New Anime Project Addresses Long-Standing Fan Criticisms
The latest installment of Dragon Ball Super: Beerus has sparked fresh discussion among fans and industry observers alike, as it directly addresses one of the most criticized moments in the franchise’s recent history. The second episode of this new anime project, which premiered this week, completely redraws the pivotal battle between Goku and Beerus on the planet of North Kai, correcting what many consider to be a low point in Toei Animation’s 2015 original series run.
From Disaster to Redemption
In 2015, Toei Animation released an episode that depicted Goku’s first confrontation with the God of Destruction Beerus. The episode was met with widespread criticism due to poor animation quality, inconsistent character designs, and rushed fight sequences. Nearly a decade later, the new Dragon Ball Super: Beerus project seeks to make amends by reimagining that same battle with entirely redrawn animation.
The updated version features enhanced visual fidelity across all major transformations, including Super Saiyan, Super Saiyan 2, and Super Saiyan 3. These key moments have been meticulously recreated from scratch, offering smoother motion and greater attention to detail than the original broadcast.
Restored Brutality and Musical Nostalgia
Beyond visual improvements, the remake reintroduces graphic violence that had been toned down in the original airing. During Goku’s Super Saiyan 3 transformation, his immense power causes significant destruction to the Snake Way—an element not present in earlier versions of the story. This addition underscores the raw force of the Saiyan warrior while adding dramatic weight to the scene.
The episode also incorporates musical elements borrowed from past films, notably reusing the soundtrack associated with Goku’s approach to Beerus, originally featured in Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler. This nostalgic touch adds emotional resonance for longtime viewers familiar with the franchise’s rich history.
Persistent Technical Flaws Remain
Despite these enhancements, some minor inconsistencies persist. Two notable errors were identified during the Super Saiyan 2 sequence: at one point, Goku’s hair design briefly reverts to the style associated with Super Saiyan 1, missing the distinctive spikes typical of his higher-level form. Additionally, during the Super Saiyan 3 transformation, Goku’s blue undershirt disappears near his shoulder area—an oversight that fans quickly pointed out online.
A Strategic Move Toward Quality Restoration
This ambitious effort reflects Toei Animation’s desire to restore its reputation following years of criticism over production standards during the initial Dragon Ball Super run. The decision to bring back explicit combat scenes and refine core action sequences aligns with long-standing demands from the global fanbase for more faithful adaptations of Akira Toriyama’s work.
Streaming platforms such as Crunchyroll and Hulu have supported this revival through curated re-releases of classic titles like Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Broly, creating synergy between legacy content and new developments. These efforts signal a broader trend within the anime industry toward revisiting and refining older works to meet modern expectations.
Looking Ahead: Earthbound Confrontations
With the North Kai battle now resolved, the narrative shifts focus to Earth, where Beerus prepares to confront Vegeta. This upcoming arc sets the stage for the highly anticipated debut of the Super Saiyan God transformation—a milestone moment that has been building since the beginning of the series. Fans eagerly await how this revised storyline will unfold under the guidance of improved animation techniques and renewed creative vision.
While small flaws remain, the overall reception suggests that Dragon Ball Super: Beerus may have successfully rewritten its troubled past—and perhaps set a new precedent for future restorations in the world of anime.
Summary: The episode corrects animation issues from 2015’s Episode 5, redraws key fight scenes, restores graphic violence, and includes nods to classic soundtracks—all while setting up Beerus’ journey to Earth.
Source: fayerwayer.com
