It’s been a full eighteen years since the credits rolled on GT, and today series creator Akira Toriyama has announced that the hit Dragon Ball anime will return to television in 2015 in the form of Dragon Ball Chou – Super in English – which is scheduled to debut in Japan come July.
Famitsu reports that Toriyama is returning to helm the story, shifting the narrative to shortly after the point where Goku defeats Majin Buu, bringing about a new era of peace for the Dragon World. The animated series is certainly good news for fans of the legendary anime, particularly when you consider that Dragon Ball Z, the follow-up to the original property, is put on a pedestal as one of the most illustrious entries into the genre, spanning innumerable movies and video games to date.
For this latest installment, though, it’s understood that Toriyama has his eyes set on creating a new universe that will appeal to both ardent fans and newcomers to the series. Partnering with Fuji Television to introduce the first Dragon Ball TV anime since 1997, here’s what several members of the production team had to say about the franchise’s imminent return.
“Having loved Dragon Ball since childhood, it is very exciting to be a part of this project,” said Osamu Nozaki, producer for Fuji Television. “Mr. Toriyama has developed a plot that’s not only a dream come true for Dragon Ball’s millions of fans, but one that will foster in a new generation of viewers.”
“When I joined Toei Animation, one of my first assignments saw me working on the production of Dragon Ball Z,” said Atsushi Kido, producer for Toei Animation. “While there for only a short period of time, being a part of the series left a lasting impression. We look forward to carrying on Dragon Ball’s tremendous legacy, bringing audiences a brand new Dragon Ball with the same sense of heart and commitment that went into past Dragon Ball productions.”
Dragon Ball will make its triumphant, anime return to Japanese TV in July.
