A Long Wait for the Return of Dragon Ball Super 2 Fans around the world have been asking the same question for months when will Dragon Ball Super return? After years of silence and rumors, it’s finally clear that the next chapter of the series is set for 2026.
But what caused such a long break for one of anime’s biggest franchises?
How the Hiatus Began A Timeline of Delays
The last major Dragon Ball Super manga arc, Super Hero, wrapped up in early 2024. After that, new chapters suddenly stopped, with only short updates from Shueisha and Toyotarou.
Then, in March 2024, the world lost Akira Toriyama, the legendary creator behind Dragon Ball. This heartbreaking event changed everything for the team. Production plans were paused, and editors decided to review the future of the series.
By mid-2025, several sources like Diario AS confirmed there would be no new chapters or anime return until 2026. That’s when fans realized Dragon Ball Super had entered a true creative reset.
Why Dragon Ball Super Needed the Pause
The first reason is emotional and simple Toriyama passing left a huge gap.
Artist Toyotarou, who worked closely with him, said in an Animehunch interview that continuing the manga “without Toriyama is not impossible, but not easy.”
This quote shows the deep respect Toyotarou has for the master, and why he didn’t want to rush future chapters.
The second reason is editorial direction. Shueisha and Toei want the next phase of Dragon Ball Super 2 to match Toriyama’s vision but also bring in fresh ideas for modern fans. That means rethinking storylines, refining designs, and even adjusting pacing.
Lastly, there’s Toyotarou secret project, rumored to be connected to the future of Dragon Ball itself. Many believe he’s working on material that will bridge the gap between Super Hero and the 2026 comeback.
Inside the Delay What We Know from Insiders
According to Animehunch and Diario AS, meetings between Shueisha, Toei Animation, and Toyotarou team have been ongoing since late 2024.
The focus: how to continue the story in a way that honors Toriyama while keeping fans excited.
These insider talks point to 2026 as the most realistic target — a symbolic fresh start for Dragon Ball’s new era.
What to Expect in 2026
The 2026 comeback will likely launch with both a new manga arc and an anime revival. The next storyline is expected to go beyond the Super Hero movie and finally explore the mysterious new threat teased in early drafts before Toriyama passing.
Fans can also expect a new animation style, possibly led by a younger team inspired by Toriyama sketches.
And yes Black Frieza may finally take the main stage as the next big villain.
Fan Reactions Hope and Emotion Across the Community
Across X (Twitter) and Reddit, fans are mixed some are sad about the long wait, while others feel 2026 gives the creators time to make it perfect.
One comment summed it up best: “I’d rather wait for something worthy of Toriyama’s legacy than rush it out early.”
The Dragon Ball fandom has stayed active with games, merch drops, and rewatch parties, proving that this universe never really goes quiet.
Final Thoughts
Dragon Ball’s 2026 return isn’t just another release it’s the start of a new era.
After all the pain and patience, the franchise is ready to rise again under Toyotarou creative lead.
Until then, fans will keep their energy high because in Dragon Ball, a pause only means one thing:
a bigger comeback is charging up.
