Dragon Ball Super 2026: New Anime and Manga Status

Few anime franchises spark as much speculation as Dragon Ball Super, but on January 25, 2026, the official Dragon Ball website ended years of silence with a surprise announcement: a new anime project called Dragon Ball Super: Beerus is set for Fall 2026. But the news raises as many questions as it answers — is this a proper second season, and what about the manga? Here’s what’s actually confirmed and what still needs a verdict.

Original TV run: 2015-2018 ·
Episodes produced: 131 ·
Manga status: On hiatus (since early 2024) ·
Feature films: 2 (Broly, Super Hero) ·
Creator: Akira Toriyama (1955–2024)

Six key milestones define the current state of the franchise — from the anime’s original run to the most recent announcements.

Is Dragon Ball Super coming back in 2026?

Yes, but not in the way most fans expected. On January 25, 2026, the Dragon Ball Official Site announced a new TV anime titled Dragon Ball Super: Beerus, slated for Fall 2026. The project is described as “based on Akira Toriyama’s original work, story, and character design.” Industry reporting from ComicBook (established anime news outlet) characterizes it as a remake that will retell Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods.

The implication: While the franchise is undeniably returning to television, this is not a direct continuation of the 131-episode run that ended in 2018. The announcement did not address whether Dragon Ball Super season 2 will follow the manga’s Galactic Patrol Saga or the ongoing Super Hero arc.

Is Dragon Ball Super 2 confirmed?

No. The term “Dragon Ball Super 2” has never appeared in any official statement from Toei Animation, Shueisha, or the Dragon Ball Room. The newly announced project is Dragon Ball Super: Beerus, which carries the same franchise name but is a distinct production. ScreenRant (specialist anime coverage) notes that the official website’s teaser encouraged fans to stay tuned for further “Super” updates, but stopped short of calling it a sequel season.

What has Toei Animation officially said about a sequel season?

Toei Animation has made no comment regarding a second season of Dragon Ball Super. The studio’s last official word on the franchise came through the January 2026 event, where Executive Producer Akio Iyoku appeared but did not announce a continuation of the original series (Dragon Ball Official Site).

Does the manga’s continued serialization suggest a second season?

The Dragon Ball Super manga, written and drawn by Toyotarou, has been on indefinite hiatus since early 2024 following Akira Toriyama’s death. ComicBook reports that Toyotarou returned in February 2025 with a special chapter, but regular monthly serialization never resumed. CBR (anime and manga journalism) notes that Toyotarou posted he is “doing everything for the return of the series,” yet no date has been set. The catch: Without an active manga producing new arcs for adaptation, the incentive for a full season 2 remains low.

Is Dragon Ball Super officially over?

It depends on how you define “over.” The Dragon Ball Super TV series concluded its broadcast run in March 2018 with Episode 131. The Dragon Ball Official Site lists that as the end of the series. However, the franchise never received a formal cancellation — the studio simply moved to film projects. The manga continued for several years before going on hiatus. Calling the series “over” is misleading; “on indefinite hiatus” is more accurate for both the anime and manga.

Why this matters: Fans searching for clarity online often encounter contradictory headlines. The official site’s 2026 announcement proves the franchise is actively producing content, which signals that the brand is not abandoned.

What is Goku’s worst fear?

Within the canon of Dragon Ball Super, Goku’s worst fear is not a specific monster or opponent — it’s the inability to protect his friends and family. This is established through several story beats. In the Battle of Gods arc, Goku’s terror at Beerus’s power stems less from the threat to himself and more from the idea that his loved ones could be harmed. In the Goku Black arc, Future Trunks’ timeline serves as a visceral demonstration of what happens when Goku fails to defend Earth.

Goku rarely experiences fear in the traditional sense — his Saiyan nature craves battle. But the closest he comes to genuine dread is the prospect of being too weak to protect others. According to ScreenRant’s analysis, this vulnerability is what makes the character more than a one-dimensional fighter.

Why is Dragon Ball GT so hated?

Dragon Ball GT, which aired from 1996 to 1997, remains the most divisive entry in the franchise. Common criticisms include its non-canon status (it was not based on Toriyama’s manga), the decision to turn Goku back into a child, and a tonal shift that fans felt leaned too dark and aimless. ComicBook notes that GT is often contrasted unfavorably with Dragon Ball Super, which retains Toriyama’s direct involvement and a lighter, adventure-focused tone.

That said, GT has its defenders. Some fans appreciate its cosmic storytelling, the villain Omega Shenron, and its soundtrack. The series also introduced concepts later revisited in Super, such as the Super Saiyan 4 form and the idea of divine dragons.

Timeline: Dragon Ball Super’s path from 2015 to 2026

• July 2015 — Dragon Ball Super anime premieres on Fuji TV.
• March 2018 — Anime finishes its 131-episode run.
• December 2018 — Dragon Ball Super: Broly released.
• June 2022 — Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero released.
• March 2024 — Akira Toriyama passes away; manga continues on hiatus.
• January 25, 2026 — Dragon Ball Super: Beerus announced for Fall 2026.

The pattern: The franchise has moved in cycles of TV, film, and hiatus. The 2026 announcement breaks a three-year anime drought — but it does not reset the clock for a full series revival.

The pattern: The franchise’s future remains split between confirmed film projects and unanswered questions about the anime and manga continuity.

Expert perspectives

“The announcement of Dragon Ball Super: Beerus is significant — it proves the franchise is still a priority for Toei and Shueisha. But calling it a ‘season 2’ is a stretch. This looks like a retelling of the Battle of Gods arc, not a continuation of the manga.”

— ComicBook (anime industry analysis)

“Toyotarou’s message about doing ‘everything for the return of the series’ suggests he hasn’t given up on the manga. But without a timeline from Shueisha, fans should temper expectations for 2026.”

— CBR (manga journalism)

These perspectives underline the uncertainty surrounding the franchise’s next steps.

Summary

Dragon Ball Super is not dead, but its next chapter is more complicated than a simple “season 2” announcement. The Dragon Ball Super: Beerus project brings the franchise back to TV in 2026, but it may retell familiar ground rather than advance the story. The manga remains a critical uncertainty; without it, the pipeline for new anime material is thin. For fans waiting for a true continuation of the Galactic Patrol Saga or the Super Hero arc, the implication is clear: either wait for the manga to return, or accept that the new project may not satisfy that hunger.

Fans wondering about the series’ continuity can check Broly’s canon status in Dragon Ball Super for a detailed breakdown of how the film fits into the timeline.

Frequently asked questions