The Dragon Ball franchise has been a staple of the anime and manga industry since the mid-1980s. With its vast cast of characters, interweaving storylines, and thrilling action sequences, it’s no surprise that Dragon Ball has spawned numerous movies. But are these movies considered canon? That is the question we’ll explore in this article as we take a closer look at the continuity of the Dragon Ball franchise. We’ll examine how these movies fit into the larger narrative, as well as which elements are included in the official canon. Finally, we’ll discuss how they have impacted fans’ perception of the series over time. By the end, you should have a better understanding of how Dragon Ball movies fit into the overall story and why they are so beloved by fans.The Dragon Ball franchise is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama. It was originally serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine from 1984 to 1995, with the 519 individual chapters collected into 42 tankōbon volumes. Dragon Ball has become one of the most popular manga and anime series of all time, with the stories of Son Goku, Bulma, and their friends having been enjoyed by millions around the world. The series follows the adventures of a young martial artist named Goku, as he searches for seven magical orbs known as Dragon Balls which can be used to summon an all-powerful dragon. Along his journey, he meets many friends and enemies who help or hinder him in his quest. The franchise has since spawned numerous films, video games, novels, and other forms of media.
What Is Canon?
Canon is a term used to describe a set of works, ideas, or facts that are generally accepted as authoritative. It is commonly used in literature, film, and other forms of art to refer to a core set of works that are widely recognized and regarded as definitive examples of their genre. For example, the Harry Potter series is considered canon in the world of fantasy literature. The term “canon” can also be used to describe a group of related works, such as the Star Wars films or the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Generally speaking, anything considered canon is part of an official story or continuity that has been officially endorsed by those in charge.
In some cases, when a work has been drastically changed or updated over time, there may be multiple versions of canon. This is particularly common in comic books and other long-running series where stories may have been rebooted or retconned over time. In these cases, fans and scholars will often distinguish between different versions of canon by labeling them as “canonical” or “non-canonical” according to what version they consider to be most authoritative.
The concept of canon can also be applied beyond art and literature into other areas such as religion and history. For example, some religious texts may be considered canonical while others are not. Similarly, certain historical events may be considered inherently true and accepted universally while others may be disputed or debated. Ultimately, what is considered canonical depends on context and perspective but it can provide a useful framework for understanding how different works fit into their respective genres or fields.
What is an Anime Canon?
An anime canon refers to the storyline and characters featured in the original source material, usually a manga series. It generally includes all the stories, events, and plot points that are considered to be part of the “true” or “official” narrative of the series. The canon is also used to distinguish between storylines and characters that have been officially approved by the original creator, as opposed to those that have been created by fans or other sources. Additionally, it is often used as a way to differentiate between official merchandise and fan-created works.
Why Is It Important?
The anime canon is important because it allows fans to understand the true narrative of a series and appreciate all of its nuances. Knowing which characters are officially recognized by the creators can help viewers better appreciate their development and interactions throughout the story. Additionally, it can help them judge which merchandise and fan works are more closely related to the original source material.
How Is It Determined?
The determination of an anime canon is often left up to the discretion of its creators. Generally speaking, any story or character that has been featured in an official manga or anime series can be considered part of its canon. Additionally, any authorised spin-offs or side stories can also be included in this definition. However, it should be noted that there are some exceptions; for example, some manga works may contain stories that were not adapted into their corresponding anime series, so these may not always be considered part of a particular canon.
Are There Exceptions?
In some cases, there may be exceptions to what is considered part of an anime’s canon. For example, some stories may only exist as fan fiction or other unofficial works; these generally would not be included in a canonical story line. Additionally, creators may choose to include certain plot points or characters that were not featured in their original source material; while these additions may still be considered part of a given canon, they are usually not as widely accepted as those from official sources.
Is the Manga Canon?
Manga is a type of Japanese comic book or graphic novel created by an artist, usually referred to as a mangaka. In recent years, manga has become increasingly popular in the West, and many series have been adapted into anime and live-action films. But is manga considered canon in its own right?
The answer to this question depends on the particular series. Many manga series have their own original storylines and characters that are not included in any other media adaptations. These can be considered canon for the series in question, but may not be considered canonical by fans of other adaptations. For example, some fans of the anime adaptation of a manga series may not consider any events or characters from the original manga to be canon.
On the other hand, some manga series are based on existing stories or adaptations such as movies or video games. In these cases, it is likely that elements from both versions will be considered canonical by fans. For example, if a movie adaptation of a manga series includes new characters or events that were not present in the original manga then those elements may be considered canon by fans of both versions.
Ultimately, whether or not something is considered to be canon depends on its individual fanbase and how they interpret it. While there are some elements that tend to be widely accepted as canon across all versions of a particular story, much of it comes down to personal preference and interpretation.
Dragon Ball Movies: What Is Their Status?
The Dragon Ball movies have been a fan favorite for years, and they continue to be one of the most popular anime franchises in the world. The movies have been released in Japan since 1986, and many of them have been released internationally as well. While some of the Dragon Ball movies are quite old, they remain popular with fans all over the world.
