The world of Dragon Ball is vast and ever-evolving, with new forms and transformations being introduced in various adaptations and storylines. One such form is Gohan's new form, which has left fans wondering about its canonicity.
Gohan's new form, also known as "Ultimate Gohan" or "Gohan's True Potential Unlocked," was first introduced in the Dragon Ball Super anime series during the Tournament of Power arc. This form is a result of Gohan's intense training with Piccolo, which allows him to tap into his hidden potential and access a new level of power.
The question of whether Gohan's new form is canon is a topic of debate among fans. To understand the canonicity of this form, we need to explore the different sources of the Dragon Ball franchise and how they contribute to the overall storyline.
Dragon Ball Canon: A Complex Landscape
The Dragon Ball franchise is vast and complex, with multiple sources contributing to its overall storyline. These sources include:
- The original Dragon Ball manga by Akira Toriyama
- The Dragon Ball anime series, including Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, and Dragon Ball Super
- Dragon Ball films and OVAs
- Dragon Ball video games
- Dragon Ball novels and manga adaptations
Each of these sources has its own level of canonicity, with some being considered more authoritative than others. The original manga by Akira Toriyama is generally considered the most canon source, followed by the anime series.
Canon and Non-Canon Sources
Within the Dragon Ball franchise, there are both canon and non-canon sources. Canon sources are those that are considered part of the official storyline, while non-canon sources are those that deviate from the official narrative.
- Canon sources:
- The original Dragon Ball manga by Akira Toriyama
- The Dragon Ball anime series (excluding GT and some films)
- Dragon Ball Super manga
- Non-canon sources:
- Dragon Ball GT
- Some Dragon Ball films and OVAs
- Dragon Ball video games
- Dragon Ball novels and manga adaptations
Gohan's New Form: Canon or Non-Canon?
Gohan's new form was introduced in the Dragon Ball Super anime series, which is considered a canon source. However, the anime series is not always faithful to the original manga, and some events or storylines may be altered or added.
In the case of Gohan's new form, it is not explicitly mentioned in the original manga. However, the manga does mention Gohan's potential and his ability to tap into his hidden power.
Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, has also mentioned Gohan's potential in various interviews. He has stated that Gohan has the potential to surpass even Goku, but that he needs to tap into his inner strength and confidence.
The Canonicity of Gohan's New Form
While Gohan's new form is not explicitly mentioned in the original manga, it is not entirely non-canon either. The anime series and manga both hint at Gohan's potential and his ability to access new levels of power.
In an interview, Akira Toriyama mentioned that he was involved in the creation of Gohan's new form for the Dragon Ball Super anime series. He stated that he wanted to showcase Gohan's growth and potential as a warrior.
Considering the involvement of Akira Toriyama in the creation of Gohan's new form, as well as the hints in the original manga and anime series, it can be argued that Gohan's new form is canon. However, it is essential to note that the canonicity of Gohan's new form is still a topic of debate among fans and may not be universally accepted.
Conclusion
The canonicity of Gohan's new form is a complex topic that depends on the source material and the interpretation of the storyline. While the original manga does not explicitly mention Gohan's new form, the anime series and manga both hint at his potential and ability to access new levels of power.
Akira Toriyama's involvement in the creation of Gohan's new form for the Dragon Ball Super anime series adds weight to its canonicity. However, the debate among fans continues, and the canonicity of Gohan's new form may not be universally accepted.
As the Dragon Ball franchise continues to evolve, it is essential to consider the different sources and their levels of canonicity. The canonicity of Gohan's new form serves as a reminder that the world of Dragon Ball is complex and multifaceted, with different interpretations and storylines.
Is Gohan's new form considered canon?
+Gohan's new form is considered canon by some fans, but its canonicity is still a topic of debate. The original manga does not explicitly mention Gohan's new form, but the anime series and manga both hint at his potential and ability to access new levels of power.
What is the source of Gohan's new form?
+Gohan's new form was introduced in the Dragon Ball Super anime series. Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, was involved in the creation of Gohan's new form for the anime series.
Is Gohan's new form mentioned in the original manga?
+No, Gohan's new form is not explicitly mentioned in the original manga. However, the manga does mention Gohan's potential and his ability to tap into his hidden power.