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Published by 19 June 2015, 7:54 PM EDT3 Comments

Today’s August 2015 issue of V-Jump in Japan contains a new comment from original manga author Akira Toriyama regarding the upcoming Dragon Ball Super TV series:

鳥山明先生からメッセージが到着!!
ふと思うと、『ドラゴンボール』というアニメもいつのまにかやたらデカい話になってきましたね。自分で書いておいて、こんなこと言うのも変ですが、始めた当初は、まさか宇宙が舞台になるなんて思っても見ませんでした(笑)とはいっても、いつもどおりとてもわかりやすい展開なので安心を、『ドラゴンボール超』ぜひテレビで楽しんでくださいね!


A Message From Akira Toriyama-sensei Has Arrived!!
You know, it suddenly occurs to me that somewhere along the line the Dragon Ball anime has become quite a big deal. Since I’m the guy who drew the thing, it’s a bit weird for me to say this, but when I first started out I never dreamed that the setting would move out into space (laughs). Don’t worry though, it’s still going to be the same sort of easy-to-understand content as always. Please be sure to watch Dragon Ball Super on TV!

We have archived Toriyama’s comments over in our “Translations” section.

Dragon Ball Super, which begins airing 05 July 2015 on Fuji TV, is the first all-new TV series for the franchise in 18 years. The story and characters will be developed by original manga author Akira Toriyama, will star veteran voice actress Masako Nozawa, and will be directed by Kimitoshi Chioka. The series will, “…follow the aftermath of Goku’s fierce battle with Majin Boo, as he attempts to maintain earth’s fragile peace.” A manga adaptation from “Toyotarō” will run each month in V-Jump starting this same August 2015 issue.

Published by 19 June 2015, 5:14 PM EDTComment

Amazon Japan recently posted a listing for a Dragon Ball Super magazine-style guide book coming just in time for the series’ debut episode on 05 July 2015.

The V-Jump Special Edition: TV Animation “Dragon Ball Super” Super Start Guide will hit magazine stands in Japan 03 July 2015 for ¥750. This special edition will be a larger A4 size magazine, the same size as the two Dragon Ball Z Anime Special magazines released during the series’ initial broadcast run in the late-80s and early-90s. No other details on contents or page length are available just yet.

Previous releases of these “Special Edition” V-Jump magazines have covered series and franchises such as Yu-Gi-Oh!, and date back to the 1990s with Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy games.

Dragon Ball itself has previously received special guide books under expanded Jump labels such as 1987’s Adventure Special (the franchise’s first guide book!), the two Dragon Ball Z Anime Special magazines under the “Jump Gold Selection” branding (as mentioned above), and additional movie-specific magazines.

Published by 18 June 2015, 8:06 PM EDTComment

Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butōden hit the Nintendo 3DS in Japan last week, and those of us who can’t wait for a potential localization have been sinking some time into the import version. In addition to a moderate roster of playable characters, the game sports an impressive amount of “Z-Assist” characters. While a few of these extra characters have been relegated to paid bonus items, a few have been made unlockable via button-input codes. Check the list below to expand your roster! Have we missed any? Let us know!

extreme_butoden_4gamer_cover

Button press codes should be made on the game’s main title screen.

  • Playable Character: SSGSS Son Goku
    Available via save data carry-over from the eShop demo
  • Z-Assist: SSGSS Vegeta
    Available via save data carry-over from the eShop demo
    X B L Y R A
  • Z-Assist: Super Saiyan 4 Vegeta
    Available via save data carry-over from Dragon Ball Heroes: Ultimate Mission 2
  • Z-Assist: Super Saiyan 4 Goku
    Revealed in the August 2015 issue of V-Jump
    → ← ↓ ↑ → ← ↓ ↑ X B Y A
  • Z-Assist: Golden Freeza
    Available via the Dragon Ball Discross inclusion with first-press copies
    ↑ ↓ ← → ↓ ↑ → ← A
  • Z-Assist: Ōzaru
    Revealed on the game’s official website
    X Y L R L R L R X Y
  • Z-Assists: Gine & Jaco
    Available as a unique eShop download code in the game’s official guide book
  • Z-Assists: Evil (2, 3, 5, 6, 7-Star) Dragons
    Available as retailer-specific bonuses

UPDATE: Thanks to TheGameTagerZ on our forum for a slew of additional button-input codes.

Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butōden launched in Japan 11 June 2015. First-press copies of the game come packed with bonus content, including a downloadable version of the Super Famicom game Dragon Ball Z: Super Butōden 2 (previously included as a part of the J-Legend Retsuden compilation game; albeit now with replacement music). Arc System Works developed the game for Bandai Namco. The developer previously worked on the Bukū… / Supersonic Warriors games on the Nintendo GameBoy Advance and DS.

Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butōden is currently available for order from CDJapan. The Nintendo 3DS / New Nintendo 3DS are region-locked; a Japanese system is required for the game to play.

Published by 17 June 2015, 9:38 PM EDTComment

Anime News Network reports on preliminary details regarding the story for Dragon Ball Super, next month’s all-new television series, which will be revealed in this weekend’s August 2015 issue of V-Jump. A complete translation of the news is as follows (skipping item number two, which simply repeats previously-revealed information about the opening and ending themes):

超SCOOP!!1
『ドラゴンボール超』は魔人ブウとの決戦から少し後の世界!

「DB超」は、原作者・鳥山明先生原案の珠玉のオリジナルストーリー!魔人ブウとの壮絶な戦いを終えた悟空たちの「その後」を描く本シリーズは、劇場版『神と神』や『復活の「F」』ともリンクする超な物語だ!!


Super SCOOP!! #1
Dragon Ball Super is set slightly after the showdown with Majin Boo!

Dragon Ball Super is a gem of an original story, from an original draft provided by manga author Akira Toriyama-sensei! This series is a super tale that depicts what happens “afterwards” to Goku and the gang following the titanic battle with Majin Boo, and links up with the movies Battle of Gods and Revival of “F”!!

超SCOOP!!3
劇場版でおなじみ!?ビルス&ウイスがTVシリーズに初参戦!!

最新劇場版2作で絶大な存在感を放った破壊神・ビルスと従者・ウイスがTVアニメにレギュラー出演決定!フリーザやセル、魔人ブウよりもはるかに強いビルズが、新シリーズで大暴れする!?


Super SCOOP!! #3
Already well-known from the movies!? For the first time, Beerus and Whis join the fray in a TV series!!

The God of Destruction Beerus and his servant Whis have already cut quite a figure in the two latest movies, and now they’re set to appear as regular cast members for this TV series! Far stronger than the likes of Freeza, Cell, or Majin Boo, Beerus will run amok in the new series!?

超SCOOP!!4
豪華なメインキャストはそのまま続投!!

孫悟空役野沢雅子さんをはじめとする主要キャストが本作にも参加!『DB』を知り尽くした役者陣が、悟空たちに新たな命を吹き込む!!


Super SCOOP!! #4
The illustrious main cast will remain as-is!!

Masako Nozawa-san (voice of Son Goku) and the rest of the main cast are taking part in this series too! Deeply familiar with Dragon Ball, these actors and actresses will breathe new life into Goku and the gang!!

超SCOOP!!5
第1話のあらすじ入手!悟空が仕事を始める…!?

魔人ブウを倒して訪れた平和な日々。チチからお金を稼いでくるよう命じられた悟空は、働きながらも修業がしたくてウズウズしていた。一方悟天はトランクスと、義理の姉になるビーデルへのプレゼントを探して冒険へ出ることに!?


Super SCOOP!! #5
The first episode’s synopsis is available! Goku gets a job…?!

Following Majin Boo’s defeat, peaceful days have come. When Chi-Chi orders Goku to go earn some money, Goku gets the itch to train while he works. Meanwhile, Goten heads out on an adventure with Trunks to find a gift for his soon-to-be sister-in-law Videl!?

超SCOOP!!6
超クオリティの美麗映像!全編を新作画で制作!!

新シリーズは劇場版や「DB改」のOP&EDと同様に、すべて新規映像で放送!迫力あふれる新たな「DB」世界が観られるぞ!!


