In the expansive world of Shōnen anime and manga, legacy sequels face the unique challenge of honoring iconic predecessors while cultivating new heroes to captivate audiences. Two major contenders in this genre are Boruto and Dragon Ball Super, both sequels to monumental franchises that have defined generations. Although both series are published in the same magazine, V Jump, their approach to continuing their legacy couldn’t be more different. From story direction to character focus, it’s clear that Boruto is excelling in passing the torch, making it a superior sequel compared to Dragon Ball Super.
Dragon Ball Super: Reliance on Legacy Characters Limits Growth
Dragon Ball Super continues the saga of Akira Toriyama’s legendary Dragon Ball series, focusing heavily on its iconic protagonists, Goku and Vegeta. While the series maintains excitement with thrilling battles and new transformations, it largely centers around these established heroes rather than fully embracing the next generation.
Historically, Toriyama once planned to transition the spotlight to the younger Gohan after the Cell Games saga, even choosing not to revive Goku immediately to let Gohan shine during his high school life in Satan City. Moments like teaching Goten and Trunks the Fusion Dance were early attempts to empower the successors. Unfortunately, these initiatives were sidelined in later narratives and were not carried through in Dragon Ball Super itself.
The series has been hesitant to fully commit to letting the new generation take the lead. Characters like Goten and Trunks continue to rely on fusion for strength, and apart from a recent development arc for Gohan during the Super Hero Saga, younger characters lack significant growth. This over-dependence on fan-favorite legacy heroes like Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, and Broly risks making Dragon Ball Super feel repetitive and limits the series’ potential longevity.
Boruto: A True Successor That Passes the Torch
In contrast, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations boldly embraces the challenge of bringing new heroes to the forefront. Unlike Dragon Ball Super, where legacy characters dominate, Boruto actively centers its storyline on a fresh cast including Boruto Uzumaki, Sarada Uchiha, Mitsuki, and Kawaki. While Naruto and Sasuke do appear, they mainly serve as mentors and supporting characters rather than the main protagonists, allowing the younger generation to drive the plot.
This commitment to evolution gives Boruto a distinct advantage as it develops its characters with depth — exploring losses, backstories, mistakes, and growing responsibilities. This creates a palpable sense that the Hidden Leaf Village is ushering in a new era, offering audiences fresh narratives without disregarding the legacy.
Moreover, with its sequel series Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, the franchise makes an even bolder statement by sidelining Naruto and Sasuke from the central plot and positioning them as characters waiting to be saved. This inversion of roles highlights Boruto and his allies as true heroes who must overcome challenges independently, reinforcing the theme of legacy and self-reliance.
Why Boruto’s Direction Makes It a Stronger Legacy Sequel
The fundamental reason Boruto stands out over Dragon Ball Super lies in its willingness to embrace change and growth. While Dragon Ball Super often reverts to making Goku and Vegeta the focal points of most major conflicts, Boruto presses forward by empowering its next generation to confront tough foes and navigate their own journeys.
Boruto’s careful character development allows the new heroes to carve their own identity, balancing the expectations created by their predecessors with their own ambitions and struggles. This direction honors the legacy while making the sequel fresh, relevant, and exciting for both old and new fans alike.
Ultimately, where Dragon Ball Super delivers nostalgia and intense battles centered mostly on familiar veterans, Boruto offers a narrative of growth, mentorship, and generational shift. This makes Boruto not only a compelling sequel but a stronger one that truly embodies the spirit of what legacy sequels should strive to achieve.
Conclusion
In the ongoing debate of legacy sequels in Shōnen anime, Boruto decidedly outshines Dragon Ball Super. Its dedication to passing the torch and developing the next generation propels the story into new and exciting directions, while Dragon Ball Super often feels tethered to the past by its focus on legacy characters. Boruto’s commitment to change and character evolution makes it a more fulfilling and sustainable continuation of its beloved franchise.
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