Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero - Canon Or Not?

Hey Dragon Ball fans! Let's get straight to it: Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is absolutely canon! That means the events of this awesome movie are officially part of the main story of Dragon Ball, just like the manga and the other DBS movies. But, let's explore this topic a little deeper and discuss what canon means for the Dragon Ball universe, why this movie fits in, and how it impacts the overall narrative. We'll unpack it all, so grab some Senzu beans, and let's go!

Understanding "Canon" in the Dragon Ball Universe

Alright, so what does "canon" really mean in the context of Dragon Ball? Essentially, canon refers to the officially recognized timeline and story events of the franchise. It's the stuff that actually happened in the main storyline, according to the creators and the official sources. This includes the original Dragon Ball manga by Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super, and certain movies that are deemed part of the central narrative. The canon is the primary source material, which means it carries the most weight when considering the established lore, character development, and future storytelling possibilities. It's the core of what defines the Dragon Ball universe.

Everything within the canon is considered to be a key element to the overarching story. It shapes the characters, their powers, and the world they inhabit. Canon dictates who the villains are, who the allies are, and the various events that drive the characters to grow. For example, the transformation to Super Saiyan, the introduction of Cell, and the arrival of the Saiyan saga are all vital canon events that have shaped the direction of the series. Characters like Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, and Piccolo have undergone tremendous growth as a result of canon events. New characters, like Broly, were later introduced in canon. The canon establishes the rules, the stakes, and the overall narrative direction. Non-canon material, on the other hand, is considered supplementary. It might be fun and entertaining, but it doesn't hold the same weight or influence on the main storyline.

Understanding this distinction is vital for understanding how Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero fits into the grand scheme of things. Knowing that a movie is canon means that the characters and events within it are as authentic and vital as anything you'd find in the manga or TV series. This means the movie's plot, character interactions, and power-ups are all officially part of the established universe, impacting future storylines, character development, and the overall progression of the Dragon Ball saga. This level of integration ensures that the movie's contributions are not simply isolated adventures, but have lasting implications for the characters and the world they inhabit.

Why Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is Considered Canon

So, why is Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero considered canon? The primary reason is the involvement and approval of Akira Toriyama himself. As the original creator of Dragon Ball, his input carries enormous weight. Toriyama was heavily involved in the development of the movie's story, character designs, and overall direction. This level of direct involvement is a key indicator that the film is intended to be an integral part of the main story.

In addition to Toriyama's direct involvement, the movie also connects seamlessly with events and character arcs established in the Dragon Ball Super manga and anime series. Characters featured in Super Hero, such as Gohan and Piccolo, have their existing backstories and development further explored and enhanced within the film. The movie doesn't create any major contradictions or retcons with established lore. In fact, it builds upon existing narratives and offers new insights into the characters' lives and motivations. The movie adds to the lore in a way that feels organic and natural, enhancing the overall experience.

Furthermore, the movie introduces new characters and abilities that are consistent with the established power levels and mechanics of the Dragon Ball universe. These new elements are not jarring or out of place; instead, they fit well within the context of the series. The movie expands the lore of characters, explores the themes established in Dragon Ball, and offers fans more of what they love about the series. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero fits within the broader Dragon Ball narrative seamlessly, with an emphasis on key characters such as Gohan and Piccolo, and continues to expand the Dragon Ball universe.

The Impact of Super Hero on the Dragon Ball Story

Okay, so the movie is canon. What does that actually mean for the Dragon Ball story moving forward? Well, for starters, the events of Super Hero have the potential to influence future storylines and character development. The new transformations, power-ups, and character relationships introduced in the movie could very well play a role in future arcs. This is a very exciting prospect for fans!

Consider Gohan's new form, Beast Gohan. This is an extremely powerful transformation that could be vital in future battles. The movie's focus on Gohan and Piccolo could shift the focus of the series and give them more screen time. The movie also expands the role of the Red Ribbon Army, a group with a history within the Dragon Ball Universe. The movie may lead to an expansion of the Red Ribbon Army with new androids and villains for our heroes to face in the future. These are just some examples, but the overall impact of Super Hero on the Dragon Ball story is significant.

The film also highlights the themes of family, legacy, and the importance of protecting the planet. These are all core themes in Dragon Ball, and Super Hero explores them in a meaningful way. The success of the film also shows that audiences are still highly engaged with the franchise, and that the producers can continue to create high-quality content that stays true to the spirit of the original manga. The story helps to develop the characters and expand the story of the Dragon Ball universe.

Canon vs. Non-Canon: The Difference

To really drive the point home, let's briefly look at the key differences between canon and non-canon material. Canon content is officially recognized as part of the main story, and it's created and approved by the original author and relevant stakeholders. It aligns with the existing lore and contributes to the overall narrative. Non-canon content, on the other hand, is usually considered supplementary or standalone. This content may come from movies, filler episodes, or video games. While non-canon material can be fun and entertaining, it doesn't necessarily impact the main story or influence future events.

Final Thoughts: Super Hero's Canon Status

So, there you have it, Dragon Ball fans! Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is absolutely, officially, 100% canon. It's a key part of the Dragon Ball Super story, and it's essential viewing for any true Dragon Ball aficionado. The movie's events, characters, and power-ups are all part of the established universe, impacting the overall narrative, and setting the stage for future storylines. It's an important piece of the ever-evolving Dragon Ball saga. So, go forth, re-watch Super Hero, and celebrate its place in the world of Dragon Ball! Keep training, stay strong, and we'll see you at the next big battle!