Wondering when the Dragon Ball Super manga is coming back? You’re not alone; fans worldwide are anxiously awaiting news. The sudden stop left everyone questioning the future of the series.
The Dragon Ball Super manga is currently on an indefinite hiatus as of 2026, with no official return date confirmed by its publisher, Shueisha. The hiatus began in March 2024 following the tragic death of original creator Akira Toriyama. This pause is to honor his legacy and for the creative team to determine the path forward.
Based on official statements and analysis of the production timeline, this guide breaks down everything we know. It separates confirmed facts from rumors about the manga’s status. You will discover the official reason for the hiatus, the illustrator’s position, and when a return can be realistically expected.
Key Facts
- Indefinite Hiatus Confirmed: Publisher Shueisha officially placed the manga on an indefinite hiatus starting after Chapter 103 in March 2024.
- Primary Cause of Hiatus: The pause is a direct result of the unexpected and tragic passing of the series’ original creator and writer, Akira Toriyama.
- Illustrator’s Intent to Continue: Manga illustrator Toyotarou has publicly expressed his strong desire to continue the series, stating he believes “Dragon Ball should not end.”
- No Return in 2025 Reported: Credible reports indicate that V-Jump editor Victory Uchida has stated the manga will not resume publication in 2025, asking fans for their patience.
- Chapter 104 Was a One-Shot: A special prequel chapter was released, but it did not end the hiatus; it was a standalone story to help complete the collected Volume 24.
When Is the Dragon Ball Super Manga Coming Back? A 2026 Status Report
The official status of the Dragon Ball Super manga is that it is on an indefinite hiatus with no return date announced as of March 2026. This was confirmed by Shueisha, the publisher, in their V Jump magazine following the release of chapter 103. The term “indefinite” means there is currently no set schedule or timeline for its return to publication. This decision was made to allow the creative team and everyone involved to grieve and plan the future of the series respectfully.
While the lack of a firm date is frustrating for fans, the use of “hiatus” rather than “cancellation” is a significant and hopeful sign. It implies the publisher intends for the story to continue eventually. Official channels like V Jump and the Manga Plus app are the only reliable sources for updates, and so far, they have only asked for patience from the fanbase. All other dates or timelines are speculation until an official announcement is made.
What Is the Official Reason for the Manga’s Indefinite Hiatus?
The primary reason for the Dragon Ball Super manga’s hiatus is the tragic and unexpected passing of its creator, Akira Toriyama, in March 2024. The announcement of the indefinite hiatus was made immediately following the release of Chapter 103, which concluded the Super Hero arc. This pause is to honor his monumental legacy and allow the production team, including illustrator Toyotarou, time to process the loss.
Akira Toriyama was not just the original creator; he was the primary writer for Dragon Ball Super, overseeing the main plot points and storyboards that Toyotarou would then illustrate. His passing left a massive creative void. Shueisha’s decision to pause the series is seen as a sign of respect for his central role and the need to carefully consider how, or if, the story can proceed without his direct guidance.
What is Toyotarou’s Stated Position on Continuing the Manga?
Toyotarou, the manga’s illustrator, has expressed a strong and clear desire to continue drawing Dragon Ball Super. In several interviews and public appearances, he has made his commitment to the series known, which is a major source of hope for fans. He was not just an artist for the series; he was Akira Toriyama’s hand-picked successor and a close creative partner.
His position is best summarized by his own words. In past interviews, Toyotarou has made several key statements:
- He believes “Dragon Ball should not end,” showing his deep personal connection to the franchise.
- He has stated that it is “not impossible for me to continue the series,” indicating his confidence in carrying the story forward.
- He revealed that he was already the source of many story drafts that Toriyama would then review and approve, which demonstrates his deep involvement in the narrative creation process.
Most importantly, Toyotarou has confirmed that he has already drawn materials for future volumes. This suggests that work on the next phase of the story was already underway before the hiatus. His public willingness to continue is arguably the strongest factor pointing towards an eventual return for the manga.
Have There Been Any Recent Chapters or Updates Since the Hiatus Began?
Yes, a special one-shot, Chapter 104, was released in February 2026, but it is crucial to understand this did not end the hiatus. This release caused significant confusion among fans, so it’s important to clarify its context. The manga’s indefinite hiatus for the main story continued immediately after this chapter’s release.
