Dragon Ball Super: Beerus Episode 2 Review: Goku vs. Beerus Gets a Stunning Visual Upgrade

Dragon Ball Super: Beerus Episode 2 takes on one of the most memorable fights from the original Dragon Ball Super, and the difference is remarkable. Compared to the 2015 anime, the remake offers better animation, faster pace, and several changes that make this battle exciting to watch once again.

What I like most is that the improvements go beyond the visuals. Goku feels more composed, Beerus is far more entertaining to watch, and the battle itself looks really epic. After watching this new version, I can safely say that the remaster is doing much more than simply polishing old footage.

Goku’s Super Saiyan Forms Get a Gorgeous Makeover

The biggest improvement is, naturally, the fight itself. The original Goku vs. Beerus battle had some memorable moments, but its rough animation often took away from the excitement. This time, the action feels smoother, the effects look sharper, and every transformation gets the attention it needs.

I especially love how effortlessly Goku turns Super Saiyan. He no longer needs to struggle to bring out a form he already mastered. However, the Super Saiyan 2 sequence is where the episode really shines. The contrast between Goku smashing into the ground and Beerus casually flying out of the impact is brilliant. It looks fantastic while being genuinely funny, and it shows just how badly Goku is outmatched without interrupting the action with unnecessary jokes.

The lightning effects deserve special praise, too. Beerus touching Goku’s Super Saiyan 2 aura and feeling the electrical spark is a small addition, but I love how it makes the energy feel tangible. The new effects and compositing also make the auras look much better, while the striking lightning visuals add even more intensity to the battle.

And then we get Super Saiyan 3. The transformation has been redrawn over the original footage, with changes in direction that make the sequence feel far more powerful. Honestly, this was one of my favorite moments in the episode. The music, animation, and build-up capture the excitement of Goku unleashing his strongest form at this point in the story. I only wish the entire SSJ3 fight had received completely new animation, but the transformation itself is incredible.

Beerus’ Effortless Dominance Makes the Fight More Impressive

Beerus inspecting Goku’s powers in Dragon Ball Super: Beerus Episode 2. | Credit: Toei Animation

As impressive as Goku’s transformations are, Beerus steals the show through his attitude alone. The God of Destruction doesn’t need to shout, show off, or take the fight seriously to prove his strength. He simply watches Goku’s attacks with an almost insulting level of calm.

I especially liked the new shots where Beerus examines Goku and gives that sly look he does. His movements feel more cat-like, and his playful arrogance makes him both amusing and intimidating. The original already established Beerus as a being far beyond Goku’s level, but this version makes that difference much more entertaining to watch.

The pacing has improved significantly. Many gag moments have been shortened or cut out, allowing the confrontation to maintain its tension. Even Goku’s walk toward Beerus feels more effective, building anticipation before the fighting begins.

Dragon Ball Super: Beerus Episode 2 Final Verdict

Beerus from Dragon Ball Super: Beerus Episode 2. | Credit: Toei Animation

I’m genuinely impressed with Episode 2 of Dragon Ball Super: Beerus. The improved animation, better pacing, stronger characterization, and gorgeous transformations make Goku and Beerus’ clash feel exciting all over again. The Super Saiyan 2 sequence is my personal highlight, while the SSJ3 transformation comes remarkably close to stealing the entire show.

One small issue I noticed was King Kai’s Japanese voice, which sounded a little dull compared to the lively, comedic performance Sean Schemmel delivers in the English dub. However, that doesn’t take much away from an otherwise fantastic episode. My only real disappointment is that the SSJ3 fight wasn’t completely animated from scratch. With that extra effort, this could have been a perfect 10/10 for me. Still, expecting an entire fight to be rebuilt from the ground up for a remaster may be asking for a lot.

For now, this episode gives me plenty of reasons to feel optimistic about the project. If the remaining episodes receive the same level of care, Dragon Ball Super: Beerus could become the definitive way to experience this part of Goku’s journey.

Dragon Ball Super: Beerus is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.

Dragon Ball Super: Beerus Episode 2 Review: Goku vs. Beerus Gets a Stunning Visual Upgrade