YOU'LL FIND A LONGER AND MORE DETAILED REVIEW BELOW!
OVERALL THOUGHTS AND A VERY SUMMARIZED VERSION:
Dragon Ball remains a foundational work in shonen manga, known for its high-energy battles, memorable characters, and engaging plot. While it may not be the most complex or intricately crafted narrative, its impact and excitement make it essential for genre fans. Despite its flaws, including underdeveloped elements and a weaker final saga, Dragon Ball’s legacy as a pioneering manga series is firmly established. Akira Toriyama's original plan for the series was promising, but the pressure from Shueisha to extend the story led to the Buu saga’s shortcomings. As a result, the final arc fell short of the series' previous quality and coherence. Unfortunately, like Akira Toriyama, we too were let down by the series' final arc. The potential for an AMAZING satisfying conclusion, particularly with Gohan’s promising role, was overshadowed by the issues in the Buu saga.
Final Score: 7.8
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LONG REVIEW:
1. Plot
- Originality and Complexity (Score: 8):
Dragon Ball was revolutionary in its time, introducing and popularizing many tropes now common in shonen anime and manga. It expertly mixes martial arts, adventure, and humor into a straightforward yet engaging narrative. The journey to collect the Dragon Balls and the progression to cosmic-level conflicts are iconic. Despite its simplicity and the lack of intricate plot twists, Dragon Ball laid the groundwork for many conventions of the genre. Some elements, such as the origin of the sacred water that defeated Demon King Piccolo or the process of creating Senzu Beans, could have been better explored, which might have added more depth and complexity.
- Plot Progression (Score: 8):
The series starts as a gag manga but evolves into a compelling story with a balance of training, tournaments, and grand battles, maintaining audience interest with escalating stakes. Early on, the plot can be predictable, but it improves significantly as it develops, particularly from the Demon King Piccolo saga to the Cell saga. The twist revealing Goku and Piccolo as aliens paved the way for the Namek arc and beyond, showcasing a cohesive narrative. The connection of Dr. Gero to the Red Ribbon Army is a brilliant touch, highlighting Toriyama's skillful weaving of plot elements. While the Saiyan, Frieza, and Cell sagas are well-structured, the Buu saga, marred by Shueisha’s pressure and a noticeable decline in quality, disrupts the otherwise solid progression.
- Narrative Coherence (Score: 6):
Dragon Ball maintains a generally consistent narrative, especially in its early arcs. The universe’s rules, like ki, are well-established. However, as the series progresses, some elements strain these rules. Issues like the mysterious origin of the sacred water and inconsistencies in the Piccolo arc undermine narrative coherence and plot holes. The Buu arc, in particular, suffers from this, likely due to its rushed production. The series’ original intended conclusion after the Cell saga would have offered a more satisfying end.
2. Characters
- Character Development (Score: 7):
Goku’s evolution from a naive child to a powerful warrior is central and iconic, focusing more on power progression than emotional depth. Vegeta stands out as my personal favorite: his significant development, transitioning from villain to hero, bringing the Saiyans' past and adding layers to Goku, makes him an amazing character. Even so, character growth often takes a backseat to action, limiting deeper exploration.
- Supporting Characters’ Relevance and Development (Score: 7):
Dragon Ball features a rich supporting cast, including Piccolo, Gohan, Muten Roshi, and Krillin, who play crucial roles. However, as the series progresses and power levels rise, many supporting characters become sidelined. Krillin, once a key ally, becomes less relevant. Muten Roshi has a good conclusion in Demon King Piccolo's saga, leaving the planet to the new generation. Piccolo’s role diminishes in the later arc but is balanced because of his fusion with Kami, making him more analytical than a fighter. Gohan’s potential is wasted after the Cell saga. These missed opportunities in character development prevent the supporting cast from fully realizing their potential, and as you can see, many of these issues arise from the Buu saga. Even Krillin has a decent role in the Cell saga with his interactions with Android 18, but he has virtually none in the Buu saga.
