A recent interview on the official Dragon Ball website reveals that Vegeta’s surprising victory over Goku in Dragon Ball Super was not just fan service, but a deeply intentional choice. Manga artist Toyotarou, who currently oversees the manga adaptation of Dragon Ball Super, shares that the late Akira Toriyama himself wanted to see Vegeta sur Goku, and gave his blessing. This revelation gives new meaning to one of the most talked-about moments from Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. While the film portrays the match subtly during its post-credits scene, the manga dedicates full s to confirm Vegeta’s long-awaited win.

Volume #24 of the Dragon Ball Super manga, released in Japan on April 4, 2025, adapts the 2022 CGI film Super Hero while hinting at major future developments. Toyotarou was interviewed by Morning Musume '25 idol (and self-professed Dragon Ball superfan) Maria Makino to commemorate the issue’s release. The two discussed the manga’s direction, including the mysterious Black Frieza that Toyotarou features on the back cover of the volume. However, it’s Toyotarou’s comments about the Goku versus Vegeta showdown that are the highlight of the interview.

Toyotarou Weighs In on Vegeta vs. Goku

The Mangaka Reveals the Late Toriyama’s Opinion of the Matchup

Toyotarou confirms that Toriyama was directly involved in the shaping of Super Hero and took particular interest in how the story was adapted for manga. Though the movie downplays the fight as a simple sparring match between Goku and Vegeta, Toyotarou decided to expand the scene. According to the author, it was always Toriyama’s intent to show Vegeta as the victor, giving his character a rare win in a series where he is often treated as second-best.

That's right. I asked Toriyama as he was curious about the idea, so what I drew was their confrontation... which is included in Dragon Ball Super Volume #24. -Toyotarou

This revelation changes the importance of the fight in the movie and the manga adaptations. Rather than a throwaway moment, the fight now carries decades of emotional weight. It rewards Vegeta’s personal growth and long-standing commitment to becoming stronger through hard work and self-discipline. Toyotarou emphasizes that this was not a fluke or a filler fight. It was a carefully considered moment that aligned with the original creator’s hopes for the franchise's future.

Volume #24’s cover is sure to create a buzz as well. The front cover features Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, Broly, and Piccolo in their ultimate forms, which Toyotarou says represent the balance of power in the Dragon Ball universe. Vegeta’s inclusion on the cover, and his victory over Goku, finally elevates the Saiyan Prince to the status of main character.

It's Settled: Vegeta Can Defeat Goku in Battle

So What's Next for Dragon Ball?

Vegeta’s victory is not just a moment of fan service, but a turning point. After years of coming close only to be denied the spotlight, Vegeta finally triumphs in a canonical setting. This marks the first time since the series began that Goku has definitively lost to his longtime rival without the excuse of holding back or being caught off-guard. The fight takes place under specific conditions, and both Saiyans are prohibited from transforming, so the playing field is completely level. And with Toriyama’s approval backing it, this victory holds narrative weight that could shape things to come.

Looking ahead, Toyotarou hinted at a new arc already in production, one that is widely believed to center around Black Frieza. The villain’s new form is featured on the back cover, seemingly equating his power with the Z-fighters on the front. Black Frieza was teased at the end of the “Granolah the Survivor” arc and appears poised to challenge both Goku and Vegeta in unprecedented ways. With the balance of power shifting and Vegeta gaining momentum, the saga could offer even more upsets. One thing is certain: Toriyama’s final wishes are guiding Dragon Ball Super toward bold new territory.