Dragon Ball – the endless competition of heroes on the border of universes continues to attract readers and viewers around the world. On the occasion of Goku’s Day, we would like to remind you of the phenomenon of this title and remember the times of its greatest popularity in Poland.
Thank you Toriyamo!
Dragon Ball is a touching and funny story about the adventures of young heroes. The main goal of their activities is to find dragon balls that are to be used in the future. But from the beginning – the chapters of the manga were created by artist Akira Toriyama from 1984 to 1995. Soon anime were shot based on Japanese stories, consisting of four series: Dragon Ball , Dragon Ball Z , Dragon Ball GT and Dragon Ball Super. Despite the fact that the manga itself was a great success on the global market, animated productions additionally increased the popularity of Son Goku and Vegeta. The characters compete against the best of the best. However, they always unite when their loved ones are in danger. Currently, Dragon Ball is also on top. There are many online forums where fans of this anime exchange their views. There are also meetings and conventions that bring together cosplay groups and recreate the world of manga together.
Initial classification
Dragon Ball is a very comprehensive story. The plot elements appearing there are loosely based on the themes of a Chinese novel from the 16th century. Journey to the West was written by Wu Cheng’en. It tells the story of the journey of the Buddhist monk Xuanzang, who on his way meets Sun Wukong (the Monkey King), the pig Zhu Bajie, the monk Sha Wujing and the horse Tripitaka. In Dragon Ballthere are also numerous races that are characterized by special abilities – the Saiyans are the strongest (and at the same time the most cruel and brave) in the entire universe, the Earthlings are not passive in training, but most do not have superpowers, and the Namekians are characterized by great strength, but they can be especially excitable. Another group are Kaio-shinis who possess qualities unattainable by other races. Their strength is close to that of the gods, they look after their planets. Besides, the universe is also inhabited by Androids (some of them have families and children), as well as demons and sorcerers.
And his name is …
Son Gokū (Songo), Bulma, Yamcha (Jamsha), Vegeta, Muten Roshi (Brilliant Turtle), Chichi, Kuririn, Piccolo (Satan Heart), Son Gohan (Songokan), Son Goten, Trunks (Tronk), Android 18, Mister Satan… – these are just some of the significant characters from the Dragon Ball series . Their names differ depending on whether we are reading the original version or prefer translated manga. Ideas such as: searching for dragon balls (which, when completed, help summon the Dragon God, Shen Long), Martial Arts Tournaments for the title of Best Under the Sun, dangerous attacks on the inhabitants of the Earth or fantastic time travel are elements very characteristic of the heroes’ story universe. In Poland, the publisher of the Dragon Ball mangaJP Fantastica was left. They handled the challenge quite well. It should be noted that today we can still buy the full translated series of comics about dragon balls.
“Dragon Ball Z” and “Dragon Ball GT” cards made of Chio chips
We’ve achieved success, Gok ū !
Going back to the past, when we were several (teen) years old, we can recall RTL 7 and the Dragon Ball series. Children and teenagers, fascinated by the adventures of Goku and Vegeta, quit school activities or resigned from continuing to play on local playgrounds. A joint screening in front of the TV set started a series of discussions about the popular anime. It is also worth mentioning the collections of cards with animated characters (Chio Chips) and stickers from Dunkin Bubble Gum. The most difficult thing was to complete the entire collection, as some cards or stickers were distributed in much larger numbers (annoying “replays”). In addition, in 2002, a special issue of the “Kawaii” magazine was published, devoted in 100% to the heroes of the anime in question. Currently, this notebook is practically unavailable on the secondary market. About the success of the DB seriesThe demand for figurines of Goku, Vegeta, Satan Serduszko and others at that time also testifies to that. Over the years, Chinese counterfeits have appeared without an official license. Currently, the market is filled with gadgets that belong to the brand.
Kamehameha, friends!
Dragon Ball fans’ heart grows when they jump from channel to channel on TV and accidentally hit a popular series. Over the years, all four series of Dragon Ball , Dragon Ball Z , Dragon Ball GT and Dragon Ball Super have been aired . The worst thing for an anime fan is any translation changes. Well-known dialogues sound completely different when translated by someone unfamiliar with the world of DB . In 2009, James Wong and Ben Ramsey took up a new project, the main character of which became – oh, how – Goku! The film Dragonball EvolutionHowever, it turned out to be a complete flop. In the aforementioned reboot, Goku goes to an American high school and is unaware of his power. Even Akira Toriyama expressed his disapproval of this (unsuccessful) feature film. In addition, there have been many cinematic films over the years discussing the DB character universe , including The Legend of Shen Lón , The Sleeping Princess of the Devil’s Castle , The Great Mystical Adventure , The Road to Become the Strongest , Give me back my Gohan !! , The Strongest Guest in the World , The Great Clash for the Whole Earth , Super Saiyan Son Goku , Extraordinary might versus might, Clash !! 10 billion mighty warriors , Fight to the end of your strength !! The three great Super Saiyans etc. Some of the films have been translated only into English. It is worth noting that, in addition to the rich film library, there were also many comic book spin-offs that featured alternative stories from Dragon Ball heroes , such as Dragon Ball: Reborn as Yamcha by Dragon Garow Lee. Interestingly, the plot did not always focus on the fate of Goku or Vegeta. Since 1995, there have been several artbooks containing Toriyama’s dragonball illustrations. The largest – so far – volumes are Dragon Ball: The Complete Illustrations and Dragon Ball Ultimate Artbook. Remarkable drawings form the basis for all subsequent inspirations from the DB world .
Years pass and nothing changes
The adventures of the main characters of Dragon Ball are a real treat for every manga fan. The ones that have been published in Polish so far are a response to the modern need to read a good comic book. Even though Toriyama created Dragon Ball many years ago, the existential problems he raises are still relevant today. Together with the characters, we experience emotional dilemmas and try to find the best way out of a difficult situation. When Son Goku jumps up to fight a stronger opponent, the reader crosses his fingers for the black-haired Saiyan. Expecting a happy ending, we don’t go wrong. Ba! There is a high probability that the creators will surprise us positively once again. Each story has several alternative endings.