Dragon Ball Super manga’s extended Super Hero story arc reaches its thrilling conclusion as Gohan Beast defeats Cell Max!

The following contains spoilers for Dragon Ball Super Chapter 100, “Burst Forth–Light of Death!,” by Akira Toriyama and Toyotarou, Caleb Book, and Brandon Bovia, available in English from Viz Media.

Dragon Ball Super’s anime has had a deficit of new content ever since it concluded more than five years ago with the Tournament of Power. Dragon Ball’s manga and feature films haven’t overlapped in the past, which left audiences surprised when Super’s manga started its expanded adaptation of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. Chapter 91, “The Red Ribbon Army’s Revival,” marks the start of the manga’s “Super Hero Saga,” which has depicted a long and grueling battle against Cell Max.

This storyline has lasted for nearly a year, but it’s finally reached its ending in Chapter 100, “Burst Forth–Light Of Death!” This momentous Dragon Ball Super manga milestone goes out on a celebratory note that’s a love letter to the series. Chapter 100, “Burst Forth–Light Of Death!,” doesn’t demonstrably alter the events of its cinematic source material. However, there are still some satisfying additions and gorgeous artwork that are sure to please long-time Dragon Ball fans and newcomers alike.

Dragon Ball Super’s manga is still going strong, and it has a set release schedule that’s easy for fans to follow.Gohan Beast Finally Defeats Cell Max

Dragon Ball Super’s manga has gone past its anime’s ending, and fans are worried about DBS’ bland storyline.

Cell Max is still the central obstacle in Chapter 100, “Burst Forth–Light Of Death!,” but there’s really not much tension to speak of in Dragon Ball Super’s latest chapter, especially for those who have already seen Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. The manga chapter begins right where Chapter 99, “Son Gohan’s Ultimate Awakening!,” leaves off.

Gohan Beast prepares a debilitating Special Beam Cannon that’s the heroes’ final gambit against this ultimate evil. Gohan’s attack connects with his target in the opening panels and the chapter is only a few pages into its story before Cell Max is finished.

Chapter 100, “Burst Forth–Light Of Death!,” feels more like an extended epilogue to the battle rather than the climactic finish, even if the latter is still true. This chapter still indulges in some stunning splash panels that properly emphasize the gravitas of Gohan Beast’s game-changing attack.

Gohan’s victory wouldn’t be possible without some slight help from his allies. Orange Piccolo restrains Cell Max and holds his head still so that Gohan’s attack will connect with Cell Max’s weak spot. Goten and Trunks, freshly de-fused, also assist through blows to Cell Max’s hands that prevent him from any means of retaliation. This tag-team approach is a sweet way to conclude the battle and it helps the heroes share Gohan’s victory a little better than its movie counterpart.

However, the most exciting change to come out of Gohan’s success is that his Special Beam Cannon projectile is technically his own unique variation on Piccolo’s signature ability. Gohan Beast dubs this attack as “A Light of Death,” which is a considerably more menacing name. Piccolo approves of this “upgrade” and seems genuinely touched that Gohan has taken his technique to greater heights. It’s an encouraging idea that also reflects Piccolo’s growing bond with Pan and it’s entirely possible that she may master her own Special Beam Cannon variation through their training together.

Chapter 100, “Burst Forth–Light Of Death!,” includes one final coup from Cell Max, even if it’s a relatively innocuous maneuver. Cell Max’s final moments trigger the villain’s self-destruct sequence, yet its damage is relatively contained and easily avoidable by Gohan and company. This is a convenient decision since the original Cell’s self-destruct attack is powerful enough to destroy the Earth and forces Goku to quickly sacrifice himself for the greater good. Cell Max’s explosion doesn’t require the same level of martyrdom.

Dr. Hedo Receives Redemption & Becomes One Of The Good Guys

The Dragon Ball Super manga had a chance to cover the events of the Broly movie at its then-present point in the timeline, but they passed it up.

