A new "Dragon Ball Z" TV series is set to premiere in Japan this July. "Dragon Ball Super" will be the first new anime show for the franchise in 18 years.
"Dragon Ball Super" will reportedly be written by original series creator Akira Toriyama, who also recently worked on the film, "Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection of F." The last new "Dragon Ball Z" TV series was named "Dragon Ball GT" and aired way back in 1996 and 1997.
Toei Animation's Kimitoshi Chioka, known for his work with "Hakaba Kitarō" and "Kamisama Kazoku," is the series director. Osamu Nozaki, Naoko Sagawa and Atsushi Kido are the producers of the show.
"We've always used the word 'chō' (Super) with 'Dragon Ball' in commercials, games and the like, but the fact that the series titled 'Dragon Ball Super' is beginning is the best thing ever," Mazako Nozawa, the voice actor for Goku, Gohan and Goten, commented.
The new "Dragon Ball Z" TV series will be set after the events of the Buu saga and the recent film, "Resurrection of F." Toei Animation has also noted that the name may change once the show has been localized.
"Reuniting the franchise's iconic characters, Dragon Ball Super will follow the aftermath of Goku's fierce battle with Majin Buu, as he attempts to maintain earth's fragile peace," Game Informer reported.
"Overseen by Dragon Ball's original creator, Akira Toriyama and produced with Fuji Television, Dragon Ball Super will draw on its historic past to create a bold, new universe welcoming to fans and endearing to new viewers."
Fuji TV producer Osamu Nozaki has said that he has read the plot for the series and revealed that "an enemy even stronger than Buu or Freeza may appear."
"Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection of F" premiered in Japan on more than 600 theaters last month. The film was also set after Goku has defeated Majin Buu and will be screened in 74 countries worldwide.