Struggling to find where Goku’s adventure continues after the anime? You’re not alone; many fans are searching for the official and best ways to read the Dragon Ball Super manga.
The most direct and official ways to read the Dragon Ball Super manga are through VIZ Media’s Shonen Jump service and Shueisha’s Manga Plus app and website. Both platforms provide the latest chapters for free simultaneously with their Japanese release, offering legal and high-quality access for fans worldwide.
This guide, based on a comprehensive analysis of all official platforms and fan communities, breaks down every legitimate option. You will discover exactly how to read for free, the differences between the major apps, where to buy physical copies, and the definitive starting point after the anime.
Key Facts
- Official Platforms Are Key: The only official English sources for digital chapters are VIZ Media’s Shonen Jump and Shueisha’s Manga Plus, ensuring you support the creators.
- Free and Legal Access: Both official apps allow you to read the three most recently released chapters of Dragon Ball Super completely for free and at the same time they launch in Japan.
- Post-Anime Starting Point: To continue the story after the Dragon Ball Super anime’s Tournament of Power, you must start with Chapter 42 of the manga, which begins a new, manga-exclusive arc.
- Current Series Status: Following the passing of creator Akira Toriyama, the manga entered an indefinite hiatus in March 2026, with its return date yet to be announced.
- No Official English Color Version: As of 2026, an official full-color version of the manga has not been released in English; the black-and-white format is the only official version available.
Where to Read Dragon Ball Super Manga: The Ultimate Official Guide for 2026
The best and most reliable places to read the Dragon Ball Super manga officially are VIZ Media’s Shonen Jump digital vault and Shueisha’s Manga Plus service. These two platforms are the legitimate licensors and publishers, providing fans with high-quality, accurate translations that directly support the work of creator Akira Toriyama and artist Toyotarou. They are the definitive sources for keeping up with Goku’s latest adventures.
To understand why there are two main options, it’s helpful to know the key players. Shueisha is the original Japanese publisher behind the manga. VIZ Media is the official North American licensor responsible for the English translation and distribution. This relationship results in two excellent, slightly different services for fans.
- VIZ Media (Shonen Jump): Primarily serves the United States and select other English-speaking regions. It offers access to Dragon Ball Super as part of a massive digital vault of over 20,000 manga chapters.
- Manga Plus by Shueisha: This is Shueisha’s global platform, designed to bring their titles to fans worldwide (excluding Japan, China, and South Korea). It is the go-to choice for most international readers.
Both platforms release new chapters on the same day as Japan, a practice known as “simulpub,” so you never have to worry about spoilers.
How can you read the latest Dragon Ball Super chapters for free?
You can read the three newest chapters of Dragon Ball Super for free on both the VIZ Media and Manga Plus apps. This model is designed to allow fans to stay completely up-to-date with the current storyline without a subscription. New chapters are typically released monthly, around the 20th day.
This free offering is a cornerstone of both platforms. It ensures that no matter where you are, you can follow the story as it unfolds in Japan. The key is to read the chapters soon after their release, as only the latest three remain available for free. Once a new chapter comes out, the oldest of the three free chapters is locked.
Pro-Tip: To stay caught up for free, make it a habit to check either the VIZ or Manga Plus app around the 20th of each month. This ensures you never miss a new release before an older chapter becomes part of the paid back catalog.
What is the Difference Between Reading on VIZ Media and Manga Plus?
The main difference is that VIZ’s Shonen Jump app is primarily for the U.S. and requires a single low-cost subscription to access its entire 20,000+ chapter vault, while Manga Plus is global and has a different model for unlimited back-catalog access. Both are excellent official services, but the best one for you depends on your location and reading habits.
Based on our use of both apps, choosing between them comes down to a few key factors. VIZ offers incredible value if you live in a supported region and want to read more than just Dragon Ball. Manga Plus provides unparalleled global access and has a unique “first read free” feature for many older chapters.
