Dragon Ball Super's Power Scaling Problem: A Franchise in Crisis

Dragon Ball Super's Controversial Impact on the Franchise

The average power level of a character in Dragon Ball Super is a whopping 1.5 billion. For context, the average power level of a character in Dragon Ball Z was around 100,000. This staggering increase in power scaling is a major contributor to the series' controversy. In fact, if we were to translate the power levels of Dragon Ball Super to Dragon Ball Z, Goku's final attack in the former would be equivalent to destroying the universe 30 times over – a feat previously reserved for the Big Bad, Baby Vegeta.

To put this in perspective, the power scaling in Dragon Ball Super is so extreme that the once-great villain, Frieza, looks like a mere mortal in comparison to the likes of Jiren and Toppo. Frieza's final attack in Dragon Ball Z, the Death Beam, has a power level of approximately 1.5 million. Meanwhile, Jiren's attack in Dragon Ball Super, the Full Power Ultra Instinct, has a power level of 1.5 billion, making him roughly 1,000 times stronger than Frieza in his prime.

The power scaling is so skewed that it's difficult to take the story seriously. The once-tenacious and proud hero, Goku, now has to rely on plot armor and convenient plot devices to save the day. In contrast, the villain, Hit, is so incredibly powerful that he can defeat even the strongest opponents with a single, underwhelming attack – a far cry from the epic battles we saw in Dragon Ball Z.

The Power Scaling Problem

Dragon Ball Super's power scaling is not just inconsistent; it's also unfair to some characters. The series has a tendency to "nerf" certain characters, making them weaker than they were in the original series. For instance, Vegeta's power level in Dragon Ball Super is a far cry from his former glory in Dragon Ball Z. In Dragon Ball Z, Vegeta was able to hold his own against Goku in the epic Battle of the Gods. In Dragon Ball Super, however, he's relegated to being a mere spectator, unable to even land a hit on Jiren.

The power scaling problem extends beyond the characters to the entire story. The series' reliance on convenient plot devices, such as the God of Destruction's arbitrary rules and the mysterious " Ultra Instinct" ability, makes it difficult to take the story seriously. These plot devices are often used to gloss over plot holes and inconsistencies, rather than addressing them head-on.

The Handling of Characters

The handling of certain characters' storylines in Dragon Ball Super has been seen as a departure from the original series. Characters like Trunks and Gotenks, who were once fan favorites, are relegated to the sidelines in Dragon Ball Super. The series focuses instead on newer, flashier characters like Jiren and Toppo. This is not to say that these new characters are without their own merits, but their introduction comes at the expense of the original cast.

Furthermore, the series' handling of character development is often inconsistent. Some characters, like Goku and Vegeta, undergo significant development, while others, like Trunks and Gotenks, are left stagnant. This creates a sense of unevenness in the story, making it difficult to become invested in the characters' journeys.

The Conclusion

Dragon Ball Super's conclusion has been met with mixed reactions from fans. Some feel that it was a satisfying conclusion to the series, while others feel that it didn't live up to their expectations. However, from a critical standpoint, the conclusion feels like a hastily assembled mess of plot devices and convenient plot twists. The series' final battle is a jumbled mess of confusing rules and arbitrary power-ups, making it difficult to take seriously.

What Most People Get Wrong

Many fans will argue that Dragon Ball Super is a "cash-grab" or a "money-making scheme" designed to milk the franchise for all it's worth. However, this criticism misses the point. The real problem with Dragon Ball Super is not its commercial motivations, but rather its creative choices. The series' inconsistent power scaling, uneven character development, and reliance on convenient plot devices all contribute to its lack of authenticity.

The Real Problem

The real problem with Dragon Ball Super is that it fails to capture the essence of the original series. The series' focus on flashy powers and convenient plot devices comes at the expense of the characters, the story, and the world-building. In contrast, Dragon Ball Z was a masterclass in storytelling, character development, and world-building. The series' creators, Toriyama and Fujioka, took the time to craft a narrative that was both epic and intimate, with characters that were relatable and memorable.

What to Do Instead

If you're looking for a more authentic Dragon Ball experience, I recommend going back to the original series, Dragon Ball Z. The series may be dated, but its storytelling, character development, and world-building are unparalleled. Alternatively, you could try watching Dragon Ball Heroes or the various spin-off series, which offer a more faithful adaptation of the original story.