3. Art
- Technical Quality (Score: 8):
Akira Toriyama's art is distinctive and dynamic, effectively capturing the energy of the battles. Character designs are simple yet recognizable, and the choreography of fight scenes is clear and engaging. The art is less detailed than some modern manga but excels in clarity and expressiveness. The use of double-page spreads is limited, which is a shame because one of the manga’s best moments occur when this technique is employed. Nowadays, we know that double-page spreads are highly effective for impactful moments. Perhaps it wasn’t very common at the time, but the overall art quality remains high, with excellent panel composition.
- Artistic Style (Score: 7):
Toriyama’s style is visually appealing and influential, shaping the look of future shonen series. Exaggerated expressions, vibrant energy blasts, and dynamic poses contribute to a unique and recognizable aesthetic. The simplicity of the art, though charming, may feel less intricate compared to modern manga standards. This may be a matter of personal preference or familiarity with more elaborate contemporary styles.
4. Worldbuilding
- Depth and Consistency of the Fictional World (Score: 8):
Dragon Ball features a diverse world with unique locations like Capsule Corporation, Namek, and the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. The introduction of alien races, deities, and other realms adds depth. However, many aspects of the world remain underexplored, with a focus predominantly on Earth. Techniques like Instant Transmission and fusion are learned off-screen, missing opportunities to explore these other locales in detail.
5. Pacing
- Narrative Flow and Tension Balance (Score: 9):
Pacing in Dragon Ball varies, with some arcs flowing well while others, such as the tournaments, can feel a bit repetitive, especially the Tenshinhan one, maybe the worst pacing in the series. The series generally balances action with downtime effectively, allowing character development and story progression. Unlike the anime, which suffers from pacing issues, the manga maintains a brisk pace.
6. Theme
- Theme Exploration and Depth (Score: 6):
The central themes of Dragon Ball—friendship, perseverance, and self-improvement—are prevalent but not deeply explored. The series touches on themes like destiny and the nature of power but remains focused on action and adventure. The thematic exploration supports the series' goals but lacks the complexity or philosophical depth seen in some other works.
7. Emotional Impact
- Emotional Response and Impactful Moments (Score: 8):
Dragon Ball features many memorable and emotionally impactful moments, such as Goku’s first Super Saiyan transformation and Vegeta’s sacrifice against Majin Buu. These scenes resonate with the audience and highlight the series' ability to connect emotionally despite its focus on action. Moments like Gohan’s transformation during the Cell Games demonstrate how the series blends action with emotional depth.
8. Enjoyment (Score: 9)
Dragon Ball excels in delivering pure entertainment. Its high-energy battles, iconic transformations, and moments of humor create a deeply engaging experience. The series’ ability to balance lighthearted moments with intense drama ensures consistent excitement. Even with its narrative flaws, Dragon Ball’s charm and action-packed storytelling make it a thrilling read that keeps fans coming back for more. Adding to this is the nostalgia factor, as Dragon Ball holds a special place in my heart. Iconic moments like Goku’s Super Saiyan transformation or Vegeta’s redemption evoke a sense of excitement that defined my childhood.
9. Conclusion
- Reader Satisfaction and Arc Resolution (Score: 7):
The series concludes its arcs satisfactorily, though some storylines and characters could have been further developed. The arcs in general leave a lasting impression and flow well into the next one, but the Buu saga’s decline in quality affects overall satisfaction. Despite this, the series’ conclusion is generally positive, though it falls short of its full potential due to rushed elements and missed opportunities.
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Final Score: 7.8
Hello, this is my first review on MAL, and I thought I’d talk about one of the classics. I avoided watching the famous anime that everyone I knew had watched so I could experience it the same way the Japanese did in 1984—through the original manga. So let’s dive into it...
The art is still great. Toriyama's style is cartoonish yet rich in detail, holding up well after over 30 years.
I love how the series is off-the-wall funny, with fast pacing and intense battles. Yes, I called this manga "fast-paced." The anime was notorious for taking several episodes to show a single attack. In the manga, it takes a few chapters, but since it was originally released weekly, it wasn’t an issue. Now, with the full series available to read in succession, there really isn’t a problem here.
And I also referred to the fights as "intense." Despite the goofiness of the series, I found myself sweating during many combat scenes, especially in the classic Tenkaichi Budokai arcs. It was all invigorating stuff. Up until the end, I never thought the fights were bad. However, I’d argue that’s the only constant “good” throughout the series. And now for my complaints...
