Dragon Ball Super is the popular installment in the iconic Dragon Ball franchise, captivating fans around the world with its thrilling adventures. Written by Akira Toriyama and brought to life by Toyotaro's illustrations, the series takes place six months after the defeat of Majin Buu, thrusting Goku and his companions into a series of new adventures.
However, the significant difference between Dragon Ball Super and its predecessors lies in their anime adaptations.
Although there was a Dragon Ball Super anime series, it ended in 2018, leaving fans to rely on the manga to continue enjoying the story. But how can American fans access it and when can they expect new chapters?
Currently, Dragon Ball Super is at an exciting time. As of chapter 91, the manga has unfolded an expanded story based on the 2022 film, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. The climax of this plot comes in Chapter 100, titled “Burst Forth!—Light of Death!”
Many fans predicted a new arc would begin in the next chapter, however chapters 101 to 103 serve as the conclusion to the Superhero storyline.
The final part of the Superhero arc takes place in chapter 103, culminating in a fierce battle between the Saiyans sparked by Goku and Gohan's long-awaited duel. It serves as a fitting conclusion to the Super Hero Saga and a poignant homage to the late Akira Toriyama, whose passing continues to resonate in the hearts of fans.
Although the direction of the series remains uncertain after this point, fans still find solace in the talented hands of Toyotarou, whom Toriyama once praised in a joint interview with V-Jump , saying, “there may be people who can imitate my photos, but that's not the case.” many artists can complete an entire chapter the way you can!”
Updated by Brett Cardaro, March 22, 2024: The passing of legendary mangaka Akira Toriyama on March 1, 2024 saddened fans around the world and left fans uncertain about the future. hybrid of the Dragon Ball series.
While paying tribute to Dragon Ball's esteemed creator, the Dragon Ball Super manga has entered a hiatus and has yet to confirm a return date. However, fans need not worry; Despite the hiatus, V-Jump's official website still urges patience, assuring readers to “wait for it to resume.”
How Dragon Ball Super was released
With the recent conclusion of Super Hero, fans are eagerly awaiting the next story in the Dragon Ball Super manga, with hints being given that this could be the final installment.
Akira Toriyama's mention of the plot being close to the passage of time at the end of Dragon Ball Z has added to the excitement, fueling speculation about what's to come. Since the manga remains the only medium to experience the story due to the absence of a weekly anime adaptation, fans are gearing up for its sequel.
Dragon Ball Super differs from other popular shōnen manga in its serialization style. Instead of appearing in Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine, it appeared in V Jump magazine, where it has appeared since its launch in 2015.
Toriyama's latest message from Anime Comic confirms that the films so far have followed the main episodes of the 10 years between the original manga's Majin Buu arc and the final chapter! SUPER HERO is the story right before the last chapter, which is the end of Z!
Translation: @Herms98 pic.twitter.com/kfrc3s8sja
– Hype (@DbsHype) December 1, 2022
Unlike Shōnen Jump's weekly releases, V Jump follows a monthly publishing schedule. Typically, issues of V Jump hit Japanese stores on the 21st of each month, although this date may be slightly adjusted if the 21st falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday.
In some cases, V Jump may change release dates to coincide with major events such as Jump Festa, to ensure the magazine is available to fans. Luckily, any such changes are announced in advance through V Jump's social media channels and in the pages of previous issues.
Dragon Ball Super Routine Disruption: Learn the Rules
Following the release of Dragon Ball Super Chapter 103, titled “Legacy Looking to the Future”, the series announced its intention to take a hiatus. For those following the series, this hiatus shouldn't come as a complete shock.
Historically, Dragon Ball Super manga has tended to take breaks after the conclusion of major story arcs, making a break after Chapter 103 the norm.
These publication pauses are a regular feature of the Dragon Ball Super manga schedule. Previous hiatuses have left enthusiasts waiting for new chapters for long periods of time.
The most recent hiatus before the current one occurred in August 2022, lasting four months after the release of Chapter 87, titled “The Strongest Man in the Universe Appears.” Toriyama himself also stated that this break was necessary to plan the upcoming season. When Chapter 88 comes out in December 2022, it marks the beginning of High School Story.
With the recent passing of series creator Akira Toriyama and the conclusion of the Superhero arc, it's understandable that the series could go on a short hiatus. Such pauses not only allow employees time to mourn, but also provide an opportunity to meticulously plan the next session.
Luckily, announcements regarding these suspensions are usually made in advance on Dragon Ball Super's official social media platforms, ensuring fans are informed ahead of time.
Where and when to watch Dragon Ball Super Manga
When Dragon Ball Super returns as scheduled, American fans will have no trouble accessing it. Thanks to Viz Media's partnership with Shueisha, most titles published in V Jump magazine are available through Viz Media's Shōnen Jump website and app.
