On November 20, forty years ago the magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump published the first issue of Dragon Ball, the most famous children’s manga ever. Even if it has a plot full of plots, characters and narrative threads that sometimes overlap, basically Dragon Ball tells the story of Goku, a fighter who belongs to an alien species of warriors, that of the Saiyans, of which there are very few representatives left in the entire universe.
The name of the series refers instead to its main narrative device, the so-called dragon balls: seven orange balls scattered around the world which, if gathered in a single point, allow you to summon a dragon, Shenron, capable of making a wish come true. Over the course of the episodes, Goku and his companions have the task of saving the world several times from the threats of different enemies, each time stronger, also becoming stronger thanks to grueling training.
Dragon Ball it was written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama, a highly inventive mangaka who in previous years had made himself known thanks Dr. Slump and Arale.a light, grotesque series full of very effective humorous ideas. Toriyama, who died last March, took care of Dragon Ball for 11 years, during which he became the most influential and beloved mangaka of his time. Toriyama’s series set the canon of adventure manga, focused on fighting and aimed at younger audiences, the so-called battle shonen.
The enormous ascendant of Dragon Ball is recognized by all experts: for example Masashi Kishimoto and Eiichirō Oda, authors respectively of Naruto e One Piecetwo series of enormous international success, have repeatedly told us how much Dragon Ball represented a fundamental inspiration for their works. This can be seen above all by observing their protagonists, Naruto and Monkey D. Luffy, who have many elements in common with Goku, such as a large appetite, a fixation for fighting, goodness and the fact of being a little dumb.
Also the character design (the aesthetic and psychological characterization of the characters) by Toriyama became extremely popular, and was much imitated in those years. One of the most immediate ways to realize this is to compare a drawing of Frieza, the main antagonist of the most famous narrative arc of Dragon Balland one of Mewtwo, one of the best-known Pokémon of the so-called “first generation”: the second is practically identical to the firsteven though it was created about ten years later.
Many other intuitions of Toriyama, such as the centrality of power up (the transformations that determine an increase in the character’s power, and which in Dragon Ball are represented above all by the various levels that the Saiyans reach from fight to fight) and the extreme emphasis on the physical and behavioral characteristics of the characters, are still widely imitated (if not directly copied).
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Over the years, some people who worked at Shūeisha at the time, the publishing house that published it Dragon Ball in Japan, they said that, at some points, the production of the series was difficult. It happened above all due to Toriyama’s laziness, a characteristic that in the years of serialization of the manga became proverbial in the environment. He was a notorious procrastinator, one who tended to make his editors’ lives difficult: he often missed deadlines, refused to close story arcs, and completely ignored previous interactions between characters.
It often happened that some supporting characters suddenly disappeared, or that some of their aesthetic characteristics disappeared without a reason. From this point of view, a famous example is that of Goku’s tail: Toriyama hated drawing it, and so at a certain point he decided to eliminate it, without giving too many explanations, to make it return only occasionally.
According to another anecdotecontained in the essay Dragon Ball: Super Exciting GuideToriyama decided to create the Super Saiyan, perhaps the most successful idea of the entire series, also to save time: coloring Goku’s hair, in fact, was a long and tiring job, and therefore replacing it with completely white hair (in animated series are detective stories) was the most convenient and immediate solution. In the end, despite Toriyama’s listlessness, Dragon Ball it was an unprecedented success.
Dragon Ball it is composed of 519 chapters collected in 42 volumes, published in Japan between 1985 and 1995 and in Italy for the first time from 1995 to 1997 by Star Comics. Animated television series were immediately drawn from the manga (the technical term is “anime”). The first, simply titled Dragon Ballaired from 1986 to 1989, while the second, Dragon Ball Z, it was broadcast from 1989 to 1996.
In the mid-nineties, another animated series was also produced, entitled Dragon Ball GTabout an original story totally unrelated to the events told in the manga and remembered with great affection by some fans of Dragon Ballalthough many consider it non-canonical. Then, between 2015 and 2018, a third animated series supervised by Toriyama aired, Dragon Ball Super.
The series were enormously successful, and even today continue to be broadcast on television all over the world: in Italy Dragon Ball it was a top series in the afternoons of Italia 1 for years, becoming one of the first anime discovered by many Italian kids. From Dragon Ball dozens of films and various other animated series were also made, to which Toriyama however did not collaborate.
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The Legacy of Dragon Ball: Forty Years of Kamehameha and Chaos
Gather ’round, ladies and gents! Take a seat, grab a bowl of ramen, and let’s dive into the world of Dragon Ball, the manga that’s been powering up our imaginations for forty years! Yes, that’s right, forty years since the first issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump graced our eager eyes with the radiant power of Goku and his dragon balls. Not to be mistaken with a particularly hairy game of bingo!
