Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero - Is It Canon?
Alright, Dragon Ball fans, let's dive into the big question that's been buzzing around the community: Is Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero canon? It's a question that carries a lot of weight, especially for those of us deeply invested in the Dragon Ball universe. Canon, in this context, essentially means whether the events of the movie are officially part of the main Dragon Ball storyline as recognized by Akira Toriyama and the powers that be at Toei Animation. Understanding the canonicity helps us determine how the events in Super Hero might influence future storylines, character development, and the overall direction of the franchise.
To understand the answer, we need to consider a few things. First off, Akira Toriyama's involvement is crucial. He is, after all, the mastermind behind Dragon Ball. For Super Hero, Toriyama was deeply involved in the movie's story, character designs, and overall creative direction. This level of involvement is a strong indicator of canonicity. Think about it: if the creator himself is shaping the narrative, it's more likely to be considered part of the official timeline. Secondly, we have to look at how the movie aligns with the established canon of Dragon Ball Super. Does it contradict any previously established events, character arcs, or power levels? Or does it seamlessly fit into the ongoing narrative? In most cases, the movies tend to fill in gaps or explore side stories that don't necessarily disrupt the main flow, making them easy to integrate.
Another factor to consider is the movie's reception and integration into other Dragon Ball media. If the events and characters from Super Hero start appearing in the manga, anime series, or even video games, that's a pretty solid sign that it's being treated as canon. For example, if Gohan's new Beast form becomes a recurring transformation in future arcs, it's safe to say Super Hero is officially part of the story. Now, let's get to the point. Yes, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is considered canon. The high level of involvement from Akira Toriyama, the movie's alignment with the existing Dragon Ball Super storyline, and its potential integration into future media all point towards its canonicity. So, you can rest easy knowing that the epic battles and character developments you witnessed in Super Hero are officially part of the Dragon Ball saga.
Analyzing Akira Toriyama's Role
When we talk about whether Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is canon, the spotlight invariably shines on Akira Toriyama's role. Why? Because, at the end of the day, he's the architect of the Dragon Ball universe. His involvement isn't just a casual nod; it's the foundation upon which the story's legitimacy is built. So, let's break down exactly how Toriyama's participation influences the movie's canonicity. Toriyama's involvement in Super Hero goes beyond just a simple credit. He was actively involved in crafting the film's narrative, designing new characters, and overseeing the overall creative direction. This hands-on approach is a significant departure from some earlier Dragon Ball movies, where his input was more limited. For Super Hero, Toriyama essentially co-authored the story, ensuring it aligned with his vision for the Dragon Ball universe.
His direct influence is evident in several key aspects of the movie. First and foremost, the story itself bears the hallmarks of Toriyama's writing style. The blend of humor, action, and character-driven moments is classic Dragon Ball. The plot, which centers around the Red Ribbon Army's resurgence and the creation of powerful new androids, feels like a natural extension of the existing Dragon Ball lore. Toriyama's involvement also extends to the creation of new characters like Gamma 1 and Gamma 2, as well as the redesigns of existing characters like Gohan and Piccolo. These aren't just cosmetic changes; they reflect Toriyama's vision for the characters' evolution and their roles in the story. Gohan's Beast form, in particular, is a testament to Toriyama's creative input, representing a significant power boost and a fresh direction for the character.
Furthermore, Toriyama's involvement helps ensure that Super Hero doesn't contradict any established canon. He has a deep understanding of the Dragon Ball timeline, character power levels, and key events. By actively shaping the story, he can avoid plot holes or inconsistencies that might arise if the movie were developed without his guidance. In essence, Toriyama's role is a stamp of approval. His active participation signals that the events of Super Hero are officially part of the Dragon Ball canon. It's not just a side story or an alternate timeline; it's an integral part of the ongoing narrative. So, when you're wondering whether Super Hero counts, remember that Toriyama's fingerprints are all over it, making it a legitimate and important addition to the Dragon Ball saga. When taking into consideration the canonicity, we must remember the main plot and if it makes sense in the long run. In the event that the plot does not make sense, we must discard the movie, regardless of its artistic value.
