Wondering if the Dragon Ball Super manga is over after the tragic loss of Akira Toriyama? You’re not alone; fans everywhere are seeking clear answers amidst rumors and speculation. The sudden pause has left the community uncertain about the future of Goku’s ongoing adventures.
The Dragon Ball Super manga is not officially over, but it is on an indefinite hiatus as of 2026. Publication stopped following the conclusion of the Super Hero Arc with Chapter 103. This pause, announced by publisher Shueisha, is a direct result of the passing of original creator Akira Toriyama, and no return date has been set.
This article provides the latest official updates based on verified announcements from the manga’s publisher. You will get a clear, fact-based understanding of the current situation, the reasons behind it, and what has been officially stated about the series’ future. This will separate the facts from the fiction.
Key Facts
- Not Cancelled, But Paused: The Dragon Ball Super manga is on an indefinite hiatus, which is a pause in production, not a permanent cancellation.
- Reason for Hiatus: The pause is a direct result of the sudden and tragic passing of the series’ original author, Akira Toriyama.
- Last Chapter Published: The final chapter released before the hiatus was Chapter 103, which concluded the Super Hero Arc.
- No Official Return Date: As of March 2026, publisher Shueisha has not announced a specific date for the manga’s return. The future of the series is officially undecided.
- Separate from Other Media: The manga’s status is independent of the Dragon Ball Super anime, which ended in 2018, and the upcoming Dragon Ball Daima series.
Is the Dragon Ball Super Manga Officially Over?
The Dragon Ball Super manga is not officially over or cancelled; it is on an indefinite hiatus. This is the most crucial distinction for fans to understand. Following the release of Chapter 103 in 2026, the series’ publisher, Shueisha, and its publication magazine, V-Jump, confirmed that the manga would be taking a pause from its monthly schedule. This decision was made out of respect and necessity following the passing of the series’ legendary creator, Akira Toriyama.
An “indefinite hiatus” means that the production has been paused for an unknown amount of time. It is not a cancellation, which would signify a permanent end to the series. The door remains open for a return, but the creative team needs time to determine how, or if, the story will proceed without its original author. Official sources have been clear about the manga’s current status, asking for the community’s patience during this period.
To summarize the current situation:
* ✅ Not Over: The series has not been officially concluded.
* ❗ On Hiatus: Production is paused indefinitely.
* 💀 Reason: The hiatus is due to the passing of creator Akira Toriyama.
Why Did the Dragon Ball Super Manga Go on Hiatus in 2026?
The direct reason for the Dragon Ball Super manga’s hiatus is the tragic and unexpected death of its original creator, Akira Toriyama. He was the primary creative force behind the manga’s story, providing the plot, character concepts, and key narrative beats. The pause in publication gives the entire production team, especially illustrator Toyotaro, time to grieve and determine the future creative direction of the series without Toriyama’s guidance.
Understanding the manga production process reveals why his absence is so critical. For years, the creation of Dragon Ball Super was a collaborative effort. Akira Toriyama would create the story manuscripts, including dialogue and basic panel layouts. Toyotaro, his chosen successor, would then use these manuscripts to draw the final, detailed chapters. This partnership ensured the manga maintained Toriyama’s unique vision and voice. The hiatus acknowledges that this essential creative pillar is now missing, and a new path forward must be carefully considered.
“I’ve always been drawing manga with the sole purpose of entertaining my readers.” – Akira Toriyama
What Was the Final Chapter Published Before the Hiatus?
The final chapter of the Dragon Ball Super manga published before the hiatus was Chapter 103, titled “A Legacy Toward the Future.” This chapter served as the conclusion to the manga’s adaptation of the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero movie. It provided a powerful and emotionally resonant endpoint, featuring a sparring match between Goku and Gohan that highlights Gohan’s new “Beast” form. The chapter’s title and its final, poignant scene of Piccolo watching over Gohan and Goku felt like a fitting, though unintentional, tribute to Akira Toriyama’s legacy.
What Have Official Sources Said About the Manga’s Future?
As of March 2026, official sources state the future of the Dragon Ball Super manga is undecided. While rumors and fan theories are widespread, the key figures involved in the manga’s publication have been very deliberate and cautious in their public statements. They have confirmed the hiatus and the reason for it but have not made any definitive announcements about a return date or a potential new creative structure. The official line is one of patience and waiting for a formal decision.
What Did V-Jump Editor Victory Uchida Announce?
The most concrete official statement has come from Victory Uchida, the editor for V-Jump magazine where the manga is published. He directly addressed the manga’s status, confirming that its future is currently undecided. He asked fans for their patience and provided a clear channel for future news.
Victory Uchida confirmed that once a decision is made regarding the manga’s continuation, an official announcement will be published in V-Jump magazine. This positions the magazine as the single source of truth for any future developments.
Has Toyotaro Made Any Statements About Continuing the Manga?
Illustrator Toyotaro has not made a public statement about continuing the manga since the hiatus was announced. However, his past interviews provide insight into his mindset. For years, Toyotaro has consistently expressed his profound respect for Akira Toriyama and his dedication to carrying on the Dragon Ball legacy. He was hand-picked by Toriyama as his successor for the manga’s art. While this dedication makes fans hopeful that he will carry on the story, this remains unconfirmed in any official capacity post-hiatus.
How Does the Manga’s Status Differ from the Anime and Dragon Ball Daima?