Once Upon a Dragon Ball…
So, what’s the story? Well, it’s a complicated saga of galactic proportions! Goku, a child with a monkey tail (and occasionally a reminder of his origins – don’t ask), is a fighter from an alien warrior race called the Saiyans. Wait a minute! Let’s just pause for a second. An alien with a tail? Isn’t that a bit… suspicious? I mean, if you’re a Saiyan, wouldn’t you want to blend in a bit more than that? It’s like trying to make friends at a party while wearing a neon sign saying, “Get to know me, I’m weird!”
Now, the plot revolves around those infamous seven dragon balls – not to be confused with the latest adventure in hipster yoga. When gathered, these orange gems summon Shenron, the mighty dragon capable of granting wishes. How magical is that? Just imagine the wish list! “Dear Shenron, can you make my commute to work disappear?” Or, “Restore my patience when my Wi-Fi goes down!”
The Genius Behind the Mayhem
But let’s shine the spotlight on the wizard behind the curtain! It was none other than Akira Toriyama, the mastermind who infused life, humor, and just a pinch of chaos into his works. Before leaving us (we miss you, Toriyama!), he was an innovative artist known for Dr. Slump and Arale. His knack for humor gave Dragon Ball a deliciously chaotic charm. Who wouldn’t love the sight of Goku discovering he might be stronger than his last breakfast?
Now, here’s a fun fact: many of today’s major manga creators, like Masashi Kishimoto and Eiichirō Oda (who gave us Naruto and One Piece respectively), were heavily influenced by our beloved Saiyan. Seriously, just look at Goku, Naruto, and Monkey D. Luffy! They could form an all-you-can-eat fighting club, sharing a large appetite and even larger dreams… and maybe a few brain cells.
Tales of Power-Ups and Procrastination
Gone but not forgotten, Toriyama’s presence is like that of a power-up! The Super Saiyan transformation? It’s not just iconic; it’s practically an industry standard. Did you know it was partially born out of his extreme dislike for drawing Goku’s tail? Forget any excuses about wanting a clean design; the real reason was sheer laziness! Ah, the art of procrastination, ladies and gentlemen! Who hasn’t had that moment where they think, “What can I get away with to save time?”
But while some tales went missing faster than Goku’s tail, other aspects bloomed in popularity. Dragon Ball isn’t just about muscle-bound warriors and wishes; it’s about relentless training, epic battles, and friendship. It even coined the term “power-ups,” which sounds dangerously close to what my gym instructor yells at me every Saturday!
A Cultural Phenomenon
The cultural impact of Dragon Ball is monumental. The manga ran for an impressive 519 chapters, compiled into 42 volumes! They brought life to the screen too with both Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z, which aired in the late ’80s. And just like that, anime took over afternoon television, embracing generations of Italian kids like the warmest of hugs!
Let’s not forget the countless adaptations, films, and even the fleeting Dragon Ball GT, which many remember fondly, despite its questionable canonicity. Seriously, just think of it as the “minor character” in the grand scheme of things. Kind of like that guy in the group project who spent more time drawing than actually contributing!
The Final Round
To wrap it up, Dragon Ball is more than just a shonen series; it’s a phenomenon that shaped the way we watch, read, and imagine. With Toriyama’s undeniable influence looming large, Goku took us on a wild ride that still resonates today. So, next time you find yourself watching an episode or flipping through the pages, remember the fierce battles, crazy transformations, and the laughter that accompanied our dear friends from the other side of the universe.
So here’s to Goku, Shenron, and all the glorious chaos of Dragon Ball! May your dragon balls forever be within reach!
On November 20, four decades ago, the iconic magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump unveiled the inaugural issue of Dragon Ball, a groundbreaking manga that became synonymous with childhood for millions around the globe. The saga, rich with intertwined plots, characters, and narratives that occasionally converge, fundamentally charts the journey of Goku, an extraordinary fighter hailing from the near-extinct alien race known as the Saiyans, who are scattered across the cosmos.
The title of the series draws directly from its central plot device: the mystical dragon balls—seven radiant orange orbs hidden across the world. When these spheres are gathered in one location, they summon Shenron, a powerful dragon capable of granting wishes. Throughout its numerous episodes, Goku and his allies embark on perilous adventures, repeatedly saving the planet from increasingly formidable foes, continually enhancing their own strength through relentless training and determination.
Dragon Ball was both penned and illustrated by Akira Toriyama, a visionary mangaka whose innovative storytelling was previously recognized through his earlier work, Dr. Slump and Arale. This earlier series was notable for its lighthearted, whimsical humor and offbeat characters. Toriyama, who sadly passed away last March, dedicated 11 years to Dragon Ball, solidifying his legacy as one of the most influential and cherished manga artists of his era. His work not only established the standard for adventure manga focused on brawling, referred to as battle shonen, but it also set a template that would be emulated by countless others.
