After 40 Years at the Top, Dragon Ball’s Empire Is Starti...

After 40 Years at the Top, Dragon Ball’s Empire Is Starting to Crack Dragon Ball - Goku and Vegeta looking scared

By Casandra Ronning Published 48 minutes ago Casandra Ronning is a staff writer for Screen Rant's anime section. Since mid-2024, she has dedicated herself to expanding her knowledge and experience in the entertainment industry. She is most proud of conducting an exclusive interview with popular voice actor Stephanie Nadolny. Sign in to your ScreenRant account Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

Forty years after its anime debut, Dragon Ball remains an influential icon amid pop culture and has redefined the standards for shōnen storytelling in more ways than one. With its colorful world, unforgettable characters, and legendary battles and transformations, the franchise has left behind a permanent mark on generations of fans and creators around the world.

Yet, despite its decades of success, the empire the franchise has built has been under strain, fracturing its dominance among modern titles and its relevance. Fans’ patience is being increasingly tested, and there’s only one thing that can save Dragon Ball from losing its long-held dominance among both classics and modern titles.

Dragon Ball’s Anime Adaptation Is Turning 40 in 2026

Based on the original manga by Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball first aired in 1986 and was produced by Toei Animation. The series quickly captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences with its slapstick humor, martial arts, and grand sense of adventure. Its original run introduced the world to Goku, Bulma, Krillin, and many other beloved characters.

Immediately following the original series’ conclusion, Dragon Ball Z debuted in 1989, effectively elevating the franchise to new heights on a global stage. With epic story arcs, high-stakes battles, and the emergence of iconic transformations and legendary rivalries, Dragon Ball Z solidified Goku’s story as an anime powerhouse with its influence reaching far beyond Japan.

The series shaped the shōnen genre and inspired countless fans and creators worldwide. Over the years, the IP expanded through numerous animated installments, including Dragon Ball GT, Dragon Ball Z Kai, Dragon Ball Super, Super Dragon Ball Heroes, and, more recently, Dragon Ball Daima. Each series had something to offer audiences, although some are much more celebrated than others.

2026 will mark the anime’s 40th anniversary, celebrating four decades of Toriyama’s unmatched creative vision. The series has offered far more than entertainment, serving as a strong source of inspiration for many. Its upcoming milestone is a testament to its creativity, fans’ loyalty, and long-lasting influence on global media, an achievement that is rare for any IP.

For Decades, Dragon Ball Has Commanded Worldwide Attention

Super Saiyan Goku as seen in Dragon Ball Z

For forty years, Dragon Ball has stood as a defining force in anime, best known for its scale and boundless narrative potential. Many creators around the globe cite Dragon Ball as the inspiration behind character designs, stories, and battle structure, whether it's explosive energy blasts, intense hand-to-hand combat, or striking transformations.

The franchise thrived for years due to its ability to balance nostalgia with modern techniques and storytelling innovation. Through reboots, remasters, and new, thrilling content, Dragon Ball has effectively mastered the art of honoring the original story’s vision while delivering fresh energy that keeps audiences engaged.

While fans’ loyalty will never be in question, the lack of clear answers has created growing concern among audiences.

Goku’s pursuit of strength and his journey haven’t become dull or too repetitive because the series keeps introducing new characters, stakes, goals, and rewards. After 40 years of new story arcs and additions, Dragon Ball's popularity has only increased, establishing its status as both a timeless classic and a modern hit through Dragon Ball Super and Dragon Ball Daima.

However, the ongoing series Dragon Ball Super has taken a hit to its momentum due to its indefinite hiatus. Fans around the world have been eagerly awaiting the series' return, only to be met with radio silence and requests for patience. While fans’ loyalty will never be in question, the lack of clear answers has created growing concern among audiences.

Dragon Ball Super’s Indefinite Hiatus Is Slowly Alienating Audiences

Beerus feeling frustrated in Dragon Ball Super

After years of consistent output since its debut in 2015, Dragon Ball Super has entered a prolonged, indefinite hiatus following the passing of series creator Akira Toriyama. The sudden break left fans waiting for the next animated installment and new chapters since early 2024, with the anime entering its hiatus years earlier in 2018.

Fans’ eagerness for more content stems from the series’ decades-long dominance, with many craving continued story development and others seeking closure on ongoing arcs, especially after Dragon Ball Super’s cliffhanger following Black Frieza’s appearance. From longtime fans to newcomers to the franchise, many have been awaiting the story’s return.

Dragon Ball Super’s extended absence has steadily eroded audiences’ patience and left them fatigued. Some fans are beginning to call for the series to simply end rather than remain in limbo, offering some closure, even if incomplete. While the vast majority of the fan base remains persistent, it has become disheartening to see others lose interest in the series.

New Dragon Ball Installments Help Keep the Franchise Alive

Ultra Instinct Goku firing a Kamehameha during Dragon Ball Super's Tournament of Power.

Recent installments such as Dragon Ball Daima and other special projects have succeeded in keeping the franchise visible and engaging for fans. By exploring new adventures and unique characters, these side projects help maintain excitement for the franchise while simultaneously growing the Dragon Ball universe.

These other installments add fresh energy to the series without a full-scale continuation of Dragon Ball Super; however, while exciting, they don’t fully satisfy fans’ desire for more of the long-running manga and anime adaptation. Particularly due to the cliffhanger the series ended on, many fans can’t help but eagerly anticipate the exploration of unresolved arcs and unanswered questions.

Side stories and new content may prove that Dragon Ball’s legacy is just as powerful, with fans remaining invested in the series and the characters. However, if the hiatus continues for much longer, it is possible that Super could experience cracks in its fan base, with some ultimately losing interest in what may come next.

Despite current challenges, the franchise’s resilience is undeniable. With new stories, side projects, loveable and unforgettable characters, along with a strong, decades-long history, the franchise will remain vibrant and exciting, with the most loyal fans eagerly awaiting Dragon Ball’s thrilling return.

Dragon Ball Created by Akira Toriyama First Film Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies Latest Film Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero First TV Show Dragon Ball Latest TV Show Super Dragon Ball Heroes First Episode Air Date April 26, 1989

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