Fez — The “Dragon Ball Super” anime is officially returning, marking a major moment for one of the most influential franchises in global pop culture.
Announced during celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of “Dragon Ball,” the new series confirms that the saga will continue beyond the long pause that followed the end of “Dragon Ball Super” in 2018.
The upcoming anime will adapt the “Galactic Patrol Prisoner arc,” one of the most anticipated storylines from the “Dragon Ball Super” manga. This return restores serialized television storytelling to the franchise after several years dominated by films, anniversary projects, and experimental formats.
A direct continuation after the Tournament of Power
The new series picks up after the Tournament of Power, introducing a cosmic-scale conflict involving the Galactic Patrol and a powerful new antagonist known as “Moro.” Unlike recent arcs focused primarily on gods and multiverse tournaments, this storyline leans heavily into classic Dragon Ball themes such as martial discipline, energy mastery, and long-form training.
For many fans, the arc represents a tonal shift. It emphasizes consequence and endurance rather than spectacle alone, while expanding the universe beyond familiar battlegrounds on Earth.
A franchise in transition after Toriyama
The return arrives in a delicate moment for Dragon Ball. Creator Akira Toriyama, who shaped the series for nearly four decades, passed away in 2024. His influence, however, remains foundational. The new anime builds on storylines he helped outline and approve during his later years, ensuring continuity with his creative vision.
Production remains under Toei Animation, which has overseen the franchise since its television debut in the 1980s. Studio representatives have framed the new series as both a continuation and a recalibration, aimed at balancing legacy fans with a new generation of viewers.
Why the return matters now
Since the end of “Dragon Ball Super,” the franchise has not been absent, but fragmented. Films such as “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” and “Super Hero” performed strongly, while “Dragon Ball Daima” experimented with tone and format between 2024 and 2025. Still, many fans viewed those projects as side paths rather than a true narrative return.
The new series restores Dragon Ball’s traditional rhythm. Weekly episodes, evolving arcs, and long-term character development return to the center of the experience.
A global audience still waiting
Few franchises command the same worldwide reach as “Dragon Ball.” From Latin America to North Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia, the series remains a cultural constant across generations. Its return in anime form is expected to dominate streaming platforms and broadcast schedules once released.
While an exact premiere date has not yet been announced, the confirmation alone has reshaped expectations for 2026 and beyond.
More than a revival, “Dragon Ball’s return signals continuity. It reaffirms that even after forty years, the franchise is not closing a chapter, but preparing to write the next one.
