Dragon Ball Z has long been considered one of the greatest and most influential anime series of all time. With its intense battles, iconic transformations, and unforgettable characters, the show played a huge role in popularizing anime around the world. However, the arrival of Dragon Ball Super has sparked debates among fans. While the newer series introduces fresh content and characters, some argue that it undermines the legacy and impact of Dragon Ball Z.
One major concern is the way Dragon Ball Super handles power scaling. In Dragon Ball Z, battles felt intense and meaningful because characters had to train hard to reach new levels of strength. Transformations like Super Saiyan were legendary moments that took effort and sacrifice. In contrast, Dragon Ball Super often gives characters sudden, unexplained boosts in power. For example, Goku quickly achieves forms like Super Saiyan God and Ultra Instinct without the same sense of struggle seen in earlier arcs.
This fast-paced approach to power-ups has made some fans feel that Dragon Ball Super lacks the tension and emotional weight that defined Dragon Ball Z. When characters can unlock new forms so easily, victories seem less rewarding, and battles lose their edge.
Another criticism is the portrayal of once-powerful villains and characters. Villains like Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu in Dragon Ball Z were terrifying foes who pushed the heroes to their limits. However, Dragon Ball Super often brings back characters like Frieza and uses them as comedic or temporary allies rather than maintaining their fearsome reputations. This shift has led some fans to believe that the series doesn’t respect the significance these characters once held.
Additionally, the storytelling in Dragon Ball Super tends to focus heavily on spectacle rather than meaningful plot development. Arcs like the Tournament of Power offer exciting fights but often lack the emotional stakes present in sagas like the Cell Games or the battle against Majin Buu. The emphasis on rapid, large-scale events sometimes sacrifices character growth and meaningful story moments.
Despite these issues, Dragon Ball Super has its merits. It introduces memorable characters like Beerus, Whis, and Jiren, and explores fascinating concepts such as alternate universes. The show also brings new life to the franchise by appealing to a younger generation of fans.
However, the comparison between the two series remains unavoidable. Dragon Ball Z was a groundbreaking anime that shaped the shonen storytelling at large, while Dragon Ball Super often feels like an attempt to capitalize on nostalgia without fully living up to its predecessor’s greatness.
In the end, whether or not Dragon Ball Super diminishes the impact of Dragon Ball Z depends on individual perspectives. While some fans appreciate the continuation of Goku’s journey, others long for the depth and intensity that made Dragon Ball Z so iconic. Regardless, both series continue to hold a special place in the hearts of anime lovers around the world.
