Synopsis
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is a Japanese animated feature film released in 2022, a part of the long-running and beloved Dragon Ball franchise created by Akira Toriyama. This is the second film under the Dragon Ball Super title and the twenty-first film in the whole Dragon Ball movie series. For this film, the staff chose to shift attention from the usual lead characters to some familiar faces who finally get their time in the spotlight.
The film takes place after the events of Dragon Ball Super: Broly, but instead of focusing on the intergalactic battles, Goku and Vegeta receive the same treatment on Earth, and the spotlight moves to the next generation warriors, especially Piccolo and Gohan. The film is a fusion of science fiction, mentorship with some heart, and bold adventure through action, all wrapped in a new visual style and 3D animation.
The film initiates the revival of an old foe: the Red Ribbon Army, the same organization Goku defeated in his childhood. This time, the group is reformed by Magenta, the son of the initial Red Ribbon commander. Magenta intends to resurrect the organization, and with the armies of the Red Ribbon, he plans to permanently alter the world to their twisted ideals.
To assist in his undertaking, Magenta approaches Dr. Hedo, the younger prodigy and grandson of the notorious Dr. Gero, an infamous figure in the field. Hedo is an erratic genius in his own right, fascinated more by superhumans and less by the evil intentions of others. He joins Magenta’s efforts, under the impression that he is working on something worthwhile.
Magenta and he embark on the project to create superhero androids and built the Gammas who are fully convinced that they are superheroes fighting for justice. Clad in capes, the Gammas are energetic and confident in their fighting and self-assuredness, but are still oblivious to the true intentions of the Red Ribbon Army.
Unusual occurrences prod the Namekian warrior to investigate and, in the Gamma 2 ambush, he is overtly power. Ascertain the immediate threat, Piccolo secretly develop an scheme to infiltrate the enemy. The aim of his surprise infiltration was to gather the enemy’s information, but this discovery was far greater than he was preparing for. The Gammas are only a part of the threat and the Red Ribbon Army has a under a unprecedented secret weapon named Cell Max.
Anticipating great danger to the Earth, Piccolo contacts Gohan, the son of Goku, and one of his former pupils. Gohan, a scholar and father, has distanced himself from battles, but Piccolo believes there is more to Gohan than his current passive position; Gohan’s power has yet to be used, and Piccolo is trying to awaken it.
The Red Ribbon Army has made their first move, and the heroes’ first points of contact are Gamma 1 and Gamma 2. This leads to sparring matches that are as much a battle of strategy as they are of power, and the Gammas begin to wonder if they are really fighting for justice. This moral ambiguity is critical to the plot.
The battle with the newly energized and accelerated Cell Max is a pivotal point for Gohan. He is forced to tap into his latent strength and restore his relationship with Piccolo. Along with the Goten, Trunks, Android 18, and the rest of the crew, including the Gammas, they unite to defend the world.
The culmination of the film demonstrates the peak of emotion and bravery. Gohan shows the audience that true strength and power is not simply from extensive training, but also from love and the ability of taking responsibility. Even Piccolo, through the aid of Dende and the Eternal Dragon Shenron, receives a new form, showcasing the exceptional wisdom and leadership that he has always possessed.
There is peace at the conclusion of the movie, as well as a new, deeper bond of unity between the old and new heroes. The now enlightened Gammas decide to take a different path. Gohan takes on the responsibility as a protector, and not just in the role of a student. Once again, Piccolo is the calm, trusted, and respected guardian of Earth, as he has always been. He is essential.
Cast & Characters
Main Characters (Japanese/English voice actors):
Piccolo – Voiced by Toshio Furukawa (Japanese) and Christopher Sabat (English). The most powerful character in this film, Piccolo is the most calm and wise character throughout. He takes on a mentorship role, and still demonstrates surprising new power.
Gohan – Voiced by Masako Nozawa (Japanese) and Kyle Hebert (English). Gohan was a young warrior, and now he is an adult living a peaceful life. Even so, he proves that a warrior’s courage is always present when the people he loves is in danger.
Gamma 1 & 2 – Portrayed by Hiroshi Kamiya and Mamoru Miyano (Japanese), Aleks Le and Zeno Robinson (English). The androids bring ridiculousness and style, and with surprising, positive depth as they transition from ‘superheroes’ to real companions.
Angelo – Miyu Irino (Japanese) and Zach Aguilar (English) voices. The quirky and well-intentioned scientist sets many events in motion.
Magenta & Carmine – The new Red Ribbon leaders, framed as ambitious and bad, when in reality, are not evil in the darkest sense. Their plans are simply misguided.
Goten, Trunks, Bulma, Android 18, and Pan (Gohan’s daughter) and are here to bring familiarity and joy to the story.
Direction, Animation & Style
Having the original creator after so many years, with overall vision and humor returned to the forefront, is always a joy. Akira Toriyama wrote the story. The film was directed by Tetsuro Kodama, who, on top of other innovations, brought a fully 3D approach to the franchise, and still kept the classic designs of the characters.
This animation technique permits a variety of camera angles, lively gestures, and diverse, vibrant settings, leading to each clip’s animation feeling novel while retaining the essence of Dragon Ball. The film creatively blends action with comedy and drama, where the visual spectacle contributes to the emotional moments just as it does to the fight scenes.
With a 7.0/10 score on IMDb, the film received numerous commendations for its character focus on Piccolo and Gohan. Its new aesthetic, lighter mood, and deeper character explorations pleased both audience and critics.
Longtime followers appreciated the nostalgic references while newcomers thought the plot was meaningful and the animation style was inviting. It was acknowledged for demonstrating that true heroism is about love and collaboration, not simply brute strength.
Finally, the film’s commercial success both in Japan and abroad provides further evidence of the Dragon Ball franchise’s enduring popularity.
In summary, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is an exciting, emotional, and reflective film that puts a focus on the power of legacy and the growth Dragon Ball is able to achieve through its heroes. Rather than Goku or Vegeta, the film focuses on Gohan, Piccolo, and a new lively cast.
The film successfully utilizes humor and storytelling and is innovative in its approach. Most importantly, it focuses on the fact that heroes come in various forms and that love, mentorship, and courage, just like any unearthly ability, can save the day.
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