Dragon Ball Super's Stunning Manga Volume Covers: A Visual Journey Through Themes and Homages

Exploring the Best Volume Covers of Dragon Ball Super

The Dragon Ball Super manga is acclaimed not only for its action-packed storytelling but also for its stunning volume cover art. Toyotarou, successor to Akira Toriyama, has continued to captivate fans with his vibrant and intricate designs. Each cover encapsulates the essence of the story arcs, often paying homage to classic series moments while exploring new themes and character depictions. Here's a dive into the best volume covers of Dragon Ball Super, ranked for their art, thematic depth, and homage to the series' roots.

10. Volume 8: Sign of Son Goku's Awakening

Volume 8 captures a rare, heartwarming moment where Goku and his friends take a break from their usual battles. Set in an amusement park, the cover artistically contrasts playful everyday life with the intensity Dragon Ball is known for. Toyotarou mirrors Toriyama's ability to blend action and slice-of-life moments, presenting the Z-fighters' friendships as a core aspect of the series.

9. Volume 3: Homage to the Past

Volume 3 revisits a classic Dragon Ball theme: characters enjoying downtime, this time at a beach. The inclusion of Future Trunks is a nod to longtime fans. The cover's homage to Toriyama’s penchant for vehicle designs is evident with a discernible "3" on the car, encapsulating nostalgia and showcasing Toyotarou’s respect for the original works. Explore Future Trunks and similar characters for more anime inspirations.

8. Volume 10: Galactic Adventures

In Volume 10, Goku and Vegeta don Galactic Patrol uniforms amidst a star-studded backdrop, echoing a sci-fi adventure reminiscent of Star Wars. This cover effectively sets the mood for the space-oriented Moro arc, introducing intriguing elements like the Galactic Patrol Agent, Merus, while maintaining the protagonists' significance.

7. Volume 13: Ultra Instinct vs. Moro

Volume 13 captures the exhilarating climax between Goku, Vegeta, and Moro. Toyotarou masterfully uses foreshortening to highlight the characters' dynamic stances and expressions, creating an almost tactile sense of the impending battle. Fans also appreciate seeing an ensemble of Z-fighters ready for action, recalling epic battles of past arcs.

6. Volume 9: Goku vs. Jiren

The legendary battle between Goku and Jiren is brought to life in Volume 9. Jiren’s towering presence coupled with Goku’s calmness in Ultra Instinct state—amidst the fervent cheers of Universe 7—echoes the magnitude of this rivalry. The cover captures the essence of their conflict, making it a memorable piece. Dive into Goku and Jiren's rivalry here.

5. Volume 15: Climactic Kamehameha

Volume 15 focuses on Goku's culminative journey as he faces Moro. The cover is dynamic with Goku charging his iconic Kamehameha against a backdrop of destruction—symbolic of the high stakes and drama of this arc. Toyotarou effectively uses energy flows and spatial elements to enhance the cover’s depth.

4. Volume 11: Galactic Dining

A playful depiction of Goku and friends enjoying a meal at Jaco's Burgers graces Volume 11. The cover integrates everyday details with sci-fi quirks, showcasing Bulma in a stylish new outfit. This art delivers a blend of lightheartedness and aesthetic charm, with Bulma’s fashion drawing particular attention. Explore Bulma's best outfits.

3. Volume 1: A New Beginning

Volume 1 of Dragon Ball Super parallels the initial Dragon Ball volume, featuring an adult Goku and symbolizing the series' journey. The cover connects past and present, inviting nostalgia while indicating progression. It serves as a tribute to Toriyama’s legacy and a promise of Toyotarou’s dedication to carrying it forward.

2. Volume 18: Bardock's Legacy

Volume 18 honors Bardock's expanded role during the Granolah Arc with a striking depiction against a dramatic background. Bardock’s iconic visual is enhanced with lighting, adding depth and a sense of mystery. His portrayal resonates with fans, reinforcing his enduring appeal and significant ties to Goku’s story. Learn about Bardock’s various interpretations here.

1. Family Reflections: Volume 16

The most visually and emotionally compelling is Volume 16, capturing the heart of the series through its portrayal of familial bonds and connections.