“Dragon Ball” fans worldwide marked their calendars for April 22, as the newest installment to the “Dragon Ball” franchise was set to release in Japan that day. This meant the film would debut in America in early June.

However, a real life evil villain committed a terrible crime by hacking Toei Animation, delaying the premiere of “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero” not only in Japan but also in America. 

After the hacking scandal ended, Toei Animation announced a new date for the movie’s premiere: June 11 for Japan and Aug. 19 for America.

Not only did “Super Hero” create huge expectations because it was delayed, but it had even bigger shoes to fill than its predecessor, 2018’s “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” which is arguably one of, if not, the best movie in the “Dragon Ball” franchise that brought in $115 million. The big question that all fans have is, was “Super Hero” worth the wait?” 

Fans who have grown up reading and watching “Dragon Ball”  can appreciate this film as it consists of fan service and many tiny Easter eggs of past events and lore. But that does not mean that first-time viewers of the “Dragon Ball” franchise cannot enjoy this movie, as this film is not plot heavy and contains lots of action, humor, emotional scenes and a fantastic soundtrack. Without further ado, let’s dive into Akira Toriyama’s “Super Hero.”

“Super Hero” is put in the hands of Tetsuro Kodama. When fans heard this news, they were excited as Kodama was assigned to help Tatsuya Nagamine in the production of “Dragon Ball Super: Broly.”

However, Kodama seemed to take a different route in this film regarding animation. The trailers showed a 3D animation and CGI that is not a typical animation style for the “Dragon Ball” franchise. This probably would not bother first-time viewers of “Dragon Ball,” but it could take some getting used to for longtime fans. 

A primary criticism about the previous film “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” was the exclusion of fan-favorite characters like Son Gohan, Piccolo and other supporting characters. “Super Hero” brings those characters back. Son Goku and Prince Vegeta are on a planet across the galaxy, training with the god of destruction Beerus and his angel Whis. Therefore, leaving the two main characters out of the film’s plot. 

Son Gohan takes center stage in this film. Gohan has always been a fan-favorite character. He was so strong that characters in the show told him that he had the potential to be the strongest warrior in the galaxy. Even the creator of the “Dragon Ball” franchise, Akira Toriyama, has teased that Gohan is the strongest. However, as Gohan became older, got married, started college and had a kid, he lost the fighting instinct he once had. 

The film’s plot revolves around Piccolo; he must find a way to unlock the primal instinct of fighting Gohan once had in order to fight the Red Ribbon Army. They are attacking the Earth with their newest genius, Dr. Hedo. When the Red Ribbon army kidnaps Gohan’s daughter, Pan, Gohan has no choice but to fight with Piccolo to rescue Pan and protect Earth. But when the Red Ribbon Army releases its ultimate weapon, will Gohan, with the help of the other fighters, be able to surpass their limits and become Earth’s saviors? 

I recommend that you go and see this movie, whether you are a new viewer or longtime fan. As someone who grew up watching the “Dragon Ball” franchise, I am impressed by the animation quality in this movie.

The film is enjoyable for anyone, ranging from the upbeat soundtrack, the 3-D animation, the simple plot, the fan service and so much more.

I can 100 percent say that this film was definitely worth the wait. 

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