When diving into the world of Dragon Ball, it's easy to get lost in the sheer amount of content out there. From the original manga and Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, to the more recent Dragon Ball Super and the spin-off series Super Dragon Ball Heroes, there’s always something new to watch, read, or debate about. One question that often pops up among fans is, "Is Dragon Ball Heroes canon to Dragon Ball GT?" To really understand this, we need to break down what canon means and how these different series fit (or don't fit) together.

Understanding Canon in Dragon Ball

First off, let's define what we mean by "canon." In the context of Dragon Ball, canon typically refers to the storylines and events that are officially recognized as part of the main, continuous narrative. This is usually determined by the original creator, Akira Toriyama, or the core production team behind the main Dragon Ball series. So, anything considered canon is something that "officially happened" within the primary Dragon Ball timeline. Now that Dragon Ball Super exists with Toriyama heavily involved, it takes place after the defeat of Majin Buu and before the events of Dragon Ball GT. This placement immediately throws a wrench into GT's canonicity, since Super directly contradicts plot points and character power levels established in GT. Dragon Ball GT, while a sequel to Dragon Ball Z, wasn't directly written or overseen by Akira Toriyama in the same way as the original Dragon Ball manga or Dragon Ball Super. Because of this, Dragon Ball GT is often considered a side-story or an alternate timeline by many fans. This distinction is important because it sets the stage for how we view Dragon Ball Heroes.

Dragon Ball Heroes: A Different Kind of Series

Super Dragon Ball Heroes is quite different from the main Dragon Ball series and even Dragon Ball GT. It started as a Japanese arcade game and has since expanded into a promotional anime series and manga. The main purpose of Dragon Ball Heroes is to showcase exciting, over-the-top battles and fan-service scenarios that wouldn't necessarily fit into the main Dragon Ball storyline. Dragon Ball Heroes is known for its wild storylines, featuring characters from different timelines and universes, crazy transformations, and powerful villains that often defy the established power scaling of the main series. You'll see things like Super Saiyan 4 Goku fighting Super Saiyan Blue Goku, characters achieving new and powerful forms seemingly out of nowhere, and villains with unbelievable abilities. This is all part of the fun of Dragon Ball Heroes – it's meant to be a non-stop, hype-filled ride that doesn't take itself too seriously.

So, Is Dragon Ball Heroes Canon to GT?

Given all of this, the short answer is no, Dragon Ball Heroes is not canon to Dragon Ball GT, and it’s not really canon to the main Dragon Ball series either. Here’s why:

1. Non-Canon Nature of GT: Since Dragon Ball GT is already considered by many as a non-canon sequel, Dragon Ball Heroes doesn't need to adhere to its storyline. Dragon Ball Heroes exists in its own separate continuity, free from the constraints of the main Dragon Ball timeline and GT.
2. Inconsistencies and Power Scaling: Dragon Ball Heroes frequently introduces new characters, transformations, and power levels that contradict both the main Dragon Ball series and Dragon Ball GT. For example, characters like Super Saiyan God Trunks or the Dark King Mechikabura simply don't fit into the established power dynamics of either series.
3. Promotional Nature: The primary goal of Dragon Ball Heroes is to promote the arcade game and related merchandise. The storylines are designed to be exciting and engaging, but not necessarily to fit neatly into the established Dragon Ball lore. It's more about creating cool and hype moments than maintaining a cohesive narrative.

The Relationship Between Dragon Ball Heroes and Other Series

To better understand where Dragon Ball Heroes stands, it's helpful to see how it relates to other Dragon Ball series:

• Dragon Ball Super: Dragon Ball Heroes often borrows characters and transformations from Dragon Ball Super, but it doesn't follow the same continuity. You might see Super Saiyan Blue Goku and Vegeta in Dragon Ball Heroes, but their stories and power levels are often different from what we see in Dragon Ball Super.
• Dragon Ball GT: While Dragon Ball Heroes includes characters and transformations from Dragon Ball GT, such as Super Saiyan 4 Goku and Vegeta, it doesn't respect the events or power scaling of Dragon Ball GT. Dragon Ball Heroes treats Dragon Ball GT as just another source of characters and ideas to play with.
• Dragon Ball Manga and Anime: Dragon Ball Heroes takes elements from the original Dragon Ball manga and anime, but it remixes them in new and unexpected ways. It's a celebration of all things Dragon Ball, but not necessarily a continuation of any specific storyline.

