Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero - Is It Canon?

Hey Dragon Ball fans! Let's dive deep into a question that's been buzzing around the community: Is Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero canon? This is a super important question for any serious Dragon Ball fan because it helps to understand where the franchise is going. Knowing what's considered official helps you understand how the series' timeline, characters, and overall narrative fit together. It’s like, super important, you know?

We will unpack everything, from what "canon" actually means in the context of Dragon Ball, to the specifics of the movie itself and how it was made, and then look at what the producers and the original creator said. So, let’s get into it, guys!

What Does "Canon" Even Mean in Dragon Ball?

Alright, before we get all hyped about Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, we gotta get on the same page about what “canon” even means in the Dragon Ball universe. Basically, canon refers to the stories, characters, and events that are considered official and part of the main storyline. Think of it like the core narrative that the creators intend to be the foundation of the franchise. Anything canon is considered an integral part of the Dragon Ball world, directly impacting character development, power levels, and the overall plot. Non-canon content, like some movies or video games, exists in its own separate continuity, though, it can still be a whole lot of fun.

So, why does canon matter? Well, for one thing, it helps you understand the established facts. If something is canon, you can be pretty sure it has a real impact on the broader story. It sets the rules, the stakes, and the relationships within the Dragon Ball world. If a new transformation is introduced in canon, expect to see it referenced, and potentially used again later in the story. Canon dictates what counts! When you read the manga or watch the anime, you know you're experiencing the "real" Dragon Ball story as envisioned by its creators, which is super cool.

On the flip side, non-canon content, while sometimes awesome, usually doesn't have the same level of impact. It’s more like a cool side story or a "what if" scenario. Movies like Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan are a perfect example; while super popular and awesome, they don't necessarily influence the main plotline of the manga or the Dragon Ball Super anime, even if they sometimes have nods or references made. Understanding the difference helps you make sense of the Dragon Ball timeline and fully enjoy the franchise. So, understanding canon is key to being a true Dragon Ball fan!

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero - The Movie Itself

Alright, let’s talk about the film! Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is the second movie in the Dragon Ball Super series. The film is a CGI animated film that gives a fresh visual take on the franchise. The story picks up after the events of the Dragon Ball Super: Broly movie and brings back the Red Ribbon Army, a classic Dragon Ball villainous group. Gohan and Piccolo take center stage in this movie as they face off against new androids, Gamma 1 and Gamma 2, who are created by Dr. Hedo, the grandson of Dr. Gero.

Super Hero gives us a more focused character-driven story. It features a lot of family moments. The film also has some epic battles and introduces some new transformations for both Gohan and Piccolo, giving them major power-ups. These power-ups are pretty significant because they give us new forms for two of the franchise's most popular characters. These forms are major, especially for Gohan. The movie also expands on the world, showing how the characters have grown, changed, and are living their lives after the events of Dragon Ball Super. The film is praised for its animation style and the focus on the supporting characters. It's a fun ride that provides a satisfying experience for both long-time fans and newcomers.

Now, the main point: is this movie officially part of the Dragon Ball canon? It's a question that many fans are asking. But don't worry, we're getting to the main point.

The Official Word on Canon Status

So, is Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero canon? The answer, my friends, is a resounding YES! This film is officially considered part of the main Dragon Ball storyline. How do we know this? Well, here are a few key points that we have to keep in mind:

• Akira Toriyama’s Involvement: The legendary Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, was deeply involved in the making of this film. He wrote the original story, designed the characters, and played a significant role in the overall production. This level of involvement is a strong indicator of its canon status. When Toriyama is this involved, it means the content is fully aligned with his vision for the franchise.
• Manga References: The events, characters, and transformations from Super Hero are referenced in the Dragon Ball Super manga, which is written by Toyotarou under Toriyama's guidance. The manga is the primary source material for the Dragon Ball Super story, and the inclusion of elements from the movie in the manga strongly suggests canon. Any content that makes its way into the manga is, without any doubts, part of the main story.
• Future Story Implications: The movie introduces new characters and concepts that have the potential to be explored further in the future of the Dragon Ball Super storyline. This is a common trait of canon material; it builds on what's already there and sets up new possibilities for the story's development.
• Official Statements: The production team and Toei Animation, the studio behind the anime, have consistently referred to Super Hero as a part of the official Dragon Ball Super canon. This confirms its place in the main storyline.

So, it's safe to say that Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is definitely canon, guys! You can consider everything that happens in the film as part of the official Dragon Ball universe.

Why Canon Matters to Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero

So, why does the canon status of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero matter? Well, it impacts the way we look at the characters, the power scaling, and the future of the franchise. Since the movie is canon, it means the new forms for Gohan and Piccolo are officially part of their arsenal, and we can expect them to be used in future stories, especially in the manga. It also means the new characters introduced in the movie could show up again, potentially becoming allies or foes for our heroes. The Red Ribbon Army's return also has significant implications, as it opens up the possibility of future conflicts and storylines. Knowing the movie is canon gives more weight to the events of Super Hero. It makes the impact on the characters and the overall story more significant.

Furthermore, the canon status allows for a deeper level of engagement with the Dragon Ball universe. It allows us to be invested in the characters' growth and the narrative developments. Every new transformation, every battle, and every character interaction matters. The movie is now an important part of the overarching Dragon Ball saga. Canon content offers a foundation for understanding the characters' journey, their relationships, and the world they live in. If it’s canon, it counts!

Conclusion: Super Hero is Canon, No Doubt!

Alright, so here's the bottom line: Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is absolutely canon. The movie’s creator, Akira Toriyama’s involvement, its references in the Dragon Ball Super manga, and the statements from the creators confirm its place in the official storyline. So, enjoy the movie, guys, because it's a legitimate part of the Dragon Ball story!

This means that the events, characters, and transformations are all part of the main Dragon Ball universe, influencing future storylines and character development. Knowing this makes watching the movie even more exciting. You can discuss the plot, character developments, and power-ups with other fans, knowing that these aspects are important to the wider Dragon Ball narrative.

So there you have it, folks! Now you can dive into Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero with confidence and excitement. It is a key chapter in the Dragon Ball saga. Keep an eye out for how the events of the film could play out in the future of Dragon Ball! And remember to have fun watching the epic adventures of Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, Piccolo, and all of your favorite characters!