The recent premiere of Dragon Ball Super: Beerus has seemingly surpassed initial skepticism, with critics noting it as a significant improvement over previous adaptations of the God of Destruction arc. This new series is already demonstrating a confident approach, integrating manga-exclusive elements and enhanced animation to better align with creator Akira Toriyama's original intentions.
A Fresh Take on a Familiar Story
When the remake was first announced, the prospect of retelling the Dragon Ball Super story for a third time, following the movie Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods and the original 2015 anime run, raised questions. However, the world premiere at New York Comic Con 2026 suggests this adaptation is more than just a visual update. The series' opening sequence is described as a "loving victory lap through franchise history," and the overall presentation features improved colors and smoother pacing, marking it as one of the most assured Dragon Ball television adaptations in recent years. The adaptation is reportedly using the manga, written and illustrated by Toyotarou, as its primary blueprint, incorporating elements like Goku's mental shadow-sparring against past foes.
Beerus's Resolute Introduction
A key difference highlighted in Dragon Ball Super: Beerus is the portrayal of its titular character. Unlike Battle of Gods, which relied on comedic situations, or the original Super anime, which extended the setup with filler, the new series introduces Beerus as an immediate and formidable threat. While retaining his gluttonous and temperamental nature with Toriyama's signature humor, the God of Destruction's menace feels as potent as it did in the manga's early chapters. The production team is reportedly rethinking the narrative's flow, allowing quiet moments to establish the status quo, contrasting Goku's life as a radish farmer with Beerus's awakening. This deliberate pacing aims to give characters more room to develop before the larger conflict begins.
Revitalized Animation and Pacing
The enhanced animation significantly impacts the material's reception. Character models exhibit renewed vitality against detailed backgrounds, and combat sequences possess a palpable weight. Even without major transformations in the premiere, specific shots, such as Beerus's confrontation on Planet Mogina, convey a greater presence. Revised linework and contrasting shading lend the God of Destruction an intimidating aura that was lacking in the 2015 broadcast. The impact of Beerus casually deflecting an attack is rendered with a sharp physical quality, turning a routine destruction scene into a display of cosmic authority.
This elevated production quality addresses the shortcomings of the original 2015 series, which suffered from a rushed production schedule at Toei Animation. That series faced tight weekly deadlines, resulting in off-model designs, flat shading, and stiff animation. These issues not only detracted from the aesthetic but also diluted the gravitas of a story featuring a literal God of Destruction.
Aligning with Source Material
Dragon Ball Super: Beerus is seen as vital because it respects the source material more closely, aligning the animated adaptation with Toriyama's vision. While revisiting this arc might seem redundant given the existence of unadapted manga content, the renewed visual quality and thoughtful construction make a compelling case for this rendition. The slower pacing also serves as a bridge for fans returning to Dragon Ball Super ahead of the planned 2027 adaptation of the Galactic Patrol Prisoner arc, which details Goku and Vegeta's conflict with the ancient sorcerer Moro. A refresher on the events that initiated this era of Dragon Ball is considered a suitable precursor to the upcoming animated storyline.
Despite initial skepticism about retelling the arc, the premiere episode suggests that Dragon Ball Super: Beerus is delivering a version of the story worthy of Toriyama's legacy, establishing a modern visual benchmark for the franchise. The care taken in this adaptation has led to excitement for Goku's return to divine power.