Fact Check: Is Dragon Ball GT canon?

Is Dragon Ball GT Canon?

The question of whether "Dragon Ball GT," an anime series that aired from 1996 to 1997, is considered canon within the broader "Dragon Ball" franchise has sparked considerable debate among fans for decades. Recent discussions have intensified following the release of an official timeline by Shueisha, which reportedly includes "Dragon Ball GT." This has led to conflicting interpretations of its status, with some sources asserting that GT is now canon, while others maintain that it remains a non-canonical side story.

What We Know

1. Timeline Inclusion: In September 2023, Shueisha released a new timeline for the "Dragon Ball" franchise that includes the events of "Dragon Ball GT." This has led some to claim that GT is now officially canon 148.

2. Previous Canon Status: Historically, "Dragon Ball GT" was not considered part of the official canon. Akira Toriyama, the creator of "Dragon Ball," referred to GT as a side story in promotional materials, indicating that it was not intended to be a direct continuation of the manga 7.

3. Fan Debate: The canon status of GT has been a long-standing topic of debate among fans, with many arguing that its narrative and character developments do not align with the original manga or the subsequent "Dragon Ball Super" series 29.

4. Conflicting Sources: While some articles assert that the new timeline confirms GT's canonicity, others argue that the timeline's inclusion does not equate to official canon status as defined by Toriyama's original works 356.

5. Impact of New Releases: The release of "Dragon Ball Super" and its subsequent story arcs has further complicated the discussion, as some fans believe that it retcons or disregards elements introduced in GT 9.

Analysis

The sources discussing the canon status of "Dragon Ball GT" present a mix of perspectives, each with varying degrees of reliability:

• Credibility of Sources:

  • Articles from established entertainment news outlets like CBR and ComicBook.com provide a more balanced view, often citing both the new timeline and Toriyama's previous statements 59. However, they may also exhibit bias depending on their target audience.
  • Sources like FandomWire and MSN appear to lean towards sensationalizing the timeline's implications, which could skew the interpretation of GT's status 21.

• Methodology and Evidence:

  • The claims regarding the new timeline's implications for GT's canonicity rely heavily on the interpretation of Shueisha's official materials. However, the lack of direct quotes or detailed explanations from Toriyama himself raises questions about the definitive nature of this inclusion 48.
  • The assertion that GT is now canon based solely on its inclusion in a timeline may overlook the nuances of what "canon" means in the context of the "Dragon Ball" franchise, especially given Toriyama's previous categorization of the series.

• Conflicts of Interest:

  • Some sources may have a vested interest in promoting the idea that GT is canon, particularly if they are affiliated with merchandise or media that benefits from increased interest in the series. This potential bias should be considered when evaluating their claims 26.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that "Dragon Ball GT" is canon is partially true based on the recent inclusion of its events in Shueisha's official timeline. This development has led to renewed discussions about its status within the franchise. However, historical context is crucial; Akira Toriyama has previously categorized GT as a side story, which complicates its classification as canon.

The evidence is mixed, with some sources asserting that the timeline's inclusion confirms GT's canonicity, while others argue that it does not meet the criteria established by Toriyama's original works. The lack of explicit confirmation from Toriyama himself regarding the timeline's implications introduces uncertainty.

Readers should be aware that interpretations of canon can vary widely, and the ongoing debates among fans reflect differing perspectives on narrative continuity. As such, it is essential to approach this topic with a critical mindset and consider the nuances involved in defining what constitutes canon in the "Dragon Ball" universe.

As always, we encourage readers to critically evaluate information and seek out multiple sources to form their own conclusions.

Sources

1. Dragon Ball's Official Timeline Teases That GT Is Actually Canon - MSN. Link
2. Dragon Ball Finally Makes the Events of GT Canon as Official Timeline ... - FandomWire. Link
3. No, Dragon Ball GT is Not Officially Canon - MSN. Link
4. "As of September 2023 GT is canon" - Shueisha and Toriyama - GameFAQs. Link
5. No, Dragon Ball GT is Not Officially Canon - CBR. Link
6. Dragon Ball GT Has Always Been Canon to DBZ - MSN. Link
7. Did Toriyama recognize GT as canon? - Kanzenshuu. Link
8. Dragon Ball's Official Timeline Revives Debate Over 'GT' - ComicBook.com. Link
9. Dragon Ball GT: Canon or Not? - CBR. Link
10. Dragon Ball's Official Timeline Teases That GT Is Actually ... - ScreenRant. Link