Dragon Ball (Japanese: ドラゴンボール Hepburn: Doragon Bōru) is a Japanese media franchise created by Akira Toriyama. 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 Chinese novel Journey to the West. The series follows the adventures of the protagonist, Son Goku, from his childhood through adulthood as he trains in martial arts and explores 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 friends and battles a wide variety of villains, many of whom also seek the Dragon Balls.
The Dragon Ball manga has been adapted 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 19 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–present). From 2009 to 2015, a revised, faster-paced version of Dragon Ball Z aired in Japan under the title Dragon Ball Kai, in which most of the original version's footage not featured in the manga is removed. 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 a large number of video games. As of January 2012, the franchise generated $5 billion in merchandise,[1] making Dragon Ball one of the most merchandisable anime based media franchises of all time.
Since its release, Dragon Ball has become one of the most successful manga and anime series of all time. The manga's 42 volumes have sold over 156 million copies in Japan and more than 240 million copies worldwide, making it the second best-selling manga series in history. Reviewers have praised the art, characterization, and humor of the story. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest 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 in various countries and was arguably one of the most influential in boosting the popularity of Japanese animation in Western culture.
Bulma's search for six Dragon Balls leads her to a remote valley, and to a boy named Goku. The two strangers begin their new relationship with Goku's naivete getting on Bulma's nerves, but after Goku saves Bulma's life they join forces in search of the remaining Dragon Balls.
Son Goku (孫悟空 Son Gokū) is the protagonist of the Dragon Ball series. He is immensely strong, pure of heart, and extremely competitive, but dedicated to defending the Earth from evil. First introduced as a young boy, Goku was originally conceived by creator Akira Toriyama as a variation of Sun Wukong, protagonist of the Chinese novel Journey to the West; wherefore Goku also sported a prehensile tail until later. Upon meeting Bulma at the beginning of the series, the two then embark on an adventure to gather the seven Dragon Balls.
Bulma (ブルマ Buruma) first appears as a teenager, using the Dragon Radar, a fictional device she created to detect the energy signal emitted by a Dragon Ball, she is led to Goku and ends up recruiting him as a body guard while hoping to get his four-star ball to grant her wish for a boyfriend.
Kame-Sennin (亀仙人, "Turtle Hermit"), also known as Muten-Rōshi (武天老師, "Old Master Muten"), or Master Roshi in the English anime dub, is a perverted elderly martial arts master instructor that lives on a small island and is the inventor of the Kamehameha technique.
Yamcha (ヤムチャ Yamucha), known as Zedaki in the Harmony Gold dub, is introduced as a desert bandit alongside his constant companion Pu'ar, trying to steal Goku and Bulma's Dragon Balls and wish not to feel nervous when near women.
Kuririn (クリリン), Krillin in the English anime dub, is a bald martial artist and one of Goku's best friends. He is the classmate of Goku under Kame-Sennin's tutelage;[ch. 28] initially his rival but later a friend, and a loyal companion in adventures thereafter.
Tenshinhan (天津飯 テンシンハン), named Tien Shinhan in the Funimation anime dub and also known as Shinto in the Harmony Gold dub, is first introduced, having been trained by Kame-Sennin's rival Tsuru-Sennin, trying to kill Goku and his fellow-students.Later, he and his friend and fellow student Chaozu become their allies.
Piccolo (ピッコロ Pikkoro) is the spawn of Piccolo Daimao, created to get revenge on Goku in the wake of his death, subsequently assuming the role as the "evil half" of Kami. However, after just narrowly being defeated by Goku, he has to team up with him and his friends when opposing the invading Saiyans, including training Goku's son Gohan. He is later revealed to be a Namekian – a green-skinned, four-fingered, hairless humanoid species who create the series' titular Dragon Balls.
Dragon Ball Z (Japanese: ドラゴンボールZ ゼット Hepburn: Doragon Bōru Zetto, commonly abbreviated as DBZ) is a Japanese anime television series produced by Toei Animation. Dragon Ball Z is the sequel to the Dragon Ball anime and adapts the latter 325 chapters of the original 519-chapter Dragon Ball manga series created by Akira Toriyama, that were published from 1988 to 1995 in Weekly Shōnen Jump. Dragon Ball Z first aired in Japan on Fuji TV from April 26, 1989 to January 31, 1996, before being dubbed in several territories around the world, including the United States, Australia, Europe, India, and Latin America.
