Dragon Ball Super returns! Explore its highs, lows, and the animation issues that divided fans. Can the new series meet the legendary franchise's standards?
- March 18, 2026
AceShowbiz - Dragon Ball Super revitalized the beloved franchise after many fans thought it had reached its end. While the series brought fresh energy and excitement to the Dragon Ball universe, some parts of the anime did not meet the high standards set by its predecessors. Known for its iconic status within the sh?nen genre, the Dragon Ball franchise is almost flawless, making any missteps easy to spot. Despite being one of the greatest anime series ever created, certain moments in Dragon Ball Super felt out of place and difficult to justify. One of the most commonly criticized aspects was the inconsistent and sometimes poor animation quality. Now that the series is set to return, Toei Animation has an opportunity to deliver visuals worthy of Dragon Ball.
It has been six years since the last episode of Dragon Ball Super aired. During this hiatus, two major films arrived: Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. These movies impressed audiences with some of the finest animation ever seen in the franchise. However, the timeline of Dragon Ball Super has become a bit confusing due to these films. The Broly movie was never part of the original manga, and the Super Hero film skipped over two significant story arcs. Fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming anime adaptation of the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Arc, which follows the Tournament of Power storyline. Although the Broly movie fits between these arcs, the focus remains on the excitement of finally seeing the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Arc animated.
Dragon Ball Super had its share of animation issues, which came as a surprise given the franchise’s global popularity and legacy. The original Dragon Ball Z series is renowned for its distinct 1990s animation style, featuring sharp black shadows, exaggerated hairstyles, and highly defined character designs. In contrast, some episodes of Dragon Ball Super suffered from less polished visuals, disappointing fans accustomed to the franchise’s high-quality standards. This inconsistency in animation left many viewers hoping for a significant improvement in the upcoming series revival.
The return of Dragon Ball Super, often referred to as Dragon Ball Super 2 by fans, presents an important chance for Toei Animation to address these shortcomings. The series has shown flashes of excellent animation, particularly during the Tournament of Power arc. One standout moment is when Goku surfs on an energy wave while performing a Kamehameha, which highlighted the potential for dynamic and breathtaking visuals. The Galactic Patrol Prisoner Arc is expected to introduce complex new abilities, intriguing characters, and fresh worlds, all of which require top-tier animation to fully capture their appeal.
Toei Animation’s challenge is to deliver animation quality that can rival the iconic moments of Dragon Ball Z. Whether the studio can meet this expectation remains to be seen, but the stakes are high. The original run of Dragon Ball Super left some fans disappointed with its animation at times, so this continuation must prove that the franchise can maintain and even elevate its visual standards. The Galactic Patrol Prisoner Arc is widely regarded as one of the best storylines in the Dragon Ball saga, and if the animation matches even half of Dragon Ball Z’s excellence, fans are in for a spectacular experience.
Ultimately, Dragon Ball Super’s return is not just about continuing the story; it represents a chance to restore the franchise’s reputation for outstanding animation. With a rich narrative full of new powers and characters, the series can once again captivate audiences worldwide. Fans hope Toei Animation seizes this opportunity to deliver a visually stunning and faithful adaptation that honors the legacy of Akira Toriyama’s creation.