Dragon Ball Super and a storyline that brings his creative vision full circle.

While Dragon Ball became famous for its high-stakes battles, its heart lies in the growth of the characters throughout the series, especially those who defied expectations. This is most prevalent in the final chapters of Dragon Ball Super, which were released before and after Toriyama’s ing. These chapters do more than continue the story; they provide a long-awaited turning point, making them the most fitting farewell to Toriyama’s decades-long work.

Daima May Have Been One of Akira Toriyama’s Final Projects, but It’s Not His True Farewell

Daima Is a Love Letter That Celebrates the Origins and Growth of the Series

While Dragon Ball Daima holds the honor of being one of Akira Toriyama’s final projects, it is not his true farewell to the franchise. Daima was announced shortly before his ing, and the storyline carries his signature creativity. He returns the series to its roots with Goku’s adventure through the Demon Realm. As one of his final projects, Daima gives fans the opportunity to relive the magic of the original series one last time. However, despite being a beautiful tribute to Dragon Ball, it shouldn’t be considered his final farewell.

Instead, the true farewell lies in the final chapters of Dragon Ball Super before and immediately following Toriyama’s ing, where he left his final imprint on the franchise’s future. Daima captures the heart of the original Dragon Ball and serves as a love letter to the series’ origins and how it evolved over time. Yet, as Daima celebrates the past, Chapters #102 and #103 of Dragon Ball Super push the series forward and push ideas that Toriyama had long since wanted to actualize.

Toriyama’s Farewell Lies With Chapters #102 and #103 of Dragon Ball Super

Gohan Was Intended To Take Goku’s Place, and He’s Finally Embracing His Potential as a Warrior

Chapters #102 and #103 of Dragon Ball Super hold a unique significance as the final installments were released during and following Akira Toriyama’s lifetime. Unlike Daima, which offers a new premise and serves as a connecting story between Z and Super, Chapters #102 and #103 reinforce narrative points Toriyama has long since wanted to achieve. While Goku and Vegeta remain at the center of Super, the latest chapters slightly shift the focus and acknowledge the next generation of warriors.

These chapters offered fans more than just another battle or training-driven installment, focusing on Gohan’s potential for the future of the series. While Goku does take Gohan, Trunks, and Goten to Beerus’ planet to have a sparing match, the moment sets the stage for Gohan to prove to his father that he’s still an equal. Beast collides with Ultra Instinct, and the battle proves that Gohan still has the greatest potential in the series, even without divine ki.

Dragon Ball Super is written and drawn by Toyotaro, but Toriyama had complete creative control and gave ideas, , and input for each chapter.

Beneath the surface of the sparring match, Toriyama aimed to show audiences that Gohan is finally fully committed to embracing his identity as a powerful Saiyan warrior. Unlike in the past, when his strength seemed fleeting, Chapters #102 and #103 establish Gohan's place in Dragon Ball’s future. Goku acknowledges Gohan’s growth after the sparring match, making it clear that Gohan has reached a turning point that Toriyama has envisioned for his character for years: taking the spotlight. As a result, Chapters #102 and #103 align with Toriyama’s vision for the future of Dragon Ball.

Toriyama Initially Intended for Gohan to Replace Goku After the Cell Games

Gohan Got His Moment in the Spotlight During Super Hero and Toriyama’s Final Chapters

Gohan’s significance in Dragon Ball stems from the fact that Toriyama’s original vision was to have his character replace Goku as the main protagonist. The Cell Saga was designed to be Gohan’s transition into the role of Earth’s hero after Goku sacrificed himself and Gohan unlocked his hidden potential. However, unlike his father, Gohan never sought out battles and only fought out of necessity rather than personal ambition. However, Toriyama ultimately abandoned the plan and returned Goku to the forefront of the series.

External influences played a massive role in reversing Gohan’s intended rise, and Toriyama himself itted that Gohan wasn’t suited to the role. As a result, Gohan was gradually sidelined, first in the Buu Saga and later in Dragon Ball Super, where he turned his focus on being a scholar. Yet, despite this, Toriyama never fully abandoned the idea of Gohan taking on a leading role and continuously hinted at his potential. Finally, the Super Hero movie and Chapters #102 and #103 of the manga delivered on his long-lost vision, ensuring that Gohan is more than just a forgotten possibility.

Gohan Finally Accepts His Role as Earth’s Protector in Toriyama's Final Chapters

Gohan’s Arc Comes Full Circle as Toriyama Finally Cements His Place as a Warrior With Potential To Sur Goku

For most of Dragon Ball, Gohan resisted the path his father took and only fought when he was backed into a corner. Unlike Goku and Vegeta, who both train excessively, Gohan always viewed battle as a duty rather than a ion. However, with Toriyama’s final chapters, Gohan not only owns his newfound power but also fully embraces his role as one of Earth’s greatest protectors. This moment is far more than suring his limits, as Gohan chooses to stand alongside the series’ most powerful fighters as an equal rather than as a reluctant participant.

What makes these chapters stand out is the fact that Gohan’s evolution is no longer being framed as temporary. This transformation aligns with Akira Toriyama’s original vision for Gohan’s character and opens up the opportunity for him to take on more leading roles in the future of the series. While Daima is an excellent addition to Toriyama’s legacy, his final chapters in Dragon Ball Super bring his vision for the series full circle and offer fans the most fitting farewell.