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Dragon Ball

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Dragon Ball is a famous Japanese media franchise. It was created by the artist Akira Toriyama. The story began as a manga, which is a Japanese comic book. It was first published in Weekly Shōnen Jump in 1984. The series follows a hero named Son Goku. He starts as a boy living far from other people. He meets a teenage girl named Bulma. Together, they search for seven Dragon Balls. These magic orbs can summon a dragon named Shenlong. When the balls are gathered, the dragon grants a wish.

Weekly Shōnen Jump No. 51 (Dec. 1984) is the first appearance of Goku. Cover art by Akira Toriyama
Weekly Shōnen Jump No. 51 (Dec. 1984) is the first appearance of Goku. Cover art by Akira Toriyama

As the story moves forward, Goku undergoes many changes. He grows from a small child into a man. He learns many different martial arts styles. These include karate and Wing Chun, which is a type of kung fu. Goku meets many friends like Kuririn along his journey. He also learns that he is actually a Saiyan. This is an alien race from outer space. He must fight many strong villains to protect his home. Some villains want the Dragon Balls for themselves.

Wiki DragonBall Earth
Wiki DragonBall Earth

Akira Toriyama used many ideas to build this world. He was a big fan of Hong Kong martial arts films. He loved movies starring Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. He also used the old Chinese novel Journey to the West for inspiration. In that book, characters go on a famous quest. Toriyama even took ideas from the Arabian Nights. He used the concept of genies to help shape his ideas. The name Dragon Ball was inspired by martial arts movies.

Db TCI
Db TCI

Dragon Ball has become a huge success all over the world. The manga has sold over 160 million copies in Japan. It has been published in more than 40 different countries. The stories were also made into many anime series. These include Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z. There is also a series called Dragon Ball Super. Toei Animation has made 21 animated feature films for the series. There are also many video games and action figures.

Dragon Ball Z arcade conversion kit by Banpresto
Dragon Ball Z arcade conversion kit by Banpresto

This series has changed how people see Japanese animation. It is very popular in the Western world. Many famous artists, musicians, and athletes are inspired by it. Even other manga artists say it helped them start their own work. The series is known for its humor and great art. It shows a world with many different races living on Earth. It even explores a vast multiverse with twelve different universes. Many people still love these characters today.

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File:Wiki DragonBall Earth.png
Wiki DragonBall Earth.png
File:Weekly Shōnen Jump No. 51 (Dec. 1984) is the first appearance of Goku. Cover art by Akira Toriyama.jpg
Weekly Shōnen Jump No. 51 (Dec. 1984) is...
File:Dragon Ball Z arcade conversion kit by Banpresto.jpg
Dragon Ball Z arcade conversion kit by...
File:Db TCI.jpg
Db TCI.jpg
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