Why Canon Matters (and Why It Doesn't)

For some fans, the idea of canon is very important. They want to know that the stories they're following are "official" and that the events have real consequences within the Dragon Ball universe. However, for other fans, canon is less of a concern. They're more interested in seeing cool battles, new transformations, and exciting storylines, regardless of whether they fit into the established timeline. Dragon Ball Heroes caters to this second group of fans. It's a series that embraces the wild and imaginative possibilities of the Dragon Ball universe, without being bound by the rules of canon. It's a playground where anything can happen, and that's part of its appeal. Dragon Ball Heroes knows what it is and never pretends to be part of the main Dragon Ball timeline, which gives it the freedom to go in crazy directions that the main series wouldn't.

The Final Verdict

In conclusion, Dragon Ball Heroes is definitely not canon to Dragon Ball GT, nor is it canon to the main Dragon Ball series. It's a spin-off series that exists in its own separate continuity, designed to be a fun and over-the-top celebration of all things Dragon Ball. So, if you're looking for a series that follows the established rules and storylines of the main Dragon Ball universe, Dragon Ball Heroes might not be for you. But if you're looking for a series that's full of crazy battles, unexpected transformations, and wild storylines, then Dragon Ball Heroes might be just what you're looking for. Just remember to take it with a grain of salt and enjoy the ride!

Diving Deeper into Dragon Ball Heroes: The Story and Characters

Let's delve a bit deeper into what makes Dragon Ball Heroes such a unique and, at times, baffling addition to the Dragon Ball franchise. It's not just the question of is Dragon Ball Heroes canon to GT that intrigues fans; it's the whole concept and execution of the series.

The Story: A Multiverse of Mayhem

The storyline of Dragon Ball Heroes is, to put it mildly, complex. It involves multiple timelines, alternate universes, and a plethora of characters, both old and new. The main premise often revolves around the Time Patrol, a group of warriors dedicated to protecting the Dragon Ball timeline from various threats. These threats range from rogue time travelers to powerful demons seeking to disrupt the balance of the universe. One of the central figures in Dragon Ball Heroes is Chronoa, the Supreme Kai of Time. She oversees the Time Patrol and guides them in their missions to correct temporal anomalies. The Time Patrol often includes familiar faces like Goku, Vegeta, Trunks, and Gohan, but also introduces new characters like Xeno Goku and Xeno Vegeta, who are alternate versions of Goku and Vegeta from different timelines. These Xeno versions of the characters have often achieved new transformations and abilities that are exclusive to Dragon Ball Heroes.

Key Story Arcs

• Dark Demon Realm Saga: This arc introduces the Dark Demon Realm, a parallel dimension ruled by powerful demons. The Dark Demon Realm Saga features villains like Dabura and Towa, who seek to conquer the Dragon Ball universe. The Time Patrol must team up with warriors from different timelines to stop them.
• Prison Planet Saga: This arc takes place on a mysterious prison planet where powerful warriors from across time and space are forced to battle each other. The Prison Planet Saga introduces characters like Cumber, an evil Saiyan from the past, and Fu, a mysterious scientist with his own agenda. This saga is particularly known for its intense battles and unexpected alliances.
• Universal Conflict Saga: This arc involves a tournament between different universes, similar to the Tournament of Power in Dragon Ball Super. However, the Universal Conflict Saga introduces new gods and powerful warriors who pose a threat to the entire multiverse. The Time Patrol must once again step in to protect the balance of the universes.
• The Space-Time War Saga: The most recent arc as of my last update, it continues the trend of escalating stakes and introduces even more powerful adversaries, further cementing Dragon Ball Heroes' reputation for over-the-top action and power levels.

Characters: Familiar Faces and Newcomers

One of the biggest draws of Dragon Ball Heroes is its extensive roster of characters. In addition to the familiar faces from the main Dragon Ball series, Dragon Ball Heroes introduces a variety of new and unique characters. Here are a few notable examples:

• Xeno Goku and Xeno Vegeta: These are alternate versions of Goku and Vegeta who have joined the Time Patrol. They have access to unique transformations and abilities, such as Super Saiyan 4 and Super Saiyan God.
• Chronoa: The Supreme Kai of Time, she oversees the Time Patrol and guides them in their missions.
• Fu: A mysterious scientist with his own agenda, he often manipulates events behind the scenes. He's a major antagonist in several story arcs.
• Cumber: An evil Saiyan from the past, he is known for his immense power and destructive abilities.
• Hearts: A powerful warrior with the ability to manipulate gravity, he seeks to overthrow the gods and create a new world order.