Super SCOOP!! #6
Super high-quality gorgeous visuals! The entire series is produced with new animation!!

This new series will be broadcast entirely with new footage, like with the movies or the openings and endings for Dragon Ball Kai! An overwhelming new Dragon Ball world is revealed!!

超SCOOP!!7
とよたろう先生によるコミカライズ連載が今号よりスタート!!

とよたろう先生からのコメント
DBの新しいアニメが毎週見られるなんて嬉しすぎます!僕もコミカライズで少しでも盛り上げに貢献できればと思っていますので、みなさん漫画の方もよろしくお願いします!


Super SCOOP!! #7
The comic adaptation by Toyotarō-sensei starts this issue!!

Comment From Toyotarō-sensei
“Getting to see a new DB anime series every week makes me too happy! With this comicalization, I want to make my own small contribution to the excitement, so everyone please check out the manga, too!”

The issue is also set to contain the first chapter of the Dragon Ball Super manga adaptation by Toyotarō.

The August 2015 issue of V-Jump officially hits shelves in Japan 20 June 2015 and is still available for pre-order via Amazon Japan.

Published by 17 June 2015, 11:28 AM EDTComment

Slated for a wider run in August, FUNimation’s English dub of the new film Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ will debut 02 July 2015, in conjunction with the opening night of Anime Expo in Los Angeles. The company will host a red carpet event prior to the screening, similar to both their Battle of Gods dub premiere in 2014 and their Resurrection ‘F’ subtitled premiere earlier this year.

FUNimation Entertainment Announces World Dub Premiere Of “Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F'”
Premiere to be Held July 2 at Regal LA LIVE during Anime Expo 2015 in Los Angeles

FLOWER MOUND, Texas, June 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — FUNimation Entertainment announced today that the world premiere of the English dub of “Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F'” will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. at the Regal LA Live Stadium 14 in Los Angeles, Calif. The premiere coincides with opening night of Anime Expo 2015 — the largest anime and manga convention in North America. FUNimation recently completed principal production of the English dub for the movie which was written by series creator Akira Toriyama and directed by Naoyoshi Yamamuro.

Actors Sean Schemmel and Christopher R. Sabat, starring in the roles of Goku and Vegeta respectively, will be attending the premiere, which will also feature a red carpet event prior to the screening. Schemmel and Sabat are reprising their roles from last year’s highly-successful “Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods.”

“We’re pleased to premiere the English dub of “Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F'” during Anime Expo 2015,” said Gen Fukunaga, CEO and founder of FUNimation. “Our cast and crew have done an amazing job with the dub. Fans will enjoy every minute of it — from the first scene through the ending credits.”

“Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F'” is the 20th film in the Dragon Ball franchise. The story is the follow-up to “Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods” and showcases the return of Frieza — one of the greatest villains in all of anime. The new film will screen in theaters across the U.S. and Canada from August 4 – 12, 2015. Fans are invited to sign up at www.dragonballz.com to be alerted when ticketing opens later this month. Subscribers can also look forward to receiving exclusive offers, sneak peeks, and other news about the film.

A limited amount of tickets to the premiere will be made available to fans and the general public.

The press release incorrectly names Tadayoshi Yamamuro as “Naoyoshi Yamamuro” (based on an alternate kanji reading).

The story for Revival of “F”, which opened nationwide in Japan 18 April 2015 in 2D and IMAX 3D, was crafted by original manga author Akira Toriyama, who stated he wrote it, “…as though it were a continuation of the manga when it was in serialization,” and that while it would, “…of course be a continuation of the previous Battle of Gods,” he has also, “…deliberately increased the amount of action scenes by a good deal.” Tadayoshi Yamamuro, who worked for many years as character designer and animation supervisor on the Dragon Ball franchise, served as the film’s director and animation supervisor. Norihito Sumitomo has returned from Battle of Gods and the Majin Boo arc of Dragon Ball Kai for musical composition duties. Momoiro Clover Z contributed “Vow of ‘Z'” as the film’s main theme alongside Maximum the Hormone, whose “F” is used during the film. Revival of “F” brings back Freeza and includes two new characters (Sorbet and Tagoma), features Beerus and Whis again from Battle of Gods, and much more. The film has been announced for distribution in 74 countries.

