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The Dragon Ball franchise has been captivating fans for decades, but one of the most debated topics has been the place of Dragon Ball GT in the official timeline. Since its release, fans have wondered whether GT fits into the larger story of Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball Super. Now, with the upcoming Dragon Ball Daima, we may finally get some answers and see how GT can connect with the modern series.
Is Dragon Ball GT Canon?
When Dragon Ball GT was first released in 1996, it didn’t come from Akira Toriyama’s original manga. It was produced by Toei Animation, which led to questions about its place in the official timeline. The series introduced new elements like Super Saiyan 4 and a completely different approach to the story, which set it apart from Dragon Ball Z.
Initially, Dragon Ball GT was considered non-canon because it was created by Akira Toriyama, and there was no manga as a source material. Over the years, however, Akira Toriyama has confirmed that while GT isn’t directly part of the original story he started, it exists as part of the broader Dragon Ball universe. So, rather than being completely excluded, GT is now seen as semi-canon—a side story that takes place within the official timeline.
How Does Dragon Ball Super Change the Continuity?
When Dragon Ball Super came out in 2015, it became the official continuation of Dragon Ball Z. Super introduced new characters and universes and expanded on the multiverse concept. Dragon Ball Super is considered canon, as it directly continues the story of Goku, Vegeta, and their allies.
The release of Super raised questions about the relevance of GT, as its tone and direction were different from Super. While Super ignores much of Z’s story ending, some fans still hold on to the idea that GT can still fit somewhere in the broader Dragon Ball lore, despite the differences.
How Dragon Ball Daima Might Close the Gap
With Dragon Ball Daima almost finished, there’s hope that it will address the gaps in the timeline and bring clarity to the Dragon Ball GT debate. With a new version of Super Saiyan 4 appearing in Daima, the question is not why it wasn’t seen later in Super, but what does that mean for GT? Could it be a way of making GT more canon?
Here are a few ways Dragon Ball Daima could bridge the gap:
Bringing Back Familiar Elements: If Dragon Ball Daima includes aspects from GT, such as Super Saiyan 4, it could show that GT still holds a place in the continuity.
Addressing the Timeline: Dragon Ball Daima takes place right after the Buu Saga but before Super. GT takes place at the end of Z’s 110-year time skip. With Goku knowing of Super Saiyan 4 and more so, it could somewhat make GT a bit more canon, even now that the designs are different.
Clarifying GT’s Status: Daima could directly reference GT but has caused more questions than answers. Such as why Goku never used Super Saiyan 4 in Super. Even as it stands, that Super Saiyan God is likely stronger.
Explore the Dragon Ball manga for more insights.
What Does This Mean for Fans?
While Dragon Ball GT may never be fully integrated into the bigger Dragon Ball timeline, it’s clear that Daima will play a major role in unifying the Dragon Ball universe. Whether it acknowledges GT as canon or explains it as an alternate timeline, Dragon Ball Daima has the potential to settle the ongoing debate and connect the dots for fans.
Conclusion
As the Dragon Ball franchise continues to grow, questions about the timeline and canon will always come up. Dragon Ball GT, though initially considered non-canon, now occupies a semi-canon status in the broader universe. With the upcoming Dragon Ball Daima series, we may see how GT fits into the larger picture, bridging gaps and unifying the stories of Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super, and beyond.
Are you excited about Dragon Ball Daima? Do you think it will clarify the place of Dragon Ball GT in the timeline?