Yes, I did grow up on Dragon Ball, but I don't cling to it as an infant would their mother's breast. No, I'm being completely unbiased.
**STORY**
Con: The occasional discontinuity and gag scenes detract from the story. It doesn’t take itself seriously enough, such as when Goku bites his opponents. While I understand that Toriyama wants to stay true to its comical roots, involving aliens and the entire universe, including heaven and hell, makes these gags feel out of place. However, some humor is creative, like Gotenks and Buu screaming to create a portal back to the regular dimension. This matched the scene’s feel, as both are immature characters using their abilities in childish ways. The enjoyment of these scenes depends on your sense of humor.
Pro: Toriyama’s storytelling technique is classic, with the plot evolving significantly. As the archetype for shounen manga, Dragon Ball can't avoid being labeled as "typical shounen." For its time, it is highly imaginative and creative, filled with antics and boyish humor. Much of the story revolves around battles. Initially, the maneuvers were cartoonish, but they evolved. Combatants began grappling more, and the introduction of ki attacks was brilliant. They could manipulate energy paths, use them strategically, and there were endless possibilities. As the fight scenes intensified, so did the story, making the stakes the very existence of everything.
**ART**
Con: Toriyama, we get it—you're a good artist. You show off through detailed depictions of characters riding exotic animals or intricate machinery in exotic backgrounds, which often feels irrelevant.
Pro: Why discuss this? The art evolution is very obvious. Compare the first chapter to the latest. The art started as unpolished thick lineart and became more angular and fluid, with screen tones added. That's about it.
**CHARACTER**
Con: Why did over 80% of your cast stop having character development after Gohan’s kidnapping? Krillin gets kicked in the stomach in the first episode of Dragon Ball Z and becomes useless for an entire season. Piccolo dies and becomes useless. Don't even get me started on Yamcha—he's never useful after Goku hits puberty.
Pro: Characters Toriyama focuses on undergo significant development. Goku transforms from a kind-hearted, dense boy into a gentle, honorable, and wise man whose ideology inspires the greatest fighters. Other characters also befriend and convert into good people, following a similar path.
**ENJOYMENT**
A relative measurement, but I enjoyed Dragon Ball. It was unique until others copied it for profit (looking at you, Naruto, One Piece, Bleach). One good thing about Dragon Ball: the creator ended it when he wanted, so it never felt dragged out.
**OVERALL**
I enjoyed it enough. The manga didn’t have much filler besides the mini-filler before the Buu arc about Gohan’s high school education. The plot always progressed, and the characters Toriyama chose to develop grew significantly. Dragon Ball is a lighthearted yet somewhat serious story that is straightforward, unlike Naruto or Bleach with their numerous side stories. My concern is that readers might overlook the philosophy behind the Z-fighters' sacrifices and think it's just mindless action. Overall, the art, story, and characters underwent significant evolution, something missing in modern manga, and I'd like to see more works like this.
Dragon Ball is charming in its simplicity. Despite its somewhat misogynistic undertones, it delivers a fun and imaginative story that keeps readers hooked. It doesn’t delve into deep themes or offer memorable character arcs, but that wasn’t its goal. It aimed to be an entertaining martial arts manga about a pure-hearted child prodigy, and it succeeded.
While Dragon Ball showcased characters inventing unique martial arts techniques and cleverly using their abilities to win fights, Dragon Ball Z focuses more on which character is inherently more powerful. The narrative isn’t about outsmarting or overcoming stronger foes; instead, it revolves around characters becoming more powerful to achieve their goals. This often involves retreating to train for several chapters or the peculiar Saiyan trait of gaining power after being defeated (though this only applies during the Freeza arc). There needs to be a reason for Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, Piccolo, etc., to become stronger rather than exploiting an enemy’s weakness. While I understand this is the essence of DBZ compared to other shonen manga that focus more on strategy, I find this storytelling approach weaker overall. I found the challenges in Dragon Ball more engaging than the cosmic threats in DBZ. Unfortunately, this trend also plagues many of the movies, where characters can’t grow or gain new abilities in side stories.
That said, there’s a reason why DBZ has such a significant cultural impact—it’s undeniably cool. Even though the storytelling is superficial, the fights are captivating, narratively satisfying, and generally well-paced and choreographed. Characters rarely undergo development or personality changes (aside from switching from evil to good), but they don’t need to because that’s not what Dragon Ball is about. They’re fun, interesting, and add more depth to the story than just endless battles.
