For many anime fans Dragon Ball Super has been on pause for far too long. The last time audiences saw new weekly episodes was years ago and since then the franchise has lived mainly through movies manga chapters and video games. While the manga has moved far ahead the anime has remained silent which has only increased speculation about its eventual return.
Rumors continue to circulate about Dragon Ball Super returning sometime around 2026. Nothing is confirmed yet but anticipation continues to grow. When the anime does return it will face a critical challenge. It must rebuild hype restore trust and welcome back millions of viewers who have not followed the manga at all.
That brings up an important question. If the Dragon Ball Super anime returns which arc should be animated first. The Moro arc or the Granolah arc. This debate is not about which arc is stronger on paper. It is not about power scaling alone. It is about strategy storytelling pacing and first impressions. The first arc back will define how successful the anime revival will be. From an anime only perspective the answer becomes much clearer.
What the Moro Arc Brings to Dragon Ball Super
The Moro arc is the first major storyline after the Tournament of Power. For anime only fans this matters a lot. Moro feels like a natural continuation rather than a sudden jump into unfamiliar territory.
Moro himself is a classic Dragon Ball villain with a new twist. He is ancient powerful and ruthless. He uses magic instead of raw muscle and drains energy rather than overpowering opponents through brute force. This makes him feel both familiar and fresh at the same time.
One of the biggest strengths of the Moro arc is clarity. The story has a clear Starting middle or end. Moro escapes prison. He gathers strength. He threatens the universe. The heroes respond. The conflict escalates naturally and reaches a decisive conclusion. For viewers returning after years away this kind of structure is extremely important. It helps ease audiences back into the world without confusion.
The arc also reintroduces the Dragon Ball universe itself. Multiple planets are shown. The Galactic Patrol plays a major role. Old concepts are explained again in a natural way. Anime only fans do not feel lost. Moro also allows the anime to slowly rebuild stakes. Instead of immediately introducing reality breaking power jumps the arc focuses on survival strategy and teamwork. This feels closer to classic Dragon Ball Z which many fans still love.
What the Granolah Arc Adds to the Dragon Ball Story
The Granolah arc is very different in tone and structure. It is deeper more emotional and more complex. Granolah is not a traditional villain. He is a survivor driven by trauma revenge and manipulation. This arc explores Saiyan history in greater detail. It dives into Bardock legacy and the consequences of the Saiyans actions. These are strong themes that add emotional weight to the franchise.
However complexity can be a weakness for a returning anime. Granolah story relies heavily on information introduced in the Moro arc. Without that context many motivations feel rushed or confusing. The Heeters group for example is deeply tied to events that follow Moro downfall.
From an anime perspective Granolah arc feels like chapter two not chapter one. It assumes the audience already understands the new power rules the new cosmic players and the direction of the series. While the arc is excellent in many ways it demands more attention and patience from viewers. That is a risk when trying to win back a casual audience.
Moro vs Granolah: Villain Comparison and Threat Level
Moro and Granolah represent two very different types of threats. Moro is an external force. He threatens the universe directly. His goal is simple. Consume energy and rule through destruction. This makes him easy to understand and fear.
Granolah is an internal conflict. His threat comes from pain manipulation and personal hatred. He is dangerous but not evil in the traditional sense. For an anime comeback Moro works better as a first villain. He immediately establishes danger. He gives viewers a reason to care again. Granolah works better once viewers are emotionally invested again. His story hits harder when the audience already trusts the series direction.
Story Depth: Which Arc Feels More Complete for Dragon Ball Viewers
Anime only viewers value completeness. They want arcs that feel satisfying without requiring outside knowledge. The Moro arc delivers this. It introduces new concepts explains them clearly and resolves them fully. Viewers do not need to read the manga to feel closure. The Granolah arc feels intentionally open ended. It asks questions about fate identity and Saiyan legacy. These are powerful ideas but they benefit from long term investment. For a returning anime audience clarity should come before depth.
Goku Role in Moro vs Granolah Arc
Goku role in the Moro arc is straightforward and familiar. He trains. He struggles. He grows stronger. He protects the universe. This is important because many casual fans watch Dragon Ball mainly for Goku. The Moro arc respects that expectation while still expanding his abilities through Ultra Instinct mastery.
In the Granolah arc Goku role becomes more philosophical. He questions his identity. He learns about his father. He redefines his Saiyan heritage. This is excellent character development but it assumes viewers are ready for a slower more reflective version of Goku. That may not be ideal for a comeback arc.
Vegeta Character Growth in Both Arcs
Vegeta arguably shines brightest in the Moro arc. His growth is clear emotional and earned. He confronts his past mistakes and seeks redemption through action. Anime only fans would immediately understand Vegeta journey in this arc. It feels like the payoff to decades of storytelling.
In the Granolah arc Vegeta growth becomes more abstract. His Ultra Ego form represents his acceptance of destruction and pride. This concept is powerful but requires careful explanation. Once again the Granolah arc feels like a continuation rather than a starting point.
Power Scaling Differences Between Moro and Granolah
Power scaling has always been a sensitive topic in Dragon Ball. The Moro arc handles it carefully. Moro grows stronger over time. The heroes adapt gradually. The escalation feels earned.
The Granolah arc introduces massive power jumps very quickly. Wishes instantly create the strongest warriors. This can feel jarring for viewers who just returned. Starting with Moro allows the anime to slowly recalibrate its power system before taking bigger risks.
Why the Moro Arc Works Better as an Anime Comeback
From a strategic standpoint the Moro arc checks every box needed for a successful anime return. It feels new but familiar. It respects Dragon Ball history while pushing the story forward. It gives space to multiple characters and reintroduces the universe naturally.
Most importantly it builds confidence. It tells viewers that Dragon Ball Super still understands what made the franchise great. Once that trust is restored the anime can safely move into more experimental storytelling like the Granolah arc.
Why Some Fans Believe Granolah Should Be Animated First
Some fans argue that the Granolah arc should come first because it is deeper more emotional and more mature. This opinion is valid. The arc explores themes Dragon Ball rarely touched before. It challenges the heroes in new ways.
However these strengths work best after momentum has been rebuilt. A returning audience needs reassurance before complexity. Granolah arc deserves to be animated. It just deserves the right timing.
Fan Reactions: What the Community Wants More
Fan discussions show a clear divide. Manga readers often favor Granolah due to its depth. Anime only fans tend to prefer Moro because it feels more accessible. If the goal is to rebuild the anime audience the latter group matters more. They represent the majority of viewers. Meeting them where they are is key.
Production Reality: Which Arc Is Easier to Adapt First
From a production perspective the Moro arc is simpler to animate. Its battles are more traditional. Its structure fits standard anime pacing. The Granolah arc requires careful direction voice acting and exposition. Rushing it would hurt its impact. Starting with Moro gives the studio time to plan a high quality adaptation of Granolah later.
Final Verdict: Which Arc Should Be Animated First and Why
If Dragon Ball Super anime returns the Moro arc should be animated first. Not because Granolah is weaker. Not because Moro is perfect. But because first impressions matter.
Moro rebuilds momentum. Granolah deepens the story. That order gives Dragon Ball Super its best chance to succeed again. For a returning audience clarity comes before complexity. Trust comes before risk. Animate Moro first. Then let Granolah shine.
