Summary
- Akira Toriyama has focused on creativity within the Dragon Ball series, often overlooking canon discrepancies.
- The intricate timelines may alienate new viewers, complicating their understanding of the narrative.
- Fans are encouraged to appreciate each Dragon Ball installment independently, as they might exist in alternate timelines.
The Dragon Ball community has been buzzing since the conclusion of Dragon Ball Daima. The series stirred debate right from its announcement when details emerged about Goku and his companions transforming back into children, drawing parallels to Dragon Ball GT.
Post-Daima, many fans have noticed several narrative inconsistencies with Dragon Ball Super. While these discrepancies are mostly minor, they’ve left some fans feeling confused or frustrated. Questions arise regarding which narrative should hold more weight in terms of ‘canon’.In this discussion, we assert that the concept of canon in Dragon Ball—and indeed in any fictional universe—shouldn’t be overemphasized.
Toriyama’s Attitude Towards ‘Canon’
Akira Toriyama was engaged as a consultant for Dragon Ball Daima while Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero was still in the works. However, according to Akio Iyuko, Toriyama found such enthusiasm for Daima that he took a leading role in its creation rather than merely advising.
Interestingly, the existence of Daima raises questions about the overall narrative integrity of the Dragon Ball franchise. The series appears to redefine certain elements from Super, which is peculiar for a prequel to do regarding events that unfold afterwards.
Yet, Toriyama did not seem to be fazed by these retcons. His choice to deliver Daima as a standalone narrative highlights a crucial point: a creator prioritizing innovation over rigid adherence to previous narratives sends a clear message regarding how to view inconsistencies.
Connections Between Dragon Ball Super and Daima
As anticipated, Dragon Ball Daima introduces several contradictions to Super. A notable example is Goku’s transformation; while his most powerful form at the opening of Super is SSJ3, he changes into SSJ4 in Daima. Likewise, Vegeta’s exploration of power traditionally excluded the SSJ3 form in Super, leading to widespread belief that he unlocked more powerful forms without tapping into SSJ3.
Fans anticipated that Daima would provide clarity on these inconsistencies, but the narrative instead asserts that both Goku and Vegeta attained their new transformations prior to the events of the series, shortly after the Buu saga.
Can both series logically coexist within the same timeline? Yes, that’s certainly feasible. Does it seem unusual that Goku and Vegeta avoided utilizing SSJ3 and SSJ4 against Beerus? Undoubtedly. Nevertheless, as we move forward, it’s plausible that Super will seek to address the narrative challenges posed by Daima.
The Importance of a Cohesive Timeline
Is it necessary for Super to resolve the inconsistencies between itself and Daima? It largely depends on one’s viewpoint. If the objective is establishing a seamless chronology across the series, then yes, it would be beneficial. However, it is not strictly necessary.
Creative storytelling is often driven by our desire for coherence. We prefer narratives that can be understood logically; however, it’s crucial to remember that stories do not have to mirror reality. They do not require a cohesive timeline nor should they be structured like historical accounts.
Stories should ideally maintain internal logic and congruity. Yet, storytelling is often subjective, with various elements like absurd plot twists or deus ex machina being debated. Some enjoy narratives that embrace absurdity or even feature inconsistencies.
In essence, what truly matters is the ability of a story to engage its audience. As long as viewers remain captivated, slight discrepancies should not deter enjoyment. In fact, approaching stories with rigid checklists can stifle creativity.
If one narrative does not need to fit neatly within its own structure, why should it have to align perfectly with others? Daima and Super both serve as stand-alone works, and they do not necessarily require interconnection. While a fully integrated timeline might be appealing, it is not essential.
While the idea of ‘canon’ can be intriguing, not every creator needs to strive for a cohesive ‘universe’ where every element is intricately connected. Especially when adhering to timelines may restrict the freedom of creativity.
Ultimately, while canon can enrich a narrative when done thoughtfully, it is not a prerequisite for franchise success. The primary concern should always be how well each story resonates with its audience.
The Dangers of Over-Complexity in Storylines
Watch on YouTube
The excitement that arises from interconnected narratives can sometimes lead to unnecessary complexity. This complexity can act as a barrier, deterring new audiences from fully embracing the story.
Many viewers express frustration with franchises like Marvel, where a lack of familiarity with prior films or series can hinder understanding of subsequent releases. Such intricacies may dissuade newcomers, leading them to forego binge-watching an entire universe just to catch up.
For Dragon Ball, if the inconsistencies between Daima and Super are bothersome, an effective strategy is to view them as independent series. Producer Akio Iyuko has suggested that they might exist in slightly different timelines. If this is the direction taken regarding canon, future Dragon Ball entries may follow suit, possibly disregarding strict canonicity. Now may be the perfect time to embrace the individuality of each series, especially given Toriyama’s own relaxed stance on strict canon rules.
Fans can explore many Dragon Ball series and movies available on platforms such as Crunchyroll, along with several titles found on Hulu, Netflix, and other streaming services.
Leave a Reply