After months of speculation and uncertainty, the beloved Dragon Ball Super manga is officially returning with new content. The announcement came during Jump Festa 2025, sparking excitement among fans who had anxiously awaited updates since the series went on hiatus following the passing of its original creator, Akira Toriyama, earlier this year. The hiatus left many wondering about the future of the series, but on February 20, 2025, the manga will make its comeback with the release of a brand-new one-shot story.
This special chapter will debut through Shueisha's V-Jump magazine and will center around fan-favorites Goten and Trunks. Dubbed the "one-shot," it is anticipated to explore the duo's adventures reminiscent of their earlier roles during the Super Hero saga, where they donned the superhero identities of Saiyaman X-1 and Saiyaman X-2. The inclusion of the character Clean God, who served as their inspiration, hints at more layers to the story.
During Jump Festa, the fanbase was treated to stunning new artwork by Toyotaro, showcasing the enigmatic Black Frieza character, who has become increasingly significant within the Dragon Ball universe. Integrally tied to the narratives about training and power levels, Black Frieza emerges as the strongest being of Universe 7, resulting from his rigorous training regimen which he undertook for what amounted to ten years within the Hyperbolic Time Chamber.
This powerful transformation, revealed after the Granolah the Survivor arc, left strong contenders like Goku and Vegeta scrambling to keep pace. Following the recent events of Super Hero, many fans speculated on how and when Frieza would re-emerge as the primary antagonist, especially with the threat level he poses to established heroes.
The new one-shot story is framed as part of the progression for Dragon Ball Super, which many feared had reached its terminus with the finale of Chapter 103 – Toriyama’s last substantial influence before his passing. While fans had coined various grievances surrounding the series' hiatus, the release of this one-shot is seen as hope restored, though many are still left pondering the long-term serialization of the story and whether it will return to its traditional format.
While Black Frieza's apparent supremacy looms large, the return of Goten and Trunks also raises questions about their development. Several fans felt the series did not do enough to utilize their characters following the initial arcs where they previously shone bright. By returning the focus to Goten and Trunks, the one-shot could well set the stage for new heroic growth, as they grapple with their identities and powers against the backdrop of more seasoned Saiyan fighters.
Though it remains unclear if this one-shot will lead directly to the re-establishment of regular Dragon Ball Super manga chapters, signs heralding the future appear promising. The connections established with Dragon Ball Daima, the new anime currently airing, contribute to this optimism. Many believe Dragon Ball Daima could align with the manga’s subsequent chapters, setting the stage for integrations between the diverse arcs of the franchise.
This new development rolls out against the backdrop of the Dragon Ball franchise’s significant history; the mixed emotions surrounding Toriyama’s passing, and the challenges Toyotaro may face as he crafts narratives without the wisdom of the series’ founder. Nonetheless, the enthusiasm for the announcement at Jump Festa sends a strong message from both creators and the fan community: the spirit of Dragon Ball is very much alive.
Looking forward, the return of Dragon Ball Super, even if just for this one-shot, offers fans something to rally around. The anticipation surrounding the new story will likely be considerable, as many observe any subtle clues or signposts meant to foreshadow future content, particularly concerning powerful figures like Black Frieza and how he interacts with the younger generations of heroes.
With expectations at peak vigor, Dragon Ball seems poised once more to engage its vast audience, ensuring its dynamic and thrilling presence within the expansive world of manga. Stay tuned as the saga reignites, with new adventures ready to be told and timeless battles prepared to be waged.
