The Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Extensive Dragon Ball Universe

Article Key Points

The Dragon Ball franchise has grown into a global phenomenon, with a vast array of media in the Dragon Ball Extended Universe to explore.

To initiate your journey into the Dragon Ball franchise, start with the original Dragon Ball series, followed by Dragon Ball Z, and subsequently explore Dragon Ball GT and Dragon Ball Super.

Furthermore, the Dragon Ball franchise has extended its influence to include feature films and video games. The recent movies have been lauded by critics, while the captivating video game titles have garnered a dedicated following among fans across the globe.

The Dragon Ball franchise, renowned for its manga and anime, has become a global phenomenon under the guidance of Akira Toriyama. With its ever-expanding range of media, known as the Dragon Ball Extended Universe, the franchise continues to grow in popularity. However, this vast universe can be overwhelming for newcomers who are unsure of where to begin. Don't worry, we have you covered. Let's delve into the world of the Dragon Ball Extended Universe.

Manga and Anime

The foundation of the Dragon Ball Extended Universe lies in the Dragon Ball manga and anime franchise. Akira Toriyama's groundbreaking manga, which debuted in December 1984 and was serialized in Shueisha's weekly shōnen jump, revolutionized the industry and introduced the world to the Saiyan race, captivating characters, and exhilarating action sequences. Most notably, it gave rise to the beloved shōnen protagonist, Son Goku.

Upon receiving immense praise from readers, the manga quickly received an anime adaptation two years later. This series followed the adventures of young Goku as he embarked on a journey alongside teenager Bulma to locate the seven Dragon Balls. This marked the inception of the true Dragon Ball franchise and the development of the larger Dragon Ball Extended Universe.

Although the original Dragon Ball series may seem initially unremarkable, it progressively becomes more exhilarating. Those wishing to delve into the Dragon Ball universe should start with this series, as it provides essential context to Goku's story and origins. Subsequently, viewers can proceed to the Dragon Ball Z (DBZ) series, which represents the pinnacle of the entire franchise. DBZ boasts exceptional story arcs, unforgettable characters, and formidable adversaries.

Following the franchise, Dragon Ball GT is the subsequent installment that is considered non-canon in the manga timeline. Although Dragon Ball GT showcases remarkable character designs such as the Super Saiyan 4 style, it can be easily overlooked within the Dragon Ball franchise. However, the franchise takes a positive turn after Dragon Ball GT with the introduction of Dragon Ball Super (DBS) series, which is based on the manga of the same name by Akira Toriyama and illustrated by Toyotarou.

Dragon Ball Movies

The ongoing Dragon Ball series has captivated fans with its compelling story arcs, fresh roster of unique characters, and breathtaking battles. While the anime timeline considers the original Dragon Ball series, DBZ, Dragon Ball GT, and DBS as canon, the manga timeline does not share the same perspective. Both Dragon Ball GT and DBS are spin-offs of the beloved Dragon Ball and DBZ series. These influential installments have played a vital role in shaping the cherished franchise that commands a global following. Recently, a new spin-off series called Super Dragon Ball Heroes, based on the video game of the same name, was released. Although it offers entertainment value, it is not considered canon and can be skipped.

As global viewership of anime series and franchises continues to soar, a common trend among the major players is the creation of feature anime films. This holds true for shōnen anime giants like Dragon Ball, One Piece, Naruto, and Hunter X Hunter, all of which have released their own feature films in recent years. The Dragon Ball franchise, in particular, boasts a wealth of feature anime films, ranging from non-canon productions like DBZ: The Return of Cooler and Dragon Ball GT: A Hero's Legacy, to canon films like DBS: Broly and DBS: Super Hero. Notably, the quality of these films has seen a significant improvement, evident in the success they've achieved at the box office and the critical acclaim they've garnered. While some of the older Dragon Ball films can be skipped without losing much, the latest ones come highly recommended, especially for new audiences.

Video Games

While the Dragon Ball franchise first ventured into the world of video games with the release of Dragon Ball: Dragon Daihikyō in 1986, it wasn't until the 2000s that it truly soared to new heights and made a significant impact in the video game industry. This was primarily thanks to the release of a game based on the franchise that would eventually evolve into its own successful series called DBZ: Budokai, capturing the hearts of fans. Another notable game series based on the franchise emerged in the 2010s in the form of Dragon Ball Xenoverse. In addition to these series, Dragon Ball FighterZ, Super Dragon Ball Heroes: World Mission, and DBZ: Kakarot have become immensely popular titles that are enjoyed by gamers and Dragon Ball enthusiasts worldwide. All of these games offer an incredibly enjoyable experience and come highly recommended.

Fans can now stream Dragon Ball Super on Prime Video.

Editor's P/S

The Dragon Ball franchise has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I remember watching the original Dragon Ball series on TV when I was a kid, and I was immediately hooked. I loved the characters, the story, and the action. As I got older, I continued to watch the series, and I also started reading the manga. I was excited to see the story continue, and I was always eager to find out what would happen next.

The Dragon Ball franchise has had a profound impact on my life. It has taught me about the importance of friendship, teamwork, and perseverance. It has also inspired me to be creative and to never give up on my dreams. I am grateful for the Dragon Ball franchise, and I am excited to see what the future holds for it.