Here are the key facts about Chapter 104:
- It Was a One-Shot Prequel: Titled “The Birth of Saiyaman X,” the chapter was a short, standalone story about the origins of Goten and Trunks’ superhero personas. It took place before the main events of the Super Hero arc.
- It Did Not Continue the Main Story: It was not Chapter 104 of the main narrative. The story remains paused after the conclusion of the Super Hero arc in Chapter 103.
- Purpose Was Likely for Volume 24: The most logical reason for this release was to provide enough pages to complete the collected print edition of Volume 24 of the manga.
Think of it as a bonus feature, not a new episode. The main plot, particularly the anticipated “Black Frieza” saga, has not progressed. After this single chapter was published, the series returned to its state of indefinite hiatus.
How Does the Manga’s Hiatus Relate to Other Dragon Ball Projects like Daima?
Dragon Ball Daima is a completely separate anime project and is not related to the Dragon Ball Super manga’s return or its story. This is a major point of confusion for fans. The announcement of a new Dragon Ball anime led many to believe it was a continuation of Super, but they are entirely different properties with different goals.
Understanding the difference is key to managing expectations for both the manga and anime. Here is a clear breakdown:
| Feature | Dragon Ball Super (Manga) | Dragon Ball Daima (Anime) |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Monthly Manga | Weekly Anime Series |
| Story Focus | High-stakes battles, power scaling, new transformations | Adventure, exploration, humor, martial arts |
| Chronology | Continues after the Universe Survival / Super Hero arcs | Takes place before Super, after the Buu saga |
| Key Villain | Unresolved “Black Frieza” plot thread | New villains in the Demon Realm |
| Tone | Serious, action-oriented, dramatic | Lighter, reminiscent of original Dragon Ball |
| Creator Role | Written by Toriyama & Toyotarou | Story and designs by Toriyama (pre-hiatus) |
In short, Daima is not an adaptation of the un-animated manga arcs like the Moro or Granolah sagas. It is an original story meant to evoke the adventurous spirit of the first Dragon Ball series. The manga’s hiatus and eventual return are an entirely separate matter from Daima’s production and release.
When Can Fans Realistically Expect the Dragon Ball Super Manga to Return?
There is no official return date, but credible reports suggest the Dragon Ball Super manga will not resume in 2025. While this isn’t an official announcement from Shueisha, information from V-Jump editor Victory Uchida has been shared within the fan community. He reportedly confirmed the manga would not be back in 2025 and asked fans to remain patient.
Synthesizing all available information leads to a cautiously optimistic but realistic forecast. Here’s what we know:
1. The hiatus is official and indefinite.
2. Toyotarou is willing and prepared to continue.
3. Unofficial but credible reports point to a wait beyond 2026.
Given these factors, the earliest realistic timeframe for the manga’s return would be sometime in 2026. This would provide a respectful period of time to honor Toriyama’s legacy and allow Toyotarou and the editorial team to carefully plan the continuation of the story, likely kicking off with the highly anticipated “Black Frieza Saga.” Until an official announcement is made, however, this remains a well-reasoned estimation, not a confirmation.
FAQs About when is dragon ball super manga coming back
Is the Dragon Ball Super manga officially cancelled?
No, the Dragon Ball Super manga is not officially cancelled. It is on an indefinite hiatus. Publisher Shueisha and illustrator Toyotarou have both indicated a desire for the series to continue in the future. The term “hiatus” is used specifically to denote a pause in production, not a permanent cancellation.
What arc was the manga on before the hiatus?
The manga had just concluded the “Super Hero” arc. This arc was an expanded adaptation of the 2022 movie Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. The story finished, and fans were anticipating the start of a new arc, likely focusing on Black Frieza, when the hiatus was announced after chapter 103.
Who is Black Frieza and why is he important for the manga’s return?
Black Frieza is the new, overwhelmingly powerful form Frieza revealed at the end of the Granolah the Survivor arc. He easily defeated both Ultra Instinct Goku and Ultra Ego Vegeta in his debut. He represents the next major unresolved plot thread and the most anticipated antagonist for the next saga, making his story the logical starting point when the manga returns.
