Additionally, the franchise spanned 20 animated feature films and three television specials, as well as two anime sequel series titled Dragon Ball GT (1996–1997) and Dragon Ball Super (2015–2018).Ī scene from the original Dragon Ball Z animeĭragon Ball Z was immensely popular, probably even more than the original Dragon Ball anime and it is still hailed as one of the best shōnen series ever. The manga was adapted into two anime series – Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z, which together were broadcast in Japan from 1986 to 1996. He initially spends his childhood far from any civilization until he meets a teen girl named Bulma, who encourages him to join her quest in exploring the world in search of the seven orbs known as the Dragon Balls, which summon the wish-granting dragon, Shenlong, when gathered.Īlong his journey, Goku makes several other friends, such as Krilin, Master Roshi, Oolong and others, becomes a family man, discovers his alien heritage, and battles a wide variety of villains, many of whom also seek the Dragon Balls. The series follows the adventures of the protagonist, Son Goku, from his childhood through adulthood as he trains in martial arts. Dragon Ball’s initial inspiration was the classical Chinese novel Journey to the West, as well as modern Hong Kong martial arts films. The initial manga, written and illustrated by Toriyama, was serialized from 1984 to 1995.
Today, we are going to bring you a list of the main differences between these two versions.ĭifferences Between Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Kai:ĭragon Ball is a Japanese media franchise created by Akira Toriyama back in 1984. The original Dragon Ball Z anime ran from 1989 to 1996, with a remastered version, Dragon Ball Kai, running from 2009 to 2011, and again from 20. The story of Son Goku’s journeys and adventures in the fantasy world created by Akira Toriyama has attracted a global following that still enjoys those stories, both old and new. Dragon Ball is without a doubt one of the most popular manga and anime series in history.