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Warning: Contains spoilers for Yaiba: Samurai Legend episode #1.
In the three decades since the conclusion of Dragon Ball, both fans and creators have sought out its successor. Numerous series, including One Piece and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, have attempted to capture the same magic that made Dragon Ball a phenomenon. Although Toei Animation has revisited the franchise with sequels multiple times, none have quite matched the original’s essence.
While a true successor to Dragon Ball may never materialize, the upcoming Netflix anime Yaiba is emerging as a strong contender. Slated for release in the spring 2025 anime season, this series boasts a captivating visual and narrative style reminiscent of Dragon Ball, suggesting that it might provide a similarly engaging experience for viewers. As the first episode rolls out, early indications hint at a delightful ride that stands on its own merits, regardless of its association with Dragon Ball.
Why Netflix’s Yaiba Is The Perfect Dragon Successor We Didn’t Know We Needed
Yaiba’s Dragon Ball Connection Explained
The spring 2025 premiere of Yaiba on Netflix resonates with the distinctive aesthetic of Dragon Ball. The protagonist, Yaiba Kurogane, mirrors Goku’s characteristics: he is a spirited youth who thrives on impulsiveness, lacks social finesse due to his upbringing in isolation, and possesses remarkable combat abilities. His clumsy interactions, especially with women, echo Goku’s innocence and lack of worldly knowledge, making him an entertaining character to follow.
Adding to the allure are the stunning visuals crafted by Wit Studio, known for their top-tier animation. Directed by Takahiro Hasui, acclaimed for his contributions to Mob Psycho 100 and Carole & Tuesday, Yaiba promises breathtaking animation and action sequences that rival the best moments from Dragon Ball. This combination of humor and aesthetics positions Yaiba as a formidable successor to Dragon Ball, potentially solidifying its place in anime history.
Yaiba’s History Makes It Succeeding Dragon Ball Even Better
What Makes Yaiba’s Dragon Ball Connection Even Better
Yaiba draws its origins from a manga penned by Gosho Aoyama, the creative mind behind the legendary Detective Conan. Notably, Detective Conan stands among the best-selling manga—its popularity rivaling that of Dragon Ball. This connection between Yaiba and Dragon Ball feels poetic, considering both series creators have achieved a monumental status in the manga world.
Originally published in 1988, just four years post-Dragon Ball, Yaiba carries the weight of history, making its place as a potential successor to this iconic series even more compelling.
Will Dragon Ball Ever Have A True Successor?
Can Any Anime Ever Truly Match Dragon Ball?
While it’s exhilarating to consider Yaiba as a successor to Dragon Ball, this comparison may carry limited significance at this stage. Evaluating Yaiba after just one episode is premature. Moreover, Dragon Ball, having cultivated an iconic status over four decades, transcends anime and manga, solidifying its legendary cultural presence. For this reason, the idea that Yaiba could be seen as an immediate successor may be an overstatement, given the vast impact of Dragon Ball.
Nonetheless, Yaiba holds its own merit. It shows no signs of falling short in quality, showcasing delightful storytelling and stunning animation. Irrespective of its ties to Dragon Ball, Yaiba emerges as a must-watch for any anime fan due to its vibrant presentation and enjoyable narrative. Even if it diverges from Dragon Ball‘s popularity, it promises a unique viewing experience that is worth following on Netflix in the coming weeks.
Yaiba: Samurai Legend releases new episodes every Saturday on Netflix.