I believe volumes 17-42 (counting by their actual volume number, not when Viz reset the counter and added a Z) are weaker than the first 16 volumes, which formed the basis for the popular Dragon Ball Z that every kid in my generation, except me, grew up with.
First complaint: the characters. I liked pretty much everyone in the first 16 volumes (even Yamcha). I wasn’t emotionally attached to them like with the cast of One Piece or My Hero Academia, but I cared enough. Most of them carry over to Z, but they might as well not have. Only Goku and one other character matter. Everyone else is useless. While the fights are still great, this aspect bothered me immensely.
My other big complaint is that I think the manga overstayed its welcome. The series would’ve ended perfectly at the arc covered from volume 21 to some point in volume 28. But it didn’t, and honestly, I didn’t care too much about what happened afterward. It’s not as bad as the final arc in Fairy Tail, but it’s still pretty bad.
If this manga had gone on any longer than volume 42, I probably would’ve stopped liking it, which is why I have no interest in Super. Nonetheless, the action and pacing remain solid throughout all 42 volumes, and I recommend reading this because it’s better than the anime and is a classic you should read at least for educational purposes.
Ever since I was little, I was a hardcore fight fan. I loved watching shows where the antagonists had to battle for the survival of all they held dear. Even now, I fondly remember the anime that gave me my first taste as it aired on my morning cartoon network, "Cheese TV." It was a boring morning when I stumbled upon the Dragonball manga, and soon that morning turned cheerful as I delightfully relived the story of Goku and his Dragonball adventures.
Story [10/10]
If a manga like Dragonball were to appear now, I would probably give it an 8 or 9, but I have chosen to keep its original context in mind. As mentioned, if Dragonball were released today, it wouldn't be as popular as it is now because, when it came out, it was something new and unbelievable that the world had never really seen. The manga was one of the crucial founders of shounen fighting manga and anime, setting all the stereotypes and benchmarks. Dragonball was one of the greatest stories of its generation and left a legacy on all shounen manga that followed, as the style continues to advance and refine to suit the times. Popular anime and manga like Naruto and Bleach all have roots in Dragonball.
As for the story itself, I would say it's very good on its own terms. It takes an ancient Chinese tale and turns it into something completely different: a wacky adventure of a monkey-tailed jungle boy and a blue-haired tech head heiress who would later be joined by more companions, some with rocky beginnings but all charmed by protagonist Goku's innocence. Goku's natural strength would always be questioned until later in the manga when his true identity is revealed as an adult (I won't spoil it, just in case), which gives him the opportunity to face opponents stronger than he'd ever faced in an intergalactic setting.
Dragonball's sense of romance was kind of vague; the manga would skip large amounts of time, rarely offering even a montage to explain the gap. Most romantic relationships would take place between these times. I felt this was probably one of the best methods, as the concept of lovey-dovey romance within Dragonball is shudder-worthy—it would undermine the true focus of the anime. As a result, even the cutest pairings were laced with violence, screaming spouses throwing threats at one another, which was the manga's own form of love.
Art [10/10]
The style enjoyed sitting outside the box. Before Dragonball, most anime and manga were similar to Astro Boy or the work of Hayao Miyazaki, but then came Dragonball sporting veined muscles and antagonists like King Piccolo and Frieza. The settings were unique as well, like an alternate universe filled with amusing stereotypes from around the world, ranging from deserts to jungles, cities to islands. The world was made the playground for this manga.
Characters [10/10]
Like any fighting manga or anime, it was very character-driven, creating unique and wacky personalities and character designs with well-thought-out backstories that would always come back to haunt them somewhere in the manga, no matter how far forward. In Dragonball especially, the character development was evident, as characters changed and aged physically and mentally, maturing in their chosen occupations.
Enjoyment [10/10]
The reason I enjoyed this manga the most was because of the nostalgia I felt while reading it. I could remember being four or five years old, sitting and watching, even though I can't recall much about my childhood. I still hold onto so many memories of watching Goku fight Frieza on planet Namek, of Trunks and his father fighting Cell among others.
