Japan’s Manga Powerhouse Dragon Ball Turns 40
A Beloved Franchise Celebrates Four Decades of Success
Dragon Ball fans on Wednesday celebrated 40 years of the globally beloved Japanese manga, anime, and video game franchise, just months after creator Akira Toriyama’s unexpected death.
The Origins of Dragon Ball
The original Dragon Ball manga was first serialised on November 20, 1984, featuring a boy named Son Goku who collects magical balls containing dragons to help protect the Earth.
A Global Phenomenon
The comic books have since sold more than 260 million copies worldwide, according to publisher Shueisha.
From Manga to Anime and Beyond
The first part of the manga series was turned into an anime for TV also called Dragon Ball from 1986. Dubbed in different languages, the show captured children’s hearts with its madcap battles.
Dragon Ball Z, an adaptation of the later part of the manga, took the series’ popularity to even greater heights.
Films, video games, and other spin-offs followed as the franchise grew into a global phenomenon.
A Legacy That Endures
“Happy birthday to Goku and all his friends. And eternal farewell to Akira Toriyama,” anime fan account Catsuka said on its X page, which boasts more than 230,000 followers.
The franchise is particularly popular in Latin America, and several tributes appeared in Spanish on Instagram, including from a Mexican newspaper.
The Future of Dragon Ball
The latest anime series in the franchise, Dragon Ball Daima, began airing last month, and Saudi Arabia has announced it will build the world’s first Dragon Ball theme park.
“The commercial machine is already there for Dragon Ball,” said journalist and anime expert Tadashi Sudo.
However, while the popularity of the franchise is secure in the short-term, “the challenge remains whether it can maintain its creativity without Toriyama.”
Conclusion
Dragon Ball’s 40th anniversary is a testament to its enduring popularity and influence on the world of manga, anime, and video games. As the franchise looks to the future, it will be interesting to see how it continues to evolve and maintain its creative edge.
FAQs
Q: How many copies of the Dragon Ball manga have been sold worldwide?
A: More than 260 million copies.
Q: When was the first Dragon Ball anime series released?
A: In 1986.
Q: What is the latest anime series in the Dragon Ball franchise?
A: Dragon Ball Daima, which began airing last month.
Q: Is there a Dragon Ball theme park being built?
A: Yes, in Saudi Arabia, which will be the world’s first Dragon Ball theme park.