Ranking _Dragon Ball Super_ Sagas: From Disappointing to Unforgettable Endings

Exploring the Sagas of Dragon Ball Super

Dragon Ball Super stands as the latest addition to the iconic Dragon Ball franchise, carrying fans on a thrilling journey through various sagas that each offer unique story elements. While the show reinvigorates beloved characters like Goku, Vegeta, and Gohan, encounters with new divine powers and an expansive multiverse add fresh excitement to the series. But what encapsulates each saga and leaves audiences pondering are their endings, which vary in terms of impact and creativity. Let’s delve into each saga, ranking them based on how their conclusions resonate with fans.

The Disappointment of the Copy-Vegeta Saga

Episodes 42-46

The Copy-Vegeta Saga is arguably the weakest conclusion Dragon Ball Super has to offer. With its short span of five episodes, it struggles to establish any significant stakes. The battle between Goku and Duplicate Vegeta lacks originality, wrapping up with a forgettable and clichéd resolution. While Super Saiyan 3 Gotenks makes a brief appearance, even this can’t salvage a lackluster ending that does little more than diminish Vegeta’s character.

For more analysis on filler arcs, refer to the detailed Dragon Ball Super Filler Guide for a breakdown of episodes that contribute less to the overarching narrative.

Familiar, Yet Underwhelming: Golden Frieza Saga

Revisiting Frieza’s wrath with the Golden Frieza Saga provides more nostalgia than innovation. The saga presents potential high-stakes drama, but ultimately undermines itself by relying on the deus ex machina of Whis’s time-reversal technique to reset a catastrophic moment. Despite some thrilling fights featuring Super Saiyan Blue Goku and Vegeta, the conclusion is weighed down by its too-convenient solutions.

Spectacular Yet Hollow: God of Destruction Beerus Saga

Adapting the Battle of Gods movie, this saga introduces the powerful Beerus and new celestial concepts. But despite the intriguing setup, the conclusion feels a bit flat. The saga closes without real consequences, avoiding decisive battles by diverting Beerus's attention with Earth’s cuisine. While a visually impressive battle, its conclusion doesn’t match the momentum built throughout the saga.

A Cinematic Triumph: Dragon Ball Super: Broly

Breaking into the cinematic arena, Dragon Ball Super: Broly delivers high-octane action with the return of Broly. Besides impressive fight sequences, the film shines by adding depth to Broly’s character, shifting him from a typical rage-fueled villain to a misunderstood soul. The film’s conclusion highlights Goku's ability to connect with Broly, setting up a potential ally rather than a continued adversary—an unexpected yet welcome twist.

Learn more about Broly's incredible transformation and its impact on the series.

Universe 6 Saga's Strategic Close

With the multiversal Tournament of Destroyers, Universe 6 introduces fierce but strategic combat. Goku's intense battle against Hit concludes not through straightforward victory but with Monaka’s clever, if unspectacular, deception. The tournament's closure comically contrasts its intense battles, providing both humor and satisfaction.

Future Trunks Saga: A High-Stake Emotional Crescendo

Future Trunks’ harrowing return catapults the saga into high stakes involving interdimensional threats. Culminating in an epic confrontation against Fused Zamasu, the saga builds tension through significant character moments and inventive transformations. However, Future Zeno's ultimate intervention reveals both the power and disconnect of divine intervention in the Dragon Ball universe, sparking debate among fans.

Explore the depth of Future Trunks' storyline and how it resonates with larger themes in the series.

Galactic Patrol Prisoner Saga: Artistic Action

A deviation from the anime's path, the Galactic Patrol storyline features inspired battles with magic-based threats. Incorporating the efforts of characters like Buu and the inventive technique, Forced Spirit Fission, introduces a novel approach. Goku’s climactic battle with Moro pushes the boundaries of animation excellence, with teamwork that is quintessentially Dragon Ball.

Universe Survival Saga: Tournament of Power

The Universe Survival Saga, featuring the Tournament of Power, is Dragon Ball Super’s crowning achievement. This extensive saga plunges characters into a relentless battle against extinction. Its strategic depth and unexpected conclusion, wherein Android 17 becomes the unlikely hero, adds layers of complexity that resonate powerfully with audiences. This saga encapsulates the spirit of growth and camaraderie that defines the franchise.

For an in-depth look at the Tournament of Power and its climax, visit this comprehensive review, providing insight into the saga's critical moments.

Photo Credit by CBR