The Transformative Impact of Dragon Ball: Unveiling the Inspirations in One Piece

Dragon Ball and One Piece are both highly popular anime and manga series, celebrated for their captivating stories and memorable characters. Despite their unique narratives and worlds, it's impossible to ignore the remarkable similarities between Goku and Monkey D. Luffy.

Goku, the legendary Saiyan fighter from Dragon Ball, and Monkey D. Luffy, the rubber-powered captain of a pirate crew, bear a striking resemblance to each other. These similarities underscore the profound influence of Dragon Ball on the creation and development of characters in One Piece.

Exploring the similarities between One Piece's Luffy and Dragon Ball Series' Goku

Goku and Luffy, two iconic characters, have many similarities in their traits and characteristics. They both have a strong appetite, enjoy a good fight, and are motivated by a sense of adventure. Goku's carefree and optimistic nature is reminiscent of Luffy's determination and cheerful demeanor. Furthermore, both protagonists are fiercely loyal to their friends and willingly face danger to protect them. These similarities suggest that Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, drew inspiration from Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball.

In a crossover episode, Luffy and Goku make a joint appearance (Image via Toei Animation)

Furthermore, the physical resemblance between Goku and Luffy is striking. Both characters sport wild hair – Goku's famous gravity-defying black locks and Luffy's rubbery straw hat-accentuated black hair. Their distinctive facial features, including expressive eyes and contagious smiles, underscore the similarities between them.

Instances of Dragon Ball's Influence in One Piece

It is evident that Oda took cues from Toriyama's character design while creating Luffy. This deliberate homage to Goku's look further strengthens the notion that Dragon Ball had a significant impact on Eiichiro Oda's manga.

Monkey D. Luffy (Image via Toei Animation)

Goku and Luffy share more than just their looks and traits. In One Piece, Oda cleverly references Dragon Ball on multiple occasions, reinforcing the link between the two legendary series.

An example of this is the way humor is used in both mangas. Similar to Dragon Ball, Oda's creation maintains a fine line between intense action and comedic moments. Both series recognize that humor can add to thrilling battles and reveal the lighter aspects of their worlds.

The inclusion of comical characters such as the Ginyu Force in Dragon Ball and Buggy the Clown in the other series are evidence of this common comedic style.

Goku from the Dragon Ball series (Image via Toei Animation)

Furthermore, Oda's manga series reflects clear inspiration from Toriyama's distinctive artwork. The larger-than-life character designs, energetic action scenes, and vibrant settings all echo the visual aesthetic of Dragon Ball. Oda has openly acknowledged re-reading Dragon Ball multiple times in order to emulate Toriyama's drawing style.

This acknowledgment from Oda, along with the clear parallels in the artwork of both series, confirms the influence of Dragon Ball on the visual aesthetic of the beloved anime and manga series One Piece.

Final thoughts

The main characters of two popular anime series, Goku and Luffy, share such strong similarities that it strongly suggests the creator of One Piece, Eiichiro Oda, drew inspiration from Dragon Ball by Akira Toriyama. These parallels are evident in their personalities and physical appearances, which contribute to the widespread popularity of both series. Oda intentionally pays homage to Dragon Ball through similar art styles and humor, solidifying the apparent influence of one franchise on the other.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am fascinated by the transformative impact of Dragon Ball on the creation and success of One Piece. The striking similarities between Goku and Luffy, the iconic characters of these two legendary series, are undeniable. From their shared traits and characteristics to their physical resemblance, it's evident that Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, drew inspiration from Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball.

The parallels between Goku and Luffy extend beyond their personalities and appearances. Oda cleverly references Dragon Ball on multiple occasions in One Piece, reinforcing the link between the two series. The use of humor, the inclusion of comical characters, and the distinctive artwork all echo the visual aesthetic of Dragon Ball. Oda's open acknowledgment of his admiration for Toriyama's work further confirms the influence of Dragon Ball on One Piece. As a fan of both series, I appreciate the homage that Oda pays to Dragon Ball, and I believe that this connection has contributed to the widespread popularity of both anime and manga series.

One Piece Manga - Anime One Piece is an incredible adventure-filled series that has captivated its fans for over two decades. It follows the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, as they search for the ultimate treasure, the One Piece, in order to become the King of the Pirates. With its compelling storyline, diverse and lovable characters, epic battles, and themes of friendship and determination, One Piece has created a vast and immersive world that keeps fans eagerly anticipating each new chapter or episode. It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to redefine the boundaries of the shonen genre, making it a must-watch or read for any anime or manga enthusiast.