Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball is a Japanese media franchise created by Akira Toriyama, beginning with a manga serialized from 1984 to 1995.

Dragon Ball is a Japanese media franchise created by Akira Toriyama, beginning with a manga serialized from 1984 to 1995. It follows Son Goku from childhood into adulthood as he trains in martial arts and searches for the Dragon Balls, magical items that can summon a wish-granting dragon. The franchise includes multiple anime adaptations, films, video games, and various spin-offs, becoming one of the most influential manga and anime franchises globally.

Overview

Dragon Ball is one of Japan’s most influential manga and anime franchises. Its story centers on Goku, who grows from a child martial artist into an adult fighter while protecting Earth and seeking greater strength.

Publication history

The manga began in 1984 in Weekly Shōnen Jump and ended in 1995. Shueisha collected the series into 42 volumes, establishing the core story that later anime adaptations followed.

Anime adaptations

The first anime adaptation, Dragon Ball, ran for 153 episodes from 1986 to 1989. The franchise later expanded into Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, and Dragon Ball Super. The original Dragon Ball manga was written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama and serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1984 to 1995.

Cultural impact

Dragon Ball became a global franchise with major influence on manga, anime, films, and video games. Its characters and battles are among the most recognizable in popular anime history. The broader franchise includes Dragon Ball GT and Dragon Ball Super, along with films, games, and other spin-offs.