Let’s be honest—after a year-long wait for Dragon Ball Super’s next chapter, fans were hungry for answers about Black Frieza, Universe 7’s next big threat. Instead, Chapter 104, “The Birth of Saiyaman X,” takes a nostalgic detour into Goten and Trunks’ teenage antics. While it’s packed with humor and heartwarming nods to Akira Toriyama’s legacy, this slice-of-life prequel feels more like filler than the epic comeback fans hoped for.
A Missed Opportunity for Black Frieza?
Dragon Ball Super manga is at a crossroads after Toriyama’s passing, and Chapter 104 release—a year after Chapter 103—only amplifies the tension. Fans expected forward momentum toward the Black Frieza Saga, but instead, we’re thrown back into the High School Saga. The chapter acts as a “lost” story set between Chapters 87 and 88, focusing on Trunks and Goten’s clumsy journey to becoming superheroes. While it’s charming, the timing feels off. Imagine waiting 12 months for a pizza and getting a side salad instead—tasty, but not what you craved.
Goten & Trunks Steal the Show (Again)
Let’s give credit where it’s due: Goten and Trunks chemistry is the chapter’s saving grace. Their banter, from debating superhero costumes to Trunks’ awkward crush on Mai, feels ripped straight out of a ’90s teen comedy. Think Spider-Man meets Superbad, but with ki blasts. Their dynamic shines brightest in quieter moments, like brainstorming hero names or panicking over secret identities.
But here’s the catch: if you weren’t a fan of the High School Saga’s goofy tone, Chapter 104 won’t win you over. It doubles down on teen hijinks, leaving little room for the high-stakes action Dragon Ball is known for.
A Love Letter to Toriyama (With a Few Typos)
Chapter 104’s heart lies in its tributes to Toriyama. The sudden appearance of the Fly Milk Gang (from Dr. Slump) and statues honoring forgotten heroes like Olibu and Master Mutaito are nostalgic gems. Even Cleangod—a sanitation-themed hero battling literal trash monsters—feels like a playful nod to Toriyama’s love for absurd humor.
The artwork dazzles too. Cleangod golden deck brush and dramatic poses channel classic tokusatsu flair, and the crowded panels burst with energy. But the rushed pacing leaves little room to savor these moments. It’s like flipping through a scrapbook at lightning speed.
Secret Identities? Really?
The chapter’s biggest stumble is its clunky theme: “Why do heroes wear masks?” Cleangod preaches that secret identities protect loved ones—a lesson Trunks somehow hasn’t grasped despite surviving Super Buu and Cell Max. It’s a sweet idea but feels out of place for a kid who’s seen his family die (and come back) multiple times.
Even Goten seems oddly passive here. He’s the one pushing Trunks into heroics, which clashes with their usual teamwork. A little more agency for Trunks could’ve added depth, but instead, the story plays it safe.
Should This Have Been a Bonus Feature?
There’s no denying Chapter 104’s entertainment value. The jokes land, the art pops, and seeing Trunks geek out over Gohan’s Great Saiyaman legacy is adorable. But after a year-long hiatus, releasing this as a standalone prequel feels tone-deaf.
This story would’ve worked better as:
- A theatrical short before Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
- A bonus chapter in Volume 24 to pad out the High School Saga.
- A YouTube mini-episode for casual fans.
Instead, it’s left hardcore supporters wondering, “Was this worth the wait?”
The Verdict: Fun Fluff, But Where’s the Steak?
Dragon Ball Super Chapter 104 is like a sugary snack—it satisfies a craving but leaves you hungry for real substance. While Goten and Trunks’ antics and Toriyama tributes are delightful, the lack of plot progression stings. Here’s hoping the next chapter serves up the Black Frieza showdown fans deserve.
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