Why Dragon Ball GT Is Not Canon: The Ultimate Fan Debate

12 May, 2025

Dragon Ball GT has always been a controversial topic among fans, and the debate about whether it's canon or not continues to rage on. For years, people have argued back and forth about its place in the Dragon Ball universe. Some love it, some hate it, but one thing's for sure: it's definitely not considered part of the official storyline. In this article, we'll dive deep into why Dragon Ball GT is not canon and explore the reasons behind it.

Picture this: you're hanging out with your friends, talking about Dragon Ball, and someone brings up GT. The room suddenly splits into two camps – those who think it's awesome and those who roll their eyes. Why does this happen? Well, the answer lies in the fact that GT wasn't created by Akira Toriyama, the mastermind behind the original Dragon Ball series. Instead, it was developed by Toei Animation, and that alone raises a lot of questions about its legitimacy.

Now, before we get into the nitty-gritty details, let's address the elephant in the room. If you're a hardcore Dragon Ball fan, you probably already know that GT is widely regarded as non-canon. But why is that? What makes it different from the other series? And most importantly, does it really matter? Stick around, because we're about to break it all down for you.

What Does Canon Mean in Dragon Ball?

Before we dive into why Dragon Ball GT isn't canon, let's first talk about what "canon" actually means. In the world of Dragon Ball, canon refers to the official storyline created by Akira Toriyama. It includes Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball Super, along with some of the movies that align with the main plot. These are the stories that Toriyama himself either wrote or approved, making them the "real" version of events in the Dragon Ball universe.

On the flip side, non-canon stories are those that were created without Toriyama's direct involvement. These include things like filler episodes in the anime, certain movies, and of course, Dragon Ball GT. While they might be fun to watch, they don't count as part of the official storyline. It's kind of like fan fiction – interesting, but not officially part of the universe.

Why Dragon Ball GT is Not Canon

Alright, let's get to the heart of the matter. Here are the main reasons why Dragon Ball GT is not considered canon:

Toriyama Didn't Create It

One of the biggest reasons GT isn't canon is because Akira Toriyama didn't create it. After wrapping up Dragon Ball Z, Toriyama wanted to take a break from the series and focus on other projects. So, Toei Animation decided to continue the story on their own, without his involvement. This means that GT wasn't part of Toriyama's original vision for the Dragon Ball universe.

No Approval from Toriyama

Not only did Toriyama not create GT, but he also didn't approve of it. In interviews, he's mentioned that he wasn't even consulted about the series. This lack of approval is a major red flag when it comes to determining whether something is canon or not. If the creator of the universe didn't give the thumbs up, it's hard to consider it official.

Contradictions with Other Series

Another issue with GT is that it contradicts elements from other parts of the Dragon Ball universe. For example, the way certain characters behave or the events that take place don't align with what we see in Dragon Ball Z or Dragon Ball Super. These inconsistencies make it difficult to integrate GT into the official storyline.

The Creation of Dragon Ball GT

Now that we've established why GT isn't canon, let's take a closer look at how it came to be. After the conclusion of Dragon Ball Z, Toei Animation wanted to keep the momentum going and decided to create a new series. They pitched the idea to Toriyama, but he declined to be involved, leaving them to develop the story on their own.

As a result, GT was created as a direct sequel to Dragon Ball Z, picking up where the final episode left off. It introduced new characters, storylines, and even brought back some familiar faces. While it was well-received by some fans, others were less than thrilled with the direction the series took.

Key Differences Between GT and Other Series

There are several key differences between Dragon Ball GT and the other series that contribute to its non-canon status:

Art Style: The art style in GT is noticeably different from the original Dragon Ball series. Characters look more cartoonish, and the overall aesthetic feels less serious.
Storyline: The plot of GT is much more lighthearted and focuses on adventure rather than epic battles. This shift in tone makes it stand out from the other series.
Characters: Some characters in GT behave differently than they do in other parts of the series. For example, Goku's transformation into a kid might not sit well with everyone.

What About the Movies?

While we're on the topic of non-canon content, let's talk about the Dragon Ball movies. Some of them are considered canon, while others are not. The ones that align with the main storyline, like "Resurrection F" and "Broly," are generally accepted as part of the official universe. However, others, like the movies that came out during the GT era, are not.

This inconsistency can be confusing for fans, but it all comes down to whether or not Toriyama was involved in their creation. If he was, there's a good chance they're canon. If not, they're probably not.

Fan Reactions to Dragon Ball GT

Love it or hate it, Dragon Ball GT has sparked some pretty strong reactions from fans over the years. Some people see it as a fun, lighthearted continuation of the series, while others view it as a betrayal of Toriyama's original vision. Regardless of where you stand, there's no denying that GT has left a lasting impact on the Dragon Ball community.

Why Some Fans Love GT

For fans who enjoy GT, the series offers a fresh take on the Dragon Ball universe. It introduces new characters, like Pan and Trunks, and explores new worlds and challenges. Plus, the more lighthearted tone is a nice change of pace from the intense battles in Dragon Ball Z.

Why Some Fans Hate GT

On the other hand, some fans feel that GT doesn't live up to the standards set by Dragon Ball Z. They argue that the lack of Toriyama's involvement makes it feel less authentic, and the changes to beloved characters, like Goku's transformation into a kid, can be jarring.

Does Canon Even Matter?

At the end of the day, does it really matter whether Dragon Ball GT is canon or not? For some fans, the answer is a resounding yes. They want to stick to the official storyline and disregard anything that doesn't fit into it. For others, though, the idea of canon is less important. They believe that as long as a story is entertaining and stays true to the spirit of Dragon Ball, it's worth watching.

Ultimately, it's up to each individual fan to decide how they feel about GT and its place in the Dragon Ball universe. Whether you love it, hate it, or fall somewhere in between, there's no denying that it's sparked some pretty interesting discussions over the years.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dragon Ball GT is not canon because it wasn't created or approved by Akira Toriyama. While it may not be part of the official storyline, it still holds a special place in the hearts of many fans. Whether you view it as a fun side story or a deviation from the main plot, there's no denying its impact on the Dragon Ball community.

So, what do you think? Are you Team GT or Team Canon? Let us know in the comments below, and don't forget to share this article with your fellow Dragon Ball fans. And if you're looking for more insights into the world of Dragon Ball, be sure to check out our other articles on the site.

What Does Canon Mean in Dragon Ball?
Why Dragon Ball GT is Not Canon
The Creation of Dragon Ball GT
Key Differences Between GT and Other Series
What About the Movies?
Fan Reactions to Dragon Ball GT
- Why Some Fans Love GT
- Why Some Fans Hate GT
Does Canon Even Matter?
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