The Evolution of Dragon Ball: From Fighting to Character-Driven Stories
A look at the series' transformation from a focus on action to a focus on character development.
The Criticism of Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball has long been known for its intense and lengthy battles, but this focus on fighting has often been a point of contention for the series. Critics argue that the series prioritizes style over substance, lacking depth in its writing and character development. Even series creator Akira Toriyama has acknowledged this criticism in a recent interview for Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. Toriyama expressed concern that another movie focused solely on fighting would 'lose Dragon Ball’s cheerful spirit,' highlighting the need for a shift in the series' approach.
The Criticism of Dragon Ball
The previous film, 'Broly,' was heavily centered on battles of extraordinary strength. Toriyama recognized that continuing in this direction with the next movie would further detract from the series' cheerful essence. As a result, he aimed to return the series to a more lighthearted and character-based narrative, albeit with an impending crisis leading to a significant battle. Toriyama's awareness of the essence of Dragon Ball's storytelling underscores the importance of maintaining a balance between action and character-driven narratives, as seen in the latest installment, Super Hero.
Moro foreshadowed Granolah
Dragon Ball's Emphasis on Characters
Despite its reputation for intense battles, Dragon Ball's creator, Akira Toriyama, has always prioritized character development within the series. From its inception, the story has unfolded primarily through the interactions and growth of its characters. Akira Toriyama's acknowledgment of the criticism regarding the series' focus on fighting aligns with the fundamental ethos of Dragon Ball. While the execution may not always be flawless, the series has consistently placed characters at the forefront, as evident in the character arcs of figures like Future Trunks.
The essence of Dragon Ball's storytelling lies in the characters and their relationships, forming the backbone of the series' progression. The balance between fighting and character-driven narratives has been a defining feature of the franchise, as emphasized by Toriyama's comments and the series' evolution towards a more character-focused approach in recent years.
The Transformation of Dragon Ball's Stories
In light of the criticism surrounding Dragon Ball's focus on action, recent developments in the series have addressed this issue by shifting towards character-driven narratives. 'Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero' exemplifies this shift with its emphasis on character dynamics and comedic elements, notably showcasing the character arcs of Piccolo and the Gammas. This departure from the typical action-oriented storytelling has propelled 'Super Hero' to stand out as one of the franchise's most innovative and compelling stories in recent years.
The evolution towards character-driven narratives is also evident in the Dragon Ball Super manga, particularly in the Galactic Patrol Prisoner and Granolah the Survivor sagas. These arcs delve into the characters' internal struggles and growth, such as Goku's exploration of his Saiyan heritage and Vegeta's pursuit of redemption. These deliberate narrative choices signify a conscious effort to refocus the series on character-driven storytelling, heralding a promising direction for the franchise's future endeavors.
