It’s the End of an Era for Dragon Ball Super: What Comes Next for the Legendary Franchise?

A Long Hiatus Turns Definitive
After months of speculation and hope, fans of Dragon Ball Super have received confirmation that the manga will not return in 2025. Victory Uchida, editor at V-Jump magazine and host of the Weekly Dragon Ball News Broadcast, revealed during an interview at Jump Victory Carnival that the series remains on indefinite hiatus following the death of creator Akira Toriyama in 2024.

This announcement marks a sobering moment for the franchise. While a special one-shot chapter was released in February 2025, offering a brief epilogue to the Super Hero arc, it now appears that was a farewell rather than a new beginning.

The Cliffhanger That Froze Time
The manga had left fans on edge with the introduction of Black Frieza—arguably the most powerful villain in Universe 7—and the promise of a new arc. Toyotarou, Toriyama’s handpicked successor, had expressed interest in continuing the story, even crafting arcs like Granolah the Survivor and Planet Eater Moro largely on his own. But without Toriyama’s guiding hand, the franchise’s future remains uncertain.

Sparking Zero: The Last Flame of New Content
While the manga and anime are on pause, Dragon Ball Sparking! ZERO has become the torchbearer for fans craving new content. The upcoming Daima Character Pack 2, releasing September 24, adds six new fighters—including Super Saiyan 4 Goku (Mini and Daima), Super Saiyan 3 Vegeta (Daima), and the villainous Gomah in two forms.

This DLC marks the end of the game’s season pass, and with no second pass announced, it may be the final major update for Sparking Zero. For many, this game now serves as the only active platform where new Dragon Ball stories and transformations can be explored.

Legacy, Loss, and the Road Ahead
Toriyama’s passing left a creative void that’s difficult to fill. His influence shaped not just the battles and transformations, but the emotional core of the series—its humor, its heart, and its sense of wonder. Toyotarou continues to contribute illustrations and is working on a new one-shot story for V-Jump, but the absence of serialized Dragon Ball Super content is deeply felt.

Still, the franchise’s legacy is far from over. With global fan support, a rich universe of characters, and creators eager to honor Toriyama’s vision, Dragon Ball may yet rise again. But for now, fans must embrace the pause, reflect on the journey, and wait for the next spark.

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Jon Night

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This article is written by any member of the Geek Digest Editorial team led by Jon Night. Articles/Features/Reviews by Guest authors will indicate author name below the Rider and brief bio at end of the read.

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