Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
Toei Animation
When to watch: Watch this movie immediately after Episode 131 of Dragon Ball Super. It is required viewing and directly connects to the next arc.
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero shifts the spotlight from Goku and Vegeta to focus primarily on Gohan and Piccolo, giving the often-underutilized duo their most prominent canon appearance in years. The Red Ribbon Army has been secretly rebuilt by Dr. Hedo, a brilliant young scientist and grandson of the original Dr. Gero, who creates two new androids — Gamma 1 and Gamma 2 — believing he is working for the side of justice against the Z Fighters. When Pan is kidnapped to lure the heroes out, Piccolo infiltrates the base alone, triggering a chain of events that leads to Gohan being forced to access a new level of power. The film also reveals a devastating new form of Cell engineered from the original's DNA.
Unlike most Dragon Ball films, Super Hero was produced entirely in CGI animation, a significant stylistic departure that proved divisive among fans but ultimately served the film's action sequences well, with fast, fluid fights that felt distinct from traditional hand-drawn Dragon Ball battles. The film delivers substantial payoffs for long-time Piccolo fans in particular, exploring his evolution from villain to surrogate father figure in genuinely touching ways. Super Hero is fully canon, and Gohan and Piccolo's new power levels established here carry forward into subsequent Dragon Ball continuity. It is recommended watching after Dragon Ball Super: Broly to maintain the correct timeline.
Related Series
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero canon?
Yes, it is fully canon. It establishes new power levels for Gohan and Piccolo and introduces new enemy androids that are part of the main continuity.
Do I need to watch Super: Broly before Super Hero?
Not strictly required, but recommended. Broly's power level established in the previous film helps contextualize why the Red Ribbon Army focuses on Piccolo and Gohan rather than Goku and Vegeta in this film.
Why is Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero in CGI?
It was a creative and production decision by Toei Animation to experiment with a new visual style. While divisive initially, most fans felt the CGI worked well for the film's action sequences.
When was Super Hero released?
Released June 11, 2022 in Japan. It became one of the top-grossing Dragon Ball films domestically despite its controversial CGI animation style.
Is Super Hero adapted from the manga?
No — it is an original story, though fully canonical. Toriyama oversaw the story, making it official Dragon Ball continuity.
What do fans think of Super Hero?
More divisive than Broly due to the CGI animation. Piccolo and Gohan fans appreciate the spotlight on underutilized characters; others found the visual style jarring. Generally positive overall.