Wondering if the Dragon Ball Super manga is still going? You’re not alone, as many fans are confused about its current status after recent events. You need a clear, factual answer without any rumors.
The Dragon Ball Super manga is not cancelled but is on an indefinite hiatus as of 2026. Following the passing of creator Akira Toriyama, publisher Shueisha announced a break after Chapter 103’s release. This pause is to honor his legacy and plan for the series’ future, which artist Toyotarou is expected to continue.
Based on official statements and analysis of the manga industry, this guide provides a definitive update. You’ll discover exactly why the hiatus happened, who is expected to carry the torch, and where the story stands. This will clarify the manga’s future and its place within the wider Dragon Ball franchise.
Key Facts
- Official Status: The Dragon Ball Super manga is on an “indefinite hiatus,” not “cancelled.” This means there is an official intention for it to return at a later, unannounced date.
- Reason for Hiatus: The break is a direct result of the sudden passing of the original Dragon Ball creator and the manga’s story writer, Akira Toriyama, in March 2024.
- Last Chapter Released: The final chapter published before the hiatus was Chapter 103, titled “A Legacy Toward the Future,” which concluded the adaptation of the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero movie.
- Designated Successor: Toyotarou, the manga’s illustrator, was personally chosen and mentored by Akira Toriyama. He is widely expected to continue the series, having worked closely on the story and art for years.
- Story Progression: The manga’s narrative is significantly ahead of the anime. It includes two major story arcs—the “Galactic Patrol Prisoner” (Moro) arc and the “Granolah the Survivor” arc—that have never been animated.
Is The Dragon Ball Super Manga Still Going in 2026?
The Dragon Ball Super manga is currently on an indefinite hiatus as of February 2026. The series has not been cancelled, and the plan is for it to continue, but the publisher has not yet announced a specific return date. This pause in its monthly release schedule began after the publication of Chapter 103 in March 2024. The decision was made out of respect for the sudden passing of the original creator, Akira Toriyama, and to allow the production team time to regroup and plan the path forward.
For fans, the term “indefinite hiatus” can be worrying, but in the manga industry, it’s a common practice used when a series needs to pause without a fixed timeline. Unlike a cancellation, a hiatus implies a clear intention to return. Official statements from the publisher, Shueisha, and its distribution platforms like Viz Media and Manga Plus have all consistently used this terminology, confirming that the series is simply on a break.
The key figures involved in the manga’s future are the illustrator, Toyotarou, and the editorial department known as the “Dragon Room.” While grieving the loss of his mentor, Toyotarou is the designated successor to carry the story forward. The current hiatus allows him and the publisher to carefully consider how to best continue the narrative while honoring Toriyama’s incredible legacy. Fans are encouraged to rely only on these official sources for news and to be wary of rumors about the manga’s cancellation.
Why Is The Dragon Ball Super Manga On Hiatus?
The direct and sole reason for the Dragon Ball Super manga’s hiatus is the tragic and unexpected death of its creator, Akira Toriyama, in March 2024. Akira Toriyama was not just the original creator of the Dragon Ball franchise; he was actively involved in the Super manga, providing the story outlines, character designs, and final approval for each chapter drawn by his successor, Toyotarou.
Following his passing, the publisher Shueisha released an official statement announcing the hiatus out of respect for Toriyama and his monumental contribution to the world of manga. This decision was made to give the creative team, especially Toyotarou, time to mourn and to carefully determine the future direction of the series without its foundational creative voice. The final chapter released before the break, Chapter 103, was even titled “A Legacy Toward the Future,” serving as a poignant, albeit unintentional, tribute to Toriyama’s influence.
The hiatus is therefore not due to poor sales, lack of popularity, or creative issues. It is a necessary pause to navigate the profound loss of the series’ guiding hand. The entire manga industry and fan community recognized this as a respectful and necessary step to ensure that when the series does return, it does so in a way that properly honors the spirit of what Akira Toriyama created.
Will Toyotarou Continue The Dragon Ball Super Manga?
Yes, it is almost certain that artist Toyotarou will continue the Dragon Ball Super manga. While there has been no official announcement confirming his first chapter working solo, Toyotarou was personally chosen by Akira Toriyama as his successor. Their working relationship was more of a master-and-apprentice collaboration, preparing Toyotarou for this exact eventuality.
For years, the production of the manga followed a specific process that demonstrated Toriyama’s faith in Toyotarou:
- Story Concepts: Akira Toriyama would provide the main plot points, character introductions, and major story beats.
- Drafts & Layouts: Toyotarou would take these notes and expand them into a full chapter storyboard, drawing the panels and writing the initial dialogue.
