Dragon Ball Super Divers: Exploring Deviations and Diversity in the Saiyan Saga’s Sequel

Introduction

The *Dragon Ball* universe, a sprawling epic of martial arts, cosmic threats, and transformations beyond imagination, has captivated audiences worldwide for decades. *Dragon Ball Super*, the long-awaited sequel to *Dragon Ball Z*, reignited the franchise, introducing new characters, universes, and power levels that pushed the boundaries of what fans thought possible. However, alongside its triumphs, *Dragon Ball Super* has also faced scrutiny and debate regarding its storytelling choices and attempts at character representation. This has led to discussions about what we can term “Dragon Ball Super divers” – a phrase encapsulating both the deviations from established norms in plot and power dynamics, and the series’ forays into exploring a more diverse cast and thematic landscape. This article delves into these crucial aspects of *Dragon Ball Super*, examining their impact on the franchise’s legacy and the complex reactions from its global fanbase.

Diversions in Plot and Storytelling

One of the most significant “Dragon Ball Super divers” revolves around the consistent alteration of power scaling that can be noticed when compared to its predecessors. The *Dragon Ball* franchise has always been known for its escalating power levels, but *Super* took this to new heights, or perhaps, some would argue, to unsustainable levels. The introduction of Super Saiyan God, Super Saiyan Blue, and Ultra Instinct pushed the limits of what seemed achievable, leading to situations where established characters like Piccolo and Gohan struggled to keep pace.

Power Scaling Debates

The issue wasn’t simply about introducing new forms; it was about the perceived inconsistency and lack of clear logic governing these power-ups. For example, Gohan, once a powerhouse who surpassed even Goku during the Cell Saga, experienced fluctuating power levels throughout *Super*. One moment he seems capable of holding his own against powerful opponents, the next he is struggling against foes that Goku could dispatch with ease. This has led to widespread frustration among fans, who argue that the series prioritizes spectacle over consistent character development and internal logic. Similarly, the sudden power boosts given to characters like Master Roshi, while nostalgic and heartwarming, stretched the boundaries of believability within the established universe. These power level deviations caused many fans to question the consistency of the story.

Tournament of Power Arc: Formulaic or Fresh?

Then there’s the Tournament of Power arc. A central event in *Dragon Ball Super*, it introduced the concept of multiple universes, each with its own team of fighters vying for survival. On one hand, the Tournament of Power provided a thrilling return to the tournament-style fighting that made earlier *Dragon Ball* arcs so compelling. The sheer scale of the event, with fighters from different universes clashing in spectacular battles, was undeniably exciting.

However, the Tournament of Power also faced criticism for feeling repetitive and formulaic. Many viewers noted that the elimination process became predictable, with weaker fighters being quickly dispatched before the main protagonists faced off against increasingly powerful opponents. Furthermore, the vast number of characters introduced in the arc meant that many of them were underdeveloped, serving primarily as fodder for the main fighters to overcome. Although the introduction of multiple universes widened the horizon of possibilities in the story, it could be argued that it diluted the story as well. The focus was stretched, and not all the universes or characters felt substantial enough to carry the weight. These divergences from the expected story narrative were a point of concern for some.

“Filler” or Character Development? The Slice-of-Life Episodes

Another aspect of the series that falls under the umbrella of “Dragon Ball Super divers” is the inclusion of slice-of-life episodes. In between the major story arcs, *Super* often featured episodes that focused on the daily lives of the characters, offering a break from the intense battles and world-threatening scenarios. These episodes showed the characters engaging in mundane activities like farming, working part-time jobs, or simply relaxing with their families.

The reception to these slice-of-life episodes was divided. Some viewers appreciated the opportunity to see the characters in a more relaxed and relatable setting. These episodes provided valuable character development, allowing viewers to connect with the heroes on a more personal level. For example, episodes focusing on Krillin becoming a police officer or Gohan struggling to balance his studies with his training offered a glimpse into their lives beyond the battlefield. However, other viewers felt that these episodes detracted from the main story. They argued that the slice-of-life segments were filler, slowing down the pace of the narrative and diverting attention from the more important plot points. Although not entirely negative, the inclusion of these episodes could be seen as one of the Dragon Ball Super divers that shifted the focus from purely action-based episodes.

