When was dbs released

Overview

Dragon Ball Super, commonly abbreviated as DBS, is a Japanese anime and manga series that serves as a direct sequel to Akira Toriyama’s original Dragon Ball Z. It continues the story of Goku and the Z Fighters in the aftermath of Majin Buu’s defeat, introducing new cosmic-level threats and expanding the Dragon Ball universe.

The series was developed to revive the franchise after a long hiatus following Dragon Ball GT. With Toriyama’s direct involvement in story development, DBS brought fresh arcs, new transformations, and deeper lore. Its release marked a significant moment for fans worldwide.

• July 5, 2015 is the official premiere date of Dragon Ball Super in Japan, airing on Fuji TV during the Sunday 9:00 AM timeslot.
• The anime was produced by Toei Animation, the same studio responsible for previous Dragon Ball series, ensuring continuity in animation style and voice cast.
• DBS introduced major new characters such as Beerus, the God of Destruction, and his attendant Whis, who expanded the cosmology of the Dragon Ball universe.
• The series ran for 131 episodes, concluding on March 25, 2018, before being succeeded by the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero film and manga continuation.
• The Dragon Ball Super manga, illustrated by Toyotarou, began serialization in V-Jump magazine in May 2015, slightly after the anime debut.

How It Works

Dragon Ball Super functions as both an anime and manga continuation, with the anime leading the story initially and the manga later diverging with alternate plotlines. The narrative structure follows episodic battles interwoven with tournament arcs and cosmic mythology.

• God of Destruction: Beerus, introduced in DBS, is a deity who maintains balance by destroying planets. His power far exceeds previous villains, raising the stakes for Goku and the Z Fighters.
• Super Saiyan Blue: This transformation combines Super Saiyan and God powers. Goku first achieves it during the battle with Frieza on Planet Namek in 2015.
• Universal Tournament: The Tournament of Power arc features 80 fighters from 8 universes. It began airing in 2017 and became one of the most-watched story arcs in anime history.
• Time Travel Mechanics: The 'Future Trunks' arc explores alternate timelines. It introduces a female version of Frieza and a more powerful Android 17.
• Power Scaling: DBS redefined power levels with 'universe-busting' feats. Characters like Jiren and Merged Zamasu demonstrate power beyond previous series limits.
• Manga-Canon Status: While the anime is primary, the manga is considered semi-canon. Akira Toriyama approves major plot points, but anime-original content exists.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how Dragon Ball Super compares to earlier entries in the franchise:

Dragon Ball Super stands out as the only canon sequel to Dragon Ball Z approved by Akira Toriyama. Unlike GT, which is non-canon, DBS continues the official storyline and has influenced video games, films, and merchandise. Its global streaming availability on platforms like Crunchyroll and Funimation boosted international viewership.

Why It Matters

Dragon Ball Super revitalized a decades-old franchise, bringing in new fans while satisfying long-time followers. Its impact extends beyond television, influencing pop culture, merchandise, and competitive gaming.

• Global viewership surged, with over 10 million weekly viewers during peak episodes in Japan and strong streaming numbers on Funimation and Crunchyroll.
• The Tournament of Power arc inspired numerous video games, including the Dragon Ball FighterZ and Xenoverse 2 titles, boosting sales by over $500 million.
• DBS introduced diverse female characters like Caulifla and Kale, marking a shift toward more inclusive representation in shonen anime.
• The series expanded the Dragon Ball lore with 12 universes, Angels, and multiverse rules, enriching the franchise’s mythological depth.
• Merchandise sales, including action figures and trading cards, generated over $1.2 billion in revenue globally between 2015 and 2018.
• Dragon Ball Super set the stage for future films like Super Hero (2022) and the ongoing manga, ensuring the franchise’s longevity.

With its blend of action, mythology, and character development, Dragon Ball Super remains a cornerstone of modern anime storytelling and a cultural phenomenon.