Why Did Dragon Ball Super Anime End?

The Dragon Ball Super anime concluded in March 2018, leaving many fans wondering why it ended. The series garnered widespread acclaim for its engaging storylines and character development. With its abrupt conclusion, numerous theories emerged regarding the reasons behind its ending. This article explores the reasons why Dragon Ball Super ended, including production challenges, narrative completion, and future possibilities.

Reasons Behind the Conclusion of Dragon Ball Super

1. Completion of the Story Arc

The primary reason for the end of Dragon Ball Super is the completion of its narrative arcs. The series successfully adapted to the continuation of the original story line following the events of Dragon Ball Z. The Universe Survival Saga, the last major arc of the anime, wrapped up the storyline by bringing resolution to key character developments and battles.

Final Battles and Resolutions

Throughout the Universe Survival Saga, fans witnessed intense battles and powerful transformations. The climactic fight against Jiren in the Tournament of Power served as a fitting conclusion to Goku's growth and showcased his journey from a fighter to a protector of the universe. This arc provided the necessary closure that led to the anime's natural ending.

2. Production Challenges

Another significant factor contributing to the end of Dragon Ball Super was the production complexities involved in creating high-quality anime episodes. Producing a popular series like Dragon Ball Super puts immense pressure on animators and writers. Reports indicated that the production schedules were tight, resulting in potential burnout among the staff.

Demanding Production Schedules

With over 130 episodes produced in just three years, the rapid production pace may have led to creative fatigue. Maintaining consistency in animation quality while meeting airing deadlines is a demanding task. Consequently, Toei Animation, the studio behind the series, opted to conclude the show to reassess and plan for any future projects more effectively.

3. Transition to Manga and Films

Dragon Ball Super's transition towards manga and films also influenced the decision to end the anime. The ongoing manga series, illustrated by Toyotarou and supervised by Akira Toriyama, continues to explore new narratives beyond the anime's conclusion. This shift allows the franchise to remain vibrant while reducing the burden of continuous anime episodes.

New Story Arcs in Manga

The Super manga has introduced several new arcs, such as the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Arc and the Granolah the Survivor Arc. These stories expand the Dragon Ball universe and keep fans engaged with fresh content, offering a different medium than what was presented in the anime.

4. Market Over-saturation

The anime industry thrives on trends and audience engagement. As Dragon Ball Super gained popularity, it also faced the risk of market saturation. Ending the series at a peak might help preserve its status and maintain fan interest for future installments rather than allowing it to decline in quality over time.

Leverage Future Opportunities

By concluding the anime, Toei Animation can leverage future opportunities for revitalizing the series. New projects, whether in anime or films, can be developed without causing dilution of the brand's value. A strategic hiatus might create heightened anticipation for new content.

Future Prospects of Dragon Ball Franchise

What Comes Next?

Fans remain curious about the future of the Dragon Ball franchise. Despite the end of the anime, several opportunities exist for new developments. The manga continues to progress, and recent announcements have teased potential movies and spin-off series.

Upcoming Movies and Spin-offs

Toei Animation has released films such as "Dragon Ball Super: Broly," which showcases new character developments and storylines. Future movies are likely to explore further adventures within the established universe, providing fans with new content while the anime remains on hiatus.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the reasons why Dragon Ball Super anime ended can be attributed to a combination of narrative completion, production challenges, shifts to other media, and strategic market considerations. While the anime may have concluded, the Dragon Ball franchise continues to thrive through its manga and upcoming projects. Fans can look forward to more adventures featuring their favorite characters in the years to come.