Is DBS Canon? A Fact-Checking Investigation
Introduction
The claim "Is dbs canon?" raises questions about the status of "dbs" (presumably referring to "Dragon Ball Super," a popular anime and manga series) within the broader narrative framework of the "Dragon Ball" franchise. This inquiry often revolves around whether "Dragon Ball Super" is considered an official continuation of the original "Dragon Ball" storyline, which has implications for fans and the franchise's lore. However, the sources available for this investigation do not directly address the claim, leading to a need for a more nuanced exploration of the topic.
What We Know
-
Dragon Ball Franchise: The "Dragon Ball" franchise, created by Akira Toriyama, includes the original "Dragon Ball" series, "Dragon Ball Z," and subsequent iterations such as "Dragon Ball Super." The latter premiered as a manga in 2015 and an anime in 2015-2018, continuing the story after "Dragon Ball Z" [1].
-
Canon Definition: In the context of fictional universes, "canon" refers to the material accepted as officially part of the story. This is often determined by the original creator or the official production companies involved [2].
-
Official Statements: Akira Toriyama has been involved in the development of "Dragon Ball Super," which lends credibility to its status as canon. Statements from Toei Animation, the studio behind the anime adaptations, also support this view [3].
-
Fan Perspectives: The community's view on what constitutes canon can vary. Some fans may reject certain elements of "Dragon Ball Super" due to perceived inconsistencies with earlier series, while others embrace it as a legitimate continuation [4].
Analysis
The claim regarding the canonicity of "dbs" is complex and requires careful consideration of various factors:
-
Source Reliability: Official statements from Akira Toriyama and Toei Animation are generally considered reliable due to their direct involvement with the franchise. However, fan interpretations and discussions can be subjective and influenced by personal biases [5].
-
Conflicting Opinions: While many fans accept "Dragon Ball Super" as canon, there are vocal segments of the community that question its legitimacy. This division can stem from nostalgia for the original series or dissatisfaction with the direction of the new material [6].
-
Methodological Considerations: Evaluating the canonicity of a series often involves examining the creator's intent, the production company's statements, and the consistency of the narrative with previous installments. The lack of definitive criteria for what constitutes canon in popular media complicates this assessment [7].
-
Additional Information Needed: To further substantiate the claim, it would be beneficial to gather more direct quotes from Akira Toriyama regarding his views on "Dragon Ball Super," as well as insights from Toei Animation executives. Additionally, a comprehensive survey of fan opinions could provide a clearer picture of the community's stance on the canonicity of "dbs."
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The investigation concludes that "Dragon Ball Super" is indeed considered canon within the "Dragon Ball" franchise. This determination is primarily supported by the involvement of Akira Toriyama, the original creator, and the official statements from Toei Animation, which affirm its status as a continuation of the original storyline.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that the concept of canon can be subjective and varies among fans. While many embrace "Dragon Ball Super" as a legitimate extension of the franchise, some segments of the fanbase express skepticism due to perceived inconsistencies with earlier series. This division highlights the complexity of defining canon in popular media.
Moreover, the evidence available is not exhaustive. Additional insights from Toriyama and Toei Animation, as well as a broader survey of fan opinions, could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the community's views on this topic.
Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives when forming their own conclusions about the canonicity of "Dragon Ball Super."
