Is the Finale of Dragon Ball Z Considered Canon?

Is the Finale of Dragon Ball Z Considered Canon?

Overview

  • Dragon Ball Z’s finale, which occurs a decade after the Majin Buu saga, is still considered canon within the franchise.
  • Dragon Ball Super has not officially altered the events of “The End of Z, ”ensuring it remains a significant part of the timeline.
  • Dragon Ball Daima is positioned as a side story, leaving the conclusion of Z unchanged and within the canonical framework.

The conclusion of Dragon Ball Daima has sparked renewed discussions regarding the canonical status of the ending of Dragon Ball Z. Although Dragon Ball Super has introduced new elements such as characters, transformations, and expanded lore, the placement of the original Z finale within the current timeline continues to generate debate among fans.

Considering the recent developments with Daima, it’s essential to reassess whether the concluding episodes of Dragon Ball Z, set ten years after the Majin Buu saga, still hold their canonical status in the larger context of the Dragon Ball universe.

The Original Conclusion of Dragon Ball Z

A Leap to a Harmonious Future

Raditz from Dragon Ball Z
Goku from Dragon Ball Z

The final episodes of Dragon Ball Z unfold a decade after Majin Buu’s defeat. Goku finds himself embracing a quieter life, participating in the 28th World Martial Arts Tournament where he meets Uub, the human reincarnation of Kid Buu.

“I’m sorry that it took so much longer than the others… but I haven’t had much occasion to practice this one. This is what I call a Super Saiyan 3. I’m ready – show me what you got.”

— Goku to Majin Buu

The Argument for Continuity

Characters with most victories in Dragon Ball
Gogeta from Dragon Ball Z

A strong point supporting the canon status of the “End of Z”(EOZ) is the absence of an official retcon by Dragon Ball Super. While Super has introduced substantial new story arcs bridging the time between the Buu Saga and EOZ, it has largely adhered to the established timeline. Notably, Bulma’s remarks in the concluding Dragon Ball Z episodes, where she states she hasn’t seen Goku in five years, align seamlessly with the timeline crafted by Super, further reinforcing continuity.

The Influence of Dragon Ball Daima

A Self-Contained Narrative, Not a Retcon

Adult Goku in Dragon Ball Daima
Goku Super Saiyan 4 in Dragon Ball Daima
Goku and Piccolo in Dragon Ball Daima
Goku in Dragon Ball Daima

With the conclusion of Dragon Ball Daima, fans speculate about its potential impact on the larger Dragon Ball timeline. However, it operates primarily as a standalone narrative and does not appear to disrupt the established canon or timeline, thereby preserving the integrity of EOZ within the franchise.

Despite introducing a fresh adventure, Daima does not affect Goku’s story arc leading into EOZ. As Dragon Ball Super continues to evolve, there remains a chance for the series to eventually connect with the concluding episodes of Dragon Ball Z. Until such a connection is made, EOZ remains the accepted finale to Goku’s saga.

Is Dragon Ball Z’s Conclusion Still Canon?

Super Saiyan 4 from Dragon Ball Daima
Mini Gomah and Super Saiyan 4 Goku
Goku using Namekian potential in Dragon Ball Daima
Super Saiyan 4 Goku from Dragon Ball Daima
Goku in Super Saiyan 4 form

In summary, the ending of Dragon Ball Z is firmly established as canon. Although Dragon Ball Super and Dragon Ball Daima have enriched the franchise with new stories, neither has officially revisited or contradicted the events of EOZ. As Dragon Ball Super continues to unfold, there remains the potential for future narratives to bridge the gap leading into EOZ. Until that transitional moment, EOZ stands as the definitive conclusion to the extraordinary journey of Goku—at least for the time being.

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