This Long-Running Anime Franchise is Responsible for the Big Three’s Success
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Dragon Ball is one of the biggest success stories in anime and manga history. Since the manga debuted in the pages of Shōnen Jump in 1984, the series has mesmerized generations of fans and become instantly recognizable all over the globe. Dragon Ball has even transcended anime, being referenced in pop culture mediums worldwide.
However, due to Dragon Ball’s immense length and status as a fixture, it often feels like part of the furniture, meaning that many anime fans never stop to consider that there was a time before the Dragon Ball franchise changed anime forever. This perspective often results in Dragon Ball’s trailblazing, genre-defining nature being overlooked.
Dragon Ball follows Goku, a young boy living alone in the woods after his grandfather’s sudden passing. But his life is turned upside down when a young woman named Bulma nearly runs him over with her car. Bulma explains that she’s on a quest for the seven Dragon Balls, magical items that allow the person who collects all of them to wish for anything their heart desires. When Goku reveals that his grandfather gave him a Dragon Ball, Bulma talks the young boy into coming with her to recover the rest. While on this trip, Goku will make many friends and foes and discover his natural martial arts talents, leading to him competing in the World Martial Arts Tournament.
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