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Since its debut in the 1980s,Dragon Ballhas become a phenomenon in the anime industry, known for its action-packed storyline and memorable character arcs. Starting withDragon Balland continuing throughDragon Ball Z, the story underwent further development withDragon Ball Super, a series that debuted in 2015 that added new characters and challenges while also broadening the universe.
However, as theDragon Ball Superseries has progressed in both the manga and anime format, a particular debate has constantly taken place: Which format ofDragon Ball Superdelivers a better experience for fans? Does the anime perfectly translate the manga? Or, is the manga better than the anime?
Let’s dive into the key distinctions between theDragon Ball Supermanga and anime, and ultimately weigh in on which medium offers the better experience.
Dragon Ball SuperManga vs. Anime: A Distinctive Approach to Storytelling
One of the most striking differences between theDragon Ball Supermanga and anime is how they tell the story of Goku’s journey post-Dragon Ball Z.By the events ofDragon Ball Super, Goku is approximately43 to 47 years old, depending on specific timelines and arcs. While the manga provides a streamlined, tightly focused narrative, the anime takes liberties with 14 filler and 3 partial filler episodes, extended fights, and additional character interactions.
The first distinction is revolved around its pacing and structure. The manga ofDragon Ball Super, written byAkira Toriyamaand illustrated by Toyotarou, offers a more concise storyline. In contrast, the anime takes advantage of its medium by extending some scenes, additional character interactions, and filler episodes. However, this poses a problem in some aspects in terms of the pacing, as witnessed during the Tournament of Power, where the anime prolonged some fights, stretching out scenes across multiple episodes.
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Another thing that diminishes the significance of the anime is the animation quality. TheDragon Ball Supermanga is known for its crisp, precise illustrations, and Toyotarou’s skillfuluse of panelingperfectly captures the powerful moments of the series. On the other hand, the anime’s quality varies across episodes, particularly in early arcs where inconsistencies in animation resulted in several memes and sparked criticism. However, improvements were made over time.
Manga or Anime: Which Version Does Justice toDragon Ball Super?
Apart from the technical perspectives, there are also other elements that distinguish the manga and anime ofDragon Ball Super, and one of them is the exploration of its characters. The manga’s streamlined structure often centers around some key characters, such as Goku and Vegeta, while the anime brings in additional character-focused episodes with its extended runtime. For example, characters like Krillin and Android 18 receive more screen time in the anime adaptation.
Despite differences, theDragon Ball Supermanga and anime each offer unique artistic interpretations that contribute to their distinct storytelling. Toyotarou’s manga artwork has received recognition for its striking resemblance to Toriyama’s original style, which adds a connection to the originalDragon Ballseries.
Although the anime’sart quality has been inconsistent, over time, Toei Animation invested more in key battles, producing episodes with higher quality animation that highlighted the intense moments, such as Goku’s transformation into Ultra Instinct.
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Ultimately, the decision between theDragon Ball Supermanga and anime comes down to personal taste. The manga offers a polished experience for fans who like Toriyama’s streamlined writing, while the anime offers more extensive world-building and a striking visual display. Whether you prefer the manga’s concise action or the anime’s high-octane sequences,Dragon Ball Supercontinues to enrich the legacy of Goku and his companions, leaving fans with two distinct ways to enjoy the saga.
Dragon Ball Superis currently available to watch and read on Crunchyroll and Viz Media, respectively.
Moumita Chakraborty
Articles Published :931
Moumita Chakraborty is a seasoned Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 900 published articles. Passionate about the vibrant world of Japanese anime, she brings sharp analytical skills and cultural insight to every piece. From dissecting intricate plotlines to spotlighting the latest trends and releases, Moumita’s work resonates with both casual fans and seasoned otakus. Her writing aims to connect with fellow anime enthusiasts while contributing meaningfully to the ever-growing anime community.