Dragon Ball Z follows the adventures of the protagonist Goku who, along with his companions, defends the Earth against an assortment of villains ranging from intergalactic space fighters and conquerors, unnaturally powerful androids and nearly indestructible creatures. While the original Dragon Ball anime followed Goku from his childhood into adulthood, Dragon Ball Z is a continuation of his adult life, but at the same time parallels the maturation of his sons, Gohan and Goten, as well as the evolution of his rivals Piccolo and Vegeta from enemies into allies.
Due to the success of the anime in the United States, the manga chapters comprising its story were initially released by Viz Media under the title Dragon Ball Z. Additional works called animanga were released, which adapt the animation to manga form. Dragon Ball Z's popularity has spawned numerous releases which have come to represent the majority of content in the Dragon Ball universe; including 17 movies and 148 video games, many of them being only released in Japan, and a host of soundtracks stemming from this material. Dragon Ball Z remains a cultural icon through numerous adaptations, including a more-recent remastered broadcast titled Dragon Ball Kai[a]. There have also been two sequel series; Dragon Ball GT (1996–1997) and Dragon Ball Super (2015–present).
Story
THE LEGENDARY Z REBORN!
For the first time in history, experience the legendary Z as the master intended: bigger, faster, stronger, and packed with the pulverizing power to blow your puny minds! Beef up your collection with this manga-centric, fresh take on Akira Toriyama's original vision, featuring more action than you can handle, revitalized animation, and an amped-up audio experience that will make your ears beg for mercy!
After surviving trials that would have destroyed a mere mortal, Goku now faces the most dangerous journey of his entire life. Evil forces have conspired to scatter the Dragon Balls to the far corners of the universe, and the atmosphere is dense with danger. Unless the heroic Saiyan can recover all seven magic orbs within a year, Earth will meet a catastrophic end!
Even if Goku is successful on his mission of mercy, threats remain that must be dealt with swiftly. Two evil geniuses have created the perfect killing machine: Android 17. While this mechanical abomination deals out death, terrifying villains from battles past rise up to wreak havoc on humanity, and cracks in the Dragon Balls give birth to the fury of seven Shadow Dragons! Goku is the only warrior live with the strength to defeat these new evils, but one false step from the mighty Saiyan could spell doom for the world!
STORY
With Majin Buu defeated, Goku has taken a completely new role as a…radish farmer?! Now, with Earth at peace, our heroes have settled into normal lives. But they can’t get too comfortable. Far away, a powerful god awakens to a prophecy revealing his demise at the hands of a formidable being. When his search for the Saiyan God brings him to Earth, can Goku and his friends take on their strongest foe yet?
Dragon Ball Super is the latest entry to the series and is currently on-going.
Ways to Watch:
Japan - FujiTV
Streaming - Crunchyroll, Funimation, VRV, Hulu
AdultSwim/Cartoon Network - English Dub
Specific times/dates/info coming
Dragon Ball Games, Manga, Misc.
More Coming.
Films
Nineteen animated theatrical films based on the Dragon Ball series have been released in Japan. The first three films are based on the original Dragon Ball anime series. The remaining films include fifteen based on Dragon Ball Z and one tenth anniversary special (also based on the first anime series). The first five films were shown at the Toei Manga Festival (東映まんがまつり Tōei Manga Matsuri), while the sixth through seventeenth films were shown at the Toei Anime Fair (東映アニメフェア Toei Anime Fea).
An American live-action film titled Dragonball Evolution was produced by 20th Century Fox, after it acquired the feature film rights to the Dragon Ball franchise in March 2002, previous to the film, two unofficial live-action films have been produced decades prior.
TV specials and other animations:
Three television specials based on the series were aired on Fuji TV in Japan.Theme Park attractions
"Dragon Ball Z: The Real 4D" debuted at Universal Studios Japan during Summer 2016. It features a battle between Goku and Freeza. Unlike most Dragon Ball animation, the attraction is animated with CGI. A second attraction titled "Dragon Ball Z: Super Tenkaichi Budokai" debuted at Universal Studios Japan during Summer 2017.
Video games
The Dragon Ball franchise has spawned multiple video games across various genres and platforms.
Soundtracks
Myriad soundtracks were released in the anime, movies and the games. The music for the first two anime Dragon Ball and Z and its films was composed by Shunsuke Kikuchi, while the music from GT was composed by Akihito Tokunaga and the music from Kai was composed by Kenji Yamamoto and Norihito Sumitomo.
Companion books
There have been numerous companion books to the Dragon Ball franchise. Chief among these are the Daizenshuu (大全集) series, comprising seven hardback main volumes and three supplemental softcover volumes, covering the manga and the first two anime series and their theatrical films.