The issue with Dragon Ball is that the main characters are too conventional, and the story tends to repeat itself. They face some challenges, then discover a new power level that allows them to defeat their enemies. It's a shame because the initial concept was great.
It is true that the last passage is perhaps the weakest, but anyway this is very high.
1000000000000000/10
Lots of great announcements, excellent fights, you never know where it can go.
I fell in love with the character of Son Goku.
It barely took me a week to read the whole manga, I didn't want to go to sleep.
I had never seen a Dragon Ball anime before, so I had no idea what to expect. Anyway, I have many theories that the author of Naruto must have been inspired here or that Naruto and Dragon Ball are the same universe?
There is a Turtle Hermit who is deviant, Naruto has a Frog Hermit who is also deviant. We have Kage Bunshin in both worlds.
While here is the inner power of Ki, Naruto has chakra.
When reading Dragon Ball, it feels like you're witnessing the grandfather of modern manga. The artwork, at times, still feels fresh, and the comedy, especially with Bulma and the Turtle Hermit, remains very funny. Part of me wishes that Dragon Ball Z (and beyond) had continued with the adventuring elements found in Dragon Ball. However, regardless of what Dragon Ball seemingly evolved into over time, the original is an adventure tale full of surprises and fun moments.
Honestly, it feels like One Piece before One Piece was even a concept. This is a must-read for all manga enthusiasts, not just fans of Dragon Ball Z and the later battle arcs.
Absolute Masterpiece. Dragon Ball holds a special place in my heart for various reasons. Is it perfectly written? No. Is its story anything mind-blowing? No. But it's a damn good tale that has been adored by millions around the world. I personally prefer the manga over the anime adaptation. From Goku's childhood all the way to his departure with Uub, this has been a story I wholeheartedly adored.
The story is simple yet effective. The characters are likeable, and the villains are menacing. It's everything a good action shonen should be. While many other stories have taken its ideas and improved upon them, I still think that what Dragon Ball has to offer is beyond satisfactory.
If you are going into this expecting a brilliantly written storyline akin to Attack on Titan or an emotional rollercoaster like Neon Genesis Evangelion, you won't get what you expect. What this story is, is a tale about young Son Goku constantly pushing through his limits and protecting the people he loves.
TL;DR, should you read Dragon Ball? Hell yes. I think this tale is one everyone should experience at least once. Even if you don't enjoy it as much as others, it's worth watching simply to see this legendary manga.
I read and enjoyed the first three volumes of Dragonball. Despite its length, it remained engaging throughout. As a shounen manga, I anticipated some nudity and sexual jokes, but the content exceeded my expectations, making me uncomfortable at times. Many jokes involving Bulma, a young girl, and the Turtle Hermit, an old man, centered around low-level sexual acts like flashing, which seemed to normalize inappropriate behavior. Although this was likely not the intent, it made me uneasy.
I enjoyed the book overall, but I hesitate to recommend it to its target audience of young teenage boys, who are particularly impressionable. Additionally, my favorite character, Bulma, had less representation as the story progressed, which is understandable given that Dragonball is primarily aimed at a male audience.
Despite these concerns, I still consider it a quality and enjoyable book. However, I would recommend it mainly to slightly older teenage boys due to the mature content.
While I do recommend Dragon Ball and believe it's a good manga overall, its biggest issue is the uncomfortable amount of sexualization in the early parts, often involving minors. However, once you get past that, it becomes quite enjoyable, especially when Master Roshi isn't around as the "comic relief" pervert. The main theme of Dragon Ball is the importance of continuous practice because there is always someone stronger than you, and this concept is handled exceptionally well. A prime example of this is the contrast between Goku’s and Vegeta’s motivations for training. Goku trains to improve himself, while Vegeta aims to become the strongest. This contrast makes the rivalry between Goku and Vegeta one of the best rivalries of all time. Although I don't particularly favor Goku as a character, I must admit he is one of the greatest protagonists ever with his philosophy of constant self-improvement. Dragon Ball is one of those manga/anime that everyone should experience at some point in their life due to its immense influence and iconic status.
The DB anime adaptation was the first piece of Japanese animation I ever watched back in the 90s, so it felt fitting to make it the manga I first read from start to finish.
