Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is a rejuvenating addition to the feature-length Dragon Ball canon. Abandoning Goku as the main character was wise and made way for a well-deserved Piccolo (Christopher Sabat) arc. With the Namekian at the forefront and plenty of new characters, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero feels like a condensed arc of the show — one that is void of filler. The 3D animation tends to come with the territory of releasing anime adaptations as theatrical releases, but the story is thankfully compelling enough to outweigh the glossy look. The levity ushered in with Dragon Ball Super was initially jarring to viewers of Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z, and while the show is sometimes one joke past funny, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero knows when to pull back the comedy and make room for drama and action. By the end of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, fans will feel both nostalgia and elation for the direction the franchise is going.

When an off-shoot of the Red Ribbon Army frees a young genius, the two parties strike a deal. The brilliant Dr. Hedo (Zach Aguilar) will help rebuild Cell in exchange for unlimited funding for his own projects from the villainous Magenta (Charles Martinet). As the descendant of Dr. Gerro, Dr. Hedo is particularly well suited for the task at hand, and is also willing to overlook certain ethics in order to justify his role as the “good guy.” Piccolo investigates the kidnapping of Pan by the Red Ribbon Army and discovers Dr. Hedo’s Gamma 1 and Gamma 2 Super Hero Androids. Both prove to be formidable enough opponents to warrant a clash with the Z fighters. With all hope lost, Magenta unleashes an unfinished Cell Max and a rematch with Gohan will decide the fate of the world.

Related: Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero Ending Explained (In Detail)

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Perhaps the number one thing going for Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is the main character being Piccolo. With him as an audience conduit, fans are treated to a story not completely devoted to Super Saiyan mythology. Star Wars is to Jedi what Dragon Ball Z is to Super Saiyan, and at this point in the show, it is typically more interesting to stray from the franchise stalwart. Long-time Piccolo American dub actor Christopher Sabat (Black Clover) is especially doing some of his finest work in a new story new with familiar notes. His interplay with Pan throughout the film sets up a truly heartwarming finish.

The theatrical releases of anime come with one caveat: How shiny are they going to make this old toy? The charm found on television is usually lost in movie adaptions, and the resulting product is often less than great. One thing fans could agree on when Dragon Ball Super first premiered on TV was that the animation did not stray too far from Dragon Ball Z. Obviously, the show was going to make certain upgrades since so much time had passed but the new style itself did not warrant frustration. This is surprising on some level considering the popular anime that came out in between the two shows. In the wake of animes like Attack on Titan and My Hero Academia, there is now room for a middle ground. Blending highly detailed animation with massive set pieces done entirely in 3D, anime has come a long way in a short period of time. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is none of the above. Many of the most 3D-heavy scenes are just two characters talking to each other. Similarly, the 3D rendered doesn’t match much contemporary anime, but the collective style of the Dragon Ball Z video games. Thankfully, the story is strong, and the intellectual property is trustworthy enough that it is not distracting for very long.

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Another new hallmark of the Dragon Ball Super universe is a huge uptick in comedy. While the show is funny, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is, at times, hilarious. And not just with verbal cues. Piccolo looks directly into the camera after delivering a Deadpool-like zinger, and Magenta’s bodyguard literally turns up the score with the dial on his car radio as the conversation gets more intense. But fans shouldn't worry as there is also a classic failed fusion attempt, and some seriously questionable wishes granted by the Dragon Balls. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero elevated what was already an upward trajectory in terms of comedy, and all praise to Shenron because they did it without a single “joke” about how much Goku loves to eat.

The story and pacing of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is the true champion. Coming in at just over an hour and a half, the feature does not waste time on filler or catching up the audience. The movie opens with all the information anyone interested in the series would need to get up to date. And well-worn tropes, like Gohan’s inability to commit to being the strongest Z fighter, are dissected but not unwelcome. The third act is particularly strong as viewers learn more about Dr. Hedo, Gamma 1, and Gamma 2, prompting a very believable resolution. The Rocketeer-inspired character designs of the Gammas are awesome and sure to be seen at the next comic con.

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is just what fans are looking for. Though choppy 3D animation might throw one for a loop, anyone who enjoyed the Cell saga will find something to love in this story. What the film does best is not alienate fans who have not seen Dragon Ball Super whilse serving those who do. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is funny, heartfelt, and action-packed.

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero released in theaters August 19. The film is 100 minutes long and is rated PG-13 for some action/violence and smoking.