Is Dragon Ball GT Canon?
Introduction
The claim that "Dragon Ball GT is canon" has sparked considerable debate among fans of the Dragon Ball franchise. This discussion centers around whether the events and characters introduced in Dragon Ball GT, a series that aired from 1996 to 1997, are officially recognized within the broader Dragon Ball universe. Recent discussions have emerged, particularly following statements from official sources, which have led to varying interpretations of GT's status in relation to the canon established by creator Akira Toriyama.
What We Know
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Dragon Ball GT Overview: Dragon Ball GT is a sequel to the original Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z series, but it was not directly created by Akira Toriyama. Instead, it was produced by Toei Animation and has been met with mixed reviews from fans and critics alike regarding its quality and adherence to the original series' themes and style.
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Official Statements: According to a recent article from CBR, Dragon Ball GT is not considered canon because it was not created by Akira Toriyama, who is often referred to as the "God" of the Dragon Ball universe. This source emphasizes that Toriyama's direct involvement is a key factor in determining canon status [4].
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Recent Developments: A post on GameFAQs claims that as of September 2023, Shueisha, the publisher of the Dragon Ball manga, has included Dragon Ball GT in an official timeline, suggesting that it is now considered canon [6]. This assertion has been met with skepticism, as it contrasts with the traditional view held by many fans.
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Contradictory Views: An article from Screen Rant states that Dragon Ball GT is officially canon, but it also notes that the series has been recontextualized within the timeline established by Dragon Ball Super, which complicates its status further [8].
Analysis
The debate over Dragon Ball GT's canon status hinges on several factors, including the definitions of "canon" within the context of anime and manga, the role of the original creator, and the influence of official publications.
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Source Reliability: The articles from CBR and Screen Rant are generally considered credible within the fandom, as they often provide insights based on interviews and statements from industry professionals. However, both sources may have inherent biases; CBR tends to focus on maintaining traditional views of canon, while Screen Rant may aim to cater to a broader audience by presenting newer interpretations.
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Potential Conflicts of Interest: The claim from GameFAQs relies on user-generated content, which can vary in reliability. While it cites a timeline from Shueisha, the lack of direct access to the original source makes it difficult to verify its authenticity. Additionally, the nature of fan forums can lead to the spread of misinformation, as users may misinterpret or exaggerate claims.
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Methodological Concerns: The methodology behind determining canon status is often subjective. While some fans rely on creator involvement, others may consider the impact of a series on the franchise as a whole. This divergence in criteria complicates the discussion and leads to conflicting opinions.
Conclusion
Verdict: Mostly False
The claim that "Dragon Ball GT is canon" is deemed mostly false based on the evidence reviewed. Key sources, such as CBR, assert that GT is not considered canon due to its lack of direct involvement from creator Akira Toriyama. While a recent claim from GameFAQs suggests that Shueisha has included GT in an official timeline, this assertion lacks verification and is contradicted by traditional views held by many fans. Additionally, the conflicting interpretations from various sources highlight the subjective nature of canon status within the franchise.
It is important to recognize that the determination of canon can vary significantly based on individual perspectives and definitions. The evidence available does not provide a definitive answer, and the evolving nature of the franchise adds further complexity to the discussion. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider the nuances involved in debates surrounding canon status in media.
Sources
- CBR. "No, Dragon Ball GT is Not Officially Canon." CBR
- GameFAQs. "As of September 2023 GT is canon - shueisha and Toriyama." GameFAQs
- Screen Rant. "Dragon Ball GT Is Officially Canon, But Super Has 5 ..." Screen Rant
