Dragon Ball Super makes a significant return with the recent release of Chapter 103, titled An Inheritance to the Future, while the world is coping with the loss of Akira Toriyama. This chapter, believed to be a tribute to the late manga creator, marks the end of the Super Hero arc. As the series enters a hiatus, its artist Toyotarou reveals the extensive works of the mangaka made for it, from corrections to the scenario and more.
In an interview posted on Dragon Ball’s official website, translated by the known Dragon Ball enthusiast Todd Blankenship, Toyotarou was asked about his thoughts on finishing the Super Hero arc, which was part of the V Jump magazine’s new issue. Sure, the manga artist had put much effort into finishing this storyline, but he admitted it would never be complete without Toriyama’s help.
The prologue in chapters 88-90 was a story created from the things I wanted to do with Toriyama's corrections. But of course, the scenario for chapters 91-100 with the main plot of the movie and even the epilogue in chapters 101-103 were... written by Toriyama. I added some of the dialogue and plot points, but in general, the content is the dialogue and plot points.
Toyotarou expressed his gratefulness for being able to finish illustrating the series. And with Chapter 103 now released, he wanted everyone to enjoy the end of the Super Hero arc, which he claimed was different from the 2022 movie Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
Will Dragon Ball Super continue after Akira Toriyama’s passing?
With the death of Toriyama, many can't help but worry about the future of Dragon Ball Super. Like the original Dragon Ball manga, the legendary artist created DBS with illustrations by Toyotarou. Now that he’s gone, the much-awaited confirmation fans want to see has finally been revealed in time for the release of Chapter 103.
“To Be Continued,” a phrase that can be read at the end of the manga, which confirms that it will continue despite Toriyama’s passing.
MangaPlus’ website, which features the English release of Dragon Ball Super, has confirmed the manga will indeed go on a hiatus but will return in the May issue of V Jump, which will be released in the US on May 20 and in Japan on May 21. Though it remains to be seen how it will continue or if Toyotarou will do it alone or get the help of a new writing partner, what is important is it will not end abruptly.
What is Dragon Ball Super about?
Written by Toriyama and illustrated by Toyotarou, Dragon Ball Super is set during the timeframe of Dragon Ball. It continues the story of Son Goku and his friends a decade after Majin Boo’s defeat. Its serialization began on V Jump in June 2015 and is simulpublished in English by Viz Media and Shueisha on Manga Plus.
Toei Animation produced its anime adaptation, premiering in July 2015 and ending in March 2018 in Japan. A sequel movie, Dragon Ball Super: Broly, was released in December 2018, followed by Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero in June 2022. Broly earned over $124 million worldwide and became the highest-grossing Dragon Ball film of all time.
You can read the synopsis below:
Having defeated Boo, Goku is starting to get bored with his life on Earth. His wife, Chi-chi, wants him to get a job, but all he wants to do is train and fight stronger enemies. Elsewhere in the universe, the God of Destruction, Beerus, and his attendant Whis are traveling from planet to planet in search of food and entertainment. After blowing up some hapless victims, Beerus is reminded of a man from his dreams with the moniker ‘Super Saiyan God,’ or something like that... The God of Destruction sets his sights on Earth to track down this mysterious man! Maybe this will give Goku something to do?
Though Toriyama is gone, his legacy will continue with the resumption of the Dragon Ball franchise. Nothing is known about the new arc Dragon Ball Super will next feature, but its hiatus is believed to give Toyotarou and everyone working behind the manga ample time to think of which way to go.