The art style might be ugly, but it’s unique, and I love it for what it is, much like an unattractive yet endearing child. Fights are usually easy to follow, and the impact of blows and energy blasts is conveyed effectively.
In conclusion, I can’t say I was ever bored while reading either Dragon Ball or Dragon Ball Z. It was a thoroughly entertaining experience, and that’s all it set out to be.
Just saying, this is my first review. I've read many mangas after this one, but I'm saving my first review for the first manga I ever read. Dragonball introduced me to the world of manga. Even though I'm a girl and now prefer romantic manga, this is genuinely really good. The first series, Dragonball, leans more towards comedy. The subsequent two series blend comedy with a bit more drama. It would have been nice to learn more about the lives of secondary characters. Surprisingly, this made me cry at the end, which feels somewhat absurd. Anyway, this is a great manga whether you're just starting out or have already read hundreds of mangas. If you enjoy reading it, I also recommend watching the anime because there's an additional series called Dragonball GT that's only available in anime format.
Dragon Ball stands as one of the most influential manga and media series ever created. For better or worse, it has reshaped the landscape of anime. Discussing it through a modern lens can be somewhat unfair since many of its clichés didn't exist before this series. Nevertheless, I'll guide you through the series and explain why it remains relevant today. (Skip to the end for a spoiler-free summary).
The first arc of Dragon Ball is an action-comedy reminiscent of creator Akira Toriyama's earlier work, Dr. Slump. Goku, along with Bulma, Oolong, and Yamcha, embarks on a quest to find the wish-granting Dragon Balls. While it’s flawed, with childish and crude jokes that even children might not enjoy, it’s still a fun adventure with likable characters. The tone is very laid-back, featuring dinosaurs, talking animals, and bizarre capsule machines. The villains are more silly than threatening, and the main character inexplicably has a tail. This casual acceptance of oddities is refreshing in a world where series often over-explain every rule. The arc ends on a comedic note, which sets the stage for future arcs. Not bad, but there's much better.
The next arc marks a significant shift. A new character is introduced, and the focus shifts towards fighting and personal growth, which was uncommon at the time. In most action series, protagonists start strong, but Goku must train, setting a precedent for the rest of the series. Interestingly, he loses the obligatory tournament, indicating room for further development and hinting at the series' longevity.
The following arc blends elements from the first two, maintaining the structure of the initial arc but adopting the more serious tone of the second. It’s an enjoyable story where side characters contribute meaningfully, but a problem arises: the final villain, the leader of the Red Ribbon Army, is simply a joke. This clash between old and new Dragon Ball becomes apparent as the conclusion lacks buildup and any antagonist feels anticlimactic. However, this issue is resolved in the subsequent tournament arc, especially the Piccolo arc.
The second tournament arc significantly improves the battles, particularly the final fight. Here, we meet Tien, a serious character compared to previous antagonists. He’s not evil, just a bit of a jerk, eventually becoming a good guy. Goku loses again, reinforcing the theme of growth. The next arc introduces Piccolo, who is genuinely evil and threatening. Unlike previous villains, Piccolo poses a real danger, and our heroes face life-threatening stakes. Though defeated, he leaves behind a son, setting up the next tournament arc after a timeskip. This arc marks the transition from Dragon Ball to Dragon Ball Z, with Goku’s powers far exceeding those seen earlier. By the end, Goku triumphs and is named the Strongest Under the Heavens. Everyone’s happy, right? Well, not quite. Years later, the saga continues into Dragon Ball Z.
In Dragon Ball Z, Goku is now a grown man with a family. Peace reigns until the Saiyan saga begins. Remember Goku’s tail? That’s because he’s essentially manga Superman. The new villains are from his race and outmatch him. Goku dies temporarily, revived by the Dragon Balls, while Piccolo trains Goku’s son, Gohan. We see more humanity in Piccolo, who becomes a good person, er... Namekian. The characters are the strength of Z, remaining compelling even as the battles and plot degrade. Our heroes defeat the Saiyans, but Goku spares Vegeta, who then meets his boss, Frieza. This leads us into the Frieza saga.
