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Dragon Ball

Read up on the latest Dragon Ball franchise News, Reviews and Features from the team at CBR.

Dragon Ball

Created by
Akira Toriyama
First Film
Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies
Latest Film
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
First TV Show
Dragon Ball
Latest TV Show
Super Dragon Ball Heroes
First Episode Air Date
April 26, 1989
Latest Episode
2019-10-05
Cast
Sean Schemmel , Laura Bailey , Brian Drummond , Christopher Sabat , Scott McNeil
Current Series
Dragon Ball Super

Summary

Dragon Ball is the labor of writer/illustrator Akira Toriyama, beginning with Dragon Ball back in 1984. The series originally started as a serialized manga back in Weekly Shonen Jump for nearly a decade until it expanded into the anime franchises it is most known for today. Dragon Ball was later adapted into two animes, with one being Dragon Ball Z, the most universally known series in the entire Dragon Ball canon. The franchise has continued to expand lore via films, video games, and additional sequel TV series, such as the more recent Dragon Ball Super and Super Dragon Ball Heroes. Dragon Ball centers mostly around Son Goku, a being known as a Saiyan, and his friends as they face off against intergalactic threats and seek out the titular dragon balls. When all seven of these balls are collected, they can be used to summon a legendary dragon that can grant the wishes of whoever so gathers them. The Dragon Ball franchise continues to be one of the most well-known and beloved animes of all time, with over forty different countries airing it, and has had a tremendous impact on Western culture as a whole.

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Piccolo Collage Dragon Ball 1
10 Most Iconic Piccolo Moments In Dragon Ball, Ranked

Piccolo has been a part of the Dragon Ball franchise since its initial '80s anime, and he's had many memorable scenes in DBZ and DBS along the way.

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A split image of Black Frieza, Roshi's Ultra Instinct, and Bardock from Dragon Ball Super manga 1
10 Things About The Dragon Ball Manga That Anime-Only Fans Don't Know

Dragon Ball has a beloved and accurate anime adaptation, but certain details like Frieza's new form and Bardock's history, are exclusive to the manga.

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Granolah, Heether, and Saganbo Dragon Ball 1
10 Best Manga-Only Dragon Ball Characters

There are many similarities between Dragon Ball's anime and its original manga, but certain characters are only present in the latter.

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Dragon Ball Games Battle Hour Logo 1
Dragon Ball Games Battle Hour Heading to Los Angeles in 2024

The Dragon Ball Games Battle Hour tournament is heading to the Los Angeles Convention Center and will be held on Jan. 27-28 in 2024.

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30 Strongest Anime Characters Of All Time, Ranked 1
50 Strongest Anime Characters Of All Time, Ranked

Anime is full of strong characters, but some - like Goku, All Might, and Luffy - stand out as some of the most powerful anime characters.

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Stills from Akira, Dragon Ball Z, and Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind -- all anime from the 1980s 1
10 Important Anime Moments From the 80s That Changed Everything

The 1980s witnessed the rise of iconic titles like Dragon Ball and Saint Seiya, which profoundly impacted the anime industry.

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A split image of Supreme Kai, Goku, and Vegeta from Dragon Ball Daima 1
Everything We Know About Dragon Ball Daima

Dragon Ball Daima is an upcoming spin-off anime that involves the cast being turned into children, setting up new adventures for Goku and friends.

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split Images of Jujutsu Kaisen, Jojo's Bizzare adventure, Dragon Ball, Chainsaw man and One Piece 1
10 Best Non-Magical Magic Systems In Anime

Although powers like JJBA's Stands, JJK's Cursed Energy, and DBZ's ki seem like magic, they actually don't use magic in the traditional sense.

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A split image of Frieza's final form, SS2 Goku, and Perfect Cell from Dragon Ball 1
10 Times A Dragon Ball Character Hid Their True Power

Dragon Ball characters like Goku and Android 18 withhold their full power to surprise their opponents and gain an advantage in fights.

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Young Goku from Dragon Ball Daima's official anime trailer 1
Dragon Ball Daima Gets Official Trailer and Creator Insights

Following the reveal of Dragon Ball Daima at NYCC, Akira Toriyama weighs in on the series, which now has an official trailer.

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Kid Goku with his power pole in the Dragon Ball anime 1
Dragon Ball Daima Announced at NYCC

A special Dragon Ball panel at New York Comic Con has revealed a new canon anime in the works titled Dragon Ball Daima.

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Videl, Pikkon, and Garlic JR 1
10 Dragon Ball Characters With The Most Untapped Potential

Dragon Ball has a strong cas, but characters like Launch and Pikkon have slipped through the cracks, leaving them with untapped potential.

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Mr Popo, choiatzu and Pan Dragon ball 1
10 Dragon Ball Characters Who Are Stronger Than You Think

Dragon Ball characters like Master Roshi and Majin Buu may not look strong, but they possess immense power that often surprises fans.

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Shaman King, G Gunda, Jojo's Bizzare Adventure, Zatch Bell, and Yu Yu Hakusho 1
10 Best Anime Like Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball Z fans looking for similar shows have several options, from Yu Yu Hakusho's epic battles to G Gundam's hilarious tropes.

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The cover art for the Realm of the Gods set in Dragon Ball Super Card Game. 1
The 10 Most Expensive Dragon Ball Super Cards, Ranked

The Dragon Ball Super Card Game has been going for a few years now, making the most expensive cards a true prize for players to get their hands on.

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Kid Goku Riding Kinton Cloud and Adul Super Saiyan Goku 1
10 Biggest Differences Between Dragon Ball Z & Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball and its sequel series, Dragon Ball Z, tell one big shonen story, but there are some major differences between these two anime!

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Goku Super Saiyan 3, Spirit Bomb, and Ultra Instinct 1
The 10 Most Iconic Goku Scenes In Dragon Ball, Ranked

Goku's defeat of the Ginyu Force and Super Saiyan 3 form demonstrate why he is Earth's strongest warrior and one of the most popular anime characters.

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Dragon Ball Frieza 1
The 10 Most Iconic Frieza Scenes In Dragon Ball, Ranked

Frieza is a legendary Dragon Ball villain, and his many iconic scenes exemplify his impact on the franchise.

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Gohan Beast Saiyan, Cells Jr, and Goku Kaio Ken 1
10 Dragon Ball Theories Super Disproved (& How)

Dragon Ball has developed rich lore over four decades, but Dragon Ball Super has disproven some longstanding fan theories.

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Akira Toriyama the creator of Goku and author of dragon ball 1
10 Things You Didn't Know About Akira Toriyama, The Creator Of Dragon Ball

Akira Toriyama is a private mangaka, and intriguing aspects of his life remain unknown to even diehard Dragon Ball fans.

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