Collectible cards
Collectible cards based on the Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball GT series have been released by Bandai. These cards feature various scenes from the manga and anime stills, plus exclusive artwork from all three series. Bandai released the first set in the United States in July 2008.
Links.
Official:
www.dragonball.com
www.dragonballz.com
www.dragonballzkai.com
www.dragonballgt.com
www.dragonballsuperofficial.com/
Unofficial:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_Ball
http://dragonball.wikia.com
http://www.kanzenshuu.com
******Yes I know we have a thread for this but I was given the go ahead to recreate one.
ALSO NO OPEN SPOILERS!!Use Spoiler tags to take about current or recent Super events.
By Xpike Go To Posti think this is the better thread, definitelyThanks! It's my first OT but I wanted to contribute to the community. Let me know anything you'd like to see in the original post!
sorry FF
Would anyone be interested in a thread specifically for the Super Dub? We had one on the old site and it was nice for people who aren't watching the subbed version to avoid spoilers. I could make it, but I didn't want to step on any toes.
By SchuckyDucky Go To PostWould anyone be interested in a thread specifically for the Super Dub? We had one on the old site and it was nice for people who aren't watching the subbed version to avoid spoilers. I could make it, but I didn't want to step on any toes.I'd love this, actually! I grew up with the dub. It doesn't feel right to watch the sub lol
By SchuckyDucky Go To PostWould anyone be interested in a thread specifically for the Super Dub? We had one on the old site and it was nice for people who aren't watching the subbed version to avoid spoilers. I could make it, but I didn't want to step on any toes.
I don’t want to splinter the community too much at this point until there’s enough demand for it . But I will ask people to spoiler things in the OP.
By Gonzo_Typewriter Go To PostI'd love this, actually! I grew up with the dub. It doesn't feel right to watch the sub lolYeah same. I tried watching the first episode subbed I just couldn't get used to Goku's Japanese VA.
By SchuckyDucky Go To PostYeah same. I tried watching the first episode subbed I just couldn't get used to Goku's Japanese VA.Sounds exactly like my experience. Sean Schemmel IS Goku to me
By SchuckyDucky Go To PostYeah same. I tried watching the first episode subbed I just couldn't get used to Goku's Japanese VA.Same here. I prefer the Dub. Also updated OP to reflect no spoilers in thread.
Great OP
Looking forward to the discussions in here
Hands up if you dislike gohan!
My thread had a lot of heart in the OP
Ok it didnt but it did have...ok it sucked
Looking forward to the discussions in here
Hands up if you dislike gohan!
By Xpike Go To Posti think this is the better thread, definitelyDamn :(
sorry FF
My thread had a lot of heart in the OP
Ok it didnt but it did have...ok it sucked
Dragonball was actually my first manga and I loved the anime, still haven't seen more than the first episode of Super.
By Pluto Go To PostDragonball was actually my first manga and I loved the anime, still haven't seen more than the first episode of Super.If you have seen the 2 movies (battle of gods, resurrection of F) then you can basically skip to episode 27 (you miss out on some details but generally it's the same as the movies except drawn out longer)
are we still expecting Gohan to do something useful during the current arc?
Jiren is way too fucking OP for anyone else but Goku to beat him
Jiren is way too fucking OP for anyone else but Goku to beat him
By s y Go To Postimo you can skip straight to the trunks arc for super and not be confusedthen youd miss Goku vs. Hit, so nah
What's considered a spoiler btw OP?
The above posts about Super are not spoilers right? Or are they spoilers since they are further ahead than the English dub?
The above posts about Super are not spoilers right? Or are they spoilers since they are further ahead than the English dub?
By EldritchTrapStar Go To PostIf Gohan got tossed off of the stage, I'd feel less than I did for Cabba, tbh.Wow I kinda agree lol
By pulga Go To Postare we still expecting Gohan to do something useful during the current arc?
Jiren is way too fucking OP for anyone else but Goku to beat him
Why do people expect anything from gohan?
By FootbalIFan Go To PostWhat's considered a spoiler btw OP?if youve been waiting for the dub youve been doing it wrong
The above posts about Super are not spoilers right? Or are they spoilers since they are further ahead than the English dub?
By Ruga Go To PostWhy do people expect anything from gohan?
cause of that one time he showed up in the credits with Goku flying determinedly towards the camera :lol
By pulga Go To Postif youve been waiting for the dub youve been doing it wrong
cause of that one time he showed up in the credits with Goku flying determinedly towards the camera :lol
And with that over, it means nothing, like everything about the endings.