A recurring pattern emerges: Tien, Piccolo, and soon Vegeta all start as villains but become allies. Dragon Ball needed a truly irredeemable villain, and Frieza fits the bill. He’s racist, annoying, arrogant, and unlikeable, having destroyed Vegeta’s planet. Despite his power, Vegeta’s journey makes him sympathetic, and we root for him despite his flaws. His defeat at Goku’s hands, transforming into Super Saiyan, provides catharsis. Surely, this is the end? Not quite, as cracks begin to show in Dragon Ball.
I love the Cell saga personally, but it has major flaws. Frieza is apparently alive with his father, intending to destroy Earth. But a new Saiyan arrives and kills Frieza, which feels unnecessary. This Saiyan is actually Vegeta and Bulma’s son from the future, warning of an android threat. Meanwhile, Cell, a strange creature, also travels back to fight the Z fighters and the androids. The narrative becomes convoluted here. Despite this, Vegeta and Gohan remain great characters, and the androids are solid villains. Goku seemingly dies permanently, and Gohan becomes the new Strongest Under the Heavens. Dragon Ball should have ended here, but the next arc disappoints.
The Majin Buu saga is clumsy in setup. Initially fun, it feels like a redefined Dragon Ball with Gohan as the protagonist. However, it eventually becomes stale, with Buu starting interesting but becoming basic and lacking. Characters fuse and gain names that seem like fan fiction. The only redeeming aspect is Vegeta’s arc, which concludes nicely. Overall, this arc is disappointing.
Some points I didn’t cover: The laid-back world works for original Dragon Ball but not for Z. We know characters can’t die, and the world becomes convoluted. Additionally, characters like Oolong, Yamcha, Tien, and even Piccolo become obsolete, cheering on Goku from the sidelines. Some characters, like Launch, are forgotten entirely. Smaller enemies or satisfying exits could have improved this.
Here are my ranked arcs:
Frieza Saga
Cell Saga (Including androids)
Piccolo Saga
Saiyan Saga
Second Tournament
First Tournament
Red Ribbon Saga
Majin Buu Saga
Origin Saga
Overall, Dragon Ball has highs and lows. It paved the way for series like Yu Yu Hakusho and One Piece. Great characters and exciting fights are marred by weak plots and an increasingly convoluted world, largely due to a lack of initial planning. Power levels become intangible, making the last arc disappointing. Still, the highs outweigh the lows. 7/10. Would I recommend reading it? It’s hard to recommend 42 volumes of any manga, but sure. If you want to, skip to Z. If you start from the beginning, stick through the first arc—it’s worth it.
Before I start writing this review, I want to mention that this is my first one. I fell in love with Dragon Ball when I was a kid. I first saw it on TV, and that's how I discovered this masterpiece. It truly embodies the meaning of epicness!
The characters are wonderful, the fights are epic, and the story is a masterpiece. Honestly, Dragon Ball is something you can't describe in words because it's just that epic!
A brief overview of the story:
The story begins with the hero of Dragon Ball, named "Son Goku," meeting the second human he has ever encountered, named "Bulma." They become friends and set out together to find the Dragon Balls. On their journey to locate the Dragon Balls, they make many friends and face numerous opponents. Goku meets Master Roshi and trains under him. He enters tournaments and battles countless adversaries...
As time passes, Goku grows into a young man, and from there, the story becomes even more captivating with each chapter. The excitement never ends.
I particularly loved the concept of the Dragon Balls - being able to wish dead people back to life was my favorite aspect of Dragon Ball. No matter how many times Akira (the mangaka) kills off his characters, the most important thing is always an epic fight! After all, dead characters can be revived using the Dragon Balls!
Honestly, I wish there was a rating higher than 10, reserved solely for Dragon Ball (sigh)!
Dragon Ball is a beloved series. I'm going to split this into two parts: one being Dragon Ball/Goku as a kid and Dragon Ball Z/Goku as an adult. A small tip/info: I have not grown up with Dragon Ball or have any nostalgia for it, so this is an unbiased review.
