After almost a year of silence, the Dragon Ball Super manga is finally returning — and fans are more excited than ever. The comeback arrives on February 20 2026, bringing a brand-new special chapter focused on Goten and Trunks. This marks the first manga release since the long hiatus that followed Chapter 103. With the franchise moving forward after the loss of Akira Toriyama, this new one-shot is an important moment for the future of Dragon Ball.
Official Information
The return is confirmed through V Jump, which will publish a standalone Goten and Trunks story. This one-shot is not a continuation of the main storyline but instead a “Super Hero–style” adventure where the young Saiyans take the spotlight. The chapter explores their life as modern-day heroes, wearing their Saiyaman-inspired outfits and fighting small threats around the city. It’s a lighter story, designed to reintroduce the manga after its long break. Toyotarou continues as the illustrator, guiding the series forward while honoring Toriyama’s legacy.
Leaks and Rumors (Unconfirmed)
Even though the February 20 chapter is official, there are still many unanswered questions. Some industry insiders claim that the full manga serialization might not return immediately, suggesting that 2025 could continue with irregular releases instead of a monthly schedule. Other rumor threads speculate that Toyotarou may already be preparing new material and that the Goten & Trunks chapter could act as the starting point for a new era. However, until Shueisha confirms anything, these remain fan discussions and online speculation, nothing more.
Story / Plot Explanation
The new one shot centers on Goten and Trunks acting as young protectors of the city. They seem inspired by their childhood hero, Clean God, and try to balance school life with mini hero missions. The tone feels fun and energetic, similar to classic Dragon Ball, where youthful adventure and comedy mixed with light action. This chapter doesn’t seem to introduce a new grand villain or universe level threat; instead, it focuses on personality, humor, and character growth. It’s a refreshing break after heavier arcs like Moro and Granolah.
Analysis (Power, Timeline, Meaning for the Future)
This release arrives during a very sensitive time for the franchise. With Toriyama gone, fans were unsure how the manga would continue. This one-shot shows that the team behind Dragon Ball still wants to move forward — but carefully. Goten and Trunks taking center stage could also be a major shift in direction. For years, fans have asked for the next generation to get more attention, and this chapter finally treats them as real protagonists rather than side characters. Power-scaling wise, the boys are not yet at the level of Goku, Vegeta, or Gohan, but this story allows them to develop independently and prepares them for bigger arcs in the future.
Comparisons with Older Arcs
Compared to the intense battles of the Granolah arc or the universe-level chaos with Moro, this special chapter feels more grounded. It resembles the lighter tone of early Dragon Ball or the high-school days of the original Great Saiyaman storyline. This is not only nostalgic but also necessary, giving readers a calm re-entry into the world of Dragon Ball before any massive plotlines return. It’s also the first chapter created without Toriyama’s personal story direction, so the more relaxed structure may be a way for Toyotarou to rebuild confidence with the fanbase.
Fan Reactions
Fans across social media are celebrating the manga’s return. Some were worried the series might never continue after the hiatus, so even a one-shot has brought huge excitement. Many appreciate the decision to focus on Goten and Trunks, especially since they were barely explored during the main arcs of Dragon Ball Super. At the same time, some fans remain cautious, wanting to see whether the manga returns to full monthly releases or if this is just a temporary comeback. Overall, the reaction is positive, hopeful, and emotional — especially with Toriyama’s legacy in mind.
Final Thoughts
The Dragon Ball Super manga returning on February 20 is more than just a small chapter release — it’s a sign that the franchise is still alive and preparing for its next stage. The Goten and Trunks story sets a lighter tone, introduces fun energy, and reminds fans why they love Dragon Ball in the first place. While the future of full serialization is still unclear, this chapter shows that the creators want to honor Toriyama while keeping the world of Dragon Ball active for years to come.
