What Comes Next for Dragon Ball? Understanding the Sequences and Canon Differences

Introduction to Dragon Ball Continuity

Dragon Ball is a beloved anime series that has captivated fans worldwide with its epic battles, complex characters, and endless adventures through time and space. As Dragon Ball fans eagerly anticipate the next significant developments in the series, two major sequences have been discussed: Dragon Ball Super: Broly and the Prison Planet Saga. This article explores the nuances of each and clarifies the sequence of events to help fans better understand the Dragon Ball universe.

The Dragon Ball Super: Broly Movie

Dragon Ball Super: Broly is a highly anticipated film in the Dragon Ball franchise, marked as canonical to the main timeline of Dragon Ball Super. This movie is a continuation of the storylines presented in the original Dragon Ball Super series but is tied directly to the timeline of the main saga. Unlike the snubbed Prison Planet Saga, Broly is a part of the official canon and is written by Akira Toriyama, the original creator of Dragon Ball. The trailer of Broly showcases Goku's determination to keep training due to encounters with powerful opponents like Jiren, indicating that this movie takes place right after the events in Dragon Ball Super.

The Dragon Ball Heroes: Prison Planet Anime Series

The Prison Planet Saga is an anime series that has been categorized as a spin-off for promotional purposes. This series is not part of the official canon of Dragon Ball and specifically was created to promote the Dragon Ball Heroes videogame, which is exclusive to the Japanese market. As a result, neither the anime nor the game is considered a part of the main Dragon Ball Super storyline. The Prison Planet Saga features characters and scenarios that are not directly connected to the events in Dragon Ball Super, making it a separate entity within the larger Dragon Ball universe.

Understanding Canon Differences

It is essential to understand the difference between what is considered canon and what is merely a part of the larger universe. In the Dragon Ball series, several works, including Dragon Ball Heroes and the Prison Planet Saga, are not officially part of the main canon. This means that even though these works are part of the broader Dragon Ball franchise, they do not impact the official storyline of Dragon Ball Super. The main continuity of Dragon Ball Super is solely dictated by works directly written and approved by Akira Toriyama, ensuring a cohesive and faithful narrative to the original creator's vision.

Conclusion

In summary, what comes next in the Dragon Ball timeline is the highly anticipated Dragon Ball Super: Broly movie. This film is a direct continuation of the ongoing saga written by the original creator, Akira Toriyama, and is fully integrated into the main canon. On the other hand, the Prison Planet Saga is a spin-off focused on promotional purposes, not part of the official narrative. Understanding these differences helps fans appreciate the full scope of the Dragon Ball universe while distinguishing between official continuations and promotional content.