Does Dragon Ball Super Replace Dragon Ball GT or Z?

The title of Dragon Ball Super may lead some to wonder if it is a reboot or a direct continuation of Dragon Ball GT or Dragon Ball Z. While there are some tantalizing similarities, Dragon Ball Super is more accurately described as a soft reboot of Dragon Ball Z, not a direct replacement for GT. In this article, we will explore the relationship between these iconic series and clarify some common misunderstandings.

Dragon Ball GT: An Alternate Timeline

Dragon Ball GT is often thought of as the successor to Dragon Ball Z, but it's important to understand that GT is an alternate timeline rather than a direct sequel. GT was created by Shueisha and supervised by Toei Animation and Akira Toriyama for character design, but it was not officially canonized by Akira Toriyama. After initial involvement, Toriyama had no further input on the series, except for a few of his own fan art pieces.

GT is considered non-canonical because it takes place five years after the events of Dragon Ball Z and introduces unique storylines and characters that do not connect directly with the main series. This means that if Dragon Ball Super were to continue, it would likely end before the events depicted in GT, allowing the door to remain open for a potential GT revival.

Dragon Ball Super: A Soft Reboot of Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball Super, on the other hand, is a direct continuation of the events of Dragon Ball Z, set after the time skip. It begins immediately after the Super 17 arc, continuing the story arc that was left off at the end of Z. The Dragon Ball Super series takes place in a timeline that is separate from GT and the Z series, making it a distinct canon.

While Dragon Ball Super picks up where Z left off, the series has continued beyond its original conclusion into new story arcs that delve into more complex and interconnected storylines. Importantly, the Dragon Ball Super manga has been ongoing, continuing beyond the Universal Survival arc to include references to events from the Broly movie and the World Eater Moro arc.

Separate Canons and Future Prospects

Both the Dragon Ball Super manga and anime have their own distinct canons. Akira Toriyama provides an outline for each new storyline, giving Shueisha, Toei, and Tohtowa full creative freedom to fill in the blanks. This means that while the manga and anime may occasionally diverge, they are both ultimately canon within their own contexts.

Shueisha and Tohtowa have largely been consistent in not adding filler to the storylines, which helps to maintain a more cohesive narrative. However, it is worth noting that if a storyline appears in both the manga and anime without additions or deletions, it is likely a core part of the canon.

Some fans may also be interested to know that Dragon Ball Heroes, an anime series created to promote video games, introduces a multiverse that combines elements from both Dragon Ball Super and GT. This series, while non-canonical, helps to weave together the different story arcs and lets fans speculate on potential crossover events.

Conclusion

While Dragon Ball Super and Dragon Ball GT share some similarities in their overarching themes and character development, they are not interchangeable or direct continuations. Dragon Ball Super is a soft reboot of Dragon Ball Z, continuing where Z left off and setting its own distinct canon.

FAQs

Is GT Canon?

Dragon Ball GT is not considered canon. It was a unique project created by Shueisha and supervised by Toriyama but never officially sanctioned as part of the main Dragon Ball series.

When Does Dragon Ball Super Take Place?

Dragon Ball Super begins immediately after the time skip in Dragon Ball Z, continuing the story from there. It takes place in a separate timeline from GT, focusing on the events leading up to the Universal Survival arc.

How Does the Manga Differ from the Anime?

While the manga and anime share many storylines, they can sometimes diverge. The manga is generally seen as a more complete and evolving canon, especially since new storylines are being introduced that aren't yet adapted into the anime. Both are considered canon within their own contexts.