Dragon Ball

Overview Places & Experiences Collectibles Characters Weapons & Gear Media Memes & Viral

Dragon Ball is the legendary manga and anime franchise created by Akira Toriyama that has defined generations of global pop culture since its debut in 1984. At its heart is the incredible journey of Son Goku, a pure-hearted boy with a monkey tail and superhuman strength, who evolves from a naive young martial artist living in the mountains into the most powerful defender the universe has ever known.

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IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.

Full Name

Dragon Ball

Also Known As

DB, Dragon Ball Series, Dragon Ball Universe

Format

Manga/Anime Series

Release Year

1984

Current Status

Ongoing

Country of Origin

Japan

Region

Japan

Creator

Akira Toriyama

Publisher

Shueisha (Manga), Toei Animation (Anime)

Original Work

Manga

Genre

Martial Arts, Adventure, Comedy, Action, Supernatural

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape Dragon Ball.

Story

High-level synopsis and narrative focus.

The adventures of Goku from childhood through adulthood as he trains in martial arts and explores the world in search of the seven Dragon Balls.

World

Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.

Earth and various planets across multiple universes

Themes

Core ideas and recurring motifs.

Friendship, perseverance, self-improvement, protecting loved ones, surpassing limits

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing Dragon Ball's global influence.

1984

Dragon Ball manga begins serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump

1986

Dragon Ball anime adaptation begins

1989

Dragon Ball Z begins, focusing on adult Goku

1996

Dragon Ball GT original anime series

2015

Dragon Ball Super begins, continuing the story

2018

Dragon Ball Super: Broly film becomes massive success

Sales

Over 300 million manga copies sold worldwide

Revenue

Multi-billion dollar franchise

Awards

Shogakukan Manga Award, Anime Grand Prix

Dragon Ball Memes & Viral Internet Moments

From iconic reaction faces to unforgettable quotes, Dragon Ball has inspired countless memes that dominate Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, and anime fandom culture worldwide.

It's Over 9000!

The legendary "Power Level" scream that became the very first anime meme to go globally viral. A symbol of overwhelming power and internet culture.

Super Saiyan First Transformation

Goku transforms during his battle with Frieza.

Goku Ultra Instinct Debut

Tournament of Power debut transformation.

Explore All Dragon Ball Memes

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from Dragon Ball.

Goku

“I am the hope of the universe. I am the answer to all living things that cry out for peace. I am protector of the innocent. I am the light in the darkness. I am truth. Ally to good! Nightmare to you!”

A pure-hearted Saiyan warrior raised on Earth who constantly seeks to become stronger and protect his loved ones.View Profile

Vegeta

“Trunks, Bulma... I do this for you. And yes, even for you, Kakarot.”

The proud prince of the Saiyan race who initially came to Earth as a conqueror but became one of its greatest defenders.View Profile

Gohan

“I can't... I can't let you get away with this! No more!”

Goku's eldest son who possesses incredible hidden power but prefers studying to fighting.View Profile

Piccolo

“Gohan, you're the only one who showed me what it means to be a friend. Thank you.”

A Namekian warrior who was once Goku's enemy but became his closest ally and Gohan's mentor.View Profile

Krillin

“I may not be the strongest, but I'll never give up!”

Goku's best friend and fellow student of Master Roshi, known for his loyalty and courage despite being human.View Profile

Bulma

“My husband may be the strongest in the universe, but he's also the biggest idiot!”

A brilliant scientist and inventor who created the Dragon Radar and many other technological marvels.View Profile

Explore all Dragon Ball characters

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the premise of Dragon Ball?▼

Dragon Ball follows the adventures of Son Goku, a pure-hearted boy with a monkey tail and immense strength. Inspired by the Chinese novel 'Journey to the West', the story begins with Goku and Bulma searching for the seven Dragon Balls, which can grant any wish. As Goku grows up, the focus shifts to high-octane martial arts battles against increasingly powerful foes to protect the Earth and the universe.

Who are the main characters in Dragon Ball?▼

The central character is Son Goku. Key allies include Bulma (the scientist), Krillin (his best friend), Master Roshi (his mentor), and his rival-turned-ally Vegeta, the Prince of Saiyans. Other major characters include his son Gohan, the Namekian warrior Piccolo, and Future Trunks.

Is the Dragon Ball manga finished?▼

The original 'Dragon Ball' manga by Akira Toriyama, which covers the events of both the Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z anime, was serialized from 1984 to 1995 and is complete. However, the franchise continues with 'Dragon Ball Super', a canonical sequel manga illustrated by Toyotarou with story concepts by Toriyama, which is currently ongoing.

How many anime series and seasons are there?▼

The main franchise consists of 'Dragon Ball' (153 episodes), 'Dragon Ball Z' (291 episodes), 'Dragon Ball GT' (64 episodes, non-canon), and 'Dragon Ball Super' (131 episodes). There is also 'Dragon Ball Z Kai', a remastered version of Z with filler removed. A new series, 'Dragon Ball Daima', is also part of the franchise.

What is the best watch order for Dragon Ball?▼

The recommended order is release order: Dragon Ball -> Dragon Ball Z (or Dragon Ball Z Kai) -> Dragon Ball Super. The movies 'Dragon Ball Super: Broly' and 'Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero' should be watched after the Super anime. Dragon Ball GT can be watched as an alternative side-story after Z.

Who is the strongest character in Dragon Ball?▼

While power levels constantly shift, Zeno (the Omni-King) is considered the supreme being with the power to erase universes. Among mortals and fighters, characters like Goku (with Ultra Instinct), Vegeta (with Ultra Ego), Broly, Gohan (Beast form), and Black Frieza are currently among the strongest entities in the universe.

Are there any Dragon Ball movies?▼

Yes, there are over 20 Dragon Ball movies. Most older movies are non-canon side stories. However, recent films like 'Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods', 'Resurrection 'F'', 'Dragon Ball Super: Broly', and 'Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero' are considered canonical and integral to the modern storyline.

Where can I watch Dragon Ball?▼

The various Dragon Ball series are widely available on streaming platforms such as Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Funimation. Availability may vary by region. Physical releases (Blu-ray/DVD) are also available from distributors like Viz Media.

Is Dragon Ball suitable for children?▼

Dragon Ball is a Shonen series aimed at young boys (approx. 12-18). It features fantasy violence, martial arts combat, and some mild suggestive humor. It is generally considered suitable for older children and teens, but parents may want to review content for very young viewers.

Why is Dragon Ball so popular?▼

Dragon Ball is often cited as the 'father of modern Shonen manga'. Its formula of training, power scaling, transformation (Super Saiyan), and high-stakes battles influenced 'Big Three' series like One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach. Its themes of self-improvement and redemption resonate globally.