Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball is a Japanese media franchise created by Akira Toriyama. It began as a manga published from 1984 to 1995, later collected into 42 volumes. The story was inspired by Journey to the West and kung fu films, mixing martial arts action with humor.
Premise
The series follows Son Goku, a kind-hearted fighter who loves training and adventures. He meets Bulma and teams up with friends to collect the seven Dragon Balls, magical orbs that summon a wish-granting dragon. Along the way, Goku discovers his alien Saiyan heritage, learns new techniques, enters martial-arts tournaments, and battles a wide array of powerful villains who want the Dragon Balls for themselves.
Media expansion
Dragon Ball was adapted into several anime series by Toei Animation:
- Dragon Ball (1986–1989): Goku’s early adventures and his first battles.
- Dragon Ball Z (1989–1996): The broader, more action-packed saga with higher-stakes battles and iconic transformations.
- Dragon Ball GT (1996–1997): An original sequel not based on Toriyama’s manga.
- Dragon Ball Kai (2009–2011; 2014–2015): A sped-up, more manga-faithful remaster of Dragon Ball Z.
- Dragon Ball Super (2015–2018): Continues the story after the Majin Buu saga and introduces the multiverse concept with 12 universes.
- Dragon Ball Daima (2024–2025): A newer series set after the prior events.
There are many Dragon Ball feature films, TV specials, and short videos, including episodes like Bardock and crossovers, plus various video games and merchandise.
World and characters
Earth, the Dragon World, is the main setting. In Dragon Ball Super, the story expands to a multiverse with powerful gods and deities. The core cast includes Goku, his friends like Bulma and Krillin, and rivals such as Vegeta, Piccolo, and many other powerful fighters. The series blends martial arts action, fast-paced battles, humor, and moments of teamwork and friendship.
Impact and reception
Dragon Ball became one of the most popular and influential manga and anime series ever. It has sold hundreds of millions of copies worldwide and helped popularize anime outside Japan. Its storytelling style—lots of training, big battles, and escalating power levels—shaped many later shonen series. Goku’s character and the world’s unique mix of martial arts and fantasy have inspired countless artists and creators.
Other media and notes
The franchise has produced numerous video games, toys, and soundtracks. The first American live-action film, Dragonball Evolution (2009), was widely criticized and is considered a poor adaptation. Toriyama has remained closely connected to the franchise, contributing to designs and story concepts, especially in later films and the Super era.
Dragon Ball remains a global cultural phenomenon, known for its exciting fights, memorable characters, and enduring appeal across generations.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 23:16 (CET).