- Final Review: Toriyama would review Toyotarou’s work, providing feedback, suggesting changes to dialogue, or even redrawing certain panels himself to ensure it met his vision.
This collaborative process effectively made Toyotarou the most knowledgeable person on Earth regarding Toriyama’s intentions for the story’s future. In past interviews, Toyotarou has spoken about the immense responsibility he feels to carry on the series. He is not merely an illustrator but the steward of Toriyama’s final stories. The expectation from the publisher and the fans is that after a respectful period of mourning and planning, Toyotarou will resume his work as both the artist and the primary storyteller, working off any remaining notes Toriyama may have left behind.
What Is The Last Chapter of Dragon Ball Super and Where Did The Story Leave Off?
The last chapter of the Dragon Ball Super manga released before the hiatus was Chapter 103, “A Legacy Toward the Future.” This chapter served as the conclusion to the manga’s adaptation of the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero movie. The story paused on a peaceful and reflective note, with Goku returning to Earth to spar with Gohan, finally witnessing his son’s new “Beast” form and acknowledging that Gohan may have surpassed him in strength. The chapter ends with a heartwarming image of Goku and Gohan smiling, bringing the arc to a close.
However, what most guides miss is that this quiet ending is narratively deceptive. The manga’s main, overarching storyline is paused on a massive cliffhanger. Before adapting the Super Hero movie, the manga completed the “Granolah the Survivor Arc.” The very end of that arc featured the shocking return of Frieza, who revealed a new transformation he called “Black Frieza.” In this form, he effortlessly defeated both Ultra Instinct Goku and Ultra Ego Vegeta with a single punch, establishing himself as the new strongest mortal in Universe 7.
This means that while the manga paused at the end of a self-contained movie adaptation, the biggest unresolved threat in the series is still looming. The next new story arc is expected to finally address the menace of Black Frieza, a confrontation that fans have been eagerly anticipating since his jaw-dropping reveal. The story leaves off with our heroes aware that a terrifyingly powerful enemy is out there, setting the stage for their next great challenge.
How Does The Manga Compare to The Anime and Dragon Ball Daima?
The Dragon Ball Super manga’s story is significantly more advanced than the anime’s, and it is a separate project from the upcoming Dragon Ball Daima series. For many fans, understanding the differences between these three major Dragon Ball properties can be confusing. The manga is currently the primary source for the canonical story continuation, while the anime has been finished for years and Daima is an entirely new venture.
This table breaks down the key differences to clarify where each one stands in the franchise as of 2026:
| Feature | Dragon Ball Super Manga | Dragon Ball Super Anime | Dragon Ball Daima |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Status (2026) | Indefinite Hiatus | Finished (Ended 2018) | Upcoming Anime |
| Story Progression | Includes Moro & Granolah arcs | Ends at Tournament of Power | New, original story |
| Creator Involvement | Story by Toriyama, Art by Toyotarou | Based on Toriyama/Toyotarou’s story | Original concept by Toriyama |
| Key Exclusive Content | Moro, Granolah, Black Frieza | Anime-only filler episodes | De-aged characters, new worlds |
| Canon Status | Primary canon source | Canon, but superseded by manga | Canon, timeline placement TBD |
In short, if you want the full, continuing story of Goku and Vegeta after the Tournament of Power, the manga is the only place to get it. It contains two massive sagas filled with new villains like Moro and Granolah, new techniques, and critical character development that was never animated. Dragon Ball Daima, on the other hand, is a new anime with an original story conceived by Toriyama before his passing, featuring de-aged versions of the characters. It is not an adaptation of the manga’s later arcs.
What Can Fans Read or Do While Waiting For The Manga to Return?
With the manga on hiatus, this is the perfect time for fans to catch up, re-read, or explore other parts of the massive Dragon Ball universe. Waiting for new chapters can be tough, but it’s also an opportunity to deepen your appreciation for the series. Here are some of the best things you can do to stay engaged with the franchise:
- Read The Entire Manga Officially: Many fans only keep up with the latest chapters. Now is the time to go back and read all 103 chapters from the beginning. You can do this legally on the Viz Media app (with a Shonen Jump subscription) or on Shueisha’s Manga Plus app, which provides many chapters for free. This allows you to experience the Moro and Granolah arcs if you’ve only seen the anime.
- Buy and Collect the Physical Volumes: Show your support for the series by purchasing the physical manga volumes. As of 2026, there are over 24 collected volumes available in English, with more to come. Collecting the series is a great way to have a permanent library of Toriyama and Toyotarou’s work.
