Toei Animation has started production on the first new "Dragon Ball" television series in 18 years, "Dragon Ball Super."

Set after the events in the recent movie Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’, "Dragon Ball Super" (Japanese title; tentative for English release) will debut in Japan in July.

Reuniting the franchise’s iconic characters, "Dragon Ball Super" will follow the aftermath of Goku’s fierce battle with Majin Buu, as he attempts to maintain earth’s fragile peace. Overseen by "Dragon Ball’s" original creator, Akira Toriyama, and produced in partnership with Fuji Television, "Dragon Ball Super" will draw on the brand's history while creating a new universe for the franchise.

First introduced as a manga in Weekly Shonen Jump (published by Shueisha) in 1984, Dragon Ball has evolved into a global brand with a TV series that has been seen in more than 70 countries and more than 230 million comic books sold.

“When I joined Toei Animation, one of my first assignments saw me working on the production of 'Dragon Ball Z,'” says Atsushi Kido, producer, Toei Animation. “While there for only a short period of time, being a part of the series left a lasting impression. We look forward to carrying on 'Dragon Ball’s' tremendous legacy, bringing audiences a brand new 'Dragon Ball' with the same sense of heart and commitment that went into past 'Dragon Ball' productions.”