Exploring the Story of Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball GT

Dragon Ball is an iconic anime series that has been captivating audiences for decades. The franchise spans over three series: Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball GT. In this blog post, we'll explore the story of each series, how they tie together, and what you need to know about canon and non-canon elements.

Dragon Ball (1986-1989)

The series follows the adventures of a young boy named Goku who has superhuman strength and a monkey tail. He meets a girl named Bulma who is in search of the Dragon Balls, seven mystical orbs that, when gathered, can grant any wish. Together they set off on a journey to find the Dragon Balls, encountering friends and foes along the way. Eventually, Goku learns that he is not human but a member of an alien race called Saiyans.

Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996)

The second series follows Goku as an adult and focuses on his battles with various villains who threaten the safety of the planet. Goku learns that he is not the only Saiyan left and has a son, Gohan, who also possesses immense power. The series introduces iconic characters like Vegeta, Piccolo, and Frieza, and has numerous epic battles that test the limits of the characters' power. Dragon Ball Z also introduces the concept of the "Dragon Ball" being both a magical artifact and a living creature, and it delves deeper into the mythology and lore of the Dragon Ball universe.

Dragon Ball GT (1996-1997)

The final series follows Goku as a child, thanks to an accidental wish that reverts him to his younger self. Along with his granddaughter Pan and Trunks, the series follows their journey through space to recover the Dragon Balls and prevent the destruction of the universe. GT was not based on the original manga and was created solely for the anime. As a result, many fans consider it non-canon.

Canon and Non-Canon Facts and Information

The original Dragon Ball manga was written by Akira Toriyama, and the anime adaptations were produced by Toei Animation. Both Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z are based on the manga, and are considered canon. Dragon Ball GT, however, was not based on the manga and is considered non-canon.

In 2015, Dragon Ball Super was released as a continuation of the Dragon Ball franchise. It takes place after the events of Dragon Ball Z and is considered canon. The series introduces new characters and story arcs, and it continues the mythology and lore of the Dragon Ball universe.

In conclusion, the Dragon Ball franchise is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of fans for generations. With its epic battles, endearing characters, and captivating storyline, it is no wonder that it remains one of the most popular anime series of all time.