Dragon Ball shows no signs of ever truly going away, as even after the lovely sendoff of creator Akira Toriyama’s legacy in Dragon Ball Daima, there is still hope. It’s not just idle fan speculation, either, as executives directly attached to Toriyama’s projects are speaking up. Dragon Ball is far from done with anime as one executive confirms.
The latest proof of Dragon Ball’s return is an interview with Akio Iyoku for the Dragon Ball Daima booklet, recently translated on X. Iyoku is a key producer for numerous Dragon Ball anime projects, most recently Daima, alongside founding Capsule Corporation Tokyo, which handles production for Toriyama’s projects. Iyoku directly addresses anime prospects after Dragon Ball Daima to alleviate doubts.
Dragon Ball Daima Is Not the End for the Anime, Akio Iyoku Confirms
Dragon Ball Daima Finale Super Saiyan 4 Goku Kamehameha
Following the release and success of Dragon Ball Daima, fans were left hoping for more content as there were still stories left to be told. Daima planning team member Akio Iyoku speaks about this in his latest interview, confirming that the franchise is “moving forward” which means there is more anime ot come. In his interview, Iyoku states:
“Did you enjoy watching Daima? Following this work, of course, we are currently working hard to move various things forward. The “Dragon Ball” series will continue from here on as well, so everyone, by all means, please keep looking forward to it.”
-Akio Iyoku
The statement makes a clear case that not only are there plans to make more Dragon Ball anime, but that it’s in the works with the intent to continue. The franchise being able to move forward also suggests the anime’s bringing the story further into the future, creating more adventures for Toriyama’s timeline. However, its future direction is unconfirmed.
The clearest candidate for more adaptations is Dragon Ball Super, which would be able to adapt manga arcs like the Galactic Patrol Prisoner or Granolah the Survivor sagas. But as the viewership and discourse around Dragon Ball Daima proved, fans are also happy to just have more original Dragon Ball content.
Dragon Ball’s Anime Moves Into Uncharted Territory Without Toriyama
With Akira Toriyama’s tragic passing in March 2024, fans were unsure where the franchise could go without its beloved creator. Dragon Ball Daima was the last anime Toriyama was attached to before his death, but in his final years, he found a successor. Dragon Ball Super artist Toyotarou has been gradually embraced as the torchbearer for Toriyama’s legacy.
Anime often outlive their creators over time thanks to a dedicated team carrying the vision. Iyoku, as a planner, is responsible for retaining the original idea from the manga as it’s adapted to the anime. As long as there are ideas, there remains a future for the Dragon Ball franchise, should Toyotarou finally continue Super.
Whether the persistent charm of Dragon Ball will stay alive in the absence of Toriyama remains undetermined. His character designs sold fans on Dragon Ball Daima, and until Toyotarou’s return to Dragon Ball Super is confirmed, there’s limited unadapted material remaining. If anything, this push for more anime may have a ripple effect, increasing demand for the manga, as well.
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Akira Toriyama
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