Here is a direct comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | VIZ Shonen Jump | Manga Plus by Shueisha |
|---|---|---|
| Publisher | VIZ Media (English Licensor) | Shueisha (Original Japanese Publisher) |
| Regional Availability | Primarily US & select other regions | Global (excluding Japan, China, S. Korea) |
| Free Chapters | First 3 & Latest 3 chapters | Latest 3 chapters always free; older chapters are free for one-time reading |
| Back Catalog Access | Requires monthly subscription ($2.99/month) | Requires subscription for unlimited access |
| Library Size | Entire VIZ digital vault (20,000+ chapters) | Large library of Shueisha titles, including Jump+ series |
| Best For | Readers in the US wanting access to the entire VIZ library. | International readers or those who want access to a wider range of Shueisha titles. |
Ultimately, for simply keeping up with the latest free chapters of Dragon Ball Super, either app works perfectly. If you decide you want to read the entire series from the beginning, your choice will depend on which subscription model you prefer and which service is available in your country.
Where Should You Start Reading the Dragon Ball Super Manga After the Anime?
To pick up the story right after the Dragon Ball Super anime ends, start reading at the end of manga Chapter 42. This chapter marks the conclusion of the Tournament of Power from the manga’s perspective and immediately begins the “Galactic Patrol Prisoner Arc,” often called the Moro arc. This is the first major storyline that was not adapted into the anime series.
For any anime-only fan wanting to continue the story, this is the most critical piece of information. The events that follow are completely new and are considered some of the best storytelling in Dragon Ball Super.
While jumping straight to Chapter 42 is the fastest way to get new content, many fans recommend starting from the very beginning. From our experience, reading the manga from Chapter 1 provides a unique and rewarding journey, as it is a different continuity from the anime with its own take on major events.
Pro-Tip: Why You Should Consider Reading From Chapter 1
* Different Fight Outcomes: Several key battles, especially in the Future Trunks arc, have different resolutions and power dynamics.
* Unique Transformations: The manga introduces concepts like Goku’s Perfected Super Saiyan Blue, a form and level of mastery not shown in the anime.
* Better Pacing: Many readers feel the manga’s pacing is tighter and more focused, cutting out some of the anime’s filler moments.
* Toyotarou’s Art: Experiencing the story through Toyotarou’s incredible artwork, which channels Akira Toriyama’s style while adding modern flair, is a treat in itself.
What Are the Options for Buying Physical Copies of the Dragon Ball Super Manga?
You can buy physical copies of the Dragon ball Super manga in two main formats: individual volumes or collected box sets. These are widely available from major online retailers like Amazon, booksellers like Barnes & Noble, and specialized local comic book stores. For collectors and those who prefer reading on paper, this is the ideal way to enjoy the series.
Individual Volumes
Buying the manga as individual volumes is the most common approach. This allows you to purchase books as you read them or as they are released in English. As of 2026, there are over 20 volumes available, so you can build your collection over time. This method is great for managing costs and reading at your own pace.
Box Sets
For those who want to collect a large portion of the series at once, box sets are a fantastic option. They often provide a better value per volume compared to buying individually. A box set also gives your collection a uniform and premium look on the shelf. These sets typically cover a major story arc or a specific range of volumes.
Whether you choose individual books or a comprehensive box set, owning the physical copies is a special experience for any dedicated fan, allowing you to appreciate the detailed artwork up close.
Can You Read an Official Full-Color Version of the Dragon Ball Super Manga?
An official full-color version of the Dragon Ball Super manga is available digitally in Japan, but it has not been officially released in English as of 2026. The colored manga panels you may see online are often unofficial, fan-made translations of the official Japanese digital release. The standard black-and-white version created by Toyotarou is the only official format currently available to English-speaking audiences.
This is a common point of confusion for fans who see vibrant, colored panels shared on social media. While these look amazing, they are not sourced from an official English product.
The bottom line is clear: there is no official English version of the full-color manga. To support the official release and get the story as intended by the publisher, you must read the black-and-white version on VIZ/Manga Plus or purchase the physical volumes.
While it’s possible for a dedicated fan to purchase the Japanese digital color volumes, you would need to navigate a Japanese storefront and be able to read Japanese to enjoy them. For now, English readers should stick to the beautifully drawn black-and-white original.
FAQs About where to read dragon ball super manga
How often do new Dragon Ball Super chapters get released?
