The Dragon Ball Super manga has explored numerous story arcs, unveiling fresh characters and power-ups for Goku and his companions. While some story arcs have garnered greater acclaim from fans, their reception has been influenced by factors such as beloved characters and remarkable battles. Each story arc in the manga showcases distinctive elements, with standout moments including the introduction of the multiverse concept and the comeback of the beloved character Future Trunks.
The Dragon Ball Super manga has surpassed 100 chapters, featuring numerous major story arcs. However, which among them stands out as the best? Here's a ranking of each arc:
- Universal Survival Saga Chapters 27 - 42
The Tournament of Power, a centerpiece of Dragon Ball Super, pits universes against each other in a high-stakes battle royale. Introducing formidable fighters like Jiren and popular characters such as Universe 6's female Saiyans, Kale and Caulifla, this saga is packed with intense fights and pivotal moments. Goku's journey towards mastering Ultra Instinct adds further depth, making it a standout arc.
- Granolah the Survivor Saga Chapters 67 - 87
A manga-original storyline, this saga delves into the character of Granolah, the last survivor of his race, intertwined with Goku's father Bardock's legacy. It introduces Vegeta's Ultra Ego transformation and sets the stage for a tense conflict with Frieza, offering compelling new developments and power dynamics.
- "Future" Trunks Saga Chapters 14 - 26
Future Trunks returns with a desperate plea for help against Goku Black, an ominous enemy wielding divine powers. This arc captivates with its mystery surrounding Goku Black's identity and the threat he poses, though it's criticized for its somewhat abrupt resolution.
- Galactic Patrol Prisoner Saga Chapters 42 - 67
Goku joins forces with the Galactic Patrol to capture Moro, a magic-wielding escaped convict. This manga-exclusive storyline showcases unique challenges and abilities, giving Vegeta a chance for redemption and expanding the series' lore beyond martial arts.
- Universe 6 Saga Chapters 5 - 13
Introducing the multiverse concept to Dragon Ball, this saga features a tournament between Universe 6 and Universe 7. It introduces new Saiyan characters like Cabba and the Super Saiyan Blue transformation, despite being somewhat condensed compared to its anime counterpart.
- Super Hero Saga Chapters 88 - 101
Adapting the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero movie, this arc explores new transformations and character growth, albeit with mixed reception due to its recent release and pacing.
- God of Destruction Beerus Saga Chapters 1 - 4
Starting with an adaptation of the Battle of Gods film, this arc introduces Beerus, the God of Destruction, and the Super Saiyan God form, laying foundational concepts but criticized for its brevity compared to the movie or anime versions.
Each of these arcs contributes uniquely to Dragon Ball Super's narrative, offering fans diverse experiences and evolving the series' mythology with new characters and transformations.