These characters, along with many others, contribute to the chaotic and unpredictable nature of Dragon Ball Heroes. They often engage in battles that defy the established power scaling of the main Dragon Ball series, leading to some truly epic and over-the-top moments.

Dragon Ball Heroes: Fan Service at Its Finest

Ultimately, Dragon Ball Heroes is a series that is designed to appeal to Dragon Ball fans who enjoy seeing their favorite characters in new and exciting situations. It's a celebration of the Dragon Ball franchise, with a focus on delivering non-stop action and fan service. While it may not be canon to the main Dragon Ball series or Dragon Ball GT, it offers a unique and entertaining experience for fans who are willing to embrace its over-the-top nature.

The Impact of Dragon Ball Super on the Canon Debate

To really nail down the answer to the question of “Is Dragon Ball Heroes canon to GT?”, it’s essential to consider the impact of Dragon Ball Super. The arrival of Dragon Ball Super significantly altered the landscape of the Dragon Ball universe, particularly in relation to the canonicity of Dragon Ball GT.

Dragon Ball Super: A New Era

Dragon Ball Super, which began airing in 2015, is a direct sequel to Dragon Ball Z, set after the defeat of Majin Buu. Akira Toriyama was heavily involved in the creation of Dragon Ball Super, both in terms of the story and character designs. This level of involvement immediately gave Dragon Ball Super a higher level of canonicity compared to Dragon Ball GT. Dragon Ball Super introduces new characters, transformations, and universes, expanding the Dragon Ball universe in ways that Dragon Ball GT never did. It also retcons certain aspects of the Dragon Ball timeline, effectively overwriting some of the events and character developments that occurred in Dragon Ball GT.

Contradictions and Retcons

One of the main reasons why Dragon Ball GT is often considered non-canon is because it contradicts several key elements of Dragon Ball Super. Here are a few examples:

• Super Saiyan God and Super Saiyan Blue: Dragon Ball Super introduces the transformations of Super Saiyan God and Super Saiyan Blue, which are far more powerful than Super Saiyan 4 from Dragon Ball GT. The existence of these new transformations makes Super Saiyan 4 seem relatively weak in comparison, undermining its significance.
• Gods of Destruction and Angels: Dragon Ball Super introduces the concept of Gods of Destruction and Angels, who are among the most powerful beings in the multiverse. These characters were never mentioned or hinted at in Dragon Ball GT, which suggests that Dragon Ball GT takes place in a different continuity.
• The Power Scaling: The power scaling in Dragon Ball Super is significantly different from that of Dragon Ball GT. Characters in Dragon Ball Super achieve power levels that are far beyond anything seen in Dragon Ball GT, making it difficult to reconcile the two series.

The Official Stance

The official stance of the Dragon Ball franchise is somewhat ambiguous when it comes to the canonicity of Dragon Ball GT. While Dragon Ball Super is considered the official continuation of Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT is often treated as a side-story or an alternate timeline. Akira Toriyama himself has made comments that suggest he doesn't consider Dragon Ball GT to be part of the main Dragon Ball storyline. This lack of official endorsement further solidifies the non-canon status of Dragon Ball GT. Given this context, Dragon Ball Heroes, which already exists outside the main canon, has even less reason to adhere to the events or characters of Dragon Ball GT.

Final Thoughts on Canon

So, circling back to our original question: Is Dragon Ball Heroes canon to GT? The answer remains a firm no. Dragon Ball Heroes is a wild, fan-service-driven series that plays fast and loose with the established Dragon Ball lore. It’s a celebration of everything Dragon Ball, but it's not meant to be taken as a serious continuation of any particular storyline. Whether you’re a stickler for canon or someone who just enjoys seeing cool battles and transformations, Dragon Ball Heroes offers something for everyone. Just remember to keep your expectations in check and enjoy the ride!