By Xpike Go To Postyou'll all see, gohan will do something
Get Piccolo knocked out. lol
Fantastic OT! Love it!
I'm not a long time DB fan, even though everyone around me has kind of always been into it. I actually got started on it because WSJ featured the original manga as a Jump Back special for a few issues and I fell in love with the style and charm. I ended up buying and reading all of DB in about a month, then followed up by watching DBZ Kai.
So, as someone who has only recently (maybe last 2-3 years) gotten into it I hold no nostalgic love for the series at all and I gotta say...DBZ is not...great? I really enjoy it, it can be really entertaining, and some of that original Dragon Ball charm bleeds through, but I think large swaths off it are kinda boring and tedious. I also think the supporting cast are 10x more interesting than Goku, but are constantly relegated to play-by-play, something that particularly bugs me in regards to my favourite character, Gohan.
Now, I haven't seen all of DBZ, I'm waiting on a Kai set for the Buu Saga, but I've absorbed enough of it through friends, games and the movies to feel like not much will change my mind about it once I get to the end.
So, a question, after all that rambling - how is Super? Legitimately? Does it fix any of the issues I have with DBZ, or does it bring back more of the goofy charm I absolutely adore about the original DB? I've been close to buying one of the BD sets, but haven't pulled the trigger.
I'm not a long time DB fan, even though everyone around me has kind of always been into it. I actually got started on it because WSJ featured the original manga as a Jump Back special for a few issues and I fell in love with the style and charm. I ended up buying and reading all of DB in about a month, then followed up by watching DBZ Kai.
So, as someone who has only recently (maybe last 2-3 years) gotten into it I hold no nostalgic love for the series at all and I gotta say...DBZ is not...great? I really enjoy it, it can be really entertaining, and some of that original Dragon Ball charm bleeds through, but I think large swaths off it are kinda boring and tedious. I also think the supporting cast are 10x more interesting than Goku, but are constantly relegated to play-by-play, something that particularly bugs me in regards to my favourite character, Gohan.
Now, I haven't seen all of DBZ, I'm waiting on a Kai set for the Buu Saga, but I've absorbed enough of it through friends, games and the movies to feel like not much will change my mind about it once I get to the end.
So, a question, after all that rambling - how is Super? Legitimately? Does it fix any of the issues I have with DBZ, or does it bring back more of the goofy charm I absolutely adore about the original DB? I've been close to buying one of the BD sets, but haven't pulled the trigger.
By Strat Go To PostFantastic OT! Love it!.The original dragon ball series had a sense of adventure and fun that dbz/super won't ever be able to meet imo.
If you are watching dbz kai and finding parts tedious or boring I can't imagine your reaction at the regular dbz haha.
Super is more like DBZ than it is like DB. If you finish buu saga and you're still interested in what happens to these characters, then by all means continue to DB super.
By Ruga Go To Postworst part of DB GAF……………..gohan fanshe'll come back
tellin you right now
anyone still stanning for Gohan in the year of our lord 2017 deserves to get assaulted in the shower tbh
By FootbalIFan Go To PostIf you are watching dbz kai and finding parts tedious or boring I can't imagine your reaction at the regular dbz haha.
Man, I watched some of the regular DBZ with a friend once and I think Goku and Piccolo were trying to get a driver's license or some shit? I about lost my mind. It definitely made me appreciate the pacing of Kai a lot more, though I could still cut 5 episodes off the Frieza fight and be OK.
I'll continue with Super for sure, cause I do still like DBZ, I just think it's quite a few notches under DB. Taste and all that. But fuck, man, I've been watching GT and enjoying it, so what do I know.
By Ruga Go To Postworst part of DB GAF……………..gohan fansAs a new member of the DB community I've seen this sentiment a lot and I don't get it! What's wrong with my strong boy? Is it legit a thing, or are people just fucking around? Would it be better if I said I also really dig Piccolo and Trunks?
Edit:
By pulga Go To Postanyone still stanning for Gohan in the year of our lord 2017 deserves to get assaulted in the shower tbhFuck, man. He must really go to shit!
By DY_nasty Go To PostGohan is officially a jobber"Good job Gohan. You stalled them" is the most used statement about that waste of potential.
Fuck all you guys. Vegeta stans shouldn't even exist. At least Gohan beat Cell. Vegeta has never, ever won. Ever.
I bet gohan wins the Tournament.
