Since the tragic passing of Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama last month, the Dragon Ball Super manga has been on an indefinite hiatus. While there is still no date for when the manga will return, Jump and the official Dragon Ball website have revealed plans for an "Interval Special" while we wait.
Detailed in the April 19th post, "Get All the Latest Info on Dragon Ball Games and Goods in the Jam-Packed V Jump Super-Sized June Edition!" the "Dragon Ball Super Interval Special" confirms that Jump feature illustrations and commentary from Toyotarou as well as special features during the hiatus.
"Until the Dragon Ball Super manga returns to start its new story, Jump will feature illustrations and commentary from Toyotarou, plus special features that'll make reading the SUPER HERO arc even more fun!" the website states. "Part 1 of this special project focuses on the Red Ribbon Army! From their members and machines to the androids they created, this is your chance to learn all about them in one spot!"
The first image shared was of Dr Gero's Son, Gevo, which was specially drawn by Toyotarou, the author of Dragon Ball Super.
The Red Ribbon Army, a paramilitary criminal organization, first appeared in the original Dragon Ball manga. Dr. Gevo was one of the surviving members following the group's defeat, but they've remained a presence in the franchise throughout the years.
Dragon Ball Super has been on hiatus since the release of Chapter 103, following the passing of Akira Toriyama in March. Although we still don't know when the next chapter of the hit manga will begin, at least we have confirmation that it will return at some point. And in the meantime, it won't lose its place in the magazine thanks to this special project. We still don't know who will succeed Toriyama as a writer for Dragon Ball Super though.
Toriyama passed away in early March due to acute subdural hematoma, a condition where blood collects between the skull and the surface of the brain. Toriyama was 68 years old. Toyotarou has continued to honor Toriyama's legacy by attempting to redraw rare Akira Toriyama characters.
Viz Media licenses the Dragon Ball Super Manga, having translated 20 out of the 23 volumes in Japan so far. The synopsis for the first volume reads:
Having defeated Boo, Goku is starting to get bored with his life on Earth. His wife, Chi-chi, wants him to get a job, but all he wants to do is train and fight stronger enemies. Elsewhere in the universe, the God of Destruction, Beerus, and his attendant Whis are traveling from planet to planet in search of food and entertainment. After blowing up some hapless victims, Beerus is reminded of a man from his dreams with the moniker “Super Saiyan God,” or something like that... The God of Destruction sets his sights on Earth to track down this mysterious man! Maybe this will give Goku something to do?
As always, keep it tuned to Anime Mojo for more information on the return of Dragon Ball Super.