It has aged better than both the DB and DBZ anime, avoiding outdated animation and questionable voice acting. Toriyama's art still looks great, and the manga moves at a much better pace without fillers and drawn-out fights. It is one of the better shounen series, even better than most modern ones, with excellent character designs and fighting techniques. One of the things I appreciate most about DB is how it gradually evolved from a gag manga into an action fantasy comedy and then into a serious sci-fi action series.
If Dragon Ball had ended at the Namek arc, I would probably rate it an 8/10 or 9/10. However, the Cell arc takes a nosedive in quality with constant plot conveniences, exaggerated character traits, fights that focus purely on power without strategy, non-Saiyan characters becoming irrelevant, and the super saiyan transformation—which was once a rare legend—becoming a standard power-up for every fighter. These are typical issues that arise in shounen when the mangaka runs out of ideas.
Nevertheless, the two weaker arcs at the end do not ruin the rest of Dragon Ball. It remains better than most modern fighting shounen that try to emulate it. I believe it is a series everyone should read at least once because of its iconic status and significant influence.
Ah, Dragon Ball. Quite possibly the most well-known piece of media to ever come from Japan, its influence and popularity are absolutely undeniable. It's essentially the grandfather of modern shonen, and you could argue that anime and manga wouldn't be what they are today if it never existed. Reading it in the present day, I think it still manages to be a very entertaining experience despite its problems that become more prominent over time.
Right off the bat, I'll say that the overall story of Dragon Ball is one of those problems. While it was likely interesting and revolutionary for its time, by today's standards, much of it feels basic and lacks depth and genuinely engaging storytelling. At first, its simplicity and energy are easy to appreciate, but I don't think anything before the Cell Saga holds up particularly well story-wise. The formula of Goku searching for the Dragon Balls, training for the Tenkaichi Budokai, defeating villains, and repeating with convenient power-ups and deus ex machinas doesn't age well. I wasn't expecting deep storytelling when I started reading, and it's clear that Toriyama prioritized action and comedy (especially towards the end), but it still disappointed me a little bit. If anything stands the test of time, it's definitely the fights. They have great choreography and energy, and Toriyama's artwork adds a lot of intensity.
The most interesting development comes from the characters. I was surprised by how well character development was handled and how attached I became to the entire cast. They're all very lovable and have their own unique personalities, making them easy to root for. Watching them experience everything together over several years truly feels like a long journey, which makes it a bit sad to say goodbye at the end. However, it's unfortunate how many characters were sidelined and became irrelevant by the end, and while the villains had interesting personalities, most of them lacked depth in their motivations.
Despite these issues, I don't think I've ever read a manga as ridiculously entertaining as Dragon Ball. It has this wonderful spirit and soul unmatched by any other series I've seen. Its great sense of humor and vibrant world blend to create a fantastic sense of adventure. Every panel oozes with creativity and passion, and you can really tell how much Toriyama loved working on it.
Ultimately, while many shonens that followed have outdone Dragon Ball by making more effective use of the tropes it established, I think it's a genuinely timeless work that is still very much worth checking out.
Reading Dragon Ball in 2020, what made me start this series? Beginning a series with over 500 chapters can be daunting. However, I succumbed to Dragon Ball's legendary reputation and found my life more enriched because of it.
I truly mean that. Dragon Ball isn't just another shounen series. For me, the series develops a 'weight' that grows with every arc. This might apply to many manga, but my initial interest in DB was based on its reputation, not just its popularity. As a result, I feel an increasing satisfaction with each arc.
I want to elaborate on the 'weight' Dragon Ball carries. To do that, let's talk about Goku. His nature is what makes this manga so worthwhile. Goku has always had innate strength, but he constantly strives to be the best person he can be, even if it isn't necessarily to defeat someone else. It's beautiful how Toriyama portrays this. This theme is explored more deeply in the manga, so I recommend discovering it for yourself. Simply put... Dragon Ball starts with Goku, but ends with everyone...
Too vague?
