Dragon Ball

### Original Run:

(Anime Series)Dragon Ball: 1986-89, Dragon Ball Z: 1989-96, Dragon Ball GT: 1996-97, Dragon Ball Kai: 2009-11, 2014-15, Dragon Ball Super: 2015-18, Super Dragon Ball Heroes: 2018 - present.

(Manga Series)

Dragon Ball: 1884-95

### Current Anime Episodes #:

804

***Dragon Ball*** (Japanese: ドラゴンボール, Hepburn: *Doragon Bōru*) is a Japanese media franchise created by Akira Toriyama in 1984. The initial manga, written and illustrated by Toriyama, was serialized in *Weekly Shōnen Jump* from 1984 to 1995, with the 519 individual chapters collected into 42 *tankōbon* volumes by its publisher Shueisha. *Dragon Ball* was initially inspired by the classical 16th century Chinese novel *Journey to the West*, as well as Hong Kong martial arts films. The series follows the adventures of the protagonist, Son Goku, from his childhood through adulthood as he trains in martial arts. He spends his childhood far from civilization until he meets a teen girl named Bulma, who encourages him to join her quest in exploring the world in search of the seven orbs known as the Dragon Balls, which summon a wish-granting dragon when gathered. Along his journey, Goku makes several other friends, becomes a family man, discovers his alien heritage, and battles a wide variety of villains, many of whom also seek the Dragon Balls.

Toriyama's manga was adapted and divided into two anime series produced by Toei Animation: *Dragon Ball* and *Dragon Ball Z*, which together were broadcast in Japan from 1986 to 1996. Additionally, the studio has developed 20 animated feature films and three television specials, as well as two anime sequel series titled *Dragon Ball GT* (1996–1997) and *Dragon Ball Super* (2015–2018). From 2009 to 2015, a revised version of *Dragon Ball Z* aired in Japan under the title *Dragon Ball Kai*, as a recut that follows the manga's story more faithfully by removing most of the material featured exclusively in the anime. Several companies have developed various types of merchandising based on the series leading to a large media franchise that includes films, both animated and live-action, collectible trading card games, numerous action figures, along with several collections of soundtracks and numerous video games. *Dragon Ball* is one of the top twenty highest-grossing media franchises of all time, having generated an estimated $30 billion in total franchise revenue.

Since its release, *Dragon Ball* has become one of the most successful manga and anime series of all time, with the manga sold in over 40 countries and the anime broadcast in more than 80 countries. The manga's 42 collected *tankōbon* volumes have sold over 160 million copies in Japan, and are estimated to have sold more than 250–300 million copies worldwide, making it the second best-selling manga series in history, behind only *One Piece*. Reviewers have praised the art, characterization, and humour of the story. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential manga series ever made, with many manga artists citing *Dragon Ball* as a source of inspiration for their own now popular works. The anime, particularly *Dragon Ball Z*, is also highly popular across the world and is considered one of the most influential in boosting the popularity of Japanese animation in Western culture. It has had a considerable impact on global popular culture, referenced by and inspiring numerous artists, athletes, celebrities, filmmakers, musicians and writers across the world.

## Synopsis

### Dragon Ball:

Dragon Ball follows the adventures of the protagonist Son Goku, a strong naive boy who, upon meeting Bulma, sets out to gather the seven wish-granting Dragon Balls. After becoming a student of martial arts master Muten Roshi (also known as Kame Sennin), he and his fellow pupil Kuririn enter a tournament that attracts the most powerful fighters in the world.

### Dragon Ball Z:

Goku is back with his new son, Gohan, but just when things are getting settled down, the adventures continue. Whether he is facing enemies such as Freeza, Cell, or Boo, Goku is proven to be an elite of his own and discovers his race, Saiyan. He meets many new people, gaining allies and well as enemies, as he still finds time to raise a family and be the happy-go-lucky Saiyan he is.

### Dragon Ball GT:

Five years after the 28th Tenkaichi Budōkai, Goku is accidentally turned back into a child by the Black Star Dragon Balls used by his old enemy Emperor Pilaf, and is forced to travel across the universe to retrieve them, accompanied by his granddaughter Pan and Trunks.

### Dragon Ball Kai:

A remastered version of Dragon Ball Z that adheres more to the manga's story. This version includes newly recorded dialog by the original voice actors, new sound effects, new OP/ED sequences, and a brand new HD video transfer.

### Dragon Ball Super:

The first new Dragon Ball TV series since Dragon Ball GT. Reuniting the franchise's iconic characters, Dragon Ball Super follows the aftermath of Goku's fierce battle with Majin Boo as he attempts to maintain earth's fragile peace.

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