival Saga
The Universe Survival Saga marks the epic conclusion of Dragon Ball Super, offering a thrilling narrative that brings together the multiverse's mightiest warriors in an epic showdown for survival. As the final saga of the series, it encapsulates the culmination of storylines set in motion since the Battle of Gods Saga, showcasing the series at its peak.
One of the standout features of the Universe Survival Saga is its breathtaking animation, which sets a new standard for the series. Led by acclaimed animators like Yuya Takahashi, the saga boasts stunning visuals that captivate viewers from start to finish, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
At the heart of the saga is the Tournament of Power, a monumental event hosted by the powerful beings known as Zeno. Drawing fighters from across the multiverse, the tournament serves as the ultimate test of strength and endurance, with the fate of entire universes hanging in the balance. Goku, the series' protagonist, assembles a formidable team comprising iconic characters from Dragon Ball history, including Vegeta, Gohan, Krillin, Android 17, Android 18, Piccolo, Tien, Master Roshi, and even the notorious Frieza.
Throughout the tournament, the saga delivers unforgettable character moments and nods to past arcs, paying homage to the rich history of the Dragon Ball franchise while introducing new and engaging characters from diverse universes. The clash of personalities and fighting styles adds depth to the narrative, keeping audiences invested in the outcome of each battle.
As the stakes escalate, Goku achieves a new level of power known as Ultra Instinct, granting him unparalleled mastery over his body and elevating him to near invincibility. The showdown between Goku and Jiren, the strongest mortal fighter in Dragon Ball history, serves as the ultimate climax of the saga, delivering a battle of titans that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats.
In the end, Universes 7 and 11 emerge as the final contenders, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown between Goku and Jiren. The saga concludes with a spectacular finale, showcasing the series' signature blend of action, emotion, and epic storytelling.
Overall, the Universe Survival Saga represents the pinnacle of Dragon Ball Super, delivering a satisfying conclusion that leaves a lasting impact on fans. With its compelling narrative, dynamic characters, and breathtaking battles, this saga solidifies Dragon Ball Super's legacy as a true masterpiece of the anime genre.
Rating: 4/5
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dragon Ball Super is a worthy addition to the
Dragon Ball franchise. While it had its challenges initially, the series found
its stride and delivered compelling narratives, dynamic characters, and
exhilarating action sequences. With the promise of future films and series, the
legacy of Dragon Ball continues to thrive, thanks to Dragon Ball Super's
contributions.
Final Rating: 4/5
Dragon Ball Super holds a special place in the hearts of
fans, standing shoulder to shoulder with its predecessors, Dragon Ball and
Dragon Ball Z. As we eagerly anticipate the future of the franchise, Dragon
Ball Super remains a testament to the enduring appeal of Akira Toriyama's
iconic creation.
Read more: Review Anime Dragon Ball Super: A New Saga
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