Texas Store Pulls Dragon Ball Off Shelves Because of SB20 Bill

Summary

A new Texas law, SB20, targeting AI-generated content depicting children, has caused some retailers to preemptively remove certain manga and anime, including Dragon Ball, from their shelves. While no enforcement actions have occurred, the law's vague language has created a chilling effect, prompting self-censorship out of fear of potential legal consequences. Retailers like Kaboom Comics are taking precautions, unsure which content could be considered inappropriate under the law. The video clarifies widespread misconceptions, emphasizing that no arrests or lawsuits have taken place, and highlights how uncertainty around legislation can lead to proactive content removal and heightened public concern.

Takeaways

• 📰 Texas passed SB20 in June 2025, a law targeting content involving children in AI-generated material and cartoons.
• 📚 Retailers like Kaboom Comics preemptively removed manga and anime, including Dragon Ball, due to concerns about SB20.
• ⚖️ The law’s language is vague, especially regarding animated content, causing uncertainty among content sellers.
• 🛑 The removal of Dragon Ball was **self-censorship**, not enforced by law enforcement or government officials.
• 😨 Retailers fear severe penalties, including jail or felony charges, leading them to remove content cautiously.
• 🌡️ SB20 has created a chilling effect, where businesses over-censor due to uncertainty rather than direct legal threats.
• 📉 The chilling effect is similar to content creators online avoiding certain topics to prevent demonetization or censorship.
• 📢 Misconceptions exist: no arrests or lawsuits have occurred, and only one store has taken preemptive action.
• 🧾 Other manga and anime like Berserk or characters like Nami may also be removed due to self-censorship.
• 🤔 The situation highlights the tension between vague legal language and cultural/media content, leading to unintended consequences.
• 🎮 Collectibles, figures, and other media might also be impacted as retailers continue cautious self-censorship.
• 💬 Public reactions have been mixed, with some fans ironically supporting censorship while their favorite series are being removed first.

Q & A

What is SB20 and what does it aim to regulate?

SB20 is a Texas bill signed into law in June 2025. It aims to regulate generative AI that produces material simulating realistic children, but it also includes vague references to cartoons, which has created uncertainty about what content might be affected.

Why were certain manga and anime, like Dragon Ball, pulled from shelves?

Retailers preemptively removed content such as Dragon Ball due to fear of potential legal issues stemming from the vague language in SB20. No law enforcement action prompted the removal; it was a precautionary measure to avoid possible charges.

What is meant by the 'chilling effect' in this context?

The 'chilling effect' refers to the phenomenon where vague laws cause individuals or businesses to self-censor out of fear of legal repercussions, even if their content is technically legal. In this case, retailers removed manga and anime preemptively.

Which types of anime and manga are most likely to be affected by SB20?

Anime and manga featuring fan service, sexual content, or casual nudity are most likely to be affected, such as Goblin Slayer, Berserk, and older Dragon Ball volumes where young characters are depicted nude.

Did any retailer get arrested or face legal action for removing content?

No, there have been no arrests or legal actions. The removal of content was voluntary and done out of caution.

How did the retailer justify the removal of certain manga volumes?

The retailer explained that with so much media available, it is impossible to monitor all content in detail. To avoid potential legal issues, they decided to remove certain volumes and figures as a precaution.

Was the removal of Dragon Ball mandated by the law or law enforcement?

No, the removal was not mandated. It was a voluntary action taken by the retailer due to the vague nature of SB20 and the fear of potential consequences.

How does this situation reflect broader issues in content creation?

Similar to online content creators who self-censor to avoid demonetization or bans, retailers are self-censoring media sales due to vague laws. This shows how uncertainty can lead to overcaution in multiple creative and commercial fields.

What was ironic about Dragon Ball being the first series to be self-censored?

It is ironic because Dragon Ball fans historically were more accepting of mild censorship, yet it was the first series to be pulled from shelves due to SB20-related self-censorship.

How did misinformation spread regarding the impact of SB20 on retailers?

Some sources incorrectly suggested that multiple stores were involved or that retailers were being arrested. In reality, only one store removed content voluntarily, and no legal action has been taken.

What types of figures or merchandise might also be removed due to SB20?

Figures representing characters who might be considered underage or depicted inappropriately, such as Nami from One Piece or Shantae, could be removed as a precautionary measure by retailers.