The future of *Dragon Ball* appears more uncertain than ever. Following the conclusion of the anime *Dragon Ball Daima* and a lengthy hiatus for the manga *Dragon Ball Super*, fans are left pondering the whereabouts of Goku, Vegeta, and the other Z-Fighters. Adding to the speculation is a recent announcement that raises further questions.
Toyotaro Moves On
In a surprising turn of events, Toyotaro, the designated artistic successor of the franchise, has announced the launch of a brand new manga. The news was shared by Toyotaro himself at the Japan Expo in Paris, alongside Kazuhiko Torishima, a renowned manga editor and historical figure in the *Dragon Ball* saga.
This new project is set to be a completely original manga, separate from the *Dragon Ball* universe. The announcement is clear: it is neither a sequel nor a spin-off, but something entirely new. However, Toyotaro has remained tight-lipped about further details.
What’s at Stake for Goku?
For several years, Toyotaro has played a pivotal role in *Dragon Ball Super*, illustrating and co-writing significant story arcs in collaboration with Akira Toriyama. He has introduced major storylines such as the Moro arc, Granolah saga, and the Heaters, earning the respect of many fans as Toriyama’s legitimate successor.
However, with this new undertaking, priorities will inevitably shift. Toyotaro cannot juggle multiple projects simultaneously; creating an original work demands substantial time, focus, and commitment, which suggests that Goku’s return to the manga is unlikely in the near future.
This development comes at a time when the *Dragon Ball* franchise is already facing challenges. The manga has been on pause since the release of the tribute chapter to Toriyama, and the anime *Dragon Ball Super* has yet to resume following the conclusion of the Tournament of Power. Additionally, arcs like Moro and Granolah remain unadapted for television, and no major animated projects have been confirmed, aside from the already-completed *Dragon Ball Daima*.
Meanwhile, Toei Animation is directing its resources toward *One Piece*, focusing on the Egghead arc and *One Piece: Red*, pushing Goku further into the background despite his enduring fanbase.
A Shift Post-Toriyama
The passing of Akira Toriyama in 2024 profoundly impacted the manga world, and his influence was felt in every chapter and scene. Since then, fans have anticipated Toyotaro stepping seamlessly into the role of lead creator, but this new project alters that trajectory.
By developing an original manga, Toyotaro appears to be asserting his own identity, distancing himself from merely being labeled as “the artist of *Dragon Ball Super*.”
It is noteworthy that Shueisha, the publisher, has expressed a commitment to keeping *Dragon Ball* alive for “decades to come.” Yet, without Toyotaro at the helm and with no active anime, the franchise’s future remains unclear. It’s possible that a new team may take over the manga, or that Toyotaro could return once his new project is complete. Regardless, the likelihood of an extended hiatus for the franchise resembles the period between *Dragon Ball GT* and *Super*.
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