V-Jump magazine, renowned for publishing Dragon Ball Super chapters, has announced the impending conclusion of the Super Hero arc with chapter 103, slated for release on March 20, 2024.
However, the news comes with a somber note as the manga will go on hiatus to mourn the passing of Akira Toriyama, the legendary creator of Dragon Ball, with no confirmation of its return.
As fans speculate about the duration of the hiatus—whether it will be one, two, or three months—only the editor or the upcoming issue of the magazine can provide clarity.
In the meantime, Toyotaro, the current manga artist, needs time to grieve the loss of Toriyama, whose visionary work has captivated audiences worldwide.
Dragon Ball Super Manga will go on a break starting next issue. pic.twitter.com/PAKxEoKqvV — Hype (@DbsHype) March 15, 2024
Dragon Ball, a beloved manga series by Toriyama, debuted in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in 1984, captivating readers with its imaginative storytelling and dynamic characters.
Over the years, it has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, spawning multiple animated series, movies, and games that continue to enthrall fans of all ages.
The franchise boasts a rich legacy, comprising five anime series, approximately 21 animated movies, and a plethora of games across various platforms, from Famicon to Playstation and Xbox.
V-Jump Cover featuring Goku and Gohan (Credits: Akira Toriyama, Art: Toyotaro)
Its enduring popularity speaks volumes about the enduring appeal of Toriyama’s creation and its ability to resonate with audiences across generations.
At the heart of Dragon Ball lies the epic tale of Goku Son, a spirited young boy living alone in the wilderness, whose life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters Bulma, a determined girl in search of the legendary Dragon Balls.
These magical artifacts, when gathered together, are said to grant any wish, prompting Bulma to embark on a quest to find them.
Goku, unwittingly in possession of one of the Dragon Balls, forms an unlikely partnership with Bulma as they journey across fantastical landscapes, encountering formidable foes and forging enduring friendships along the way.
Follow up: It’s somewhat unclear whether its 1 month break or indefinite, we’ll have to wait for next month’s VJump to find out. — Hype (@DbsHype) March 15, 2024
Their quest for the Dragon Balls sets the stage for countless adventures filled with exhilarating battles and heartfelt moments that have endeared Dragon Balls to fans worldwide.
As the Super Hero arc draws to a close and the manga enters a period of mourning, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the saga of Dragon Ball, eager to see what new adventures await Goku and his companions in the ever-expanding universe created by Toriyama.
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.
Among Naruto fans, particularly in the Western fandom, there’s a shared admiration for the Kazekage Rescue Mission arc within the early stages of the Shippuden anime series.
Regardless of its broadcast in standard definition, this arc stands out as one of the most beloved, and cherished for various elements, notably its animation quality.
A significant highlight of this arc is the introduction of the Akatsuki members, notably Sasori of the Red Sand and his partner Deidara, known for his explosive jutsu.
A Still From Naruto Shippuden (Credits: Masashi Kishimoto)
After their enigmatic presence in the first part of the series, fans were thrilled to witness their active involvement in the unfolding events from the outset of Shippuden.
However, while the arc shed light on Sasori’s character and backstory, particularly his transformation into a human puppet, it also left many fans with lingering questions.
One of the most prominent queries revolves around Sasori’s continued existence despite his puppet form, prompting speculation about the nature of his “life” without a conventional human body.
The Mysteries Behind His Human Puppet Existence in Naruto Shippuden
Sasori’s unique existence as a human puppet in Naruto: Shippuden is attributed to a remarkable aspect of his body—a “core of living flesh.” This revelation occurs during his intense battle against Sakura Haruno and Granny Chiyo, where Sasori’s remaining human essence is revealed.
A Still From Naruto Shippuden (Credits: Masashi Kishimoto)
Positioned in the left part of his chest, reminiscent of a human heart’s location, this core serves as the sole living component within Sasori’s puppet body.
Remarkably, it bears similarities to a heart and its associated vascular system, with vein-like roots mirroring unoxidized blood in color. Intriguingly, the kanji inscribed on the core spells out Sasori’s name, symbolizing its significance.
This core’s vital role is evident as it enables Sasori to retain human-like faculties within his puppet form, including consciousness, sensory perception, and the ability to engage in combat and internal dialogues.
A Still From Naruto Shippuden (Credits: Masashi Kishimoto)
The incorporation of this human core into his puppet body explains Sasori’s continued existence and functionality.
However, the exact mechanics behind the core’s functionality remain shrouded in mystery, much like Sasori’s ability to imbue his puppets with the original human’s chakra, techniques, and Kekkei Genkai. Notably, Sasori’s creation of the Third Kazekage puppet exemplifies this unique ability.
A Still From Naruto Shippuden (Credits: Masashi Kishimoto)
While it can be inferred that these processes are interconnected, Sasori’s advanced techniques and the intricacies of transferring consciousness and chakra into the core remain elusive. Despite the absence of definitive explanations, fans speculate that Sasori condensed his chakra into the core and somehow transferred his consciousness, although the specifics remain speculative.
Regrettably, Naruto fans may never receive a comprehensive explanation regarding these mechanics and rules, leaving much to interpretation and conjecture.
Naruto centers on Naruto Uzumaki, an orphaned boy shunned by his village because of the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed inside him. Unaware of why he’s rejected, he yearns for acceptance and sets his sights on becoming Hokage, the village’s strongest ninja, in hopes of earning recognition and respect.