Cell Max’s explosion doesn’t require a sacrifice, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t still heroic casualties in Chapter 100, “Burst Forth–Light Of Death!” Cell Max’s aftermath is largely dominated by Gamma 2’s death, who is mourned by Gamma 1 and Dr. Hedo, as well as the Z-Fighters. This post-battle clarity leads to Dr. Hedo and Gamma 1 both receiving official job offers to aid Bulma at Capsule Corporation, which is also how Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero concludes. Krillin, Bulma, and Piccolo are all ready to bury the hatchet with these manipulated menaces.

That being said, there’s still some playful animosity that comes from Android 18. 18 resents Dr. Hedo for once again giving Androids a bad name, which will hopefully result in some entertaining and catty arguments between the two characters in the future. On that note, it’s genuinely exciting to consider what Dr. Hedo and Gamma 1 will bring to the table in Capsule Corp.’s future and it’s possible that Bulma’s headquarters and technology will become more essential.

Capsule Corporation can use all the help that they can get, since Dragon Ball Super’s 100th chapter also teases more Red Ribbon rampages to come. Carmine emerges from this fierce battle relatively unscathed and more determined than ever to turn Red Ribbon Pharmaceuticals into a villainous powerhouse that would make Commander Red proud. It doesn’t hurt for Dragon Ball Super to keep a revived Red Ribbon on the backburner for future conflicts, whether they’re involved in the next story arc or something else.

Another related highlight in Chapter 100, “Burst Forth–Light Of Death!,” that expands upon Super Hero material is the perpetual ribbing that Bulma receives over her unconventional beauty treatments. Piccolo chastises Bulma in the feature film, but the manga also features playful attacks from Goten and Trunks over Bulma’s fading youth. In fact, one of the primary reasons that Bulma is so excited to work with Dr. Hedo is that he’s quite accomplished when it comes to skin treatments and aging remedies. Dragon Ball Daima is set to turn Bulma into a literal child, but a working relationship with Dr. Hedo in Dragon Ball Super might leave her looking just as youthful.

Pan Takes Flight & Is Set Up For Greatness

Chapter 99 of Dragon Ball Super’s manga, “Son Gohan’s Ultimate Awakening!,” finally reveals the manga’s debut of Gohan Beast!

Gohan and Piccolo are the stars of Dragon Ball Super’s “Super Hero Saga.” There’s also a healthy focus on Gohan’s daughter, Pan, who becomes a crucial catalyst to Gohan’s return to the battlefield. Pan has never been stronger than she is during this story arc and Chapter 100, ​​”Burst Forth–Light Of Death!,” showcases Pan’s newfound flight ability.

Pan confidently flies around during Cell Max’s defeat, which demonstrates how quickly she’s mastered this ki ability that’s accidentally triggered during the earlier chaos. It’s a proud moment for everyone involved and Piccolo is so impressed that he declares that it’s time for Pan’s training to get pushed up to the next level.

This teases an exciting future for these two and it’s encouraging that Dragon Ball Super doesn’t appear to be abandoning this storyline. Pan’s battle prowess and ki skills have come so naturally that she holds tremendous potential. She’s still likely a ways away from becoming a Super Saiyan, but it’s possible that this Saiyan milestone may not be that far away if she continues to study under Piccolo. If nothing else, Pan may become more of a permanent presence in future Dragon Ball Super battles and adventures, much like the larger role that she served in Dragon Ball GT.

Vegeta Beats Goku In Their Godly Duel

Chapter 98 of the Dragon Ball Super manga, “Gamma #2’s Resolve,” intensifies the feud against Cell Max as Piccolo, Gohan, and Gamma 2 do their best!

