Was Super Dragon Ball Heroes a Waste?

Super Dragon Ball Heroes (DBH) is a promotional anime series designed to promote the trade card game of the same name. Its reception among fans has been mixed, with some viewing it as a valuable asset while others see it as a shallow, disposable slice of the Dragon Ball universe. This article explores the pros and cons of DBH, offering insights for both long-time fans and newcomers.

Pros

Fan Service: One of the most significant advantages of DBH is the extensive fan service it provides. The series features numerous classic characters from the Dragon Ball universe, showcasing their transformations and alternate timelines. This can be a significant draw for long-time fans who nostalgia for the series.

Non-Canonical Content: Since DBH is not a part of the main Dragon Ball storyline, it can explore creative and experimental storylines and characters without the need to adhere to strict continuity rules. This freedom allows for new and exciting narratives that can stand on their own.

Short Episodes: The episodes are concise, making them easy and convenient for fans to consume. This format caters to those who may not have extensive time to dedicate to watching series with long episodes.

Cons

Lack of Depth: Many viewers criticize DBH for its surface-level storytelling and lack of character development. Compared to the main Dragon Ball series, which often explores adult themes and growth, DBH is seen as having a more shallow and repetitive plot.

Repetitive Format: The episodic nature and focus on battles can feel repetitive, which may not appeal to all fans. While these battles are often exciting, the format can make the series feel predictable and unengaging after a while.

Limited Impact: Since DBH is not a part of the main Dragon Ball storyline, some fans feel it lacks significance and substance. This can make it difficult to engage those who are looking for a deeper diving into the lore and characters.

Summary

Dragon Ball Heroes, as it is often referred to, is not a Dragon Ball series itself but rather a promotional anime designed to highlight the trade card game. To many who have followed the main Dragon Ball series, including Dragon Ball Z (DBZ), Dragon Ball Super (DBS), and the Dragon Ball movies, the storylines and character growth in DBH are seen as far beneath the level of substance found in the main series.

To those who see DBH purely as fan service and entertainment, it may not be seen as a waste. However, for those looking for more depth and meaningful storytelling, DBH may fall short.

Character Reception

Despite its shortcomings, the series has managed to garner some positive reception, particularly from characters who started their journey in DBH. For example, Jiren, Toppo, Hit, and Beerus have become popular among fans. However, some may point out that these characters do not hold the same weight as those from the main Dragon Ball series.

Additionally, there have been criticisms regarding Goku's personality in DBH compared to his portrayal in DBZ, suggesting that the series often toyed with his character in ways that some fans found unconvincing.

Conclusion

While Super Dragon Ball Heroes has its strengths, as a promotional series, it is important to recognize its limitations. For it to be considered a failure, it would need to have ended, but its ongoing complaints suggest that many viewers feel it lacks the depth and significance of the main Dragon Ball series.