New 'Dragon Ball' TV series to premiere in Japan in July after 18 years

The iconic characters from the Dragon Ball saga will return for the "Dragon Ball Super" TV series beginning July in Japan.Facebook

It has been almost two decades since Akira Toriyama's widely popular "Dragon Ball" manga was adapted into an animated TV series, but a new "Dragon Ball" series is now slated to premiere in Japan sometime in July.

Toei Animation announced Tuesday that the production for "Dragon Ball Super," which happens to be the first TV animation adaptation from the "Dragon Ball" franchise in 18 years, has already begun.  It will reportedly reunite Goku, Gohan, Piccolo, Vegeta, and other iconic characters after Goku defeated the evil Majin Buu. Based on the press release spotted by Geeks of Doom, the new series will follow the events that happened after Majin Buu was defeated, and Goku has to maintain the already fragile peace on Earth. 

The press release for the upcoming "Dragon Ball" TV series also mentioned that Toriyama himself will be the one to spearhead the project, and it will be co-produced by Fuji Television from Japan.

Fuji Television producer Osamu Nozaki expressed his excitement for the upcoming project, saying: "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."

Meanwhile, Masako Nozawa, the Japanese voice actress who lent her voice for some of the main characters of the series including Son Goku, Son Gohan, and Son Goten, explained where the title of the new series came from.

"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," she said. "I hope that this series will last a long time and have the same impact around the world as its predecessor." 

However, there is no information provided yet about the new "Dragon Ball" series' release date in the U.S. and other countries.