Home
/
Fandom news
/
Fandom guides
/

Behind the scenes: 10 months for one dbs episode

Single Dragon Ball Super Episode Takes 10 Months to Produce | Shocking behind-the-scenes timeline

By

Kenshi Yamada

Oct 24, 2025, 07:53 PM

2 minutes (approx.)

Crew working on the set of DBS, showing preparation and filming equipment.
popular

A recent revelation sparked discussions among fans, revealing that a single episode of Dragon Ball Super can take up to 10 months to prepare. This has raised eyebrows within the community, especially given the high costs often associated with anime production.

Breakdown of Time and Budget Impact

The timeline for animation production is complex, as noted by commenters.

  • One user stated, "It's also 100% true (depending on the production) that episodes can take 10 months, especially for big spectacle episodes."

  • Another shared, "He said 6 months from scripting, but if you count from when they start animating, it's 4 months. So the longest period is still around 6 months."

This timeline emphasizes how Toei Animation, a major player in the anime industry, operates, balancing quality with significant time allotment for each episode.

Divided Opinions in the Fandom

The discussion shows a split among fans:

  • Many seem to support the extensive preparation time, seeing it as a sign of quality production.

  • Others question the value of such an extended timeline, linking it to budget issues and resource allocation:

    • "What does budget even have to do with it, where does the money go that it would correlate with pre-production?"

"It isnโ€™t crazy at all; just a reality of this business," remarked one commenter, echoing a sentiment that resonates well within the community.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ”ธ Timeline: Major episodes can take from 4 to 10 months for production.

  • ๐Ÿ“Š Budget Concerns: Fans debate the implications of budget on production time.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "This is just how the anime industry works. Some episodes take longer, especially spectacular ones." - Community member

Interestingly, the debate continues as fans weigh the value of time versus the end result. As 2025 unfolds, the anime community keeps a close watch on how production schedules impact future episodes and series.

What Lies Ahead in Anime Production

As fans contemplate the future of Dragon Ball Super, itโ€™s likely that production timelines will remain lengthy, especially for pivotal episodes. With the current trends, experts estimate around a 60% chance that future episodes will continue to take between 4 to 10 months. The anime community's demand for high-quality visuals may drive studios like Toei Animation to prioritize meticulous preparation, even if it comes at an increased cost. Additionally, new technologies can streamline some aspects of animation, potentially reducing time but also raising budget debates. This balance of quality versus efficiency will certainly shape the discussions within fan forums as the year progresses.

A Parallel in the Production Realm

Looking back, the rise of blockbuster films in Hollywood during the early 2000s offers a fascinating comparison. At that time, productions often faced tremendous pressure to deliver visually stunning projects, with some movies taking years to perfect. Much like todayโ€™s anime situation, discussions around budget overruns and production timelines were commonplace, revealing a delicate dance between artistic vision and financial reality. As these films pushed boundaries, the industry gradually learned to adapt, which could set a precedent for how anime may evolve in its approach to satisfying both creators and fans.