Ultimately, there's a reason my rating isn't higher than a 7. It's not that Dragon Ball lacked anything specific. In my opinion, its success is also what makes it 'fail.' Arguably, there isn't much more to take away other than it being a story about redemption. It's no coincidence that enemies may become more friend than foe as the story progresses. That's the formula. Goku's tales are worth the reader's time.
In retrospect, ideally, it is a 10/10. An experience that lives up to its reputation should surely be a 10/10. Realistically, though, there are manga that provoke more from the reader in various ways, regardless of whether they are shounen or not.
I would have valued this series more deeply had I read it while growing up. So, I recommend starting Dragon Ball as early as you can. If you complete the manga, you might conclude it's just numerous drawn-out battles of who has the highest power level. Because it is. Until it isn't. There are many things to value here. Either way, if you start reading, even if you only make it to the end of the second volume, I hope you agree that it was worth reading up until wherever you may stop.
Popular Reviews
Hello, this is my first review on MAL, and I thought I’d talk about one of the classics. I avoided watching the famous anime that everyone I knew had watched so I could experience it the same way the Japanese did in 1984—through the original manga. So let’s dive into it...
The art is still great. Toriyama's style is cartoonish yet rich in detail, holding up well after over 30 years.
I love how the series is off-the-wall funny, with fast pacing and intense battles. Yes, I called this manga "fast-paced." The anime was notorious for taking several episodes to show a single attack. In the manga, it takes a few chapters, but since it was originally released weekly, it wasn’t an issue. Now, with the full series available to read in succession, there really isn’t a problem here.
And I also referred to the fights as "intense." Despite the goofiness of the series, I found myself sweating during many combat scenes, especially in the classic Tenkaichi Budokai arcs. It was all invigorating stuff. Up until the end, I never thought the fights were bad. However, I’d argue that’s the only constant “good” throughout the series. And now for my complaints...
I believe volumes 17-42 (counting by their actual volume number, not when Viz reset the counter and added a Z) are weaker than the first 16 volumes, which formed the basis for the popular Dragon Ball Z that every kid in my generation, except me, grew up with.
First complaint: the characters. I liked pretty much everyone in the first 16 volumes (even Yamcha). I wasn’t emotionally attached to them like with the cast of One Piece or My Hero Academia, but I cared enough. Most of them carry over to Z, but they might as well not have. Only Goku and one other character matter. Everyone else is useless. While the fights are still great, this aspect bothered me immensely.
My other big complaint is that I think the manga overstayed its welcome. The series would’ve ended perfectly at the arc covered from volume 21 to some point in volume 28. But it didn’t, and honestly, I didn’t care too much about what happened afterward. It’s not as bad as the final arc in Fairy Tail, but it’s still pretty bad.
If this manga had gone on any longer than volume 42, I probably would’ve stopped liking it, which is why I have no interest in Super. Nonetheless, the action and pacing remain solid throughout all 42 volumes, and I recommend reading this because it’s better than the anime and is a classic you should read at least for educational purposes.
Story [10/10] If a manga like Dragonball were to appear now, I would probably give it an 8 or 9, but I have chosen to keep its original context in mind. As mentioned, if Dragonball were released today, it wouldn't be as popular as it is now because, when it came out, it was something new and unbelievable that the world had never really seen. The manga was one of the crucial founders of shounen fighting manga and anime, setting all the stereotypes and benchmarks. Dragonball was one of the greatest stories of its generation and left a legacy on all shounen manga that followed, as the style continues to advance and refine to suit the times. Popular anime and manga like Naruto and Bleach all have roots in Dragonball.
As for the story itself, I would say it's very good on its own terms. It takes an ancient Chinese tale and turns it into something completely different: a wacky adventure of a monkey-tailed jungle boy and a blue-haired tech head heiress who would later be joined by more companions, some with rocky beginnings but all charmed by protagonist Goku's innocence. Goku's natural strength would always be questioned until later in the manga when his true identity is revealed as an adult (I won't spoil it, just in case), which gives him the opportunity to face opponents stronger than he'd ever faced in an intergalactic setting.
Dragonball's sense of romance was kind of vague; the manga would skip large amounts of time, rarely offering even a montage to explain the gap. Most romantic relationships would take place between these times. I felt this was probably one of the best methods, as the concept of lovey-dovey romance within Dragonball is shudder-worthy—it would undermine the true focus of the anime. As a result, even the cutest pairings were laced with violence, screaming spouses throwing threats at one another, which was the manga's own form of love.