- Explore the Original Dragon Ball: Go back to where it all began. Reading the original Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z manga is a fantastic way to appreciate how far the story and art have come. You’ll see Toriyama’s genius at its peak and understand the foundation upon which Super is built.
- Watch the Upcoming Dragon Ball Daima: Keep an eye out for the new anime series, Dragon Ball Daima. While not a continuation of the manga’s story, it features an original concept from Akira Toriyama and promises a new kind of adventure with the beloved characters.
- Read Official Spin-off Series: The Dragon Ball universe has some fun, official spin-off manga. A popular one is “Dragon Ball: The Case of Being Reincarnated as Yamcha,” a short and humorous take on the franchise. Exploring these side stories can be a lighthearted way to pass the time.
FAQs About is dragon ball super manga still going
Is Dragon Ball Super manga cancelled?
No, the Dragon Ball Super manga is not cancelled. It is officially on an indefinite hiatus, which is a temporary break without a confirmed return date. This decision was made following the passing of the series creator, Akira Toriyama, to respectfully plan for the future.
When will the Dragon Ball Super manga return in 2026?
As of February 2026, there is no official return date for the Dragon Ball Super manga. The publisher, Shueisha, and the artist, Toyotarou, have not announced when the series will resume its monthly publication. Fans should be wary of rumors and rely only on official sources for updates.
Is the Dragon Ball Super manga canon?
Yes, the Dragon Ball Super manga is considered the primary canon for the story that takes place after Dragon Ball Z. While the anime also tells the same initial stories, the manga continues much further and is seen by most fans as the definitive version of events, especially regarding the Moro and Granolah arcs.
Is the manga monthly or weekly?
The Dragon Ball Super manga is a monthly series. Before the hiatus, a new chapter was released once a month in Shueisha’s V Jump magazine in Japan and simultaneously on digital platforms like Manga Plus and Viz Media worldwide.
How many volumes of the Dragon Ball Super manga are there?
As of the hiatus, there are 24 collected volumes of the Dragon Ball Super manga available in English. The chapters that concluded the Super Hero arc (101-103) have not yet been collected into a volume, so Volume 25 is expected to be released in the future.
Is Dragon Ball GT canon now?
No, the events of Dragon Ball GT are still not considered part of the main story’s canon. The Dragon Ball Super manga and anime both take place in the ten-year time skip after the defeat of Kid Buu but before the epilogue of Dragon Ball Z, effectively ignoring the events of GT.
Did Akira Toriyama finish the manga’s story before he passed?
It is believed that Akira Toriyama left behind notes and outlines for the future of the story, but he did not complete the entire manga. His role was to provide the main story beats and character designs, while Toyotarou would handle the final script and artwork. The exact amount of material Toriyama finished is unknown to the public.
Do I need to watch the movie to understand the Super Hero arc in the manga?
No, you do not need to watch the movie. The manga from chapters 88 to 103 fully adapts the story of the film Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. In fact, the manga includes a prequel portion focusing on Trunks and Goten that is not in the movie, providing extra context.
Where can I read the Dragon Ball Super manga officially?
You can read the Dragon Ball Super manga officially and legally on the Viz Media website/app (via the Shonen Jump subscription) and on Shueisha’s Manga Plus app. Manga Plus typically offers the first three and the latest three chapters for free, while a Viz subscription gives you access to the entire back catalog.
Is Black Frieza stronger than Goku and Vegeta?
Yes, based on his last appearance, Black Frieza is significantly stronger than both Ultra Instinct Goku and Ultra Ego Vegeta. At the end of the Granolah arc, he appeared and defeated both of them with a single blow, establishing himself as the current most powerful known mortal in Universe 7.
Final Thoughts on The Future of the Dragon Ball Super Manga
The current state of the Dragon Ball Super manga is a bittersweet pause in a story beloved by millions. While the indefinite hiatus following Akira Toriyama’s passing brings a sense of uncertainty, it also serves as a testament to his monumental impact. The key takeaway for every fan is one of patient optimism. The series is not over; it is waiting for its chosen successor, Toyotarou, to respectfully pick up the pen and continue the legacy.
This break is the perfect opportunity to dive back into the 103 chapters already published, appreciating the incredible journey from the Battle of Gods to the rise of Beast Gohan. The foundation Toriyama built is strong, and with detailed notes and a dedicated artist in Toyotarou, the future of Dragon Ball Super, though delayed, is in capable hands. For now, we wait, support the official releases, and look forward to the day we can once again follow Goku and Vegeta on their next adventure.
Last update on 2026-02-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
