As the next installment to the franchise, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero suffered a rough start after its initial release date had to be postponed when crucial data was damaged following the Toei Animation hack on 6 March 2022.
The studio has since recovered, and the highly anticipated film will feature some fan-favorite characters showing off their updated looks. With a Gohan-centric storyline, the Z-Fighters are on a mission to save young Pan from the Red Ribbon Army, while a secret encapsulated villain bides its time, likely to pop out when viewers least expect it.
Krillin and Android 18
As Goku's best friend and a long-standing fan favorite, Krillin's contributions in the past have been rather disappointing. Granted, being only a human, Krillin lacks the extra-terrestrial perks of his companions, but many viewers are still pleading for an increased power potential for the lovable baldy. After his embarrassing loss at the Tournament of Power, Krillin makes a grand declaration to prioritize his training once again, and it looks like all the hard work might just pay off in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. The Z-Fighter is depicted wearing an officer's uniform, suggesting that he is now using his combat skills professionally to fight crime.
The blonde-bombshell that is Android 18 appears as casual and blase as always, sporting a pink tracksuit while being hoisted up by her husband (trophy wife much?) By all appearances, she has now become the stay-at-home-mom-type, however, fans are fully aware of her inability to refuse a decent fight, especially if the lives of her loved ones are on the line. Android 18 and Krillan have a daughter of their own, Marron, who is not that much older than Pan, and could possibly be next on the list of kidnap victims. Better to be safe than sorry and exterminate the Red Ribbon forces before it's too late.
What Happened to Gotenks?
Probably one of the most drastic changes in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero can be seen in the face of Gotenks, who appears to now have a lot more in common with Majin Buu (the Good Buu). His supersized form is not bulked by muscle as before, as his physique takes on a rather voluptuous shape.
Seeing as Goten and Trunks have had issues with maintaining their synchronicity for the Fusion Dance in the past, it is likely that the added weight is an unfortunate result of mismanaged footwork. Hopefully, Gotenks will still be able to pack a punch in this new comical figure - just imagine his Super Saiyan form!
Vegeta and Bulma
This short-tempered (and statured) hero appears to have forsaken his traditional Saiyan armor for a more comfortable approach. With his classic white boots and gloves remaining, Vegeta now wears a sleeveless vest in a different shade of blue than usual, but appears further in the background of the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero's poster than the other Z-Fighters. This factor, combined with his limited screen time in the trailer, suggests that Vegeta will not be a lead character in the upcoming movie. It seems to be time for the next generation to take the bulk of the responsibility in protecting Earth.
One cannot have a battle on Earth and not involve Bulma! Although it is unclear as to what this blue-haired babe's role will be, it is surely significant enough for Bulma to make it onto the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero poster. Besides some new clothes, not much else appears to have changed about Bulma although strangely, she is seen driving what looks like the villans car from the movie's trailer. Who knows, she might be joining Piccolo as an undercover agent in the Red Ribbon Army in an attempt to rescue Pan. It would sure explain the bright yellow jumpsuit - totally not her style!
Pan Grows Up
With a new age bracket comes a new wardrobe, and the three-year-old Pan isn't the typical girly princess. This cutie appears in two outfits, one being a conventional Japanese school girls' uniform, topped with a rounded blue beret. Surprisingly, while training she does not wear a Turtle School uniform like her family members did, nor does she adopt the Nemekian purple gi.
Showing more resemblance to her mother, Videl, Pan fashions a comfy t-shirt and shorts, with trendy red gloves and sneakers to add some flair. Fans are happy to see that Pan has already begun training with Piccolo, and could possibly break the record to become the youngest Super Saiyan ever (she has about two years to do it!)
The Red Ribbon Army
The Red Ribbon Army seems to have gotten a new make-over themselves as they boast a whole new group of formidable foes and a blatantly obvious, grand base of operations. The new androids in uniform, Gamma 1 and Gamma 2 appear in dramatic capes as they form action poses worthy of heroes. According to the trailer, these guys are under the delusion that they are, in fact, the good guys. Dr. Hedo seems to have opted for the same mindset and swopped his scientist coat for a lavender, skin-tight leotard, not forgetting the matching tippet. The other villains associated with Red Pharmaceuticals have chosen a dignified approach for their first impressions, both debuting in classic red two-piece suits, clearly not in any rush to get their hands dirty.
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is due to hit Japanese cinemas on June 11, 2022.
Source: Twitter/@DBSChronicles and comingsoon.net