Art [10/10] The style enjoyed sitting outside the box. Before Dragonball, most anime and manga were similar to Astro Boy or the work of Hayao Miyazaki, but then came Dragonball sporting veined muscles and antagonists like King Piccolo and Frieza. The settings were unique as well, like an alternate universe filled with amusing stereotypes from around the world, ranging from deserts to jungles, cities to islands. The world was made the playground for this manga.
Characters [10/10] Like any fighting manga or anime, it was very character-driven, creating unique and wacky personalities and character designs with well-thought-out backstories that would always come back to haunt them somewhere in the manga, no matter how far forward. In Dragonball especially, the character development was evident, as characters changed and aged physically and mentally, maturing in their chosen occupations.
Enjoyment [10/10] The reason I enjoyed this manga the most was because of the nostalgia I felt while reading it. I could remember being four or five years old, sitting and watching, even though I can't recall much about my childhood. I still hold onto so many memories of watching Goku fight Frieza on planet Namek, of Trunks and his father fighting Cell among others.
I remember, and it feels good to be reminded.
The issue with Dragon Ball is that the main characters are too conventional, and the story tends to repeat itself. They face some challenges, then discover a new power level that allows them to defeat their enemies. It's a shame because the initial concept was great.
This is epic! A total bomb!
It is true that the last passage is perhaps the weakest, but anyway this is very high.
1000000000000000/10
Lots of great announcements, excellent fights, you never know where it can go.
I fell in love with the character of Son Goku.
It barely took me a week to read the whole manga, I didn't want to go to sleep.
I had never seen a Dragon Ball anime before, so I had no idea what to expect. Anyway, I have many theories that the author of Naruto must have been inspired here or that Naruto and Dragon Ball are the same universe?
There is a Turtle Hermit who is deviant, Naruto has a Frog Hermit who is also deviant. We have Kage Bunshin in both worlds.
While here is the inner power of Ki, Naruto has chakra.
When reading Dragon Ball, it feels like you're witnessing the grandfather of modern manga. The artwork, at times, still feels fresh, and the comedy, especially with Bulma and the Turtle Hermit, remains very funny. Part of me wishes that Dragon Ball Z (and beyond) had continued with the adventuring elements found in Dragon Ball. However, regardless of what Dragon Ball seemingly evolved into over time, the original is an adventure tale full of surprises and fun moments.
Honestly, it feels like One Piece before One Piece was even a concept. This is a must-read for all manga enthusiasts, not just fans of Dragon Ball Z and the later battle arcs.
Absolute Masterpiece. Dragon Ball holds a special place in my heart for various reasons. Is it perfectly written? No. Is its story anything mind-blowing? No. But it's a damn good tale that has been adored by millions around the world. I personally prefer the manga over the anime adaptation. From Goku's childhood all the way to his departure with Uub, this has been a story I wholeheartedly adored.
The story is simple yet effective. The characters are likeable, and the villains are menacing. It's everything a good action shonen should be. While many other stories have taken its ideas and improved upon them, I still think that what Dragon Ball has to offer is beyond satisfactory.
If you are going into this expecting a brilliantly written storyline akin to Attack on Titan or an emotional rollercoaster like Neon Genesis Evangelion, you won't get what you expect. What this story is, is a tale about young Son Goku constantly pushing through his limits and protecting the people he loves.
TL;DR, should you read Dragon Ball? Hell yes. I think this tale is one everyone should experience at least once. Even if you don't enjoy it as much as others, it's worth watching simply to see this legendary manga.
I read and enjoyed the first three volumes of Dragonball. Despite its length, it remained engaging throughout. As a shounen manga, I anticipated some nudity and sexual jokes, but the content exceeded my expectations, making me uncomfortable at times. Many jokes involving Bulma, a young girl, and the Turtle Hermit, an old man, centered around low-level sexual acts like flashing, which seemed to normalize inappropriate behavior. Although this was likely not the intent, it made me uneasy.
