Dragon Ball Super future depends on Toyotarou next steps. Here’s how his new manga projects might delay or shape the long-awaited return of Dragon Ball Super.
Who Is Toyotarou and Why His Role Matters
Toyotarou is the man behind the Dragon Ball Super manga. After Akira Toriyama stepped back from full-time manga creation, Toyotarou became his chosen successor. He has carried the series for years, turning Toriyama’s story drafts into full chapters filled with emotion and epic battles. Fans often call him “Toriyama’s heir,” and that title is not an exaggeration. Without Toyotarou, there is no Dragon Ball Super manga, which means the entire future of the anime depends on him.
Recently, however, Toyotarou has started working on new projects outside of Dragon Ball Super. This has made many fans wonder if his attention is divided and if that could affect when or how the anime and manga return. To understand what is going on, we need to look at what he is doing now and how it connects to the future of Goku, Vegeta, and the rest of the Dragon Ball universe.
Toyotarou New Original Manga Projects
In 2025, several Japanese reports and interviews suggested that Toyotarou has been working on an original manga unrelated to Dragon Ball Super. This project is being developed under Shueisha, the same publisher that handles Dragon Ball, but it is something completely new. It seems to be a fantasy or action story with different characters, allowing him to show his creativity beyond Goku and Vegeta’s world.
For a long time, Toyotarou has said he wants to grow as a creator, not only as someone continuing Toriyama’s ideas but also as a storyteller with his own voice. Working on an original manga helps him explore that side. It gives him the freedom to experiment with new designs, art styles, and story structures that might later influence how he draws Dragon Ball Super.
However, this also means his time is split between two demanding projects. Manga creation is not easy — each chapter takes days of drawing, planning, and editing. So if Toyotarou is spending part of his schedule on a new story, that could be one reason Dragon Ball Super is still on pause.
How His New Work Affects Dragon Ball Super Return
The future of Dragon Ball Super is tightly connected to Toyotarou’s availability. Without his completed manga chapters, Toei Animation cannot start producing the anime. The studio relies on the manga to guide the anime storyline. Right now, the manga ended after the Super Hero arc, and the next big story, possibly the Black Frieza Arc, is still waiting to be developed.
If Toyotarou is focusing on his new manga, the release of new Dragon Ball Super chapters could be slower than expected. That would delay the anime’s return because Toei needs at least one or two full arcs before they can begin adaptation. Still, this situation is not entirely bad. By taking his time, Toyotarou can plan a stronger, more detailed arc that pushes the story to a new level.
It is also possible that Toyotarou experience with a new manga will make Dragon Ball Super better. New creative projects often bring fresh ideas and artistic energy. When he returns to drawing Goku and Vegeta, he might introduce new battle styles, deeper emotional storytelling, or more refined art inspired by his latest work. In this way, the delay could lead to a much stronger comeback for the series.
What Fans Can Expect from His Future Dragon Ball Work
Toyotarou has always been deeply connected to Toriyama vision. Even though the master passed away, Toyotarou continues to honor his mentor’s style and storytelling approach. Fans believe his next Dragon Ball Super arc will include elements of Toriyama’s final story notes and guidance. He once said in an interview that he still follows Toriyama’s advice: to “keep Dragon Ball fun and full of surprise.”
Because of that, fans expect Toyotarou to treat the next saga as a tribute to Toriyama’s legacy. Many believe he might focus on themes like legacy, destiny, and growth — all things that mirror Toyotarou’s own career path. He is now the one carrying the torch, so the pressure is higher than ever. If his new manga helps him improve as a writer and artist, Dragon Ball Super could return even stronger, filled with emotional storytelling that reminds fans why they fell in love with the series in the first place.
Production Timelines and What This Means for 2026
As of now, 2026 seems to be the realistic year for Dragon Ball Super comeback. Toei Animation appears to be waiting for Toyotarou’s next arc to finish so they can begin production. That means Toyotarou’s schedule in 2025 is crucial. If he completes his new manga and then returns full-time to Dragon Ball Super, the story can finally move forward.
However, if his other manga continues into late 2025 or beyond, the return could be delayed again. The good news is that both Shueisha and Toei know how massive the global demand for Dragon Ball is. They are unlikely to let the series stay quiet for too long. Toyotarou’s creative break might just be a way to prepare for a big revival — one that will set the tone for the next decade of Dragon Ball.
Final Thoughts
Toyotarou’s journey is a reminder that even creators need time to grow. While fans around the world are waiting for Dragon Ball Super to return, Toyotarou is sharpening his skills and exploring new ideas. His next original manga might slow things down for now, but in the long run, it could make Dragon Ball Super even more powerful and inspiring.
The wait may feel long, but it could be worth it. Once Toyotarou completes his new project and returns to the world of Goku and Vegeta, we might see a version of Dragon Ball Super that captures both Toriyama magic and Toyotarouevolved creativity. That balance of old and new could be exactly what the franchise needs to reach new heights when it finally returns.