Will the Dragon Ball Super anime return before the manga?
This is unknown, but there are separate anime projects in the works. An enhanced remake of the first saga, titled Dragon Ball Super: Beerus, and an adaptation of the “Galactic Patrol Prisoner” manga arc have been announced for the anime, but without firm release dates. It’s unclear if these will air before the manga returns with new chapters.
Did Akira Toriyama leave any notes for future story arcs?
It is not publicly known how much material or how many notes Akira Toriyama may have left for future arcs. It is known that his creative process with Toyotarou involved him overseeing the main plot and providing storyboards. Toyotarou has stated that a good portion of the story already came from him, which he would then send to Toriyama for approval.
Could another artist besides Toyotarou take over the manga?
This is highly unlikely. Toyotarou was hand-picked and mentored by Akira Toriyama for years and is the established illustrator for Dragon Ball Super. He has expressed his personal desire to continue the series, and there has been no indication from Shueisha that they are considering any other artist for the role.
What is the difference between the manga and anime stories?
The manga and anime tell the same major stories but with significant differences. The manga, illustrated by Toyotarou, skipped the Resurrection ‘F’ arc and has its own original arcs like the “Galactic Patrol Prisoner” (Moro) and “Granolah the Survivor” arcs, which have not been animated. The anime also has its own filler content and different choreography for fights.
What are the alleged legal issues affecting Dragon Ball?
There are fan discussions and reports about potential rights issues, but nothing has been officially confirmed to be affecting the manga’s hiatus. Some theories suggest a corporate struggle between Shueisha (manga rights) and other entities over the broader franchise rights. However, the official and primary reason for the manga’s hiatus remains the passing of Akira Toriyama.
Where can I read the Dragon Ball Super manga officially?
You can read the Dragon Ball Super manga officially and for free on VIZ Media’s website and the Shonen Jump app. Manga Plus by Shueisha also offers the latest chapters for free simultaneously with the Japanese release. These platforms are the best way to support the series and read the official translation.
Why are some reports saying the manga won’t return in 2025?
These reports stem from an alleged conversation with V-Jump editor Victory Uchida. A fan reported that the editor confirmed the manga would not return in 2025 and asked for patience. While this is not an official press release, it is widely regarded as credible information within the fan community, suggesting a longer wait is likely.
Key Takeaways: Dragon Ball Super Manga Return Summary
- Indefinite Hiatus with No Official Date: The most critical point is that the Dragon Ball Super manga is on an indefinite hiatus since March 2024, and publisher Shueisha has not announced a return date.
- Primary Cause is Toriyama’s Passing: The hiatus is a direct result of the death of creator Akira Toriyama, to honor his legacy and to determine the future of the series he oversaw.
- Toyotarou Intends to Continue: Illustrator Toyotarou has publicly stated he wishes to continue the manga, feels it is “not impossible,” and has even drawn material for future volumes.
- No Return Expected in 2026: Credible reports from sources close to V-Jump’s editor suggest the manga will not resume publication in 2025, pointing to a longer wait.
- Chapter 104 Was a One-Shot: The release of Chapter 104 in early 2026 was a special prequel chapter and did not mark the end of the hiatus; the pause in the main story continued immediately after.
- Daima is a Separate Project: The new anime Dragon Ball Daima is not a continuation of the Super manga. It is a separate series with a different tone, story, and chronological placement.
- The Next Arc is Likely “Black Frieza”: The story was paused right before a new arc was set to begin, and the last major unresolved threat introduced was the powerful Black Frieza.
Final Thoughts on when is dragon ball super manga coming back
Navigating the sea of rumors surrounding the Dragon Ball Super manga’s return can be challenging. The most important takeaway is to rely on official sources and manage expectations. While all signs point to the manga eventually returning, thanks to the dedication of illustrator Toyotarou, patience is key. The current hiatus is a necessary period of respect and careful planning to honor Akira Toriyama’s legacy properly.
For now, the best thing fans can do is continue to support the franchise through official channels. Re-read the manga on VIZ or Manga Plus, enjoy the new Daima anime when it airs, and trust that when the time is right, an official announcement about the manga’s future will be made. The story of Goku and his friends is too important to rush.
