Dragon Ball ドラゴンボール

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Dragon Ball Review (Rating: 5/5)

Overview

Dragon Ball is a Japanese manga series created by Akira Toriyama, serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1984 to 1995.
→ Wikipedia (English)

Plot Summary

The story begins with Son Goku, a mysterious boy with extraordinary strength who lives alone in the mountains. One day, he meets a brilliant teenage inventor named Bulma, who is searching for the seven legendary Dragon Balls. When all seven are gathered, they can summon a dragon that grants any wish. Goku joins Bulma on her journey, and along the way they encounter many friends and rivals. Goku trains under Master Roshi, competes in martial arts tournaments, and eventually faces world-threatening enemies. What starts as a lighthearted adventure gradually evolves into an epic tale of friendship, determination, and personal growth.

Main Characters

  • Son Goku
    The protagonist of the series. He is cheerful, innocent, and loves to fight strong opponents. Later it is revealed that he is actually a member of the alien Saiyan race. Despite his carefree nature, he continuously trains to surpass his limits.

  • Bulma
    A genius inventor who first meets Goku and convinces him to join her quest for the Dragon Balls. Her inventions and quick thinking help the group on countless occasions.

  • Vegeta
    The proud prince of the Saiyan race. He initially comes to Earth as an enemy but later becomes an ally and Goku’s greatest rival, pushing each other to greater heights.

Story Progression

The story can roughly be divided into two arcs. The early part is filled with comedic, adventure-driven episodes where Goku travels the world collecting Dragon Balls and participating in martial arts tournaments.
As the series progresses, the tone becomes more intense. Goku and his friends battle increasingly powerful foes such as King Piccolo, the Saiyans, Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu. The scale of the story expands from Earth to outer space and even through time itself. While the battles grow ever more spectacular, the characters’ emotions, personal struggles, and bonds remain central, keeping the story grounded and engaging.

Distinctive Features

What makes Dragon Ball so captivating is its masterful action choreography and fast-paced storytelling. The battle scenes are carefully crafted with dynamic panel layouts, speed lines, and shifting perspectives, creating an exhilarating sense of motion.
The world design is another highlight. Toriyama’s love for mechanical gadgets shows in his creative and surprisingly realistic mechanical designs, which blend seamlessly into the whimsical setting.
Moreover, the series works as a coming-of-age story. Watching Goku grow through his encounters with allies and rivals has inspired readers across generations and cultures.

My Impressions

Even after all these years, Dragon Ball hasn’t lost its charm. The action scenes are still astonishing, with flawless use of composition, motion, and speed lines. What’s remarkable is how effortlessly children can follow the story without realizing the technical brilliance behind it—proof that Toriyama truly deserves to be called a “god of manga.”
The mechanical designs are another delight: stylized yet natural, showing Toriyama’s personal interests. Producing this level of art and storytelling on a weekly schedule was nothing short of superhuman. I feel lucky to have grown up reading it in real time, eagerly awaiting new chapters in Jump and watching the anime. This is a work I would wholeheartedly recommend to everyone in the world.

Conclusion

Dragon Ball is a timeless masterpiece that blends adventure, humor, thrilling battles, and heartfelt drama, all brought to life with extraordinary artistic skill. It stands as one of the most iconic works of Japanese manga culture and is highly recommended for anyone discovering it for the first time.

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