This means that enthusiasts in the US can follow the series at their convenience without any hassle. An added benefit of the app is the rapid release of new chapters, often within hours of launch in Japan, helping fans avoid dreaded social media trolls.
It's worth noting that Viz Media usually uploads new chapters just after midnight in Japan. Due to the time zone difference, American readers will see the latest chapter one day before V Jump's official launch date.
For example, if V Jump is scheduled to release on the 21st of every month, then American readers can watch the latest chapter on the 20th. However, Viz's occasional upload delays can be frustrating for fans. have to refresh the page several times if they want to follow the chapter as soon as it appears.
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time zoneRegular release time
Eastern Standard Time 10 a.m. Pacific Standard Time 7 a.m. Mountain Standard Time 8 a.m. Central Standard Time 9 a.m. Greenwich Mean Time 3 p.m.
The Viz Media Shōnen Jump app provides a convenient platform for fans to enter the world of manga, offering the first and last three chapters of series like Dragon Ball Super for free.
This setup makes it a great starting point for newcomers or a reliable source for updates on ongoing storylines. However, for readers wishing to delve deeper into the series, a monthly premium membership is required for approximately $2.99.
But Viz Media is not the only competitor in this arena. Shueisha's Manga Plus app also hosts Dragon Ball Super among its titles. Similar to Viz Media's product, Manga Plus allows users to access chapters one, two and three as well as the three latest releases at no cost.
Additionally, Manga Plus has a “Free First Read” initiative, which grants free access to every chapter of selected titles, including Dragon Ball Super. However, this free access is limited to one read-through per chapter. To enjoy unlimited reading, users can choose a monthly membership, which comes in two tiers: a standard option priced at $1.99 and a premium option at $4.99.
For fans who prefer a tactile experience on physical media, Dragon Ball Super also releases collected volumes. However, these volumes often lag behind the serialized chapters.
For example, the latest volume available, Volume 20, covers chapters 85 to 88, marking the end of the Superhero arc. As a result, fans relying solely on the collected numbers may experience delays in enjoying the latest developments in the series.
Dragon Ball Super 2024 release schedule
Dragon Ball Super is known for its consistent release schedule, which sets it apart from other manga series like One Piece. This trend is evident in the 2023 release schedule, where chapters are regularly published on or just before the 21st of each month in Japan.
DayChapter numberChapter title
Chapter 89: Opponent appears! February 20, 2023 Chapter 90 VS. Dr. Hedo March 19, 2023 Chap 91 Revival of the Red Ribbon Army April 20, 2023 Chap 92 New Android May 18, 2023 Chap 93 Operation: Kidnap Pan June 20, 2023 Chap 94 Get in the game, Son Gohan! July 20, 2023 Chapter 95 Ultimate Teacher and Disciple August 20, 2023 Chapter 96 Saiyamen, Scene! September 20, 2023 Chapter 97 Max Rampage Cell October 19, 2023 Chapter 98 Gamma's Determination 2 November 20, 2023 Chapter 99 Son Gohan's Ultimate Awakening! December 20, 2023 Chapter 100 Boom!—The Light of Death!
So far, 2024 has been similar, maintaining a similar release date pattern. Chapters have been revealed consistently throughout the year, in accordance with the established schedule.
DayChapter numberChapter title
January 18, 2024 Chap 101 Carmine and Soldier 15 February 20, 2024 Chap 102 Son Goku vs Son Gohan March 20, 2024 Chap 103 A legacy looking to the future
However, it's worth noting that Dragon Ball Super is currently on indefinite hiatus. Therefore, the April issue of V Jump will not contain any Super content. If the series continues next month, Chapter 104 will likely be released in May. However, as of now, no confirmed release date has been announced.
Potential release dateChapter numberChapter title
May 20, 2024? Chapter 104 Not applicable
If 2024 mirrors last year's release schedule, fans can expect new chapters on familiar dates. However, it must be acknowledged that circumstances may change, leading to adjustments to the release schedule. Fans who want to stay up to date with the latest developments in the Dragon Ball Super manga should keep an eye on social media channels or the Viz Media website for any potential revisions to the release date.
DayChapter number
May 20, 2024 Chap 104 June 20, 2024 Chap 105 July 18, 2024 Chap 106 (Day 21 on Sunday) August 20, 2024 Chap 107 September 19, 2024 Chap 108 (Day 21 on Saturday) October 20, 2024 Chapter 109 November 20, 2024 Chapter 110 December 19, 2024 Chapter 111 (21st on Saturday)
Despite the unique serial arrangement in V Jump, Dragon Ball Super is still easy to follow thanks to its monthly release schedule. This structure ensures fans have plenty of time to dive into each chapter, minimizing the risk of falling behind or missing parts.
Furthermore, accessibility is enhanced through platforms such as Viz Media and Manga Plus, allowing American readers to enjoy the series alongside Japanese readers. This global reach underscores Dragon Ball Super's status as an international phenomenon, regardless of its narrative trajectory.
