Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero - 2022 Movie

Hey guys! Let's dive into the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero movie that hit the screens in 2022. This movie is a fantastic addition to the Dragon Ball universe, bringing back beloved characters and introducing some cool new threats. For long-time fans and newcomers alike, it’s a visual treat and a rollercoaster of action. So, let’s break down what makes this movie so special.

Overview of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero

The Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero movie continues the saga after the Tournament of Power and the events of Dragon Ball Super: Broly. This time around, the focus shifts from Goku and Vegeta to Gohan and Piccolo, giving them a chance to shine. The Red Ribbon Army, the infamous organization defeated by Goku long ago, is back with new and improved androids, aiming to seek revenge. What’s interesting is the change in animation style, moving towards a more 3D look, which some fans loved while others had mixed feelings about. Regardless, the story is packed with intense battles, emotional moments, and that classic Dragon Ball humor we all adore.

The Plot Thickens

The plot of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero revolves around the resurgence of the Red Ribbon Army. They've been secretly rebuilding their forces and developing new androids, Gamma 1 and Gamma 2, who are incredibly powerful. These androids are designed to believe they are superheroes fighting against evil, which adds an intriguing layer to the conflict. Meanwhile, Piccolo notices the Red Ribbon Army's movements and becomes suspicious. He infiltrates their base and discovers their plans, realizing the danger they pose to Earth. To motivate Gohan to fight, Piccolo orchestrates a situation where Pan is threatened, knowing that Gohan’s protective instincts will kick in. This sets the stage for an epic showdown between the Z Fighters and the Red Ribbon Army's new and improved forces.

Key Characters and Their Development

Gohan takes center stage in this movie, showcasing a significant power-up. After years of focusing on his studies, he rediscovers his fighting spirit and achieves a new form, Beast Gohan. This transformation is a nod to his potential that was hinted at since the Cell Saga. Piccolo also gets a major upgrade, obtaining his own new form, Orange Piccolo, through a wish to Shenron. This transformation enhances his power and size, making him a formidable opponent. The dynamic between Gohan and Piccolo is a highlight, demonstrating their close bond and mutual respect. They work together seamlessly to protect Earth. The Gamma androids, Gamma 1 and Gamma 2, are also crucial characters. Initially believing they are fighting for justice, they eventually realize the Red Ribbon Army's true evil nature. Their internal conflict and eventual change of heart add depth to the story. Of course, Goku and Vegeta are present, but their roles are more supportive. They are training on Beerus's planet and only appear towards the end, allowing Gohan and Piccolo to take the lead.

What Makes This Movie Stand Out?

Several elements make Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero a standout in the Dragon Ball franchise. The focus on Gohan and Piccolo provides a refreshing change from the usual Goku-centric narrative. Their character development and power-ups are satisfying to watch. The animation style, while controversial, brings a new visual dynamic to the series. The 3D animation allows for more dynamic camera angles and detailed character expressions, although some fans miss the traditional 2D animation. The movie also explores themes of legacy, mentorship, and the importance of protecting future generations. Gohan’s desire to balance his studies with his responsibilities as a fighter resonates with many viewers. Piccolo’s dedication to training Gohan and his willingness to do whatever it takes to protect Earth is truly admirable. Furthermore, the humor is well-integrated into the story, providing lighthearted moments amidst the intense action. The interactions between the characters, especially Krillin's antics and Bulma's resourcefulness, add to the movie's charm.

Animation Style: A New Direction

The animation style in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is a significant departure from previous Dragon Ball installments. The movie utilizes a more pronounced 3D CGI style, which gives the characters and backgrounds a different look and feel. This decision was met with mixed reactions from fans. Some appreciated the modern aesthetic and the fluidity of the action sequences, while others felt it lacked the charm of traditional 2D animation. The benefits of the 3D style include more dynamic camera movements and more detailed character expressions. The action scenes, in particular, are visually stunning, with fast-paced battles and impactful special effects. However, some fans found the character models to be less expressive and the overall look to be less consistent with the established Dragon Ball style. Despite the controversy, the animation style does bring a fresh perspective to the franchise and showcases the potential of CGI in anime. It’s a bold move that demonstrates the studio's willingness to experiment and evolve.

Action-Packed Sequences

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero delivers on its promise of thrilling action sequences. The battles are intense, creative, and visually impressive. Gohan and Piccolo's fights against the Gamma androids are particularly well-choreographed, showcasing their unique abilities and strategies. The movie also features a climactic battle against a new, powerful enemy, Cell Max, a monstrous creation of the Red Ribbon Army. This fight is a true test of the Z Fighters' strength and teamwork. Beast Gohan's transformation and his subsequent battle with Cell Max are among the most epic moments in the movie. The animation and sound design work together to create a visceral and immersive experience. Each punch, kick, and energy blast feels impactful. The movie also makes good use of slow-motion and dynamic camera angles to emphasize the intensity of the action. Overall, the action sequences in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero are a highlight and a major reason to watch the movie.

Fan Reactions and Reception

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero garnered a wide range of reactions from fans and critics. Many praised the movie for its focus on Gohan and Piccolo, its exciting action sequences, and its humorous moments. The new character designs and transformations were also well-received. However, the animation style was a point of contention, with some fans disliking the 3D CGI look. Despite the mixed opinions on the animation, the movie was generally considered a success. It performed well at the box office and received positive reviews from many critics. Fans appreciated the movie's faithfulness to the Dragon Ball spirit and its willingness to take risks. The emotional moments, especially those involving Gohan and Pan, resonated with viewers. The movie also sparked discussions about the future of the Dragon Ball franchise and the potential for more character-focused stories.

Positive Aspects Highlighted

One of the most praised aspects of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is its focus on Gohan and Piccolo. Many fans had been wanting to see these characters get more screen time and development, and the movie delivers on that desire. Gohan's journey to rediscovering his strength and achieving his Beast form is a satisfying arc. Piccolo's dedication to Gohan and his willingness to protect Earth at any cost are also heartwarming. The movie also features some great comedic moments, especially those involving Krillin and Bulma. These lighthearted scenes provide a nice contrast to the intense action. The new character designs, particularly the Gamma androids and Orange Piccolo, were also well-received. Overall, the movie is a fun and entertaining addition to the Dragon Ball franchise.

Criticisms and Controversies

The main criticism of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is its animation style. The 3D CGI look was not to everyone's taste, and some fans felt it detracted from the overall experience. Some also felt that the character models were less expressive than in traditional 2D animation. Another minor criticism was that Goku and Vegeta's roles were relatively small. Some fans would have liked to see them play a more significant part in the story. However, these criticisms were generally outweighed by the positive aspects of the movie. Despite the controversies, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero remains a popular and well-regarded installment in the Dragon Ball franchise.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is a thrilling and entertaining movie that offers something for both long-time fans and newcomers to the Dragon Ball series. The focus on Gohan and Piccolo, the intense action sequences, and the humorous moments make it a standout installment. While the animation style may not be for everyone, it brings a fresh visual dynamic to the franchise. Overall, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is a must-watch for any Dragon Ball fan. So, grab your popcorn, gather your friends, and get ready for an epic adventure!