Typically, new chapters of Dragon Ball Super are released monthly, around the 20th of each month. However, it’s important to note that following the passing of creator Akira Toriyama, the manga has been on an indefinite hiatus since March 2026. Fans should check the official VIZ or Manga Plus apps for the latest updates on its return.
Is the Dragon Ball Super manga finished?
No, the Dragon Ball Super manga is not finished, but it is currently on an indefinite hiatus as of March 2026. The story is expected to continue in the future. This break offers a good opportunity for new readers to get caught up with the story arcs that follow the anime.
Can I read the original Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z manga on these apps?
Yes, the entire original Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z manga series are available on the VIZ Shonen Jump app. A subscription is required to read the full series, as the free model typically only applies to the first few chapters for completed series. This is a great way to experience the entire story from the very beginning.
Is the Dragon Ball Super: Broly movie in the manga?
No, the events of the movie Dragon Ball Super: Broly are not fully adapted in the manga. The manga briefly acknowledges that these events happened after the Tournament of Power and before the start of the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Arc. To get the full story, you need to watch the movie separately.
What’s the main difference between the Dragon Ball Super anime and manga?
The anime and manga tell the same major story arcs but are considered different continuities with significant variations. For example, the manga has different fight resolutions, character transformations (like Perfected Super Saiyan Blue), and pacing, especially in the “Future Trunks” arc. Many fans enjoy reading the manga from the beginning to experience these differences.
Is an app like Tachiyomi a good place to read the manga?
Tachiyomi is an open-source manga reader, not a content source itself; it aggregates manga from various online sources, many of which are unofficial or illegal. While popular, for official, legal, and high-quality translations that support the creators, it is always recommended to use the official platforms like VIZ Shonen Jump and Manga Plus.
Are there any bonus chapters or special comics for Dragon Ball Super?
Yes, some collected volumes of the Dragon Ball Super manga contain short bonus chapters or special comics. These often feature humorous side stories or additional character moments that provide extra context and entertainment for fans who purchase the physical or digital volumes.
Will the new manga arcs like the Moro and Granolah arcs ever become an anime?
As of 2026, there has been no official announcement about the new manga arcs being adapted into an anime series. While fans are hopeful, the stories of the Galactic Patrol Prisoner (Moro) Arc and the Granolah the Survivor Arc currently remain exclusive to the manga, making it the only way to experience the continuation of the story.
Does my local library have the Dragon Ball Super manga?
It’s very likely, as many public libraries have extensive manga collections. You can use apps like Libby or Hoopla, which connect to your local library’s digital system, to borrow and read manga volumes for free with your library card. Check your local library’s catalog online for availability.
Where can I find discussions about the latest chapters?
The r/Dragonballsuper subreddit is one of the most popular online communities for discussing the latest manga chapters. After reading a new chapter on an official platform, heading to communities like Reddit is a great way to see fan theories, analysis, and reactions to the latest events in the story.
Key Takeaways: Reading the Dragon Ball Super Manga
Here is a quick summary of the most important points for reading the Dragon Ball Super manga:
- Official Digital Access: The primary legal ways to read are through the VIZ Shonen Jump app (in the US) and the global Manga Plus app by Shueisha. Both offer the latest chapters for free.
- Best Free Option: To stay current for free, use either the VIZ or Manga Plus app to read the three most recent chapters, which are released simultaneously with Japan.
- Reading the Full Series: To read the entire back catalog from Chapter 1, you will need a subscription to VIZ Shonen Jump (approx. $2.99/month) or the equivalent on Manga Plus.
- Continuing After the Anime: If you finished the anime, the manga-only story begins at the end of Chapter 42 with the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Arc (Moro Arc).
- Physical Copies: For collectors, individual volumes and box sets can be purchased from major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
- Full-Color Manga: An official full-color version exists digitally only in Japanese. As of 2026, there is no official English release; versions seen online are fan-translations.
- Current Status: The manga is currently on an indefinite hiatus following the passing of Akira Toriyama, with no return date announced as of mid-2026.
Now you have all the information you need to dive into the Dragon Ball Super manga, whether you’re catching up, starting from the beginning, or building your physical collection.
Last update on 2026-03-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
