Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball

The legendary manga and anime series following Goku's journey from a young martial artist to the universe's greatest defender.

Category
Anime/Manga
Release Year
1984
Origin
Japan
Tags
martial arts
adventure
friendship
power
transformation

Detailed Overview Information

Basic Information

Full Name
Dragon Ball
Aliases
DB, Dragon Ball Series, Dragon Ball Universe
Type
Manga/Anime Series
Release Year
1984
Status
Ongoing
Origin
Japan
Region
Japan

Creation Information

Creator
Akira Toriyama
Publisher
Shueisha (Manga), Toei Animation (Anime)
Original Work
Manga
Genre
Martial Arts, Adventure, Comedy, Action, Supernatural

Content Information

Synopsis
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.
Main Characters
Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, Piccolo, Krillin, Bulma, Master Roshi
Setting
Earth and various planets across multiple universes
Themes
Friendship, perseverance, self-improvement, protecting loved ones, surpassing limits
Target Audience
Shonen (Young Male), All Ages

Characters

Son Goku (Kakarot)
Main Protagonist/Saiyan WarriorZ FightersMaleAdult (40s-50s)

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

Abilities: Super Saiyan Transformations, Kamehameha, Instant Transmission...
Quotes:
"I am the hope of the universe. I am the answer to all living things that cry out for peace!"
""I am Son Goku (Kakarot).""
"Power comes in response to a need, not a desire."
ProtagonistSaiyanMartial ArtistHero
View Details
Vegeta
Saiyan Prince/Rival turned AllyZ FightersMaleAdult (40s-50s)

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

Abilities: Super Saiyan Transformations, Big Bang Attack, Final Flash...
Quotes:
"I am the prince of all Saiyans once again!"
""I am Vegeta.""
"Strength is the only thing that matters in this world."
SaiyanPrinceRivalAnti-Hero
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Cell
Bio-Android/Perfect BeingIndependentMale

An artificial life form created from the cells of the universe's greatest fighters, seeking to achieve perfection.

Abilities: Absorption, Regeneration, Kamehameha...
Quotes:
"I am perfect!"
""I am Cell.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
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Frieza
Galactic Emperor/Arch-NemesisFrieza ForceMale

The tyrannical emperor of the universe who destroyed Planet Vegeta and serves as one of Goku's greatest enemies.

Abilities: Multiple Transformations, Death Beam, Supernova...
Quotes:
"I am Lord Frieza! None may stand against me and live!"
""I am Frieza.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
VillainEmperorFrost DemonNemesis
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Majin Buu
Ancient Magical BeingIndependent (later Z Fighters)Male

An ancient magical creature of immense power who can absorb others and has multiple forms.

Abilities: Absorption, Regeneration, Magic...
Quotes:
"Buu make you chocolate!"
""I am Majin Buu.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
View Details
Krillin
Martial Artist/Goku's Best FriendZ FightersMale

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

Abilities: Destructo Disc, Solar Flare, Kamehameha...
Quotes:
"I may not be the strongest, but I'll never give up!"
""I am Krillin.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
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Master Roshi (Turtle Hermit)
Martial Arts MasterTurtle Hermit SchoolMale

The legendary martial arts master who trained Goku and Krillin in the Turtle Hermit School.

Abilities: Kamehameha, Max Power Form, Martial Arts Mastery...
Quotes:
"It would take 50 years to learn what I'm about to teach you in 8 months!"
""I am Master Roshi (Turtle Hermit).""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
View Details

Media Forms

Comics
Original manga series, spin-offs, and continuations
Animated Series
Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, Dragon Ball Super
Live Action Films
Dragon Ball Evolution (2009)
Video Games
Hundreds of games across all platforms
Merchandise
Figures, clothing, collectibles, toys

Commercial Information

Sales
Over 300 million manga copies sold worldwide
Revenue
Multi-billion dollar franchise
Awards
Shogakukan Manga Award, Anime Grand Prix
Critical Reception
Widely acclaimed as one of the most influential manga/anime series
Cultural Impact
Defined the shonen genre and influenced countless creators worldwide

Fan Culture

Fanbase
Massive global fanbase spanning multiple generations
Communities
Active communities on Reddit, Discord, forums worldwide
Events
Dragon Ball conventions, tournaments, celebrations
Quotes
Over 9000!, Kamehameha!, It's over 9000!
Memes
Power level memes, transformation sequences, screaming
Cosplay
Extremely popular at conventions worldwide

Historical Development

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

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