Dragon Ballis now officially 40 years old, making it one of the longest-lasting anime and manga franchises on the planet. Despite the tragic loss of Akira Toriyama, the series' creator, this year, the future ofDragon Ballis looking as bright as ever.
Toriyama passed away unexpectedly on July 11, 2025, at 68 years old. His loss has tinged this major anniversary with grief, as fans have mourned the loss of a man whose impact on the anime and manga industry, as well as the world at large, can’t be overstated. However, Toriyama left fans with a parting gift in the form ofDragon Ball Daima, a new anime series which has been extremely well received by general audiences andDragon Ballfans alike. Toriyama’s loss has given fans a reason to reflect on how the series has touched their lives, and given some a new appreciation ofDragon Ball.
Toriyama’s Loss Still Leaves Fans Hopeful for Dragon Ball’s Future
The Future of Dragon Ball is in New Hands, But That’s Okay
While Toriyama didn’t get to seeDaima’s premiere, the new series has excited fans in a way that evenDragon Ball Superdidn’t manage to do.Daima’s callback to the early days ofDragon Ball, with its adventurous spirit, comedic tone, and the return of Kid Goku, is a reminder of where it all started. The series feels fresh while sticking to what madeDragon Ballsuch a massive phenomenon in the first place, and Toriyama’s involvement in this series no doubt played a big role in that. WithDaimanot even half-way through at this point, there’s a lot left for fans to enjoy.
ButDaimaisn’t the onlyDragon Ballproject going on.TheDragon Ball Supermanga was still ongoing at the time of Toriyama’s death as well, and while it’s been less clear what’s going on with the manga, it is known that it will continue. It’s been confirmed that Toriyama’s partner on the series, Toyotarou, will be picking up the story, and the manga was put on hiatus just before the start of a new arc. Withmajor developments like Black Friezahaving already been teased, there’s every reason for fans to be excited aboutSuper’s return as well.
Change is Difficult, But Dragon Ball Will Adapt
It’s Understandable for Fans to Worry About Their Favorite Franchise
Things will, of course, be different without Toriyama’s influence, but betweenDaimaandSuper, it’s clear that there are other people out there who understand whatDragon Ballis meant to be. It’s natural for fans to worry a bit about what will happen, butDragon Ball’s popularity remains as strong as ever, and as long as that’s true, the franchise won’t be in any danger. It’s important to remember, though, that all theDragon Ballthat already exists isn’t going anywhere. Toriyama’s work will still be there for fans who want to enjoy it all again, and with any luck, the next 40 years ofDragon Ballwill be just as good as the first.
Dragon Ball
From the creative mind of Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball is a mega multimedia franchise that spans back to the 1980s. Dragon Ball expanded quickly, starting as a serialized manga for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan. It made its way overseas via manga and an anime adaptation that is enjoyed worldwide. Dragon Ball was the initial starting animated series that followed the adventures of the young Son Goku as he sought after the Dragon Balls. These mystical orbs would grant the wish of any who gathered them together. Then, the series would branch off into the immensely popular Dragon Ball Z, which followed Goku as an adult and featured high-intensity battles and Goku’s never-ending search to be the strongest. The series has also enjoyed several popular video game adaptations and continues to release several new animated series and theatrical films up to the recent popular Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
