Dragon Ball Z fans aren’t happy over “lazy” reference in Superman TV show

Supergirl in My Adventures with SupermanWarner Bros

My Adventures with Superman just included a rather overt Dragon Ball Z reference, and while some love the crossover, others believe it’s a bit too much.

Supergirl debuted in the last episode of My Adventures with Superman, and as you’d expect, Superman’s cousin made a bit of a scene. Viewers were quick to notice this iteration’s costume, though, because it borrows liberally from one of the best anime ever, Dragon Ball Z.

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Supergirl is wearing what looks like a direct homage to Android 18, from the waistcoat to her jeans, and she even has a relatively short haircut. It suits her, honestly, but fans have polarizing views.

“That’s no inspiration that’s just copying,” wrote one user on X/Twitter. “I honestly find it lazy,” another commented.

That sentiment is echoed in a number of responses, who think that calling such a nod “inspired” is disingenuous due to how 1:1 it is. “This less a reference and more of a rip off,” another account added.

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Some see it as a celebration of My Adventures with Superman’s influences. “This show is somewhat based or inspired by anime so it kind of fits,” another post reads.

A few acknowledge there’s actually a deeper connection here. Since Goku basically uses Superman’s origin story — the supposed last survivor of an alien race lands on Earth, grows up to defend mankind —this use of an iconic Dragon Ball look furthers that conversation between the franchises.

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“I mean it’s only fair since DBZ copied Superman’s Origin story. Hell, the first season of Superman and Lois is a crafty retelling of the Saiyan Saga,” a users adds.

You can see how you feel by watching My Adventures with Superman on Max. Check out our guides to Tower of God Season 2, Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest, Dandadan, and Sakamoto Days for what’s happening in that sphere.