Movie Canon Integration

Another element of the storytelling that caused quite a stir was the series’ integration of the *Battle of Gods* and *Resurrection F* movies. These movies, which were released before *Dragon Ball Super* began airing, introduced key concepts like Super Saiyan God and the return of Frieza. *Dragon Ball Super* adapted these movies into its early arcs. This adaptation was a source of contention for many fans. Some appreciated the opportunity to see these stories expanded upon and integrated into the larger narrative. The series provided more context and character development than the movies allowed.

However, others felt that the adaptations were unnecessary and repetitive. They argued that the movies already told these stories effectively, and that the series adaptation simply rehashed familiar ground. The animation quality in these early arcs was also criticized, with some viewers finding it inferior to the animation in the movies. It was a deviation for the franchise, taking well-loved movies and retelling them in an arguably less impactful format.

Attempts at Diversity (or Lack Thereof)

Beyond plot and power scaling, the discussion of “Dragon Ball Super divers” naturally extends to the series’ attempts at addressing diversity, or the perceived lack thereof, in its characters and themes. The portrayal of female characters has been a recurring point of discussion within the *Dragon Ball* fandom. While the series features strong female fighters like Android Eighteen and Videl, their roles often feel limited compared to their male counterparts. The introduction of Caulifla and Kale, female Saiyans from Universe Six, offered a glimmer of hope for greater female representation.

Representation of Female Characters

However, their character development and power scaling were often criticized, with some viewers arguing that they were treated differently from male Saiyans. Many fans felt that the series didn’t give them the same level of focus or attention as characters like Goku and Vegeta. This led to accusations of the female characters not being as well-developed as their male counterparts, and being more likely to be put in damsel-in-distress situations. More diversity among the female characters would have been a step in the right direction.

Introduction of New Universes and Races

On a more positive note, the introduction of new universes in *Dragon Ball Super* brought with it a wider array of characters and races. The series explored different cultures and fighting styles, introducing viewers to a multiverse of possibilities. However, some argued that these new universes and races often fell into stereotypical tropes. While the Pride Troopers from Universe Eleven, for example, were presented as paragons of justice, their rigid adherence to their ideals sometimes bordered on caricature. This lack of nuance could be seen as a missed opportunity to explore more complex themes and cultural perspectives. The series had potential for diversity, but sometimes fell short in its execution of its new characters.

Exploring New Themes

Furthermore, *Dragon Ball Super* did make some attempts to tackle new or more complex themes beyond the traditional “good vs. evil” dichotomy. The series explored the concept of gods and mortals, raising questions about the nature of power and responsibility. The introduction of characters like Zamasu, who believed that mortals were inherently flawed and needed to be eradicated, presented a more nuanced perspective on morality. However, some critics argued that these themes were not always fully explored, and that the series often reverted to simplistic narratives. The exploration of new themes was certainly a departure from previous entries, but not always entirely successful.

Impact on the Dragon Ball Legacy

What, then, is *Dragon Ball Super*’s impact on the franchise’s overall legacy? Fan reception has been mixed, with some praising its thrilling battles and expansion of the *Dragon Ball* universe, while others criticize its inconsistencies and perceived lack of depth. Online forums and social media platforms are filled with passionate debates about the series’ merits and flaws. Ultimately, *Dragon Ball Super* will be remembered as a bold and ambitious addition to the *Dragon Ball* franchise. It expanded the scope of the universe, introduced new characters and concepts, and attempted to tackle more complex themes. However, it also faced criticism for its inconsistencies and perceived lack of diversity. Only time will tell how *Dragon Ball Super* will be viewed in the long run, but it is clear that it has sparked a conversation about the direction of the franchise and the expectations of its fans. Will its innovations be embraced, or will its missteps be remembered? The answer likely lies in the future of the *Dragon Ball* saga.