The Dragon Ball Super manga’s hiatus is completely separate from other Dragon Ball media projects, which often causes confusion. The Dragon Ball Super anime series ended back in 2018 and has not announced a return. The upcoming series, Dragon Ball Daima, is an entirely new, anime-original project and is not a continuation of the Super manga’s story.
To clarify the status of each property as of 2026, here is a simple breakdown:
| Property | Type | Current Status (2026) | Connection to Super Manga |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dragon Ball Super Manga | Manga (Comic) | On Indefinite Hiatus | N/A (This is the subject) |
| Dragon Ball Super Anime | TV Series | Ended in 2018 | Animated the story up to the Tournament of Power arc |
| Dragon Ball Daima | TV Series | Premiering Fall 2026 | Anime-original story; not a manga continuation |
This table shows that each project operates on its own timeline and production schedule. The pause in the manga’s publication has no bearing on the release of Dragon Ball Daima or the past status of the Dragon Ball Super anime.
FAQs About is dragon ball super manga over
When will the Dragon Ball Super manga return?
As of March 2026, there is no official return date for the Dragon Ball Super manga. The series is on an indefinite hiatus, and the publisher has stated that an announcement will be made in V-Jump magazine once a decision about its future has been reached. Any dates seen online are speculation.
Who will write Dragon Ball Super now that Toriyama has passed?
This has not been officially decided. While illustrator Toyotaro was already Akira Toriyama’s chosen successor for drawing the manga, it is unknown who will take over the primary story-writing duties. It is possible Toyotaro will assume both roles, but this is unconfirmed.
Is the Dragon Ball Super manga cancelled?
No, the manga is not cancelled. The official status is an “indefinite hiatus,” which is a pause in production, not a permanent end. This is a crucial distinction, as a hiatus leaves the door open for a future return, whereas a cancellation would be a final decision.
Are the Granolah and Moro arcs animated?
No, the Galactic Patrol Prisoner (Moro) Arc and the Granolah the Survivor Arc have not been animated. The Dragon Ball Super anime series concluded with the Tournament of Power arc, before these two major manga-original stories began. Fans are hopeful they will be animated one day.
What chapter should I read after the Dragon Ball Super anime?
To continue the story after the anime, you should start with Chapter 42 of the Dragon Ball Super manga. This is the beginning of the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Arc, featuring the villain Moro, which takes place directly after the events of the Tournament of Power.
Is Dragon Ball Daima a continuation of the manga?
No, Dragon Ball Daima is an original anime series and not a continuation of the Super manga. It features a new story where the characters are turned into children. Akira Toriyama was heavily involved in its creation, but it exists separately from the manga’s timeline of events.
Did the manga finish the Super Hero movie adaptation?
Yes, the manga completed its adaptation of the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero film. This storyline concluded with Chapter 103, which was the final chapter released before the manga went on its current hiatus.
Are there any new Dragon Ball manga being published?
Currently, there is no new mainline Dragon Ball manga being published. The Dragon Ball Super manga is on hiatus, and there have been no announcements for other new series. Spinoffs or promotional manga may appear, but nothing in the main storyline.
How can I get official updates on the manga’s return?
The most reliable source for official updates is the V-Jump magazine and Shueisha’s official channels. Announcements regarding the manga’s future will be made there first. Following reputable news outlets that cite these official sources is the best way to stay informed.
Was Toyotaro trained by Akira Toriyama?
Yes, Toyotaro was personally selected by Akira Toriyama to be his successor for the Dragon Ball Super manga. They worked closely together for years, with Toriyama providing story outlines and character designs, which Toyotaro would then illustrate and expand upon.
Key Takeaways: Dragon Ball Super Manga Status Summary
- Not Over, But on Hiatus: The most critical point is that the Dragon Ball Super manga is not cancelled. It is on an indefinite hiatus as of Chapter 103, following the passing of Akira Toriyama.
- No Official Return Date: As of 2026, Shueisha and V-Jump have not announced a return date. The future of the series is officially undecided, and any dates found online are pure speculation.
- Official Source is V-Jump: The editor of V-Jump, Victory Uchida, has confirmed the undecided status and stated that any official announcement will come through their magazine.
- Anime and Manga are Separate: The manga’s hiatus does not affect other properties. The Dragon Ball Super anime ended in 2018, and the upcoming Dragon Ball Daima is a separate, anime-original project.
- Two Arcs Remain Unanimated: The manga’s major original stories, the Galactic Patrol Prisoner (Moro) Arc and the Granolah the Survivor Arc, are still manga-exclusive and have not been animated.
- Toyotaro is the Successor: While his future role is unconfirmed, illustrator Toyotaro was hand-picked by Toriyama and has been the creative lead on art for years, making him the natural candidate to continue the series.
Final Thoughts on the Dragon Ball Super Manga’s Future
Navigating the future of the Dragon Ball Super manga requires patience and a reliance on credible information. While the “indefinite hiatus” leaves room for uncertainty, the official statements from Shueisha and V-Jump make one thing clear: no decision has been made. The legacy of Akira Toriyama is paramount, and any plan to continue the series will undoubtedly be handled with the utmost care and respect. For now, fans can best honor that legacy by relying on official channels for updates and avoiding the spread of unsubstantiated rumors. What has been your favorite moment from the Dragon Ball Super manga so far?
