The Dragon Ball Super manga has again captured the spotlight following the release of its latest installment, volume 24. This edition features a striking cover illustration by Toyotaro, showcasing Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, Broly, and Piccolo in their most powerful forms to date. However, this artwork has ignited a spirited debate among fans, with opinions sharply divided—the cover has been praised by some while criticized by others as resembling “terrible fanart.”
The controversy surrounding this cover may stem from the fact that long before its debut, fans had created numerous illustrations featuring these five characters in their ultimate forms. This preexisting fan art has led to mixed feelings, where some supporters appreciate Toyotaro’s homage, while others accuse him of lacking originality and merely mimicking fan creations.
Note: This article includes spoilers related to the series.
Division Among Dragon Ball Super Fans Over Toyotaro’s Latest Cover
The release of volume 24’s cover has sparked extensive discussion about Toyotaro’s approach and artistic prowess. While many fans express enthusiasm about the artwork, a significant portion argue that it fails to encapsulate the essence of the series and instead borrows heavily from existing fan interpretations.
Following the 2022 movie, *Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero*, where Piccolo and Gohan revealed their Orange and Beast transformations, the fanbase has surged with illustrations depicting these characters unified in battle, reflecting their escalating power. This context has heightened expectations for an official cover, resulting in divided reactions to Toyotaro’s interpretation.
While several fans embrace Toyotaro’s visual concept, others contend that he lacks innovation and originality. This contentious issue resonates deeply within the community, particularly as Toyotaro is set to take the creative lead on the manga following Akira Toriyama’s passing, an issue that has similarly generated debate about the quality of previous story arcs.
Fan Reactions and Perspectives
Toyotaro’s role in shaping the future of *Dragon Ball Super* remains a contentious subject. He is considered a polarizing figure, especially after his work on the Granolah and Moro arcs that allowed him greater creative latitude. Some believe that he has the potential to emerge as a talented mangaka in his own right, while others argue that his storytelling has stagnated over his decade-long tenure with the franchise.
Despite mixed opinions, Toyotaro’s artistic talents have generally been well-received. This cover, however, has marked a notable exception, drawing a range of contrasting opinions. The situation underscores the challenges he faces as the series progresses, especially as uncertainty looms over when the manga will make its next return.
“Not a fan. This is not Dragon Ball… RIP the real GOAT Toriyama,”one fan remarked.
“Greatest DB cover of all time!”another chimed in.
“Top 2 or 3 cover in the franchise,”someone else commented.
The ongoing discussions in the *Dragon Ball Super* community affirm its status as a focal point of engagement. This cover exemplifies the passionate discourse surrounding the series, which is certain to resurface as the manga continues its narrative journey. However, as of now, no official announcement has been made regarding the timeline for the manga’s return.