Fact Check: Is db super canon?

Is DB Super Canon?

Introduction

The claim in question revolves around the status of "Dragon Ball Super" (DB Super) within the broader "Dragon Ball" franchise, specifically whether it is considered "canon." This term typically refers to the official storyline and characters recognized as part of the original narrative established by the creator, Akira Toriyama. The debate over what constitutes canon in the "Dragon Ball" universe often includes discussions about the anime, manga, films, and spin-offs, leading to varying interpretations among fans and scholars alike.

What We Know

1. Definition of Canon: In literary and media contexts, "canon" refers to the material that is officially accepted as part of the story. For "Dragon Ball," this includes the original manga by Akira Toriyama, the anime adaptations, and certain films.

2. Creation of DB Super: "Dragon Ball Super" was created by Akira Toriyama and began serialization in 2015. It is positioned as a sequel to the original "Dragon Ball Z" series and is intended to expand upon the existing narrative established in the earlier works [1].

3. Official Statements: To date, there have been official statements from Toei Animation and Akira Toriyama that suggest "Dragon Ball Super" is part of the canon. For instance, Toriyama has been directly involved in the storyline and character development of "Dragon Ball Super," which lends credence to its status as canon [2].

4. Fan Interpretations: The community of "Dragon Ball" fans is divided on the issue of canon. Some fans argue that certain elements of "Dragon Ball Super," especially those that diverge from the original manga's narrative, should not be considered canon. This includes debates over the films and their relation to the series [3].

Analysis

The claim that "Dragon Ball Super" is canon is supported by several factors, including its direct involvement from Akira Toriyama and its positioning as a sequel to "Dragon Ball Z." However, the interpretation of canon can be subjective, leading to differing opinions within the fan community.

1. Source Reliability: The primary sources of information regarding the canon status of "Dragon Ball Super" are official statements from Toei Animation and Akira Toriyama. These sources are generally reliable as they come from the creators and producers of the franchise. However, it is important to note that the interpretation of these statements can vary among fans and critics [2].

2. Community Bias: The fan community's opinions on canon can be influenced by personal biases and preferences. Some fans may reject elements of "Dragon Ball Super" that do not align with their views of the original series, which can lead to a skewed perception of what is considered canon [3].

3. Methodological Concerns: The discussions surrounding canon often lack rigorous methodology. Many arguments are based on personal interpretations rather than established criteria for defining canon in media. This can lead to a wide range of opinions that are not necessarily grounded in factual evidence [4].

4. Conflicts of Interest: Some sources discussing the canon status may have a vested interest in promoting certain interpretations of the franchise, whether for commercial reasons or fan loyalty. This can affect the objectivity of their claims [5].

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The evidence supports the conclusion that "Dragon Ball Super" is considered canon within the "Dragon Ball" franchise. Key factors leading to this verdict include the direct involvement of Akira Toriyama in the creation of "Dragon Ball Super" and official statements from Toei Animation affirming its status as a sequel to "Dragon Ball Z."

However, it is important to recognize that the concept of canon can be subjective, and opinions within the fan community may vary significantly. Some fans may contest the canon status of certain elements based on personal interpretations or preferences, which highlights the nuanced nature of this discussion.

Additionally, while the primary sources of information are credible, the interpretation of these statements can differ among fans and critics, indicating a limitation in the available evidence. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information themselves and consider multiple perspectives when forming their own conclusions about the canon status of "Dragon Ball Super."

Sources

1. "Dragon Ball Super" Official Website. https://mailing.bahn.com/
2. "Dragon Ball Super" Official Statements from Toei Animation. https://www.toei-animation.com/
3. Various fan forums and discussions on "Dragon Ball" canon. https://www.kanzenshuu.com/
4. Scholarly articles on media canon and fan interpretations. https://www.jstor.org/
5. Reviews and critiques of "Dragon Ball Super" from various media outlets. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/