Published by 17 June 2015, 10:02 AM EDTComment

Though still not-yet-announced for a worldwide release (but hopefully coming soon!), Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butōden debuted on the Nintendo 3DS in Japan last week, pulling in strong numbers during its first week on sale.

extreme_butoden_4gamer_cover

According to the Media Create sales list for the reporting period of 08 June 2015 to 14 June 2015, the game pushed 74,660 copies, making it the second-best selling game of the week (conceding the top spot to the latest Rhythm Heaven, also on the Nintendo 3DS).

Extreme Butōden‘s first week sales rival that of Dragon Ball XENOVERSE earlier this year, which pushed approximately 78,911 copies across the two Sony consoles during its own first week.

The prior game to don the “Butōden” moniker, Ultimate Butōden for the original Nintendo DS, pushed 31,108 copies during its own respective first week on sale back in early 2011. The game was never published outside of Japan.

Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butōden launched in Japan 11 June 2015. First-press copies of the game come packed with bonus content, including a downloadable version of the Super Famicom game Dragon Ball Z: Super Butōden 2 (previously included as a part of the J-Legend Retsuden compilation game; albeit now with replacement music). Arc System Works developed the game for Bandai Namco. The developer previously worked on the Bukū… / Supersonic Warriors games on the Nintendo GameBoy Advance and DS.

Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butōden is currently available for order from CDJapan. The Nintendo 3DS / New Nintendo 3DS are region-locked; a Japanese system is required for the game to play.

Published by 16 June 2015, 7:54 AM EDTComment

It is only within the last week or so that actual information about Dragon Ball Super has begun to make its way to the public. For a little bit there, we were not entirely sure the project would be ready in time! With the reveal of a logo and a 15-second preview trailer, we finally have enough to dig our collective teeth into. What is on the horizon for the first new series since the end of Dragon Ball GT…?

SHOW DESCRIPTION:
Episode #0381! VegettoEX and Hujio discuss “Dragon Ball Super” as we quickly approach its debut in July. After taking a look at the short preview trailer and official website updates, what is on the horizon for fans of the Dragon World, and is Toei truly taking advantage of the property they have?

REFERENCED SITES:

Enjoy! Discuss this episode on the Kanzenshuu forum, and be sure to connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and Tumblr.

Published by 15 June 2015, 12:42 AM EDT4 Comments

Toei Animation’s official Dragon Ball Super website has finally been revamped in preparation of the new series’ debut in mere weeks on 05 July 2015. The update includes the first promotional artwork for the series, a few new sections with additional information, and the preview trailer that was broadcast yesterday following Dragon Ball Kai (which is currently not available).

Along with a brief introduction, a “Staff & Cast” page has also been included amongst the new pages now available on the site, and it is no surprise that Tadayoshi Yamamuro, who worked for many years as character designer and animation supervisor on the Dragon Ball franchise, and more recently served as director and animation supervisor for Dragon Ball Z: Revival of “F”, is returning as the series’ sole character designer. No additional staff members have been officially announced as of yet, including a lead script writer, art director, or musical composer, although it was unofficially revealed that Norihito Sumitomo would be returning via his blog.

The majority of the main cast from Dragon Ball Kai and the recent films will be returning, including Yūko Minaguchi (Videl), Kōichi Yamadera (Beerus), Masakazu Morita (Whis), and Jōji Yanami as the series’ narrator, who was recently absent from Revival of “F”.

The new promotional splash artwork features the series’ main characters, the majority of whom are shown in their attire from Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods. However, the most intriguing portion of the artwork is what appears to be a new God of Destruction-esque character, standing back-to-back with Beerus, and spinning the Earth on his finger. Next to him is another new character, presumably his attendant, who is very similar in appearance to Whis. Will we finally be exploring a few of the 12 universes mentioned by Beerus in Battle of Gods? Only time will tell!

Be sure to check back for more details and updates as things ramp up toward the debut of Dragon Ball Super, the franchise’s first new TV series in 18 years, on 05 July 2015!

