Dragon Ball Super is a direct continuation of Dragon Ball Z, which revived the franchise and took it to the next level. But there are a number of reasons that suggest this could be the end of the hit series.
Dragon Ball Super follows the adventures of Goku and the Z Warriors as they defend Earth from enemies new and old. The anime has released 131 episodes, the last episode aired in 2018, but the story continues with the manga, which has 103 chapters to date.
Now, there is some evidence that Dragon Ball Super will stop soon.
5. Dragon Ball lost its creative mentor
Author Akira Toriyama passed away in March 2024, Toyotaro presumably replaces him to continue the Dragon Ball Super manga, as there may be no one more qualified for that role.
Toyotaro may have already had a plan from Toriyama's notes about what's next for Dragon Ball Super and then it would make sense for him to find a way to finish it off completely.
Some fans believe that continuing the story without Akira Toriyama will result in failure. There are some examples of this, such as Dragon Ball GT or even some Dragon Ball movies in which Toriyama was not directly involved.
Even though Dragon Ball Super ends, there could still be spin-off projects like Dragon Ball Daima, meaning the end of DBS doesn't necessarily mean goodbye to the franchise.
4. The characters went too far and achieved their goals
Dragon Ball is famous for its transformations, with characters always pushing the limits of their limits to become stronger. However, Goku and Vegeta's Ultra Instinct and Ultimate Self forms respectively seemed to put an end to this. Since they can perfect these powers without having to go through new stages, it signals the beginning of the end of the series.
Furthermore, Gohan and Piccolo also gain new transformations, seemingly pushing them both to the limits of their powers. These developments are very positive and will be a “problem” if Gohan Beast 2 or Piccolo Azul suddenly appear. Even the villains have reached high levels, to the point where the power scale becomes meaningless.
Dragon Ball Super gave its characters the development they needed. The series even hints at Goku and Vegeta's roles as Angels and Gods of Destruction, a new goal that makes them protectors and the reason for the show's epic ending.
3. Frieza is the perfect final villain for Dragon Ball Super's ending
Dragon Ball Z was originally intended to end in the Freeza story arc, with Goku transforming into a Super Saiyan and defeating the villain, but the series expanded thanks to its popularity. Now, Frieza has appeared in Dragon Ball Super with his new ultimate form: Black Frieza.
Everything is set for the final showdown with Black Frieza, the franchise's most loved and hated villain, who is perfectly suited to the role of final villain. He defeated Goku and Vegeta at the same time and now it might be time for Piccolo, Gohan and Broly to join the battle. This is interesting because they all have a grudge against Frieza.
2. Dragon Ball Super has almost come to the end of Dragon Ball Z
Another compelling reason for Dragon Ball Super to end is that it was very close to the ending of Dragon Ball Z, which jumped 10 years and showed the 28th World Martial Arts Tournament where the world was at peace. Dragon Ball Super existed during that 10 year period. Perhaps Toriyama thinks this time is enough to tell the new story of the series called “Dragon Ball Super”.
Dragon Ball Super could close its story with the same material that marked the end of Dragon Ball Z.
1. The manga ended but the anime still has a chance
The Dragon Ball Super manga has a lot of content that hasn't been adapted into an animated film, so this isn't really the end of the anime, even though it's time for the manga to end its story. To be more precise, there are still 61 chapters that need to be adapted, potentially creating over 100 episodes.
This second Dragon Ball Super anime might be the greatest way to extend and wrap up the story. Toei Animation may wait for the manga to end before participating in this risky project, so that Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball ends in the most wonderful way.