Summary
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WithDragon Ball Daimaconcluding its run, the ongoing discussion about the canonicity ofDragon Ball Z’sending has resurfaced. WhileDragon Ball Superhas significantly expanded the franchise with new characters, transformations, and lore, the placement of the originalDragon Ball Zending within the modern timeline remains a point of debate.
GivenDaima’sconclusion and its potential implications for the franchise’s future, it’s worth reevaluating whether the final episodes ofDragon Ball Z—which take place ten years after the Majin Buu saga—are still canon within the overarchingDragon Ballcontinuity.
The Original Ending ofDragon Ball Z
A Time Jump to a Peaceful Future
The final episodes ofDragon Ball Ztake placeten years after the defeat of Majin Buu. Goku, now living a relatively peaceful life, decides to enter the 28th World Martial Arts Tournament, where he encounters Uub, the human reincarnation of Kid Buu. The series ends with Goku taking Uub under his wing, flying off to train him, signifying the next chapter in theDragon Ballsaga.
I’m sorry that it took so much longer than the others…but I haven’t had much occasion to practice this one. This is what I call a Super Saiyan 3. I’m ready - show me what you got.
— Goku to Majin Buu
The Continuity Argument
One of the biggest arguments in favor of theEnd of Z(EOZ) still being canon is thatDragon Ball Superhas never officially retconned it.DespiteSuperadding extensive new story arcsbetween the Buu Saga and EOZ, it has largely worked within the existing timeline. Bulma’s dialogue in the finalDragon Ball Zepisodes further supports this; she mentions that she hasn’t seen Goku in five years, which aligns with the established timeline ofSuper’s placement between Buu’s defeat and the EOZ time jump.
The Impact of Dragon Ball Daima
A Side Story Rather Than a Retcon
WithDragon Ball Daimaconcluded, many fans have speculated whether itsevents influence the franchise’s broader timeline. However,Daimafunctions more as a self-contained adventure rather than a timeline-altering series. There is no indication that it rewrites the ending ofDragon Ball Z, meaning EOZ remains intact within the franchise’s canon.
Despite introducing a new adventure,Daimadoes not appear to alter the trajectory of Goku’s story leading into EOZ. SinceSuperhas yet to bridge the gap to the finalDragon Ball Zepisodes,Daimadoes not challenge the established placement of EOZ in the timeline.
IsDragon Ball Z’sEnding Still Canon?
Yes, the ending ofDragon Ball Zremains canon.Dragon Ball SuperandDragon Ball Daimahave expanded the franchise, butneither has officially retconned the eventsof EOZ. SinceSuperis still unfolding, there’s always the possibility of seeing the series finally transition into the events of EOZ. Until that happens, EOZ continues to stand as the definitive conclusion to Goku’s story—at least for now.