The most recent Dragon Ball movie was released in 2018. This movie was called “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” and it was well-received by fans. It featured an epic battle between two powerful warriors, Broly and Goku. The movie was a huge success and is currently available on streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Other popular Dragon Ball movies include “Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods” which was released in 2013, and “Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F” which was released in 2015. Both of these movies featured intense battles between powerful characters from the franchise. They were both praised by fans for their amazing visuals and action sequences.
Overall, the status of Dragon Ball movies is strong. While some of them may be older than others, they remain popular with fans all over the world due to their intense action sequences and inspiring stories. The most recent movie was a huge success, so it looks like we can expect more great things from this franchise in the future!
The Difference Between Animated and Live-Action Films
Animated films and live-action films are both types of motion pictures, but there are quite a few differences between them. Animated films use animation to bring characters and stories to life on screen, while live-action films use real actors and props. Animation can be used to create a wide range of styles, from classic hand-drawn cartoons to highly realistic 3D computer animation. Live-action films are filmed with real people in real settings, or on a sound stage with props and sets.
Animations can be made to look like real life, but they still have some distinct features that differentiate them from live-action movies. Animations tend to be more stylized than live-action films, often featuring exaggerated movements and expressions that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with real actors. Animations also have the advantage of being able to create fantastical worlds and creatures without the need for expensive special effects or makeup.
Live-action films rely on actors to portray characters and bring scenes to life. While there is still plenty of room for creativity in live action filmmaking, the director is ultimately limited by what is physically possible with the resources available. Special effects can add elements of fantasy to a live action film, but they are often expensive and time consuming.
Another difference between animated and live-action films is the amount of time it takes to produce them. Animated films usually take much longer to produce than live action ones since each frame needs to be individually drawn or created using computer software. Live action movies usually take much less time since all the elements are already in place when filming begins; however, post production work such as editing can take just as long as an animated project if not longer due to the complexity of special effects shots or other intricate details that may need attention.
In conclusion, while both animated and live action films are types of motion pictures that involve storytelling through visuals, they have many distinct differences that set them apart from one another in terms of style, production time, cost, and level of realism achievable on screen.
Dragon Ball Films and the Original Storyline
The Dragon Ball film series is based on the original manga written by Akira Toriyama. The first two movies, Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z, were released in 1986 and 1989 respectively. These two films were followed by a number of other films, OVAs, and television specials, making up the entire Dragon Ball canon.
The original story line of the Dragon Ball series follows the adventures of Son Goku from his childhood to adulthood as he searches for seven mystical orbs known as the Dragon Balls. Along his journey, Goku makes friends and enemies and learns martial arts from his mentors Master Roshi, Kami, and King Kai. He also battles powerful villains such as Piccolo Daimao and Frieza who are intent on taking over the world.
The films are faithful adaptations of the original manga series but with some changes to better fit in with modern audiences. Some characters are given different backstories or motivations while others are removed or replaced altogether. The fight scenes are more intense and action-packed than those found in the manga series due to advances in special effects technology.
Overall, the films have been praised for their faithfulness to the source material while also modernizing it for today’s audiences. They have become a popular part of pop culture both in Japan and around the world, inspiring many fans to explore more of Toriyama’s work through anime or other media forms.
How Do Dragon Ball Movies Affect Continuity?
Dragon Ball movies have been a staple in the Dragon Ball franchise since the original anime series. These movies have become integral parts of the continuity, offering fans a chance to explore new characters, storylines, and settings. The movies often offer a unique perspective on the world of Dragon Ball and provide a welcome break from the usual episodic format of the anime.
In addition to providing an alternate view of the series, Dragon Ball movies also affect continuity in other ways. These films often tie into existing storylines, providing further insight into certain characters or plot points. For example, “Resurrection ‘F'” serves as a direct sequel to “Battle of Gods”, which was released two years prior. Additionally, some movies have introduced new characters that then go on to appear in other series entries like “Dragon Ball Super”.
The Dragon Ball movies also serve as jumping off points for new arcs and storylines. The film “Bio-Broly” introduces a powerful villain who then goes on to become an important figure in the main storyline going forward. Similarly, “The Path to Power” serves as an introduction to Goku’s origin story while also foreshadowing events that occur later in the series.
Overall, Dragon Ball movies are key elements in keeping up with what’s going on in the franchise’s continuity and understanding its overall narrative arc. Not only do they provide alternative perspectives and insights into existing storylines but they can also lead directly into future arcs or be used as jumping off points for new stories and characters.
Conclusion
Overall, the Dragon Ball movies are considered canon within the Dragon Ball franchise, though they may not always directly follow the events that take place in the manga and anime. While some movies may be set in alternate timelines or universes, their stories can still offer insight into the series’ characters and their development. As such, they can be considered an important part of the franchise’s continuity. The majority of movies offer a unique and entertaining take on the characters and plot of the series, making them a great addition to any fan’s viewing experience.
In conclusion, while Dragon Ball movies are not always directly linked to the manga or anime series, they can still be considered part of its continuity. They are often set in separate timelines or universes but still provide insight into the characters and plot of the series. For fans wanting to experience more of Dragon Ball’s world and story, these movies are definitely worth checking out.
