Dragon Ball is now officially 40 years old, making it one of the longest-lasting anime and manga franchises on the planet. Despite the tragic loss of Akira Toriyama, the series' creator, this year, the future of Dragon Ball is looking as bright as ever.

Toriyama ed away unexpectedly on March 1, 2024, at 68 years old. His loss has tinged this major anniversary with grief, as fans have mourned the loss of a man whose impact on the anime and manga industry, as well as the world at large, can't be overstated. However, Toriyama left fans with a parting gift in the form of Dragon Ball Daima, a new anime series which has been extremely well received by general audiences and Dragon Ball fans alike. Toriyama's loss has given fans a reason to reflect on how the series has touched their lives, and given some a new appreciation of Dragon Ball.

Toriyama's Loss Still Leaves Fans Hopeful for Dragon Ball's Future

The Future of Dragon Ball is in New Hands, But That's Okay

While Toriyama didn't get to see Daima's premiere, the new series has excited fans in a way that even Dragon Ball Super didn't manage to do. Daima's callback to the early days of Dragon Ball, with its adventurous spirit, comedic tone, and the return of Kid Goku, is a reminder of where it all started. The series feels fresh while sticking to what made Dragon Ball such a massive phenomenon in the first place, and Toriyama's involvement in this series no doubt played a big role in that. With Daima not even half-way through at this point, there's a lot left for fans to enjoy.

But Daima isn't the only Dragon Ball project going on. The Dragon Ball Super manga was still ongoing at the time of Toriyama's death as well, and while it's been less clear what's going on with the manga, it is known that it will continue. It's been confirmed that Toriyama's partner on the series, Toyotarou, will be picking up the story, and the manga was put on hiatus just before the start of a new arc. With major developments like Black Frieza having already been teased, there's every reason for fans to be excited about Super's return as well.

Change is Difficult, But Dragon Ball Will Adapt

It's Understandable for Fans to Worry About Their Favorite Franchise

Things will, of course, be different without Toriyama's influence, but between Daima and Super, it's clear that there are other people out there who understand what Dragon Ball is meant to be. It's natural for fans to worry a bit about what will happen, but Dragon Ball's popularity remains as strong as ever, and as long as that's true, the franchise won't be in any danger. It's important to , though, that all the Dragon Ball that already exists isn't going anywhere. Toriyama's work will still be there for fans who want to enjoy it all again, and with any luck, the next 40 years of Dragon Ball will be just as good as the first.