Dragon Ball has been a significant part of the lives of fans for over four decades. While the franchise boasts glorious moments, it has also faced its share of challenges that provoke substantial debate. Among the more contentious topics is the perception that the latest arc in Dragon Ball Super missed the mark. This sentiment resonates deeply with fans who believe that not only was the storytelling flawed, but that the surrounding circumstances contributed to this perception.
The final saga that didn’t feel like a conclusion
After enjoying a robust narrative trajectory, highlighted by arcs such as the Galactic Prisoner and the Granolah saga, many felt that Dragon Ball Super was hitting its stride. Characters like Ultra Ego Vegeta and a refined Goku embracing Ultra Instinct captivated audiences, while the looming threat of Black Freezer raised expectations. Yet, the decision to adapt the film Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero shifted the focus dramatically. The result was over a year spent rehashing a narrative already known to fans, stretching scenes and sidelining characters who previously held more significant roles. This left many questioning the direction of the franchise.
Goku and Vegeta: absent in action
If fans hoped to witness their heroes Goku and Vegeta in action, disappointment awaited them. These iconic characters were nearly absent throughout this saga, with the narrative shifting its focus to Gohan and Piccolo. This change, although valid considering the film’s vision, felt like a misstep for a concluding arc. Audiences who were eager to see the aftermath of Black Freezer were instead met with an expanded version of an already familiar story. The anticlimactic nature of this choice was particularly poignant, as it coincided with a pause that followed the death of the franchise’s creator.
A conclusion that lacked finality
The superhero saga did not provide any closure to ongoing storylines. Questions about Freezer’s fate and the future of Universe 6 were left unanswered. Even the prospect of Goku facing Jiren again faded away. The absence of significant plot twists or revelations made the entire sequence feel like official filler material, leaving many dissatisfied. The transition from a compelling narrative to a retread of past events felt like a letdown for fans who had invested so much in the series.
So, what’s wrong with adapting a film into a series? In theory, nothing at all. The challenge arises when the adaptation takes more than a year, particularly when the original story remains unresolved. Compounding the issue was the loss of the franchise’s guiding force, creating a vacuum that left fans grappling with uncertainty over the future of their beloved universe. This situation raises intriguing questions about the evolution and longevity of such a cherished saga.
Reflecting on Dragon Ball evokes a mixture of nostalgia and contemplation. For generations, it has not just been a franchise but a part of cultural fabric. Each new chapter elicits hope and excitement, yet recent developments prompt fans to wonder where the story is headed next. What can be gleaned from these peaks and valleys in storytelling? Whether chapter by chapter, saga by saga, the journey of Dragon Ball persists, lingering in the hearts of many while inviting further exploration. Fans are left to ponder the next adventure, longing for the same depth and engagement that made them fall in love with the series in the first place.