Dragon Ball Super’s “Super Hero Saga,” both in its movie and manga form, are such exciting changes of pace because they shelve the series’ main characters, Goku and Vegeta. This time away from the series’ strongest Saiyans allows neglected fighters like Gohan and Piccolo to properly shine. Goku and Vegeta don’t participate in the battle against Cell Max, but they nicely bookend the storyline with a friendly duel. Chapter 100, “Burst Forth–Light Of Death!,” includes the conclusion of Goku and Vegeta’s sparring session on Beerus’ Planet. This becomes a big deal in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero since it’s actually Vegeta who trumps Goku in their fight, which is a rarity for Dragon Ball.

Thankfully, Chapter 100, “Burst Forth–Light Of Death!,” doesn’t backpedal on this decision and unfairly steal away Vegeta’ glory. Vegeta still (barely) defeats Goku, but it’s a proud moment for the Saiyan Prince that he’ll surely never let down. This accomplishment is somewhat played for laughs in Super Hero. However, its use in the manga might be an official confirmation that the tide has turned between these two Saiyans and that Ultra Ego is Ultra Instinct’s superior. Dragon Ball Super’s “Super Hero Saga” is full of revelatory power-scaling moments that fans are eager to see explored in whatever comes next.

The Stage Gets Set For Unprecedented Adventure

Dragon Ball Super’s latest manga chapter, “Rampaging Cell Max,” intensifies the heroes’ battle against the newly awakened vicious villain, Cell Max.

Dragon Ball Super Chapter 100, “Burst Forth–Light Of Death!,” tells a bold and important story. However, it’s a saga that’s likely to fall flat for the many Dragon Ball fans who have already seen this story play out in its anime feature film counterpart. The “Super Hero Saga” may be a success, but it also pushes many fans away from the manga for close to a year while they eagerly anticipate “new” material. There was speculation that the saga’s conclusion would be followed up by a short manga hiatus while Toyotarou and Akira Toriyama figure out what’s up next.

Surprisingly, Chapter 101 is set to arrive in January and there hasn’t been any announced break in the manga’s narrative. It’s possible that Dragon Ball Super’s next manga chapter continues the epilogue approach before it properly introduces new threats and obstacles. Alternatively, Chapter 101 may finally bring the manga’s discussion back to Black Frieza, Granolah, and other story remnants of the past arc. This anticipation and surprise finally has Dragon Ball fans excited again.

Dragon Ball Super’s manga has a lot of options for where it decides to go next. Chapter 100’s conclusion features a slightly revised Z-Fighter team that leaves the heroes stronger than ever before. One of the largest complaints against modern Dragon Ball Super stories is that Goku and Vegeta are the only characters capable of saving the day. The “Super Hero Saga’s” conclusion shatters this paradigm with Gohan Beast and Orange Piccolo. However, these new transformations are not the only improvements that the heroes receive. The addition of Gamma 1 and Dr. Hedo is sure to be fruitful with whatever happens next.

Additionally, Pan’s growing strength means that she’s finally in a position to defend herself and aid her family and friends. The same is true for Goten and Trunks, who are coming off heroic stints as Saiyaman X-1 and X-2. Their teen fusion into Gotenks is a failure in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, but the next story arc may showcase what a properly fused teenage Gotenks can do in battle. Chapter 100, “Burst Forth–Light Of Death!,” also reminds audiences that Broly is still very much in the picture and ready to fight. This leaves Dragon Ball’s heroes with more power and versatility than they’ve ever had, which will likely be essential if they do choose to challenge Black Frieza.

There have been no statements regarding how long Dragon Ball Super’s manga is expected to run. The original Dragon Ball manga ran for 194 chapters and Dragon Ball Z concludes at 325. This means that Dragon Ball Super may only be at its half-way point, or perhaps even only a third into its larger narrative. Dragon Ball is a series that can sometimes get bogged down by its predictable routines, so it’s genuinely exciting that 2024 will begin with unprecedented levels of mystery where anything feels possible. It’s debatable whether the manga’s “Super Hero Saga” lasted longer than what’s necessary, but it at least ends 2023 on a high note that will carry into a new year that could become Dragon Ball Super’s strongest.