Why Was the Beerus vs. Other Gods Battle Not Shown in Dragon Ball Super?

The battle between Beerus, the God of Destruction, and the other Gods of Destruction was not featured in Dragon Ball Super for a variety of reasons. Understanding these decisions provides insight into the unique production process of this adaptation and the creative choices made by both the writers and the animation studio.

The Focus on Main Characters

Focus on Main Story: The primary focus of the anime series Dragon Ball Super is the adventures of main characters Goku, Vegeta, and their allies. Introducing a large-scale battle involving multiple Gods of Destruction would undoubtedly shift the attention away from these central figures and their ongoing journeys. The story arc would need to be carefully balanced to ensure that the main characters' growth and development remain the focus while also exploring new narrative directions.

Narrative Convenience

Narrative Convenience: The series often emphasizes Beerus as a unique and powerful character. Showcasing a battle with other Gods of Destruction might dilute this perception, creating a more complicated narrative landscape. Maintaining a singular focus on Beerus as a distinctive and formidable antagonist helps to build a more compelling story around his interactions with the main characters, such as Goku and Vegeta.

Time Constraints

Time Constraints: Dragon Ball Super, like other anime series, is constrained by a limited number of episodes. Every minute of the show is precious, and including an extensive battle among the Gods of Destruction would come at the expense of developed character arcs and storylines within the existing narrative framework. Focusing on more critical aspects of the main characters' development allows for a deeper exploration of their strengths, weaknesses, and personal growth, which is central to the show's appeal.

Mystique and Intrigue

Mystique and Intrigue: By not showing the battle, the creators maintain an air of mystery and intrigue around the Gods and their powers. This leaves room for speculation and imagination among fans, enhancing the lore of the series. Fans are left to ponder the nature and strength of the other Gods of Destruction, leading to ongoing discussions and debates within the fan community. This aspect of the story helps to keep the audience engaged and invested in the ongoing narrative of Dragon Ball Super.

Potential Future Content

Potential Future Content: The creators might explore the dynamics between the Gods in future content such as movies or spin-offs. This would allow them to delve deeper into the characters and their relationships, providing fans with a more comprehensive understanding of the universe of Dragon Ball. The decision to omit this battle in the anime is likely a strategic choice to keep the focus on the main characters and their journeys, while reserving the opportunity for future, more in-depth explorations of the God of Destruction storyline.

Production Process and Independent Development

Presumably Because Toei Animation Didn’t Think to Have Them Fight: The production process of Dragon Ball Super is unique compared to other Shonen Jump adaptations. Typically, manga comes first, and the anime is a direct adaptation. Dragon Ball Super, however, is produced independently from the manga. Both the anime and manga are guided by story outlines written by the series' original creator, Akira Toriyama, but these outlines are rather general and allow for a high degree of interpretation and embellishment.

The anime and manga often diverge, each independently developing its own narrative. For example, the Goku/Hit battle was embellished differently in the anime and manga. The anime had Goku combine Kaioken and Super Saiyan Blue, while the manga had him use the red-haired Super Saiyan God form before transitioning to Super Saiyan Blue. Similar differences can be observed in the development of other characters and plot points.

The Role of Independent Production: The anime has consistently been ahead of the manga, leading to situations where elements from the anime influence the manga. Transformations like Kale's Broly-esque transformation and Trunks' Super Saiyan Rage originate from the anime, while some elements in the manga, like Kale's Power Tree, are likely responses to developments in the anime. This interplay between the two versions suggests a mutually influential production process, where both the anime and manga evolve independently yet in response to each other.

Conclusion

The decision to exclude the Beerus vs. Other Gods battle from Dragon Ball Super is a strategic one, rooted in narrative convenience, production independence, and the overarching goal of maintaining a compelling focus on the main characters. This approach allows for a dynamic and engaging storytelling experience, leaving room for future explorations of the rich and complex universe of Dragon Ball.