I enjoyed the book overall, but I hesitate to recommend it to its target audience of young teenage boys, who are particularly impressionable. Additionally, my favorite character, Bulma, had less representation as the story progressed, which is understandable given that Dragonball is primarily aimed at a male audience.
Despite these concerns, I still consider it a quality and enjoyable book. However, I would recommend it mainly to slightly older teenage boys due to the mature content.
While I do recommend Dragon Ball and believe it's a good manga overall, its biggest issue is the uncomfortable amount of sexualization in the early parts, often involving minors. However, once you get past that, it becomes quite enjoyable, especially when Master Roshi isn't around as the "comic relief" pervert. The main theme of Dragon Ball is the importance of continuous practice because there is always someone stronger than you, and this concept is handled exceptionally well. A prime example of this is the contrast between Goku’s and Vegeta’s motivations for training. Goku trains to improve himself, while Vegeta aims to become the strongest. This contrast makes the rivalry between Goku and Vegeta one of the best rivalries of all time. Although I don't particularly favor Goku as a character, I must admit he is one of the greatest protagonists ever with his philosophy of constant self-improvement. Dragon Ball is one of those manga/anime that everyone should experience at some point in their life due to its immense influence and iconic status.
The DB anime adaptation was the first piece of Japanese animation I ever watched back in the 90s, so it felt fitting to make it the manga I first read from start to finish.
It has aged better than both the DB and DBZ anime, avoiding outdated animation and questionable voice acting. Toriyama's art still looks great, and the manga moves at a much better pace without fillers and drawn-out fights. It is one of the better shounen series, even better than most modern ones, with excellent character designs and fighting techniques. One of the things I appreciate most about DB is how it gradually evolved from a gag manga into an action fantasy comedy and then into a serious sci-fi action series.
If Dragon Ball had ended at the Namek arc, I would probably rate it an 8/10 or 9/10. However, the Cell arc takes a nosedive in quality with constant plot conveniences, exaggerated character traits, fights that focus purely on power without strategy, non-Saiyan characters becoming irrelevant, and the super saiyan transformation—which was once a rare legend—becoming a standard power-up for every fighter. These are typical issues that arise in shounen when the mangaka runs out of ideas.
Nevertheless, the two weaker arcs at the end do not ruin the rest of Dragon Ball. It remains better than most modern fighting shounen that try to emulate it. I believe it is a series everyone should read at least once because of its iconic status and significant influence.
Reading Dragon Ball in 2020, what made me start this series? Beginning a series with over 500 chapters can be daunting. However, I succumbed to Dragon Ball's legendary reputation and found my life more enriched because of it.
I truly mean that. Dragon Ball isn't just another shounen series. For me, the series develops a 'weight' that grows with every arc. This might apply to many manga, but my initial interest in DB was based on its reputation, not just its popularity. As a result, I feel an increasing satisfaction with each arc.
I want to elaborate on the 'weight' Dragon Ball carries. To do that, let's talk about Goku. His nature is what makes this manga so worthwhile. Goku has always had innate strength, but he constantly strives to be the best person he can be, even if it isn't necessarily to defeat someone else. It's beautiful how Toriyama portrays this. This theme is explored more deeply in the manga, so I recommend discovering it for yourself. Simply put... Dragon Ball starts with Goku, but ends with everyone...
Too vague?
Ultimately, there's a reason my rating isn't higher than a 7. It's not that Dragon Ball lacked anything specific. In my opinion, its success is also what makes it 'fail.' Arguably, there isn't much more to take away other than it being a story about redemption. It's no coincidence that enemies may become more friend than foe as the story progresses. That's the formula. Goku's tales are worth the reader's time.
In retrospect, ideally, it is a 10/10. An experience that lives up to its reputation should surely be a 10/10. Realistically, though, there are manga that provoke more from the reader in various ways, regardless of whether they are shounen or not.
I would have valued this series more deeply had I read it while growing up. So, I recommend starting Dragon Ball as early as you can. If you complete the manga, you might conclude it's just numerous drawn-out battles of who has the highest power level. Because it is. Until it isn't. There are many things to value here. Either way, if you start reading, even if you only make it to the end of the second volume, I hope you agree that it was worth reading up until wherever you may stop.
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