Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero – Canon Or Non-Canon?
Hey Dragon Ball fans! The big question on everyone's mind after watching Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is: Is it canon?* This is super important, right? We want to know if what we're seeing actually matters to the overall story of Goku and the gang. So, let's dive into the details, break down what makes something canon, and figure out where this awesome movie fits in the Dragon Ball universe. Understanding the canon status helps us understand the true continuity of the story and how it might affect future arcs and character developments.
When we talk about canon, we're basically asking if the story aligns with the established facts and timelines set by the original creator. In the Dragon Ball world, that's Akira Toriyama. Canon material is what officially happened in the Dragon Ball saga. Events, characters, and plot points within the canon directly impact the overarching narrative. This is why knowing whether Super Hero is canon matters—it tells us if these events will be referenced and built upon in future installments. It ensures that the power-scaling, character arcs, and story elements are consistent with the rest of the series.
So, how do we determine if Super Hero makes the cut? The involvement of Akira Toriyama is a major clue. Toriyama’s influence on the movie's story, character designs, and overall plot suggests a strong likelihood of canonicity. However, it's not just about his involvement; it's about how well the movie integrates with the existing Dragon Ball Super narrative. Does it contradict anything previously established? Does it enhance or expand upon existing storylines in a meaningful way? These are crucial questions to consider when deciding its place in the canon. Essentially, a canon movie should enrich the overall Dragon Ball experience without causing any major plot holes or inconsistencies. This ensures that fans can trust the story and its direction moving forward.
Evidence for Canonicity
Let’s explore the clues that Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is indeed part of the official timeline.
Akira Toriyama's Involvement
Akira Toriyama’s heavy involvement is a HUGE indicator. He’s not just giving a nod; he's actively shaping the story. He designed the new characters, like Gamma 1 and Gamma 2, and he oversaw the plot development. This level of input suggests that Toriyama views the events of Super Hero as important to the Dragon Ball Super narrative. This means the characters introduced, the power-ups achieved, and the overall storyline are likely to influence future arcs in the series. His active participation ensures that the movie aligns with his vision for the Dragon Ball universe, making its canonicity highly probable.
Toriyama's creative oversight ensures that Super Hero maintains the essence of Dragon Ball, from its humor and action to its underlying themes. His involvement guarantees that the movie doesn't stray too far from the established lore and character dynamics. For fans, this provides assurance that the movie is a genuine continuation of the story they love. His deep understanding of the Dragon Ball universe allows him to weave new elements into the narrative seamlessly. This integration is crucial for maintaining the consistency and integrity of the franchise. With Toriyama at the helm, Super Hero stands a much stronger chance of being a significant and lasting part of the Dragon Ball canon.
Continuity with Dragon Ball Super
The movie slots nicely into the Dragon Ball Super timeline. It takes place after the Tournament of Power and the Broly movie, fitting into the established continuity. The characters' power levels and relationships are consistent with what we've seen before. This seamless integration is a strong argument for its canonical status. The events in Super Hero don't contradict anything previously established. Instead, they build upon existing storylines and character arcs. The film expands on the themes of legacy and the next generation. It shows how characters like Gohan and Piccolo have grown since the end of Dragon Ball Z. This continuity ensures that the movie feels like a natural extension of the Dragon Ball Super series.
The seamless integration also extends to the visual and thematic elements of the movie. The animation style and character designs are consistent with the Dragon Ball Super aesthetic. The humor and action sequences are also in line with what fans have come to expect from the series. This consistency helps to create a cohesive viewing experience. The viewers don't feel as though they're watching something separate from the main storyline. Instead, Super Hero feels like an important chapter in the ongoing saga of Goku and his friends. This makes it easier for fans to accept the movie as a legitimate part of the Dragon Ball canon.
