The entire anime world was devastated just last March, when Dragon Ball creator and legendary artist, Akira Toriyama, unexpectedly ed away. The weeks that followed were filled with an overflow of mourning and gratitude from Dragon Ball fans around the world. Not long afterward, the ongoing Dragon Ball Super manga was put on an indefinite hiatus, while Dragon Ball Daima went through the final months of preparation before airing in October of the same year.

The future of Dragon Ball without its creator at the helm was uncertain, and once the initial shock of Toriyama's ing began to wear off, fans became concerned about how the franchise might progress from that moment forward. Dragon Ball Daima, Goku's latest adventure and the IP's first TV anime series in nearly six years, is now approaching its finale, and once again, the worried fan base has been left to wonder what's next. Fortunately, series' producer Akio Iyoku recently did an interview to let everyone know Dragon Ball isn't going anywhere, even if challenges arise.

Dragon Ball Producer Discusses the Future of the Series

Iyoku Insists Dragon Ball "Will Continue for Decades to Come"

Dragon Ball has a somewhat complicated history without Akira Toriyama. Following the conclusion of Dragon Ball in Weekly Shōnen Jump, the manga master took on more of a backseat role to his creation. What resulted was a lengthy dormant period, bookended by two of the most controversial productions tied to the IP. The first, 1996's Dragon Ball GT, is a mixed bag, featuring incredibly high highs and disastrous lows. Toriyama lent his talents to some of the character and world design, but largely stayed uninvolved in the story.

The other, 2009's Dragonball Evolution, is generally known as one of the worst live-action adaptations of anime ever created. The film so horrendously failed to capture the spirit of Dragon Ball, that it directly inspired Toriyama to become heavily involved in 2013's Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods, kickstarting the franchise's 2010s revival. Now, Dragon Ball is once again faced with a future in which its creator will not be around to steer the ship. Akio Iyoku, however, is ensuring the series will continue properly.

In an interview with MANTANWEB, Iyoku was asked about Dragon Ball's future, and said, "Anime and games can't be made that quickly. It takes time, but we're steadily preparing for the future," before adding, "There's no doubt Dragon Ball will continue for decades to come." Fans will undoubtedly be ecstatic to know there will be more Dragon Ball in the future. However, though the series' producer is excited about and believes in what's ahead, he also knows there will be challenges to come.

Dragon Ball Faces an Uncertain Future Without Its Creator

The Series Must Ensure the Right Steps Are Taken Going Forward

In addition to his comments concerning what is currently in the works for Dragon Ball, Iyoku also mentioned the challenges that come when planning ahead. In reference to the currently ongoing Dragon Ball Daima, he discussed attempting to create something entirely new, while remaining loyal to the spirit of a franchise which has been active for the better part of four decades. That task now becomes even more difficult without the guiding light of Akira Toriyama, who became heavily involved in his original creation once more for Daima.

He said, "Dragon Ball has been going on a long time... If it keeps doing the same thing, it'll get boring. It's hard to adjust to change, we must continue to take on new challenges." Dragon Ball Daima has thus far been a successful attempt at capturing the adventurous spirit of Dragon Ball, while taking its familiar characters into new settings. From this point forward, however, Iyoku and the staff will need to continue keeping the series fresh and exciting in projects without Toriyama's help.

Dragon Ball Is In Good Hands

The Series Has Been Left in the Care of the Right People

While some may be filled with apprehension at the idea of a Dragon Ball without Akira Toriyama, fans should be comforted that the series has been left in good hands. Akio Iyoku worked with Akira Toriyama for quite some time, and he trusted the producer in overseeing the franchise. This trust ran so deep, in fact, it started a rights war over the IP, when Toriyama decided he wanted Dragon Ball managed by himself and Iyoku separate from Shueisha. Together, they started Capsule Corp. Tokyo, the current rights owner of the Dragon Ball anime.

The manga, over which a rights dispute is still currently ongoing, is now left with Dragon Ball Super illustrator Toyotarou. The artist worked alongside Toriyama throughout the entirety of the manga's serialization, and was picked by him to continue Dragon Ball's story. Both the anime and manga will be looked after with care, and should continue full-steam ahead as long as ownership of the series can be sorted out.

What Might Be Next for Dragon Ball?

There Is More to Come from the Long-Running Series

Though clear challenges are ahead, Dragon Ball doesn't appear willing to slow down. On top of its large and successful presence in the gaming world, with incredibly profitable titles like Sparking! Zero, and Dragon Ball Z Dokkan Battle, the franchise promises more to come regarding anime and manga as well. Nothing has been officially announced as of yet, though in an interview from earlier in 2025, Akio Iyoku hinted at a mysterious announcement coming sometime this year.

A report from Toei Animation also revealed two unnamed anime movies in the works, which many suspect might be Dragon Ball and One Piece projects. Fans will want to keep a close eye on the series for any developments going forward. Challenges lie in wait for Akio Iyoku and Dragon Ball, now that the legendary Akira Toriyama will no longer be overseeing the series. However, the IP is seemingly being left in good hands, and fans should be optimistic about what is still to come for Goku and friends.

Source: MANTANWEB