Though it’s early, 2026 has been an excellent year for Dragon Ball fans. The 40th anniversary special event held in Tokyo revealed the continuation of the Dragon Ball Super anime, as well as games and other projects currently in the works. Despite having debuted over four decades ago, different generations of fans have continued to show their support for Goku and company, and consistently impressive sales numbers prove the franchise is as popular as ever.

However, the one entry in the franchise that has yet to be addressed is the Dragon Ball Super manga. Originally written by Akira Toriyama and drawn by Toyotaro, the series entered an ongoing and lengthy hiatus following its creator’s passing in 2024. Since then, little information has been given regarding the series’ future.

That hasn’t stopped artist Toyotaro, though. In the time that Dragon Ball Super‘s been away, Toyotaro has continued to draw new illustrations of both fan-favorite and deep-cut characters. And his latest illustration features a classic Dragon Ball villain who is arguably the franchise’s most underrated.

Dr. Gero Returns in a New Illustration by Dragon Ball Super Artist Toyotaro

The Wicked Scientist Responsible for Cell Is Dragon Ball’s Most Underrated Villain

Dragon Ball is home to some of the most recognizable villains in anime and manga. Demon King Piccolo, the Saiyans, Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu are all iconic characters, and a couple of them continue to play major roles in the series today. Dr. Gero isn’t quite at the same level of importance or popularity, but he may just be the most wicked of Dragon Ball‘s villains.

While his physical strength is lacking, Dr. Gero is a terrifying presence for what he’s been able to construct. His evil nature began to take shape during Goku’s childhood, when the young Saiyan handily, and rather violently, defeated the Red Ribbon Army on his own. Vowing revenge, Gero began tracking Goku while creating new androids capable of eliminating him.

There isn’t anything outlandish about Gero’s intentions or motivation. In fact, they’re somewhat monotonous when compared to other beloved villains in the anime and manga sphere. However, it’s the fact that he created androids so strong they could plunge the world into an apocalypse, all to deal with a child, that’s rather dark. Androids #17, #18, and Cell were far stronger than they needed to be, considering Gero wasn’t aware Goku could become a Super Saiyan.

The scientist was something of a menace, and though he didn’t survive very long, his creations would go on to cause severe damage to the Earth and its inhabitants across more than one timeline. Toyotaro’s illustration is the first official drawing in some time to feature an all-new look at Dr. Gero.

It’s Past Time for Dragon Ball Super’s Manga to Return

The Dragon Ball fanbase has always been somewhat divided on Toyotaro’s role as illustrator, but he’s the artist Akira Toriyama personally chose to continue his life’s work, and he deserves the opportunity to return to his position. Dragon Ball Super‘s manga entered hiatus on a bit of a cliffhanger, with Frieza debuting a dark, new form before the series moved into its Super Hero arc. Any continuation would almost certainly be well-received by fans.

Unfortunately, there hasn’t been much news regarding the future of the manga, though with Dragon Ball Super‘s anime return confirmed, there’s no better time for it to continue. Until then, fans can look forward to Toyotaro’s illustrations of both beloved and somewhat forgotten characters.

Created by

Akira Toriyama

First Episode Air Date

April 26, 1989

First Film

Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies

Latest Film

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero

From the creative mind of Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball is a mega multimedia franchise that spans back to the 1980s. Dragon Ball expanded quickly, starting as a serialized manga for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan. It made its way overseas via manga and an anime adaptation that is enjoyed worldwide. Dragon Ball was the initial starting animated series that followed the adventures of the young Son Goku as he sought after the Dragon Balls. These mystical orbs would grant the wish of any who gathered them together. Then, the series would branch off into the immensely popular Dragon Ball Z, which followed Goku as an adult and featured high-intensity battles and Goku’s never-ending search to be the strongest. The series has also enjoyed several popular video game adaptations and continues to release several new animated series and theatrical films up to the recent popular Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.