Character Development
Super Hero gives major focus to Gohan and Piccolo. This focus signifies their importance in the ongoing narrative. Gohan achieves a new form, Gohan Beast, and Piccolo gets his own power-up, Orange Piccolo. These developments suggest that these characters will play significant roles in future storylines. These transformations are not just random power boosts. They represent a deepening of their character arcs and a commitment to protecting Earth. Gohan's Beast form, in particular, shows his potential to surpass even Goku and Vegeta in power. This emphasis on character growth and evolution indicates that the movie's events will have lasting consequences.
The character development in Super Hero also helps to flesh out the relationships between the characters. The strong bond between Gohan and Piccolo is highlighted. It underscores the importance of mentorship and familial connections. Piccolo's dedication to Gohan's growth and well-being is a central theme. This highlights the emotional depth of the Dragon Ball universe. These character-driven moments add weight to the action sequences and provide a more satisfying viewing experience. The focus on character development reinforces the idea that Super Hero is a meaningful addition to the Dragon Ball canon.
Possible Counterarguments
Of course, some fans might argue against the canonicity of Super Hero. Let's look at some potential points of contention.
Movie vs. Main Series
Some argue that movies in the Dragon Ball franchise are often self-contained stories that don't necessarily impact the main series. While this has been true for some past movies, Super Hero feels different due to Toriyama's heavy involvement and the clear placement within the Dragon Ball Super timeline. The movie doesn't feel like a side story. Instead, it feels like an integral part of the ongoing narrative. The character developments and plot points in Super Hero are too significant to be ignored. They will likely be referenced and built upon in future installments. This distinguishes Super Hero from previous Dragon Ball movies that were more self-contained and less connected to the main series.
Moreover, the movie's success and popularity have solidified its place in the hearts of fans. The positive reception and critical acclaim have made it more likely that the events of Super Hero will be acknowledged and incorporated into the broader Dragon Ball universe. The demand for more Gohan and Piccolo-focused storylines will likely influence future decisions. This will make it harder for the creators to ignore the impact of the movie. The movie's integration into the Dragon Ball Super timeline and its positive reception make it a strong contender for canon status.
Animation Style
The CGI animation style in Super Hero was a departure from the traditional 2D animation. Some fans might see this as a reason to consider it separate from the main canon. However, animation style doesn't dictate canonicity. The story, characters, and consistency with the established timeline are more important factors. While the CGI animation may have been a point of contention for some fans, it doesn't diminish the significance of the story and character developments in the movie. The animation style is simply a stylistic choice that doesn't impact the canonicity of the film.
Furthermore, the Dragon Ball franchise has experimented with different animation styles over the years. The transition to CGI in Super Hero can be seen as another step in the evolution of the series. The goal of the animation was to enhance the action sequences and bring the characters to life in a new way. While it may not be everyone's favorite style, it doesn't detract from the overall quality of the movie. The focus should be on the story and character development, which are both strong elements of Super Hero. The animation style is a matter of personal preference and shouldn't be used as a basis for determining canonicity.
Final Verdict
So, is Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero canon? Based on the evidence, it's highly likely. Akira Toriyama's significant involvement, the movie's placement within the Dragon Ball Super timeline, and the important character developments all point towards its canonicity. While some minor arguments could be made against it, the overall weight of evidence supports its place in the official Dragon Ball story.
What does this mean for us fans? It means Gohan Beast and Orange Piccolo are here to stay! These new forms and power-ups will likely play a role in future arcs. The events of Super Hero will shape the Dragon Ball universe moving forward. We can expect to see these characters and storylines referenced in future installments. The movie's canonicity ensures that the Dragon Ball story continues to evolve. It will bring new and exciting developments for fans to enjoy. So, get ready for more epic battles and adventures with Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, Piccolo, and the rest of the Z Fighters!
In conclusion, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is more than just a fun movie. It's a significant chapter in the ongoing saga of Dragon Ball. Its canonicity is supported by strong evidence. This makes it an important addition to the franchise. So, embrace the new characters, the power-ups, and the storyline. Know that they will likely shape the future of Dragon Ball for years to come. Get hyped, Dragon Ball fans!