UPDATE: A comics page has been added to promote Toyotarō’s upcoming manga adaptation of the series, which is set to premiere in less than a week in the August 2015 issue of V-Jump.

Published by 13 June 2015, 9:46 PM EDT5 Comments

As a part of today’s episode of Dragon Ball Kai, Toei Animation and Fuji TV previewed the upcoming new TV series, Dragon Ball Super.

Included within the 15-second preview was the series’ opening theme song, “Chōzetsu ☆ Dynamic!!” (超絶☆ダイナミック!!), by Kazuya Yoshii (previously of the band The Yellow Monkey). The preview, narrated by Son Goku (Masako Nozawa), included brief appearances by Son Goku, Son Goten, Trunks, Videl, Son Gohan, Mister Satan, Mister Boo, Piccolo, Kaiō, Beerus, Whis, and Vegeta.

おっす、オラ悟空。18年の時を越えて新シリーズに突入だ!
ドラゴンボール超 7月 放送開始!
みんな、オラたちの新しい戦いを絶対見てくれよな。


Heya, I’m Goku. After 18 years, we’re plunging into a new series!
Dragon Ball Super — The broadcast begins this July!
Everyone, be sure to watch our new battle!

In terms of character designs and time placement, it appears the series will begin at some point following the 2008 “Jump Super Anime Tour” special, as Son Goku is shown wearing an outfit identical to his radish farming outfit showcased at the beginning of the special. Although both Beerus and Whis make notable appearances in the preview, there is not enough context to conclude where exactly the series will fall in relation to the two recent films (Battle of Gods and Revival of “F”) overseen by Akira Toriyama. Goten and Trunks also appear as children, while Gohan appears as a bespectacled scholar, similar to their appearances in the “Jump Super Anime Tour” special and Battle of Gods.

Today’s preview was apparently only a “short version”; additional updates are promised for the series’ official website on Monday, which may potentially include a full-length version.

Dragon Ball Super, which begins airing 05 July 2015 on Fuji TV, is the first all-new TV series for the franchise in 18 years. The story and characters will be developed by original manga author Akira Toriyama, will star veteran voice actress Masako Nozawa, and will be directed by Kimitoshi Chioka. The series will, “…follow the aftermath of Goku’s fierce battle with Majin Boo, as he attempts to maintain earth’s fragile peace.” A manga adaptation from “Toyotarō” will run each month in V-Jump starting in June.

Published by 13 June 2015, 11:18 AM EDTComment

Following up on yesterday’s reveal that a first look at Dragon Ball Super will debut this weekend, the official Twitter account for the upcoming TV show has also promised a tease of the opening theme:

dbsuper_twitter_op_tease

昨日もお知らせしましたが…
明日6/14(日)9時から放送の「ドラゴンボール改」にて「ドラゴンボール超」の予告ショートバージョン初オンエアです!吉井和哉さんのオープニング曲も初披露!お見逃しなく!(S)


As we announced yesterday…
A short version of the first on-air trailer for “Dragon Ball Super” will be broadcast with “Dragon Ball Kai” tomorrow, June 14th (Sunday), at 9:00am! Kazuya Yoshii’s opening song will also debut! Don’t miss it! (S)

The Dragon Ball Super opening theme, “Chōzetsu ☆ Dynamic!!” (超絶☆ダイナミック!!), will be performed by Kazuya Yoshii (previously of the band The Yellow Monkey).

The upcoming preview will air as a part of Dragon Ball Kai Episode 157 airing 14 June 2015 on Fuji TV in Japan.

Dragon Ball Super, which begins airing 05 July 2015 on Fuji TV, is the first all-new TV series for the franchise in 18 years. The story and characters will be developed by original manga author Akira Toriyama, will star veteran voice actress Masako Nozawa, and will be directed by Kimitoshi Chioka. The series will, “…follow the aftermath of Goku’s fierce battle with Majin Boo, as he attempts to maintain earth’s fragile peace.” A manga adaptation from “Toyotarō” will run each month in V-Jump starting in June.