Dragon Ball Super: Is It Canon? Timeline, Retcons, and Those Unanswered Questions

What Is the Best Way to Watch the Dragon Ball Franchise Chronologically?

Fans looking to dive deep into the Dragon Ball franchise may be a bit confused, since it's one that is filled with both movies and shows that all tell different Akira Toriyama Dragon Ball stories - especially as the timeline moves across Dragon Ball Z and then Dragon Ball Super.

When those fans begin their viewing journey - they should first consider Dragon Ball (the original anime that follows Goku's childhood) - then move on to Dragon Ball Z which includes the major, world-shattering events that gave Goku more power and prowess. Then, those fans should dive into Dragon Ball Super. However, the series doesn't just flow into one another. It has multiple movies, specifically Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero and Dragon Ball Super: Broly - and an assortment of special productions.

Should Dragon Ball Super Ignore the Ending of Dragon Ball Z?

Goku, Bulma, Whis, and Vegeta riding in a ship in search of the Dragon Balls in the Broly movie. Image

It's often discussed how Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super, along with their individual Dragon Ball Z timeskip or the way characters grow up, have a complex relationship.

Fans know that Dragon Ball Z had a distinct ending that wrapped up those stories - and was meant to give those who loved Akira Toriyama an ending. Unfortunately, it appears that Dragon Ball Super, whose stories unfold a decade or so after those events, are moving closer to that Dragon Ball Z ending - leaving a very difficult problem to resolve: the characters' ages have changed dramatically during those events - in Dragon Ball Z, Vegeta is older - Goku, in those times, had more of an unassuming character arc and less focus on those battle-related, destructive, and chaotic moments which have now become a part of Dragon Ball Super events.

How Does Dragon Ball Super Relate to Dragon Ball Z?

Goku and Uub in Dragon Ball Z final episode Image

It's commonly discussed how Dragon Ball Super has a very clear timeline that often leads those fans to seek answers to those questions of "Where should I watch" in the Dragon Ball franchise?

The story behind Dragon Ball Super - as the continuation of Dragon Ball Z , was meant to move forward with the narrative and storylines. There are many elements that come together and a clear continuity that would tie together the main series - but it has led to confusion over what order these shows are supposed to be watched. A major issue arises because of the Dragon Ball Super Timeline that is often considered "an extra part" or a show that acts like an alternate version for fans who like these universes.

When Did Dragon Ball Super Take Place in Dragon Ball Z’s Timeline?

A lot of discussion happens within Dragon Ball Super's storyline and where its key moments would appear in the Dragon Ball world - in particular to give an exact understanding as to the time periods - making those events fit between Dragon Ball Super and Dragon Ball Z.

Many would recognize how the events unfold in Dragon Ball - beginning with Dragon Ball and moving into Dragon Ball Z, whose main events take place in a sequence that has been established across the animated series - where Goku encounters numerous, threatening villains like Majin Buu - as he fights his way through this world.

Is Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Canon?

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot - is a popular video game that covers the entirety of Dragon Ball Z. It offers players an experience to walk through the story of Dragon Ball Z. As it follows Goku's journey - and showcases all the exciting moments from this Akira Toriyama story - a show that features his struggles to learn the different transformations as well as how the series showcases those who threaten Earth such as Vegeta or the Majin Buu. However, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot does make some departures from the animated series - making those characters, battles, and story events have slight alterations that might make fans wonder about the canonicity of the video game. Those games tend to often have these subtle changes that may seem less noticeable or, in many cases, just a "fluff piece." These don't tend to have a big effect on the overarching Dragon Ball Z Timeline and they are generally considered to be non-canon.

Although some Dragon Ball Super fans will try to piece together events and storylines, as it comes to a large cast of characters (Bulma, Piccolo, Krillin) - and their journeys, many video games, such as Dragon Ball FighterZ , Dragon Ball Legends, and Dragon Ball Xenoverse, have introduced unique characters. However, their origin often stems from other elements within the franchise.

Why Should Dragon Ball Super Ignore Dragon Ball Z’s Ending?

It seems that fans and Dragon Ball enthusiasts are divided over how Dragon Ball Super is handled and how it impacts the franchise.

There have been several key retcon moments for both Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Super (that is when events are retroactively rewritten and changed). In particular, Dragon Ball Super changed a major storyline as it set the scene for a timeskip following Dragon Ball Z. This has caused several questions about how Dragon Ball - whose events originally gave viewers a more definitive conclusion - would make way for the show. The show did its best to maintain a sense of continuity by adding in key characters, Piccolo and Goku as the main characters, along with Gohan (a key, notable moment for many who enjoyed this show), as well as those who are more familiar, such as Vegeta, whose history is full of those moments of strife and rivalry with Goku. Unfortunately, many believe Dragon Ball Super's ending has a lot of unanswered questions and issues.

Does Dragon Ball Super Have an Ending?

As a very active and popular animated series, Dragon Ball Super has given audiences an unprecedented run. The series has become known as having multiple chapters and storylines that span through multiple arcs, especially in those instances when Goku and the Z-Fighters face threats - from those such as Beerus (the God of Destruction). It has helped solidify the show's success.

As many would recognize, Dragon Ball Super has an "open ending." In essence, the show has no real, solid finale or ending as the narrative will continue.

What Are Some Of The Best Dragon Ball Super Episodes?

There is no lack of amazing moments within Dragon Ball Super that fans have enjoyed - but a handful stand out. Goku and the Z-Fighters faced countless opponents - from those who were highly threatening, like Beerus and Whis, to the World Martial Arts Tournament that re-introduced a number of key moments - showcasing those characters and their strength.

In general, the storylines with Vegeta - who has made his transformation into one of the main stars, in a world of powerful characters, will be worth your time - Vegeta - a powerful villain turned hero who has always been in competition with Goku. Many would recognize that he made a big comeback and became a main part of those battles to defend the Dragon Ball world.