Dragon Ball After: The Fan-Created Continuation of a Legendary Saga
Dragon Ball After is a fan-made continuation of the Dragon Ball story that imagines what happens following the events of Dragon Ball GT. As one of the most well-known fan projects in the Dragon Ball community, Dragon Ball After offers a creative exploration of new adventures, characters, and transformations. While not officially part of the franchise, it has gained a significant following for its imaginative take on the beloved series.
This article dives into the concept, themes, and impact of Dragon Ball After while exploring its significance in the world of fan fiction and Dragon Ball lore.
1. What is Dragon Ball After?
1.1. Definition
- Dragon Ball After (often abbreviated as DBA) is a fan-created series that serves as a speculative sequel to Dragon Ball GT.
- It explores what happens to Goku, Vegeta, and other Z Fighters after the conclusion of the original series.
1.2. Origins
- The concept originated from dedicated fans who wanted to continue the Dragon Ball story, incorporating new characters, transformations, and conflicts.
- Many versions of Dragon Ball After exist, including manga, fan fiction, and animations created by the community.
2. Storyline of Dragon Ball After
2.1. Setting and Premise
- The story takes place after Goku’s departure with Shenron at the end of Dragon Ball GT.
- It explores how Earth and the universe cope with new threats in Goku’s absence while highlighting the growth of remaining characters like Vegeta, Gohan, and Pan.
2.2. New Threats
- Many versions of DBA introduce new villains, such as:
- Demon Kings from the underworld seeking to conquer the living realm.
- Cosmic Entities challenging the multiverse’s balance.
- A rebellion of rogue Saiyans from another dimension.
2.3. Goku’s Return
- Goku often returns in fan interpretations, either as a mentor, divine entity, or powerful warrior who transcends mortal limitations.
3. Key Elements of Dragon Ball After
3.1. New Transformations
- Fans have imagined unique transformations for characters, including:
- Super Saiyan 5: A white-haired, immensely powerful form building on GT’s Super Saiyan 4.
- Ultra Instinct Variants: Advanced versions of Goku’s mastery over instinctual combat.
- Demonic Forms: Transformations linked to characters influenced by dark energy.
3.2. Evolving Characters
- The series often focuses on the development of secondary characters, giving Gohan, Trunks, Pan, and Uub more prominent roles.
- Vegeta’s journey frequently involves reaching new levels of power to rival or surpass Goku.
3.3. Fusion Comebacks
- Popular fusions like Gogeta and Vegito often return, with some versions introducing entirely new fusion techniques or characters.
4. Themes in Dragon Ball After
4.1. Legacy and Growth
- The story emphasizes how the next generation of fighters steps up to protect Earth and uphold Goku’s legacy.
4.2. Cosmic Exploration
- Many fan versions expand the Dragon Ball universe by introducing new realms, dimensions, and celestial beings.
4.3. Balance Between Good and Evil
- The idea of maintaining balance between light and darkness is a recurring theme, with characters often confronting their inner struggles.
5. Fan Reception
5.1. Popularity
- Dragon Ball After has garnered a devoted fanbase, with many praising its creativity and dedication to expanding the Dragon Ball universe.
- Its artwork and stories are widely shared on forums, social media, and fan sites.
5.2. Criticism
- Some fans criticize DBA for deviating too far from Toriyama’s original vision or for focusing excessively on power scaling.
5.3. Influence
- Many elements of DBA have inspired other fan projects, including character designs and transformation concepts.
6. Dragon Ball After and the Canon Series
6.1. Comparison to Dragon Ball Super
- Dragon Ball Super serves as the official continuation of the series, exploring multiverse tournaments and new transformations like Super Saiyan God.
- While DBA is non-canonical, its emphasis on creativity has kept it relevant alongside the official series.
6.2. A Platform for Fan Creativity
- DBA showcases the passion of the Dragon Ball community, demonstrating how fans can contribute to the series’ legacy through imaginative storytelling.
7. Where to Find Dragon Ball After Content
7.1. Fan Manga and Animations
- Websites like DeviantArt, YouTube, and fan forums host DBA manga, animations, and artwork created by dedicated fans.
7.2. Online Communities
- Platforms like Reddit and Discord offer spaces for fans to discuss and collaborate on DBA projects.
7.3. Independent Creations
- Some creators have expanded DBA into full-fledged fan mangas with detailed storylines and high-quality illustrations.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Dragon Ball After
Dragon Ball After is a testament to the creativity and dedication of the Dragon Ball fandom. By imagining what comes next for Goku and his allies, fans have created a vibrant and dynamic extension of the series that celebrates its core themes of growth, friendship, and the pursuit of strength.
While it remains non-canonical, DBA continues to inspire fans worldwide, proving that the spirit of Dragon Ball thrives not just in official content but in the imagination of those who love it. Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard enthusiast, exploring Dragon Ball After is a journey into the limitless potential of the Dragon Ball universe.