Part 1: Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball is definitely one of my favorite mangas. It's a great manga that shows a lot of love and passion, unlike some other manga/anime which seem like easy money grabs (cough cough GT). There are plenty of wholesome interactions, including Master Roshi's love for women. Let's start with the STORY. The story isn't the best thing you'll ever see, but Dragon Ball doesn't need a strong story or plot as much as other shows or mangas do. For me, this is one of the most entertaining manga out there. The tournaments were super fun to read. I don't know why, but they were. Overall, the whole thing was entertaining; there was never a boring part. It was funny and gave me enjoyment. BTW, I HAVE NOT FINISHED ANY OF THE ANIMES Z OR DRAGON BALL. Just putting that out there. But I have watched a bit because that's what got me into Dragon Ball. However, I switched to the manga because I love Toriyama's art style. The characters are really fun and enjoyable to read about. They are usually well-written characters. I don't know much else to say about Dragon Ball since it's just a very nice and well-told story about a young kid and some random girl he met off the streets and their journey to collect some shiny balls. So I'll end it here. HIGHLY RECOMMEND, very entertaining. I can't say it enough.
Yikes, I don't know how much more I can put into a MAL review, but let's see.
Part 2: DRAGON BALL Z
Wow, from the time this review is coming out, I don't know if anyone can see the date this was posted, but if you can't, it's 5/12/2021. I finished it today. This was a long adventure that, well, I will say is a teensy bit overrated. I understand that people have a lot of nostalgia for it. Personally, I'm not the oldest person nor the youngest on this site, so I don't share much nostalgia, although I probably will in the future. It continues a couple of years after the end of Dragon Ball. The story isn't amazing, but it is still quite good and enough to grab someone's time and attention. I read this pretty fast; I finished about half of it in under three days. Do I like one part better than the other? I guess so. But they all have the same amount of care and thought put into them. This adds a whole lot of new great characters, some of whom are even my favorites in the series. One example is Gohan. I love Gohan, especially the part where he is in high school. That is probably my favorite part of DBZ, actually. I'm joking... sort of. Anyway, it's great, everything is good. It's a nice read and, like Dragon Ball, very entertaining. I guess I will put a summary since I am dumb and can't think of what to put here.
SUMMARY:
Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z, I highly recommend both. IF YOU SEE THIS, PLEASE READ DRAGON BALL BEFORE Z. Why? Personally, I think the reader would have a better experience. I'm slightly salty towards people who have only watched/read Z and Super, but that's them. Dragon Ball can be a little too childish or comedic for the average reader/watcher. I guess that's why people think Z is better; it has some good epic action and cool drawn fights. But it doesn't feel like it has as much heart in it as Dragon Ball does. I can't really choose a favorite between DB and DBZ, but they are both good. I'm currently watching Super. I decided to read it, not watch it, mostly because, well, I don't want to say it, but there's no point to reading it. I'm guessing not very much story and the fights probably look more badass. But once I get done with the anime, I'll probably read the chapters that have continued after the end of the anime. Ok, I don't think anyone cares about what I just said right there, but-
Summary 2/TLDR:
Good ass read, entertaining as heck. Very good, very nice, very fresh, very epic. Thank you, Toriyama! Anyway, goodbye and leave a nice comment on my MAL profile. Put any manga/anime suggestions there. :)
It's challenging to review Dragon Ball as a single entity because it evolves significantly over its run, with the first and last chapters barely resembling each other. I prefer the early part of the manga, which is more of an adventure comedy series, over the later fight-heavy action style, but the series remains engaging throughout, only faltering seriously towards the end. Toriyama's artwork is stunning, particularly in the first half, and his use of paneling for action sequences is remarkable.
I didn't grow up with this series, but I can confidently say that without any nostalgia, it's worth checking out if you enjoy fighting manga. Don't expect perfect logic or the neatest ending, but you will have fun from start to finish.
Popular Reviews
Dragon Ball is charming in its simplicity. Despite its somewhat misogynistic undertones, it delivers a fun and imaginative story that keeps readers hooked. It doesn’t delve into deep themes or offer memorable character arcs, but that wasn’t its goal. It aimed to be an entertaining martial arts manga about a pure-hearted child prodigy, and it succeeded.
