The Dragon Ball franchise has been ongoing for over 40 years now, with it growing even bigger with each passing year. Dragon Ball, through its many installments, has become a huge part of many anime fans’ childhoods, and it goes without saying that it is one of the most recognizable series ever. Dragon Ball has definitely cemented itself as legendary, but ever since the unfortunate death of its creator, Akira Toriyama, the series has faced some problems. Dragon Ball Super went on a hiatus immediately after, and any new content moving forward will, for the most part, be created without the input of Toriyama.
Dragon Ball Z: All The Filler Episodes In The Anime
Like most long anime series, Dragon Ball Z also comes with its fair share of filler episodes between story arcs.
With that said, fans should turn to a new battle anime that's rising in popularity, and it’s none other than Solo Leveling. While Solo Leveling will never come to fully replace Dragon Ball, both series do share some similar elements that have made them appealing to a large audience of fans.
Solo Leveling Is A Battle Focused Series, Just Like Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball is known as the father of Shonen anime, and it is easy to see why. It has inspired many huge series after it, and it keeps on doing so even now. Many elements of Dragon Ball have been adapted by others that came after it, and quite easily the biggest inspiration it gave to others was its incredible battles.
I am the record of your struggles, the evidence of your resistance, and the reward of your sufferings. I am death, I am eternal rest, I am terror. - Ashborn to Sung Jinwoo, Solo Leveling Manhwa
In the modern anime era, when it comes to a heated battle anime, fans often think of Solo Leveling. Solo Leveling is a new 2024 anime based on a Korean webcomic of the same name, and it’s easy to say that it has really taken the world by storm.
Solo Leveling, just like Dragon Ball, has one major appeal that keeps fans coming for more, and that's its intense fights. Both series’ have their own exciting stories, but it’s the battles that fans are truly invested in. Fans of both series want to see their main character shine. In Solo Leveling, that's Sung Jinwoo, while in Dragon Ball, that's Goku. They both progress and evolve to new heights with each adversary they face. When it comes to power scaling anime characters, Jinwoo and Goku are always a big part of the conversation.
Solo Leveling Is Not The Perfect Replacement For Dragon Ball
Many Dragon Ball fans have enjoyed the Solo Leveling series, but it will never be a true replacement for the iconic shonen anime. Solo Leveling is a series with a modern setting that takes many tropes from Isekai series, even though it itself is not an Isekai. Meanwhile, Dragon Ball is a true shonen, filled with some sci-fi and fantasy elements.
It Might Be Time To Say Goodbye To Solo Leveling Season 3, And Welcome Something Even Better
Solo Leveling season 3 isn't coming, and fans can look forward to this series instead.
"I Will Protect My Family Even If It Means Turning All The Hunters In The World Against Me." — Sung Jinwoo
Jinwoo and Goku could also not be more different when it comes to personalities. While Jinwoo is a calm and nonchalant character most of the time, Goku has a jolly personality and he loves to have fun.
What’s In Store For Dragon Ball After Toriyama?
Dragon Ball has definitely faced some issues following the death of Akira Toriyama, but it seems some big things are coming for the series, and soon.
Dragon Ball GENKIDAIMATSURI is taking place in January 2026, and this event will unveil huge projects for the series. This could be the revival the series needs the most, and it will definitely be very exciting for fans after the unfortunate hiatus of Dragon Ball Super.
For now, Dragon Ball lacks new exciting content, but the series still holds immense potential to this day. This potential won't be wasted, however. Any fan of the series knows that Dragon Ball still has a bright future and even though this phase is difficult to get through, it will eventually make a big comeback. Until then, fans can simply watch and enjoy Sung Jinwoo's battles.
Solo Leveling has two seasons out right now, one with 12 episodes, and the other with 13, for a combined episode count of 25 episodes available to watch right now. The series can be streamed on Crunchyroll for fans to enjoy while awaiting any more news concerning the third season. There have been no major announcements about a third season so far. Fans can get more Solo Leveling content via the Manhwa.