Alignment with Dragon Ball Super's Storyline
Another crucial factor in determining whether Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is canon is its alignment with the existing Dragon Ball Super storyline. Does the movie fit seamlessly into the established timeline and character arcs? Or does it create inconsistencies and contradictions that undermine its canonicity? Let's break down how Super Hero aligns with the broader Dragon Ball Super narrative. First off, the movie takes place after the events of the Tournament of Power and the Broly movie. This is important because it establishes a clear timeline. The characters have grown and evolved since those events, and their experiences inform their actions and motivations in Super Hero. For example, Goku and Vegeta are still training with Whis on Beerus's planet, while Gohan and Piccolo have taken on more prominent roles on Earth.
The movie also builds upon existing plot threads and character relationships. The Red Ribbon Army, a classic Dragon Ball antagonist, makes a resurgence, seeking revenge against Goku and his family. This is a natural extension of their previous conflicts and adds depth to the Dragon Ball universe. The movie also explores the dynamics between Gohan and Piccolo, highlighting their close bond and Piccolo's role as Gohan's mentor. These character interactions feel authentic and consistent with their established personalities. Furthermore, Super Hero introduces new elements that could have implications for future storylines. Gohan's Beast form, for example, represents a significant power boost that could play a role in future battles. The movie also hints at the potential for other characters to unlock new transformations or abilities. In terms of power levels, Super Hero generally aligns with the established power scaling of Dragon Ball Super. While Gohan and Piccolo receive significant power boosts, they don't suddenly surpass Goku and Vegeta in terms of overall strength. This maintains a sense of balance and prevents the movie from disrupting the existing power hierarchy.
Overall, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero fits well within the Dragon Ball Super storyline. It builds upon existing plot threads, explores character relationships, and introduces new elements that could shape the future of the franchise. While it does feature some significant power boosts, it doesn't contradict any major events or character arcs. This alignment with the existing storyline is a strong indicator of its canonicity. It suggests that the events of Super Hero are officially part of the Dragon Ball timeline and could have lasting implications for the series as a whole. As Dragon Ball continues to evolve, fans can expect to see the impact of Super Hero woven into the fabric of the story, solidifying its place in the Dragon Ball canon. When analyzing the canonicity, try to find any inconsistencies in the power scaling system, this can break the immersion and give fans a reason to dislike the movie or its canonicity.
Integration into Dragon Ball Media
So, you're still wondering if Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is really canon, huh? Well, let's talk about how the movie is being integrated into other Dragon Ball media. This is where things get really interesting because the more the movie's elements pop up in other areas of the franchise, the more solid its canonicity becomes. Think of it like this: if characters, events, or transformations from Super Hero start showing up in the manga, anime, or video games, it's a pretty clear sign that they're officially part of the Dragon Ball universe.
One of the most obvious ways to gauge integration is to look at the Dragon Ball Super manga. If the manga starts adapting the events of Super Hero or referencing characters and plot points from the movie, that's a huge indicator of canonicity. The manga is generally considered to be a primary source of canon, so any crossover between the movie and the manga is significant. Similarly, if the Dragon Ball Super anime series continues beyond its current hiatus, keep an eye out for any references to Super Hero. If the anime incorporates elements from the movie, it'll be another strong sign that it's considered canon. Beyond the manga and anime, video games are another important area to watch. Dragon Ball games often adapt storylines and characters from various parts of the franchise, including the movies. If games like Dragon Ball FighterZ, Dragon Ball Xenoverse, or Dragon Ball Legends start featuring characters like Gohan (Beast form) or Piccolo (Orange form), or if they adapt storylines from Super Hero, it'll be a clear sign that the movie is being treated as canon.
Moreover, merchandise and promotional materials can also offer clues about a movie's canonicity. If characters and designs from Super Hero are featured prominently in Dragon Ball merchandise, such as figures, clothing, and posters, it suggests that the movie is being actively promoted as part of the official Dragon Ball brand. Now, as of right now, it's still relatively early to see widespread integration of Super Hero into other Dragon Ball media. However, the initial signs are promising. Gohan's Beast form and Piccolo's Orange form have already started appearing in some video games and merchandise, suggesting that they're gaining traction as part of the Dragon Ball canon. As time goes on, we can expect to see even more integration of Super Hero into other areas of the franchise. The more the movie's elements are incorporated into the broader Dragon Ball universe, the more definitively it will be considered canon. So, keep an eye out for these developments – they'll provide valuable clues about the official status of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. Make sure to keep yourself in the loop when it comes to Dragon Ball news, as this is the best approach to know if some media are canon or not. The production team will usually say whether a specific release will be canon or not.
