A Recap of the Dragon Ball Special Panel at San Diego Comic Con 2021
It’s been two years since the entertainment world’s seen one of its most hallowed events, the San Diego Comic Con, occur in person. And it’s all thanks to the fun-killing menace that is COVID-19. As a result, this marks the second year where SDCC’s been held online, and while that’s still a downer, we’ve made do with some fun panels. Case in point, the opening day of Comic Con gave anime fans a special look at the next film in the legendary Dragon Ball franchise. Whether you got the chance to see it live, or don’t have the time and just want a quick rundown, here’s a recap of what happened at the Dragon Ball Special Panel.
A Legendary Song By a Legendary Singer Starts the Show
If you grew up watching anime in the 90s and early 2000’s, you’ll probably recognize this phrase: “Cha-La Head-Cha-La.” Arguably the most important words in all of anime, this phrase is also the title to the theme song of the Dragon Ball franchise. Most fans of the series will recognize the song by those words alone.
Those who tuned in to see the Dragon Ball Special Panel were in for a major treat. Not only did they get to hear that iconic song, they got to watch it be sung by the guy who first performed it, Hironobu Kageyama. It’s been thirty-two years since he released that song, but he’s still got it.
The Panel Had Some Legendary Guests Taking Part,
While SDCC is still being held online, the Dragon Ball special panel was lucky enough to have everyone taking part in it in the same room. Besides the moderator, the guests included Akio Iyoku, who serves as an editor for series creator Akira Toriyama. Norihiro Hayashida, the producer for DBZ: Ressurection ‘F’, Dragon Ball Super: Broly, and the upcoming Dragon Ball film. Lastly, we have the Japanese voice of Goku herself, Masako Nozawa. She’s 84 years old, and she’s still going strong!
A Word From Akira Toriyama
With the focus of the panel being on the upcoming movie, one big question was just how involved would series creator, Akira Toriyama, be? Akio and the others let fans know that, much like Broly, Toriyama was deeply involved in this new film. In fact, he was already on the script for the next film while on the set for Broly.
Artwork for the New Film Revealed
With Toriyama’s extensive involvement in the movie came some of his famous drawing skills, and the panel guests were more than happy to showcase it for us. Fans were delighted to see artwork and character drawings created for the new movie, with many surprised by the attention to detail put into them. For example, if you look at Piccolo, you’ll notice that his arms now match his color scheme in the manga. What was even more surprising, though, was the reveal that the Namekian now has his own house. Until now, everyone assumed he was either homeless or lived on the Lookout.
In addition to some new artwork for Krillin and a look at two new characters for the film, fans went gaga over one particular image. That image being Pan, Goku’s granddaughter, dressed in a kindergarten uniform, which is beyond adorable.
The New Movie’s Title Revealed, Along With A Teaser Clip
As the panel came to an end, fans got two more surprises as we finally learned the title for the upcoming movie: Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. While the franchise is no stranger to superheroes, with Goku’s son, Gohan, having the alter ego of the Great Saiyaman, this is the first time that the franchise will focus primarily on them. Some fans see the title as bland, and may criticize it for jumping on the superhero bandwagon, but the jury’s still out on whether it will make a good movie. In addition, we also got a look at a brief teaser for the film, featuring a notably more CGI designed Goku. Could this be a sign that Dragon Ball’s making the switch from 2D to CGI? For now, fans can only speculate.
A Lot to Look Forward To
Whether or not you think the news about DB Super: Superhero is good or bad, you can’t deny the fact that Dragon Ball is determined to keep going for as long as possible. With the franchise having been around for more than thirty years, one would expect it to have packed it in a long time ago. However, much like its main hero Goku, it refuses to throw in the towel. If anything, the fact that we’re getting another Dragon Ball film proves that there are more stories left to tell. I, for one, am looking forward to how this new movie turns out.
Initially; I wasn’t too happy with the name. It was like “Superhero? Okay, I guess…..” And I didn’t know whether to say “Dragon Ball Super: Superhero” or “Dragon Ball Super Hero.” But it’s starting to grow on me. And I’m excited to see a more faithful look to the manga(even though Krillin’s eyes are gonna take me a minute to get used to animated. I’ve never read the full color version of the manga). And Piccolo……has a HOUSE?! I assumed he either lived at the Look Out, Gohan’s house, or he was Nomadic. What a twist!!
I don’t know how I feel about a full on CG look for Dragon Ball. I think the CG image in the teaser was pretty good, but……remember the CG pieces in Broly or Battle Of Gods? It CAN work when done right, but it doesn’t seem like it “fits” with Toriyama’s art style. But I’m all for innovation. If they’re using new techniques and technology so this movie looks its best- Shut Up and Take my Money!!
PAN. I keep seeing people talk about a time skip, and…….I agree that some time has passed- in the manga in particular. If this movie takes place after the events currently going on in the manga, then THAT will technically appear in a movie before the anime adaptation of the current arc? I mean; that’ll be WEIRD- but it might get more people to flock to the manga and buy more volume, making more money for the franchise. Cause they like- need to sell a little better. Sales for the Super manga and Boruto aren’t all that high.
This movie is going to be FUN. I honestly couldn’t have been more hyped watching the panel through a Youtuber I watched livestreaming it. Heh heh heh heh heh!!!!!!!!
I watched it be live-streamed by MasakoX, one of the members of TeamFourStar
So did I- What a coincidence!