Dragon Ball Superhas been going through an excruciating indefinite hiatus, with only one chapter having been released in the past year. Now, it’s looking likeDragon Ball Supermight be on the back burner for a while longer, thanks to a new report about Toyotaro.
Toyotaro is the artist ofDragon Ball Super, and the presumptive successor to Akira Toriyama, following his tragic passing in 2024. Toyotaro previously worked with Toriyama onSuper, and has had a hand in guiding the story of the manga for years. He has released one chapter since Toriyama’s death,a prequel toSuper Herofeaturing material that Toriyama createdwhich didn’t make it into the film. The story hasn’t progressed at all since the chapter released just after Toriyama passed away, and fans are dying to know when (or even if)Dragon Ball Superwill return.
Toyotaro is Working on an Original Manga?
Japan Expo Paris Reports Toyotaro Has an Original Manga in the Works
In information posted onthe Japan Expo Paris website (in French),Toyotaro will reportedly be in attendance to talk about his “first original manga project” with Kazuhiko Torishima, an editor. This is very interesting information, as there has been no other indication that Toyotaro might be working on an original manga project. There are several possibilities as to what this could be referring to; it could simply be something created specifically for the panel, in which case there’s nothing to worry about. It could also be a one-shot that he’s doing in his downtime, which would also be great.
The other possibility, then, would be thatDragon Ball Superisn’t coming back for a long time, and that Toyotaro is starting a new, original manga series because he’s well aware that he won’t be busy withDragon Ballany time soon. That would, of course, be the worst-case scenario for fans, because it would essentially signal the end ofDragon Ball Superfor the time being. There is a small chance thatDragon Ball Supercould continue without Toyotaro, but it would be quite strange to cut out Toriyama’s hand-picked successor at this stage.
Will Dragon Ball Super Return?
It’s Not Clear What is Responsible for Delaying the Manga’s Return
Dragon Ball Superhas been in limbo for over a year now, and fans are understandably starting to get antsy. With no definitive word on whether the series will continue, it’s been difficult. The series' slot in its magazine has been maintained over this time, suggesting that the powers that be strongly wish forDragon Ball Superto return, but something must be in the way. Withthe legal issuesDragon Ballhas been facing, it’s possible that they literally can’t bring the series back until the rights issues are decided.
Hopefully, Toyotaro is keeping himself busy whileDragon Ball Superis on hiatus, and an excellent original one-shot could certainly help his image, proving he’s more than just aDragon Ballfanboy. It will be interesting to see just what comes out of this Japan Expo Paris panel, and if it might offer a first look at Toyotaro’s debut original work. In the meantime, fans ofDragon Ball Superwill just have to keep waiting.
