Few manga series have left as lasting an impact as Dragon Ball. Created by the legendary Akira Toriyama, this iconic series has shaped the shonen genre, inspiring countless creators and captivating fans worldwide. Whether you’re a longtime follower or a newcomer curious about the hype, Dragon Ball remains a must-read. Here’s why this manga still stands tall decades after its debut.
The Story: A Journey of Strength and Friendship
Dragon Ball begins as a lighthearted adventure, following the young and naive Son Goku as he searches for the mystical Dragon Balls. Early arcs are filled with humor, martial arts tournaments, and quirky characters, reminiscent of a classic Journey to the West retelling.
Goku’s journey from a carefree boy to Earth’s greatest defender is the heart of Dragon Ball. His pure hearted nature, relentless determination, and love for fighting make him one of manga’s most endearing protagonists.
But the supporting cast is just as iconic:
Vegeta – The proud Saiyan prince whose rivalry with Goku drives some of the series’ best moments.
Piccolo – From villain to mentor, his development is one of the most satisfying in the series.
Bulma, Krillin, Gohan, & Future Trunks – Each character gets their time to shine, adding depth to the world.
However, the story evolves dramatically, shifting into high stakes battles against increasingly powerful foes from the Red Ribbon Army to world-ending threats like Piccolo, Vegeta, Frieza, Cell, and Buu.
Toriyama has a remarkable talent for developing his characters, giving even side figures unforgettable depth and presence. His ability to weave together humor, action, and genuine emotion keeps every arc engaging, ensuring the story feels both dynamic and tightly connected.
Art & Action: Dynamic and Influential
Toriyama’s art is clean, expressive, and perfectly suited for fast paced combat. His fight choreography is legendary every punch, ki blast, and transformation feels impactful, with a kinetic energy that leaps off the page.
Unlike many action manga that rely on chaotic, hard to follow panels, Toriyama’s battles are meticulously structured, making it easy to track the flow of combat while still delivering jaw-dropping spectacle. The way he builds tension in battles like Goku’s first Super Saiyan transformation against Frieza or the final Kamehameha clash with Cell is still unmatched, blending raw emotion with explosive payoff.
What makes Dragon Ball’s action truly special is Toriyama’s understanding of movement and weight. When characters throw a punch or take a hit, you feel it—the impact is conveyed through sharp linework, dramatic angles, and just the right amount of speed lines. Even quieter moments, like a fighter charging their energy or locking eyes with an opponent mid-battle, are given weight through his precise storytelling.
While the art evolves over time compare the rounder, more cartoonish style of early Dragon Ball to the sleeker, more detailed designs of the Cell Saga Toriyama’s distinct style remains consistent. His character expressions are always full of personality, whether it’s Goku’s infectious grin, Vegeta’s trademark scowl, or the sheer terror on a villain’s face when they realize they’ve underestimated the heroes. Every panel is a joy to read, balancing clarity with dynamic energy in a way that few artists have replicated.
Themes: More Than Just Fighting
Beneath the explosive battles, Dragon Ball explores deeper themes of perseverance, self improvement, and the bonds of friendship. Goku’s endless pursuit of strength isn’t just about raw power, it’s about pushing his limits, overcoming impossible odds, and protecting those he loves. His journey from a naive, carefree boy to a warrior who shoulders the fate of the universe is as much about personal growth as it is about flashy power ups.
The series also delves into redemption, with characters like Vegeta and Piccolo undergoing profound transformations. Vegeta’s arc, in particular, is one of the most compelling in shonen history his struggle between Saiyan pride and the pull of Earth’s values makes him far more than just a rival. Similarly, Piccolo’s shift from a cold-blooded villain to Gohan’s reluctant mentor adds emotional weight to later arcs.
Sacrifice is another key theme, with many characters putting everything on the line for the greater good. From Krillin’s repeated acts of bravery to Future Trunks’ tragic timeline, these moments remind us that Dragon Ball isn’t just about who hits the hardest it’s about what (and who) they’re fighting for. Even the concept of the Dragon Balls themselves plays into this, as wishes often come with consequences, forcing characters to confront the cost of their desires.
Legacy: The Blueprint for Modern Shonen
Dragon Ball didn’t just define the battle shonen genre it created the blueprint that countless series still follow today. Nearly every major action manga owes something to Toriyama’s work, whether it’s the escalating power scales of Naruto and Bleach, the tournament arcs of My Hero Academia, or the transformation sequences in One Piece. The “power up” trope where heroes push beyond their limits in climactic moments, was perfected in Dragon Ball, and it’s now a staple of the genre.
Beyond structure, Dragon Ball’s influence can be seen in character dynamics. The rivalry between Goku and Vegeta set the standard for frenemy relationships in anime (think Naruto and Sasuke, Deku and Bakugo). Even the way modern shonen balances humor with high stakes drama can be traced back to Toriyama’s seamless tonal shifts.
Perhaps most importantly, Dragon Ball proved that a manga could be both wildly entertaining and emotionally resonant. It showed that action doesn’t have to come at the expense of character development something many of today’s biggest hits still strive to achieve. Without Dragon Ball, the shonen landscape as we know it simply wouldn’t exist.
Final Verdict: A Must-Read Classic
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Whether you’re a fan of action, character driven storytelling, or just great manga, Dragon Ball is essential reading.
While some arcs drag slightly (early Buu Saga pacing), the highs far outweigh the lows. It’s a series that grows with its audience, offering humor, heart, and some of the best battles in manga history.
Recommendation: Start from the beginning! While Dragon Ball Z (the anime’s Saiyan Arc onward) gets more attention, the original manga’s early adventures are just as charming and help build the foundation for everything that follows.
