Original Son Goku Dragon Ball Anime Cel
Dragon Ball is rightly considered one of the giants of anime and manga. With the new film Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero released on 11th June, this had to be our choice for this month’s spotlight.
First published in Weekly Shonen Jump, Dragon Ball’s creator Akira Toriyama was inspired by the Chinese Classic Journey to the West. Taking influence from this 16th Century work and martial arts films, Toriyama made Dragon Ball the stalwart of animation it continues to be today.
First published in 1984, the series began as an anime two years later. Centring around protagonist Son Goku, it follows his growth into adulthood as he trains in martial arts. His secluded life ends when he meets Bulma, a teenage girl that asks him to join her on a quest to find the seven orbs, known as Dragon Balls. They travel the world searching for each of these orbs, that release a wish-granting dragon on capture.
Original Tenshinhan Dragon Ball Anime Cel
Original Dragon Ball Anime Poster
Original Dragon Ball Anime Poster
Original Dragon Ball Anime Poster
Original Dragon Ball Anime Poster
The series has been ongoing until the present day, following Goku into adulthood, through personal growth, making a family and, of course, defeating major enemies to arguably become the greatest martial artist in the universe.
Dragon Ball’s fight scenes can be infamously long, with some spanning multiple episodes.
However, don’t let this deter you. Fans find these fights between good and evil infinitely watchable, with even video games released where they could play out the iconic battles.
Dragon Ball’s influence across pop culture is vast, inspiring everyone from the next generation of manga artists, to Western rappers. Our recommendation can’t come highly enough. Once you watch Dragon Ball, you will see the essence of the Shonen genre and its hidden influence across anime will reveal itself to you.