While Dragon Ball showcased characters inventing unique martial arts techniques and cleverly using their abilities to win fights, Dragon Ball Z focuses more on which character is inherently more powerful. The narrative isn’t about outsmarting or overcoming stronger foes; instead, it revolves around characters becoming more powerful to achieve their goals. This often involves retreating to train for several chapters or the peculiar Saiyan trait of gaining power after being defeated (though this only applies during the Freeza arc). There needs to be a reason for Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, Piccolo, etc., to become stronger rather than exploiting an enemy’s weakness. While I understand this is the essence of DBZ compared to other shonen manga that focus more on strategy, I find this storytelling approach weaker overall. I found the challenges in Dragon Ball more engaging than the cosmic threats in DBZ. Unfortunately, this trend also plagues many of the movies, where characters can’t grow or gain new abilities in side stories.
That said, there’s a reason why DBZ has such a significant cultural impact—it’s undeniably cool. Even though the storytelling is superficial, the fights are captivating, narratively satisfying, and generally well-paced and choreographed. Characters rarely undergo development or personality changes (aside from switching from evil to good), but they don’t need to because that’s not what Dragon Ball is about. They’re fun, interesting, and add more depth to the story than just endless battles.
The art style might be ugly, but it’s unique, and I love it for what it is, much like an unattractive yet endearing child. Fights are usually easy to follow, and the impact of blows and energy blasts is conveyed effectively.
In conclusion, I can’t say I was ever bored while reading either Dragon Ball or Dragon Ball Z. It was a thoroughly entertaining experience, and that’s all it set out to be.
Just saying, this is my first review. I've read many mangas after this one, but I'm saving my first review for the first manga I ever read. Dragonball introduced me to the world of manga. Even though I'm a girl and now prefer romantic manga, this is genuinely really good. The first series, Dragonball, leans more towards comedy. The subsequent two series blend comedy with a bit more drama. It would have been nice to learn more about the lives of secondary characters. Surprisingly, this made me cry at the end, which feels somewhat absurd. Anyway, this is a great manga whether you're just starting out or have already read hundreds of mangas. If you enjoy reading it, I also recommend watching the anime because there's an additional series called Dragonball GT that's only available in anime format.
Dragon Ball stands as one of the most influential manga and media series ever created. For better or worse, it has reshaped the landscape of anime. Discussing it through a modern lens can be somewhat unfair since many of its clichés didn't exist before this series. Nevertheless, I'll guide you through the series and explain why it remains relevant today. (Skip to the end for a spoiler-free summary).
The first arc of Dragon Ball is an action-comedy reminiscent of creator Akira Toriyama's earlier work, Dr. Slump. Goku, along with Bulma, Oolong, and Yamcha, embarks on a quest to find the wish-granting Dragon Balls. While it’s flawed, with childish and crude jokes that even children might not enjoy, it’s still a fun adventure with likable characters. The tone is very laid-back, featuring dinosaurs, talking animals, and bizarre capsule machines. The villains are more silly than threatening, and the main character inexplicably has a tail. This casual acceptance of oddities is refreshing in a world where series often over-explain every rule. The arc ends on a comedic note, which sets the stage for future arcs. Not bad, but there's much better.
The next arc marks a significant shift. A new character is introduced, and the focus shifts towards fighting and personal growth, which was uncommon at the time. In most action series, protagonists start strong, but Goku must train, setting a precedent for the rest of the series. Interestingly, he loses the obligatory tournament, indicating room for further development and hinting at the series' longevity.
The following arc blends elements from the first two, maintaining the structure of the initial arc but adopting the more serious tone of the second. It’s an enjoyable story where side characters contribute meaningfully, but a problem arises: the final villain, the leader of the Red Ribbon Army, is simply a joke. This clash between old and new Dragon Ball becomes apparent as the conclusion lacks buildup and any antagonist feels anticlimactic. However, this issue is resolved in the subsequent tournament arc, especially the Piccolo arc.
The second tournament arc significantly improves the battles, particularly the final fight. Here, we meet Tien, a serious character compared to previous antagonists. He’s not evil, just a bit of a jerk, eventually becoming a good guy. Goku loses again, reinforcing the theme of growth. The next arc introduces Piccolo, who is genuinely evil and threatening. Unlike previous villains, Piccolo poses a real danger, and our heroes face life-threatening stakes. Though defeated, he leaves behind a son, setting up the next tournament arc after a timeskip. This arc marks the transition from Dragon Ball to Dragon Ball Z, with Goku’s powers far exceeding those seen earlier. By the end, Goku triumphs and is named the Strongest Under the Heavens. Everyone’s happy, right? Well, not quite. Years later, the saga continues into Dragon Ball Z.
