Dragon Ball Super episode 96 recap and review: “Universal Survival Saga: The Time Has Come! To the World of Void, Where the Universes’ Fates Will Be Decided”

In the latest episode of Dragon Ball Super, all the competitors arrive at the World of Void where the Tournament of Power will be set.

The “Universal Survival Saga” for Dragon Ball Super focuses on the Tournament of Power. The tournament involves eight out of the twelve existing universes. Ten of the strongest in each universe will fight in a “Battle Royale” style match. The losing universes will be eliminated by the Omni-Kings.

In the previous episode of Dragon Ball Super, Frieza and Goku were confronted by Universe 9’s assassins. After dealing with them easily, Frieza focused on Goku. He trapped Goku inside the Energy of Destruction and tried to join Universe 9 instead. This didn’t pan out for Frieza since Beerus interrupted him.

WARNING: Spoilers for the Episode Ahead

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The episode begins with the Gods of Destruction arriving in the World of Void. The Great Priest assures everyone that the stage would be able to manage the competitors, even allowing three of the gods to fight on the stage. They compete in an epic fight, displaying great power and speed. At the end of the fight, the stage was damaged and the Grand Priest ordered the gods to repair it.

We transition to Universe 7. Frieza and Vegeta trade verbal jabs at each other. Frieza’s sarcastic ways agitate Vegeta, to the point where Goku has to calm him down. He reiterates that there was no choice but to recruit Frieza (with Yamcha eavesdropping). After this, Whis teleports the team to the World of Void (while holding hands which agitated Vegeta and Beerus).

When they reach the Void, the team is amazed at the drop from the stage. Whis tells the team that due to the rules, they are physically incapable of flying. Goku tries, but fails. This would make the fight as natural as possible.

The other competitors arrive at the Void. Cabba approaches Universe 7’s team and introduces Caulifla and Kale. Goku also approaches Toppo and the other Pride Troopers from Universe 11, stating they should finish what they started.

Toppo rejects this proposal and wants to wait until the tournament begins. Jiren tells Goku to get lost. Goku is impressed with Jiren’s energy and how he manages to move so quickly. Meanwhile, Frieza and Frost are discussing a strategy. Frieza believes both are similar and should work together in the tournament since both have the same agenda. Frost agrees.

The episode ends with all participating universes being introduced. We catch glimpses of all competitors involved in the tournament. With the introductions done, all that remains is for the tournament to begin.

Next: Dragon Ball Super episode 97 synopsis

Thoughts on the Episode

Overall, this was a great episode. The episode continues to build anticipation for the epic tournament. The highlight was finally seeing Jiren and his abilities. It appears he may be the strongest warrior in the tournament. With Frost and Frieza scheming, we can expect many twists and turns.