Akira Toriyama, the visionary behind the “Dragon Ball” series, has consistently demonstrated a keen awareness of his fanbase’s sentiments. Over the years, two characters—Broly and the Super Saiyan 4 (SSJ4) transformation—have garnered significant attention and debate among enthusiasts.
Perceiving a lack of official acknowledgment for these fan-favorites, Toriyama took decisive steps to integrate them into the series’ canon, notably through the “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” movie and the “Dragon Ball Daima” series.
Reimagining Broly: From Non-Canon to Canon
Goku vs Broly (Credits: Akira Toriyama)
Broly, introduced in the 1993 film “Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan,” was initially a non-canonical character. Despite his popularity, he remained outside the official storyline. Recognizing the character’s potential and the fans’ admiration, Toriyama decided to reintroduce Broly within the official “Dragon Ball” continuity.
This led to the 2018 release of “Dragon Ball Super: Broly,” where Toriyama not only revamped Broly’s backstory but also provided depth to his character, portraying him as a misunderstood Saiyan with immense power. This move was a direct response to fans’ desire to see Broly acknowledged within the main narrative.
Canonizing Super Saiyan 4 in “Dragon Ball Daima”
Akira Toriyama
The Super Saiyan 4 transformation, a highlight of the “Dragon Ball GT” series, fans with its unique design and power. However, “Dragon Ball GT” was not considered part of the official canon, leaving SSJ4 in a gray area. Addressing this, Toriyama incorporated the SSJ4 transformation into the “Dragon Ball Daima” series.
In episode 18, during a critical battle against King Gomah, Goku unveils the SSJ4 form, marking its official entry into the canonical storyline. This inclusion not only thrilled long-time fans but also bridged elements from “Dragon Ball GT” into the main series, enriching the overall narrative.
Toriyama’s Commitment to Fan-Favorite Elements
Goku and Akira Toriyama (Credits: Toei Animation)
Toriyama’s decisions to integrate Broly and the SSJ4 transformation into the official canon underscore his dedication to the “Dragon Ball” community. By acknowledging and incorporating these beloved elements, he has demonstrated a willingness to evolve the series in line with fan interests.
This approach has not only revitalized the franchise but also strengthened the bond between the creator and his audience, ensuring that “Dragon Ball” remains dynamic and resonant with its fanbase.
Young Goku, a strong boy with a monkey tail, teams up with teenage inventor Bulma on a quest to collect the seven Dragon Balls that summon Shenron (a wish‑granting dragon). Along the journey, they encounter allies and foes, including Master Roshi, Oolong, Yamcha, and the Pilaf Gang; Goku hones his skills through martial‑arts tournaments and battles against general‑purpose evil across the world.
At a press conference in Taipei, Taiwan, LGBTQ+ streaming platform GagaOOLala announced the highly anticipated second season of its original Girls’ Love (GL) series, Fragrance of the First Flower. The series, which won multiple Golden Bell Awards and was recognized in prestigious international film festivals, will premiere worldwide on GagaOOLala and Netflix Asia on February 18, 2025. This marks the first time a GagaOOLala original has been licensed by Netflix for streaming across Asia.
Continuing a Powerful Story
The first season of Fragrance of the First Flower explored themes of queer identity, societal expectations, and love in the wake of Taiwan’s historic legalization of same-sex marriage in 2019. The story followed Yi-Ming (ZaiZai Lin) and Ting-Ting (Lyan Chen) as they struggled with personal and social challenges in their relationship.
Season 2 goes deeper into their lives a year after their separation. Yi-Ming is now a divorced single mother, facing workplace pressures and raising a child with high-functioning autism. Meanwhile, Ting-Ting pursues her passion for music and forms a connection with a charismatic musician, Xiao-Ning (played by Yao). When Yi-Ming and Ting-Ting meet again, they must confront their past and decide if their love can overcome new challenges.
Fragrance of the First Flower (Credits: GagaOOLala and Netflix Asia)
Speaking at the press conference, lead actress ZaiZai Lin expressed hope that the series would inspire audiences. “This season challenges norms and celebrates resilience. We want viewers to find the courage to embrace their true selves,” she said.
A Fresh Direction for the Series
The second season expands on the first with 12 episodes, each 30 minutes long, compared to the original’s 8-episode format. Under the direction of Yi Ling Wang, known for Do Not Go Gentle in Taipei, the series introduces new creative elements while staying true to the original vision of creator Angel I-Han Teng.
Reflecting on the transition, Wang stated, “We carefully studied each character and meaningful symbols from Season 1 to ensure continuity. Balancing expansion with authenticity was a challenge, but I hope to honor the original while offering fresh surprises.”
Growing Representation in Asian Media
While LGBTQ+ representation in Western media has declined, Asia is witnessing a growing demand for queer content, especially in the BL (Boys’ Love) and GL genres. According to industry projections, Thailand’s BL market is expected to reach 4.9 billion Thai baht ($145.53 million USD) by 2025. Meanwhile, the number of GL dramas has risen significantly, with projects like Gap: The Series and Fragrance of the First Flower leading the way.
Fragrance of the First Flower (Credits: GagaOOLala and Netflix Asia)
By bringing Fragrance of the First Flower to Netflix Asia, GagaOOLala aims to expand sapphic representation in mainstream media. Founder and CEO Jay Lin emphasized the significance of this partnership. “As a gay-owned company, we are committed to bridging the gap between niche and mainstream content. This milestone is a testament to that vision,” he said.
The production of Fragrance of the First Flower Season 2 was partially funded by Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture and other government agencies. The first and second episodes will be available on GagaOOLala and Netflix Asia on February 18, 2025, with two new episodes released every week. The first episode will be free on GagaOOLala, with subtitles in multiple languages, including English, Mandarin, Thai, Japanese, and Spanish.
