The Dragon Ball Super manga may be on pause, but the fandom is anything but quiet. Toyotarou, the artist behind the series since its post-Z arc revival, has finally peeled back the curtain on his creative process and hinted at what could be next for Goku and the gang. And yes, it’s a mix of nostalgia, uncertainty, and a surprising detour into Gundam territory.
Dragon Ball Super: From Apprentice to Architect
Toyotarou’s journey with Dragon Ball Super began under the watchful eye of Akira Toriyama, but over time, he evolved from illustrator to co-creator. While early arcs like the Tournament of Power were based directly on Toriyama’s outlines, later storylines—like the Moro arc—were largely Toyotarou’s own. His role continued to grow; he started helping with the narrative, developing new characters, and creating battles that kept fans guessing new power levels, while staying engaged with each turn of the page.
The Granolah the Survivor arc was a turning point, as Toyotarou took on more creative control while still collaborating with Toriyama. With this arc, manga entered a new phase, and the torch was passed. Toyotarou’s vision and storytelling lit the torch to help manga enter a new phase.
The Hiatus and the Silence
After Toriyama’s passing in early 2024, the Dragon Ball Super manga entered a quiet state. They have fans, some hope in 2025 with a one-shot chapter, but the optimism was short-lived. V-Jump’s editorial team confirmed that the series was on hold for the rest of the year, leaving fans in limbo and speculation running wild.
With no new chapters and no official continuation announced, the Dragon Ball Super manga is effectively frozen in time. The Moro and Granolah arcs remain unanimated, and major plot points—like Frieza’s new transformation—are still waiting for their moment in the spotlight.
Gundam Enters the Chat
In a surprising twist, Toyotarou’s latest work isn’t for Dragon Ball—it’s for the Gundam card game. His artwork features Mikazuki Augus from Iron-Blooded Orphans, rendered in his signature style. While it’s not a permanent shift, it’s a clear signal that Toyotarou is exploring new creative outlets while the Dragon Ball universe takes a breather.
This move has sparked plenty of speculation. Is Toyotarou stepping away from Dragon Ball for good? Or is this just a side quest while the main story recharges? Either way, it’s a reminder that even legendary franchises need time to regroup.
Industry Shade and Fandom Fire
The Dragon Ball community isn’t just watching—it’s reacting. Former editor Kazuhiko Torishima has criticized Toyotarou’s work and even dismissed Dragon Ball Daima, the upcoming animated series, as a misstep. Opinions vary; however, the commentary has added fuel to the fire and raised questions about the franchise’s direction.
Toyotarou’s contributions to the Dragon series are undeniable, no matter what is happening behind the scenes. He’s helped shape some of the most memorable arcs in recent memory and kept the spirit of Dragon Ball alive for a new generation of fans.
What’s Next?
Right now, the future of Dragon Ball Super is a giant question mark. The manga is paused, the anime hasn’t caught up, and Toyotarou is dabbling in other projects. But with unfinished arcs and a global fanbase hungry for more, it’s hard to believe this is the end.
Dragon Ball Super still has plenty of energy left in its tank. Whether it’s a new arc, a reboot, or a surprise return, it will be around for a long time. And if Toyotarou decides to pick up the pen again, you can bet fans will be ready to power up alongside him.
