Dragon Ball Super and Its Place in the Canon: Exploring Continuity and Contradictions

The status of Dragon Ball Super as a canonical continuation of Dragon Ball Z has been a subject of debate among fans, primarily due to numerous contradictions and character arc changes. This article explores key points to help understand how Dragon Ball Super fits into the overarching canon.

Official Continuation

Dragon Ball Super is officially produced by Akira Toriyama and Toei Animation, making it a direct sequel to Dragon Ball Z. This official production aligns the series with officially established canon, taking place after the Majin Buu Saga and preceding the conclusion of Dragon Ball Z.

Different Narrative Focus

A significant change in Dragon Ball Super is its shift in narrative focus. While Dragon Ball Z is known for its intense battles, Super places more emphasis on world-building, character development, and exploration of new universes. This broader narrative approach can lead to inconsistencies, as it potentially prioritizes new story elements over established lore.

Retconning Events

Some events from Dragon Ball Z are reinterpreted or retconned in Dragon Ball Super. Notable examples include the introduction of characters such as Beerus and the concept of Super Saiyan God, which alter the previously understood lore of Saiyan transformations and power scaling. These changes can create contradictions but also reflect the evolution and new challenges faced by characters like Vegeta and Goku.

Character Development

The development of characters in Dragon Ball Super differs significantly from Dragon Ball Z. Characters such as Vegeta and Goku exhibit different levels of maturity and power in Super compared to their portrayals in Z. This can create contradictions but also highlights their growth and the new challenges they face.

Different Timelines and Universes

Dragon Ball Super introduces the concept of multiple universes, allowing for alternative interpretations of character backgrounds and events that may not align perfectly with Dragon Ball Z. This new timeline and universe concept expand the Dragon Ball universe in interesting and varied ways.

Fan Interpretation

Many fans view Dragon Ball Super as a continuation that expands upon Dragon Ball Z. However, others see it as a separate narrative altogether. This subjective interpretation can lead to differing opinions on what constitutes the Dragon Ball canon. Some fans may choose to incorporate Super into their existing canon, while others may treat it separately.

In summary, while Dragon Ball Super does have contradictions with Dragon Ball Z, it is still considered canonical due to its official production and its role as a sequel. The differences can be attributed to narrative choices, character development, and the introduction of new concepts that further expand the Dragon Ball universe.

Keywords: Dragon Ball Super, Dragon Ball Z, Canon Continuity