I bet gohan wins the Tournament.
By AliasGreed Go To PostGohan will beat jiren 🤣Yep. Can't wait to read all the salty posts once Gohan gets another plot power up.
By s y Go To PostFuck all you guys. Vegeta stans shouldn't even exist. At least Gohan beat Cell. Vegeta has never, ever won. Ever.I'm a Vegeta stan cause hes a good ass character! That dude has character depth! Gohan is just an easy out for the bads!
I bet gohan wins the Tournament.
By Strat Go To PostMan, I watched some of the regular DBZ with a friend once and I think Goku and Piccolo were trying to get a driver's license or some shit? I about lost my mind. It definitely made me appreciate the pacing of Kai a lot more, though I could still cut 5 episodes off the Frieza fight and be OK.GT is more like an adventure too, but it's a shit adventure haha (in my opinion at least lol).
I'll continue with Super for sure, cause I do still like DBZ, I just think it's quite a few notches under DB. Taste and all that. But fuck, man, I've been watching GT and enjoying it, so what do I know.
As a new member of the DB community I've seen this sentiment a lot and I don't get it! What's wrong with my strong boy? Is it legit a thing, or are people just fucking around? Would it be better if I said I also really dig Piccolo and Trunks?
Edit: Fuck, man. He must really go to shit!
The driving episode with Piccolo and Goku is amazing lol, one of the best filler Eps. If you feel like the Frieza fight could have been shortened in kai, in dbz it was like 4 times as long haha
My problem with gohan is he has power but he is a wuss and barely trains throughout the series. Whether it's cheap power up from guru on namek awakening his strength or elder kai in the buu saga, I just don't like that. Happens to Goku in dragon ball too with the ultra divine water, but Goku makes up for it, gohan imo doesn't.
Gohan got cocky against cell and got goku killed and need vegeta assist to win.
After that, he lost to fat buu and became a joke
After that, he lost to fat buu and became a joke
By Ruga Go To PostGohan got cocky against cell and got goku killed and need vegeta assist to win.Vegeta got cocky against cell, let him transform, and wouldve doomed the planet if Goku wasnt training Gohan
After that, he lost to fat buu and became a joke
After that, he lost to Buu, Beerus, G. Freeza, Hit, Goku Black, etc.
By Xpike Go To PostVegeta got cocky against cell, let him transform, and wouldve doomed the planet if Goku wasnt training Gohani didn't say otherwise. But vegeta as always been relevant to db since dbz and is nº2 after goku.
After that, he lost to Buu, Beerus, G. Freeza, Hit, Goku Black, etc.
Gohan got his moment with cell after all the build up, and still couldn't do it properly. Ater that, he become a joke.
By FootbalIFan Go To PostIf you have seen the 2 movies (battle of gods, resurrection of F) then you can basically skip to episode 27 (you miss out on some details but generally it's the same as the movies except drawn out longer)That's good to know, I'll start there when I get to the series, thanks.
By vic Go To PostSaw this on Reddit:I think I just found my phones new background
By Xpike Go To PostVegeta got cocky against cell, let him transform, and wouldve doomed the planet if Goku wasnt training Gohan
After that, he lost to Buu, Beerus, G. Freeza, Hit, Goku Black, etc.
Vegetas constant failure is actually one of the reasons he’s my favorite character.
Gohan hate is disgusting.
Guy is a father and a husband first, fighter second.
Gohan should be applauded for being a good role model to all.
And I can't wait for him to destroy Jiren now that he is starting to warm up.
Guy is a father and a husband first, fighter second.
Gohan should be applauded for being a good role model to all.
And I can't wait for him to destroy Jiren now that he is starting to warm up.
By Shanks D Zoro Go To PostGohan hate is disgusting.Hahaha, you're killing me bro.
Guy is a father and a husband first, fighter second.
Gohan should be applauded for being a good role model to all.
And I can't wait for him to destroy Jiren now that he is starting to warm up.
By FootbalIFan Go To PostGT is more like an adventure too, but it's a shit adventure haha (in my opinion at least lol).Not gonna lie, GT isn't great, the beginning is especially horrible, but I'm up to the baby stuff and it's kinda (sorta?) growing on me. I'm enjoying it now at the very least. I imagine I'd enjoy some of the goofy DBZ filler too, but I watched a bunch of it without ANY fucking reference for anything in the series and legit thought my friends were insane for being so into the anime.
I'm disappointed that Gohan totally falls off the map, because he's one of very few characters in the series with any amount of actual development. That's too bad.