Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero: Is It Canon?

So, you're wondering about Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero and whether it actually counts in the grand scheme of the Dragon Ball universe, right? It's a valid question, especially with all the different storylines, movies, and continuities floating around. Let's dive deep and break down the canonicity of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero and what it means for the future of our favorite Z Fighters.

Understanding Canon in Dragon Ball

Before we get into the specifics of Super Hero, it's crucial to understand what "canon" even means in the context of Dragon Ball. Unlike some franchises with strictly defined rules, Dragon Ball's canon has always been a bit...flexible. Generally, canon refers to the events and stories that are officially part of the main, continuous narrative. In Dragon Ball, this primarily includes Akira Toriyama's original manga, the Dragon Ball Z anime adaptation, and Dragon Ball Super. However, even within these, there are slight discrepancies and adaptations that can blur the lines.

Movies, in particular, have often existed in a semi-canon state. Some elements might be referenced in the main storyline, but the movies themselves aren't always considered strictly part of the official timeline. This is where Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero comes in. To determine its canonicity, we need to look at Toriyama's involvement, its placement in the timeline, and how it aligns with the broader Dragon Ball Super narrative.

Toriyama's Involvement: Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, is heavily involved in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. He's credited with the original story, screenplay, and character designs. This level of involvement is a strong indicator of canonicity. When Toriyama is actively shaping the story, it's generally considered part of the main timeline. His direct input ensures that the movie aligns with his vision for the Dragon Ball universe, making it more than just a side story. Think of it like this: if the creator is steering the ship, it's probably heading in the right direction for the official storyline.

Timeline Placement: Super Hero takes place after the events of Dragon Ball Super: Broly and the Moro Arc in the Dragon Ball Super manga. This placement is significant because it acknowledges the ongoing progression of the main storyline. The movie builds upon established events and character developments, fitting seamlessly into the existing narrative. By positioning itself after these key events, Super Hero avoids contradicting established canon and instead enriches it. It's like adding another chapter to an already unfolding story, rather than creating a separate, unrelated tale.

Alignment with Dragon Ball Super Narrative: The movie's themes, character arcs, and plot points align well with the overall Dragon Ball Super narrative. It focuses on character development, particularly for Gohan and Piccolo, and introduces new threats that fit within the power scaling and cosmic scope of the Dragon Ball Super universe. The transformations, the villains, and the stakes all feel like a natural extension of what we've seen in the Super series. This consistency is crucial for maintaining a cohesive and believable canon. It ensures that Super Hero feels like a legitimate part of the Dragon Ball saga, not just a standalone adventure.

Arguments for Canon

• Creator's Stamp of Approval: Akira Toriyama's significant involvement strongly suggests it's canon. He wrote the original story and was deeply involved in the movie's production.
• Timeline Fit: The movie is set after the Broly movie and the Moro arc, fitting into the established timeline.
• Consistent Themes: It aligns with the themes and power scaling of Dragon Ball Super.
• Character Development: Gohan and Piccolo get significant development, impacting their roles in the ongoing story. This isn't just a random adventure; it changes things.

Arguments Against Strict Canon

Okay, so what might make someone hesitate to call it 100% canon? Well...

• Movie Medium: Movies have traditionally been considered secondary to the main manga/anime storyline.
• Minor Contradictions: There might be small inconsistencies with established lore, as often happens with Dragon Ball. These are usually minor and can be hand-waved away, but they exist.

Even with these points, the overwhelming evidence leans towards Super Hero being a fully canon entry in the Dragon Ball saga. The inconsistencies are minor, and the level of Toriyama's involvement is undeniable.

Why Does Canon Matter?

You might be thinking, "Why does it even matter if it's canon or not?" Well, for many fans, it's about the integrity and consistency of the story. Knowing that something is canon means it actually happened in the main timeline and can have lasting consequences. It affects how we view the characters, their relationships, and the overall direction of the story. Canon provides a sense of continuity and allows fans to invest in the narrative with confidence, knowing that their favorite moments and character developments are meaningful and enduring.

Think of it like this: if a major event is declared non-canon, it's like it never happened. Characters might revert to earlier states, relationships might reset, and the overall impact on the story is diminished. Canon provides a framework for understanding the world and its characters, and it allows us to appreciate the long-term consequences of their actions. Without a clear sense of canon, the story can feel disjointed and inconsistent, making it harder to fully immerse ourselves in the Dragon Ball universe.

The Verdict: Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero IS Canon!

Given Toriyama's heavy involvement and the movie's seamless integration into the Dragon Ball Super timeline, it's safe to say that Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is indeed canon. It's more than just a fun side story; it's a legitimate continuation of the main narrative. This means the events, character developments, and new transformations we see in the movie actually happened and will likely influence future storylines. So, you can rest easy knowing that Gohan's Beast form and Piccolo's Orange form are here to stay (probably).

This also means we can expect references to the movie in future Dragon Ball Super content, whether it's in the manga, anime, or even future movies. The characters might mention events from the movie, new villains might emerge as a result of the movie's events, and the overall story might be shaped by the changes introduced in Super Hero. This interconnectedness is what makes canon so important, as it creates a sense of continuity and allows the story to evolve in a meaningful way.

What This Means for the Future

The canonicity of Super Hero opens up exciting possibilities for the future of Dragon Ball. It solidifies Gohan and Piccolo's newfound power and relevance, potentially leading to them playing even bigger roles in upcoming arcs. We might see them training even further, developing new techniques, and facing even greater threats. The movie also introduces new characters and concepts that could be explored in more detail, enriching the Dragon Ball universe and providing fresh storylines for fans to enjoy.

Moreover, the success of Super Hero could influence the way future Dragon Ball content is created. The positive reception to the movie's animation style, character development, and overall story could encourage the creators to continue pushing the boundaries of the franchise, experimenting with new ideas and approaches. This could lead to even more innovative and exciting content in the years to come, ensuring that Dragon Ball remains a relevant and engaging franchise for generations of fans.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, folks! Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is officially part of the main story. Embrace it, enjoy it, and get ready for whatever crazy adventures await our heroes next! The Dragon Ball saga continues to evolve, and Super Hero is a testament to its enduring appeal and creative potential. Keep training, stay strong, and remember: the power to protect what's important lies within!

Now, go forth and debate this endlessly with your friends! Just kidding... mostly. But seriously, enjoy the movie and the ongoing saga of Dragon Ball Super!