Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero has taken the franchise by storm, becoming the highest-grossing movie in its history and leaving fans buzzing with excitement. The recent financial report from Toei Animation for the 2022 fiscal year showcased remarkable success, with Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero standing out among the studio’s releases. Surpassing the global gross of its predecessor, Dragon Ball Super: Broly, by earning a staggering 13.8 billion yen worldwide, Super Hero has solidified its place as a monumental achievement.
It’s worth noting the contrasting circumstances surrounding the releases of Broly and Super Hero. Broly arrived on the scene with immense anticipation, riding on the coattails of Dragon Ball Super’s television anime conclusion. Fans were eager to witness the explosive battles and stunning animation that captured the essence of the beloved Dragon Ball Z era. The film introduced a fresh art style that paid homage to the iconic angular look while incorporating fluid animation, resulting in a visual spectacle that still resonates with fans today. Moreover, Broly marked the canonical debuts of Gogeta and Broly himself, two fan-favorite characters from the original Dragon Ball Z movies.
In contrast, Super Hero faced several obstacles during its pre-release period. The introduction of a CGI art style initially stirred controversy among fans, who voiced concerns about its departure from traditional 2D animation. Additionally, the film adopted a more light-hearted and comedic tone, shifting the spotlight away from Goku and Vegeta in favor of highlighting Piccolo and Gohan. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic further impacted the cinema industry, affecting movie attendance worldwide. Despite these challenges, Super Hero defied expectations and emerged as an even more significant financial success for Toei Animation.
The success of Super Hero extends beyond monetary achievements. It showcases valuable lessons that the Dragon Ball series can learn from moving forward. One notable aspect is the series’ willingness to feature other members of its ensemble cast in leading roles. Super Hero marks the first time in modern Dragon Ball history where Goku, the franchise’s iconic protagonist, takes a backseat. Surprisingly, this shift did not hamper the film’s critical acclaim or commercial success, demonstrating the depth and popularity of Dragon Ball’s supporting characters. This opens up exciting possibilities for future Dragon Ball projects, as neglected cast members may receive well-deserved attention and story arcs.
Furthermore, Super Hero significantly altered the series’ status quo, moving closer to the timeline depicted in Dragon Ball Z’s epilogue. The film takes place just one year prior to the events of that epilogue, resulting in a notable aging up of characters such as Pan, Goten, and Trunks. This departure from the established formula indicates a willingness to embrace change and evolve the Dragon Ball universe without alienating its dedicated fanbase.
Another crucial aspect highlighted by Super Hero’s success is the acceptance of the CGI art style. While initially met with skepticism, the film’s performance demonstrated that viewers are receptive to this visual approach. From a production standpoint, the CGI style offers cost-effective solutions for Toei Animation, potentially influencing future projects. However, fans hoping for a return to the kinetic 2D animation reminiscent of Broly may be disappointed by this revelation.
The film’s overwhelming financial triumph also brings into question the necessity of a television anime adaptation to sustain the franchise’s popularity. While fans eagerly await the return of Dragon Ball Super on airwaves, Super Hero’s achievements emphasize that the series can thrive through other mediums. The film’s success indicates a dedicated and loyal fanbase that eagerly supports Dragon Ball across various platforms.
It’s important to note that Dragon Ball’s unpredictable nature means that attempting to replicate Super Hero’s success might not be the franchise’s primary focus. The success of Broly led fans to expect a similar tone and approach in future films, yet Super Hero took a completely different path while maintaining the level of success associated with the franchise. This showcases Toei Animation’s willingness to experiment and explore new creative directions, bolstered by the loyalty and enthusiasm of the Dragon Ball fanbase.
As fans eagerly anticipate the next Dragon Ball installment, the impact of Super Hero on the series’ future remains shrouded in uncertainty. While the film’s success offers valuable insights and lessons, it also signifies that the future of Dragon Ball is as elusive and unpredictable as ever. Only time will reveal what exciting adventures lie ahead for Goku and his companions in the ever-evolving world of Dragon Ball.
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