The profound impact of Dragon Ball is underscored by the accolades of significant manga creators such as Masashi Kishimoto and Eiichirō Oda, the masterminds behind Naruto and One Piece, respectively. Both have openly acknowledged how Dragon Ball served as a pivotal source of inspiration for their creations. This influence is particularly evident in their protagonists, Naruto and Monkey D. Luffy, who share characteristic traits with Goku, including an insatiable appetite, an unwavering desire for combat, an intrinsic kindness, and a tendency towards lightheadedness.
The character design style and unique artistic flair introduced by Toriyama quickly gained widespread popularity and inspired a plethora of imitators in the manga industry. A striking example of this influence can be seen in a comparison between Frieza, the principal antagonist of one of the most celebrated arcs in Dragon Ball, and Mewtwo, a prominent character from the “first generation” of Pokémon: the aesthetic similarities are uncanny, even though Mewtwo was conceptualized a decade later.
Moreover, numerous creative concepts pioneered by Toriyama, such as the emphasis on power ups—the transformations that significantly boost a character’s abilities, prominently showcased through the various evolutionary stages reached by the Saiyans—remain foundational in contemporary manga, often replicated or emulated by others.
Over the years, several individuals who were part of Shūeisha, the publishing house behind Dragon Ball, have revealed that the production process at times faced considerable challenges. A recurring issue stemmed from Toriyama’s notorious tendencies towards procrastination, which became legendary in the industry. His habitual delays led to missed deadlines, unfinished story arcs, and a casual disregard for continuity in character interactions.
Fans often noted the abrupt disappearance of supporting characters or inconsistencies in their designs, exemplified by Goku’s tail. Toriyama’s disdain for illustrating this feature led to its sporadic removal from the narrative, surfacing only on rare occasions.
In a humorous anecdote from the essay Dragon Ball: Super Exciting Guide, it is revealed that the creation of the Super Saiyan transformation, arguably the series’ most iconic concept, also stemmed from Toriyama’s quest for efficiency: switching Goku’s hair to a striking white color eliminated the time-consuming need for coloring, thereby streamlining his artistry.
Dragon Ball comprises a total of 519 chapters, which were painstakingly compiled into 42 volumes published in Japan from 1985 to 1995. In Italy, the series was first introduced between 1995 and 1997 by Star Comics, sparking a significant cultural phenomenon. Following the manga’s success, a series of animated adaptations emerged almost immediately, with the initial show simply titled Dragon Ball{comma} which aired from 1986 to 1989, followed by the sequel, Dragon Ball Z, broadcast from 1989 to 1996. In the mid-nineties, an additional animated series titled Dragon Ball GT was produced, featuring an original storyline that diverged significantly from the manga’s events and is fondly remembered by many fans, although some debate its canonicity. More recently, from 2015 to 2018, a new series titled Dragon Ball Super, supervised by Toriyama, also captivated audiences.
Over the years, the various series have enjoyed immense popularity, continuing to reach audiences worldwide, with Dragon Ball previously dominating afternoon programming on Italia 1, becoming a gateway anime for countless Italian children. The franchise has since spawned numerous films and other animated iterations, although Toriyama was not directly involved in those projects.
How has Akira Toriyama’s unique storytelling style influenced the popularity of Dragon Ball in global pop culture?
E series, symbolizing his preference for efficiency over meticulousness. Such idiosyncratic choices cultivated a quirky charm that endeared the series to fans, helping to shape the unpredictable nature of the narrative and the evolution of Goku’s character.
The cultural phenomenon that is Dragon Ball has not only become a cornerstone of manga and anime history but has also infiltrated global pop culture. The franchise has spawned various adaptations, including the beloved Dragon Ball Z, countless animated films, and spin-offs like Dragon Ball Super. Each new chapter in the saga adds layers of lore, further enriching the legacy that Toriyama crafted.
The series has also inspired video games, merchandise, and even academic studies due to its vast themes of friendship, perseverance, and personal growth. Goku’s evolution from a naive boy into a powerful warrior is not merely about physical strength; it’s about the ongoing journey of self-improvement and the bonds formed along the way.
As we navigate through Goku’s adventures, whether it be through gripping battles or comedic escapades, it’s essential to remember that Dragon Ball continues to resonate due to its universal themes and relatable characters. Toriyama’s impact can still be felt today, as new generations discover and fall in love with the honor, madness, and sheer joy embodied within the pages of Dragon Ball.
Dragon Ball stands as both a testament to Akira Toriyama’s genius and a symbol of the boundless creativity that manga and anime can offer. So as we celebrate four decades of this iconic series, let’s continue to embrace the adventures, revel in the humor, and look forward to the future of this beloved universe. Here’s to Goku, Shenron, and the dragon balls that remind us of the power of dreams—may they shine brightly for years to come!
