The Dragon Ball franchise has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with its epic battles, colorful characters, and intricate lore. However, as the series has expanded over the years with various spin-offs, movies, and alternate timelines, the question of what constitutes canon within the Dragon Ball universe has become a subject of much debate. One such spin-off that has sparked controversy is Dragon Ball Heroes, a promotional anime and video game series that features a plethora of fan service and non-canonical storylines. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Dragon Ball Heroes and explore whether it can be considered canon within the broader Dragon Ball mythology.

Is dragon ball heroes canon

Understanding Canon in Dragon Ball

Before we can determine whether Dragon Ball Heroes is canon, it’s essential to establish what “canon” means within the context of the Dragon Ball universe. Canon refers to the official storyline and continuity of a series, as established by its creator or authorized creators. In the case of Dragon Ball, the original manga series created by Akira Toriyama serves as the primary source of canon material. This includes the Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball Super manga, which form the core narrative of the series.

In addition to the manga, the Dragon Ball anime adaptations, particularly Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super, are also considered canon, as they closely follow the events of the manga and are overseen by Toriyama himself. However, when it comes to supplementary material such as movies, spin-offs, and video games, the question of canon becomes more complex.

Dragon Ball Heroes: A Multiverse of Possibilities

Dragon Ball Heroes is a promotional anime and video game series created by Bandai Namco Entertainment as part of the Dragon Ball Heroes card game in Japan. The series features an original storyline that revolves around a multiverse of alternate timelines and dimensions, where characters from various Dragon Ball arcs and movies converge to battle against each other.

Unlike the main Dragon Ball series, which follows a linear narrative with well-defined continuity, Dragon Ball Heroes embraces a more experimental approach, allowing for wild and fantastical scenarios that would not be possible within the constraints of traditional canon. As a result, the events of Dragon Ball Heroes often diverge significantly from the established storyline of the manga and anime, featuring characters who have never interacted in the official continuity and plotlines that contradict established canon events.

The Case Against Canonization

Given its divergent storyline and lack of continuity with the main series, many fans argue that Dragon Ball Heroes cannot be considered canon within the broader Dragon Ball universe. While the series may feature familiar characters and settings, its status as a promotional spin-off rather than an official continuation of the main storyline undermines its credibility as canon material.

Furthermore, the events of Dragon Ball Heroes often rely on fan service and wish-fulfillment rather than logical storytelling, with characters achieving new transformations and power-ups seemingly at random. While this may be entertaining for fans who enjoy seeing their favorite characters in action, it detracts from the coherence and consistency of the overarching narrative established in the main series.

The Case for Canonization

Despite its non-canonical nature, some fans argue that Dragon Ball Heroes should be considered canon within the context of its own self-contained multiverse. In this view, Dragon Ball Heroes serves as a creative exploration of what could happen if characters from different timelines and dimensions were to interact, offering a tantalizing glimpse into alternate possibilities within the Dragon Ball universe.

Additionally, Dragon Ball Heroes has introduced elements and characters that have been officially incorporated into the main series, albeit with modifications to fit the canonical continuity. For example, the character Fu, originally introduced in Dragon Ball Heroes, later made his debut in the Dragon Ball Super manga and anime, albeit with a different backstory and role.

Conclusion: A Matter of Interpretation

In the end, whether Dragon Ball Heroes is considered canon ultimately comes down to individual interpretation and personal preference. While the series may not adhere to the strict definition of canon established by the main Dragon Ball storyline, it nonetheless offers an entertaining and imaginative exploration of the multiverse concept, allowing fans to indulge in what-if scenarios and epic battles featuring their favorite characters.

Whether you choose to view Dragon Ball Heroes as an essential part of the Dragon Ball universe or simply as an entertaining diversion from the main storyline, one thing is clear: the series has left an indelible mark on the franchise and continues to captivate fans with its boundless creativity and larger-than-life action. Ultimately, the true value of Dragon Ball Heroes lies not in its adherence to canon, but in its ability to inspire imagination and fuel the endless debates and discussions that have defined the Dragon Ball fandom for generations.