In Dragon Ball Z, Goku is now a grown man with a family. Peace reigns until the Saiyan saga begins. Remember Goku’s tail? That’s because he’s essentially manga Superman. The new villains are from his race and outmatch him. Goku dies temporarily, revived by the Dragon Balls, while Piccolo trains Goku’s son, Gohan. We see more humanity in Piccolo, who becomes a good person, er... Namekian. The characters are the strength of Z, remaining compelling even as the battles and plot degrade. Our heroes defeat the Saiyans, but Goku spares Vegeta, who then meets his boss, Frieza. This leads us into the Frieza saga.
A recurring pattern emerges: Tien, Piccolo, and soon Vegeta all start as villains but become allies. Dragon Ball needed a truly irredeemable villain, and Frieza fits the bill. He’s racist, annoying, arrogant, and unlikeable, having destroyed Vegeta’s planet. Despite his power, Vegeta’s journey makes him sympathetic, and we root for him despite his flaws. His defeat at Goku’s hands, transforming into Super Saiyan, provides catharsis. Surely, this is the end? Not quite, as cracks begin to show in Dragon Ball.
I love the Cell saga personally, but it has major flaws. Frieza is apparently alive with his father, intending to destroy Earth. But a new Saiyan arrives and kills Frieza, which feels unnecessary. This Saiyan is actually Vegeta and Bulma’s son from the future, warning of an android threat. Meanwhile, Cell, a strange creature, also travels back to fight the Z fighters and the androids. The narrative becomes convoluted here. Despite this, Vegeta and Gohan remain great characters, and the androids are solid villains. Goku seemingly dies permanently, and Gohan becomes the new Strongest Under the Heavens. Dragon Ball should have ended here, but the next arc disappoints.
The Majin Buu saga is clumsy in setup. Initially fun, it feels like a redefined Dragon Ball with Gohan as the protagonist. However, it eventually becomes stale, with Buu starting interesting but becoming basic and lacking. Characters fuse and gain names that seem like fan fiction. The only redeeming aspect is Vegeta’s arc, which concludes nicely. Overall, this arc is disappointing.
Some points I didn’t cover: The laid-back world works for original Dragon Ball but not for Z. We know characters can’t die, and the world becomes convoluted. Additionally, characters like Oolong, Yamcha, Tien, and even Piccolo become obsolete, cheering on Goku from the sidelines. Some characters, like Launch, are forgotten entirely. Smaller enemies or satisfying exits could have improved this.
Here are my ranked arcs:
Overall, Dragon Ball has highs and lows. It paved the way for series like Yu Yu Hakusho and One Piece. Great characters and exciting fights are marred by weak plots and an increasingly convoluted world, largely due to a lack of initial planning. Power levels become intangible, making the last arc disappointing. Still, the highs outweigh the lows. 7/10. Would I recommend reading it? It’s hard to recommend 42 volumes of any manga, but sure. If you want to, skip to Z. If you start from the beginning, stick through the first arc—it’s worth it.
Before I start writing this review, I want to mention that this is my first one. I fell in love with Dragon Ball when I was a kid. I first saw it on TV, and that's how I discovered this masterpiece. It truly embodies the meaning of epicness!
The characters are wonderful, the fights are epic, and the story is a masterpiece. Honestly, Dragon Ball is something you can't describe in words because it's just that epic!
A brief overview of the story:
The story begins with the hero of Dragon Ball, named "Son Goku," meeting the second human he has ever encountered, named "Bulma." They become friends and set out together to find the Dragon Balls. On their journey to locate the Dragon Balls, they make many friends and face numerous opponents. Goku meets Master Roshi and trains under him. He enters tournaments and battles countless adversaries...
As time passes, Goku grows into a young man, and from there, the story becomes even more captivating with each chapter. The excitement never ends.
I particularly loved the concept of the Dragon Balls - being able to wish dead people back to life was my favorite aspect of Dragon Ball. No matter how many times Akira (the mangaka) kills off his characters, the most important thing is always an epic fight! After all, dead characters can be revived using the Dragon Balls!
