New Dragon Ball TV series to launch in Japan this July

You could argue that Dragon Ball has never ceased to be a hot property both inside of Japan and out, but recent years have seen a resurgence in interest in the franchise thanks to a pair of recent films written by series creator Akira Toriyama himself - Battle of Gods (available in the UK from Manga Entertainment), followed by this year's Resurrection F.

Looking to capitalise on that renewed vigor towards the franchise, Toei Animation have today announced that they will be launching an all-new Dragon Ball TV series this summer. Thus, Dragon Ball Super will begin airing in Japan this July, featuring an original story from Akira Toriyama himself.

Unlike the recent (and decidedly less successful) Sailor Moon Crystal, Dragon Ball Super will head straight to Japanese television, and will broadcast weekly every Sunday morning at 9AM on Fuji TV.

Directing the series will be Chioka Kimitoshi, who has previously served as episode director on Precure, Digimon and Saint Seiya series for the studio.

Here's the full press release for your perusal:

TOKYO (April 28, 2015) – Toei Animation has announced production on Dragon Ball Super (Japanese title; tentative for English release), the first all-new Dragon Ball television series to be released in 18 years. Following the recent events of the hit feature film, Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’, Dragon Ball Super will debut in Japan in July 2015.

Reuniting the franchise’s iconic characters, Dragon Ball Super will follow the aftermath of Goku’s fierce battle with Majin Buu, as he attempts to maintain earth’s fragile peace. Overseen by Dragon Ball’s original creator, Akira Toriyama and produced with Fuji Television, Dragon Ball Super will draw on its historic past to create a bold, new universe welcoming to fans and endearing to new viewers.

Introduced as a manga in Weekly Shonen Jump (published from SHUEISHA Inc.) in 1984, Dragon Ball has evolved into a globally beloved brand. Seen in more than 70 countries, with over 230 million copies of its comic books sold, Dragon Ball remains one of the most popular anime series of all time.

“Having loved Dragon Ball since childhood, it is very exciting to be a part of this project,” said Osamu Nozaki, producer for Fuji Television. “Mr. Toriyama has developed a plot that’s not only a dream come true for Dragon Ball’s millions of fans, but one that will foster in a new generation of viewers.”

“When I joined Toei Animation, one of my first assignments saw me working on the production of Dragon Ball Z,” said Atsushi Kido, producer for Toei Animation. “While there for only a short period of time, being a part of the series left a lasting impression. We look forward to carrying on Dragon Ball’s tremendous legacy, bringing audiences a brand new Dragon Ball with the same sense of heart and commitment that went into past Dragon Ball productions.”

“I’ve used the word ‘cho’ (super) in so many commercials, games and other media, it is fantastic that the long awaited Dragon Ball Super will finally begin,” said Masako Nozawa, Japanese voice actress of Dragon Ball’s Son Goku, Son Gohan and Son Goten. “I hope that this series will last a long time and have the same impact around the world as its predecessor.”

Needless to say, we'll be keeping a keen eye on the series, and of course whether it'll receive some kind of UK streaming release alongside its Japanese broadcast.

Are you excited at the prospect of a new Dragon Ball TV show? Let us know in the comments!