Honestly, I wish there was a rating higher than 10, reserved solely for Dragon Ball (sigh)!
I gave it a 10.
Dragon Ball is a beloved series. I'm going to split this into two parts: one being Dragon Ball/Goku as a kid and Dragon Ball Z/Goku as an adult. A small tip/info: I have not grown up with Dragon Ball or have any nostalgia for it, so this is an unbiased review.
Part 1: Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball is definitely one of my favorite mangas. It's a great manga that shows a lot of love and passion, unlike some other manga/anime which seem like easy money grabs (cough cough GT). There are plenty of wholesome interactions, including Master Roshi's love for women. Let's start with the STORY. The story isn't the best thing you'll ever see, but Dragon Ball doesn't need a strong story or plot as much as other shows or mangas do. For me, this is one of the most entertaining manga out there. The tournaments were super fun to read. I don't know why, but they were. Overall, the whole thing was entertaining; there was never a boring part. It was funny and gave me enjoyment. BTW, I HAVE NOT FINISHED ANY OF THE ANIMES Z OR DRAGON BALL. Just putting that out there. But I have watched a bit because that's what got me into Dragon Ball. However, I switched to the manga because I love Toriyama's art style. The characters are really fun and enjoyable to read about. They are usually well-written characters. I don't know much else to say about Dragon Ball since it's just a very nice and well-told story about a young kid and some random girl he met off the streets and their journey to collect some shiny balls. So I'll end it here. HIGHLY RECOMMEND, very entertaining. I can't say it enough.
Yikes, I don't know how much more I can put into a MAL review, but let's see.
Part 2: DRAGON BALL Z
Wow, from the time this review is coming out, I don't know if anyone can see the date this was posted, but if you can't, it's 5/12/2021. I finished it today. This was a long adventure that, well, I will say is a teensy bit overrated. I understand that people have a lot of nostalgia for it. Personally, I'm not the oldest person nor the youngest on this site, so I don't share much nostalgia, although I probably will in the future. It continues a couple of years after the end of Dragon Ball. The story isn't amazing, but it is still quite good and enough to grab someone's time and attention. I read this pretty fast; I finished about half of it in under three days. Do I like one part better than the other? I guess so. But they all have the same amount of care and thought put into them. This adds a whole lot of new great characters, some of whom are even my favorites in the series. One example is Gohan. I love Gohan, especially the part where he is in high school. That is probably my favorite part of DBZ, actually. I'm joking... sort of. Anyway, it's great, everything is good. It's a nice read and, like Dragon Ball, very entertaining. I guess I will put a summary since I am dumb and can't think of what to put here.
SUMMARY:
Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z, I highly recommend both. IF YOU SEE THIS, PLEASE READ DRAGON BALL BEFORE Z. Why? Personally, I think the reader would have a better experience. I'm slightly salty towards people who have only watched/read Z and Super, but that's them. Dragon Ball can be a little too childish or comedic for the average reader/watcher. I guess that's why people think Z is better; it has some good epic action and cool drawn fights. But it doesn't feel like it has as much heart in it as Dragon Ball does. I can't really choose a favorite between DB and DBZ, but they are both good. I'm currently watching Super. I decided to read it, not watch it, mostly because, well, I don't want to say it, but there's no point to reading it. I'm guessing not very much story and the fights probably look more badass. But once I get done with the anime, I'll probably read the chapters that have continued after the end of the anime. Ok, I don't think anyone cares about what I just said right there, but-
Summary 2/TLDR:
Good ass read, entertaining as heck. Very good, very nice, very fresh, very epic. Thank you, Toriyama! Anyway, goodbye and leave a nice comment on my MAL profile. Put any manga/anime suggestions there. :)
It's challenging to review Dragon Ball as a single entity because it evolves significantly over its run, with the first and last chapters barely resembling each other. I prefer the early part of the manga, which is more of an adventure comedy series, over the later fight-heavy action style, but the series remains engaging throughout, only faltering seriously towards the end. Toriyama's artwork is stunning, particularly in the first half, and his use of paneling for action sequences is remarkable.
I didn't grow up with this series, but I can confidently say that without any nostalgia, it's worth checking out if you enjoy fighting manga. Don't expect perfect logic or the neatest ending, but you will have fun from start to finish.
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