Dragon Ball Marks 40th Anniversary with Reveal of Original Genre as Comedy

40-Year Anniversary Announcement of Dragon Ball's Original Genre

Since its debut in 1984, Dragon Ball has become an iconic franchise recognized for its epic battles and charismatic characters. However, a recent reveal from the Akira Toriyama Archive uncovers an intriguing fact about the series' origins: it was initially promoted as a comedy.

Rediscovering the Original Concept

The Akira Toriyama Archive, dedicated to sharing rare content, recently released a preview of Dragon Ball that dates back to its original publication. This image, shared on Dragon Ball's official website, was published in anticipation of the manga's anniversary. The artwork features Shenron the Eternal Dragon balancing on a three-star Dragon Ball, surrounded by bold red text promoting the series as the "ultimate comedy manga." This suggests that Dragon Ball was primarily marketed as a comedic series when it first appeared in Weekly Shonen Jump on November 20, 1984.

The Comedic Roots of Dragon Ball

In its early arcs, Dragon Ball leaned heavily into humor, from Goku's naivety and unorthodox behavior to his interactions with Bulma. The plot begins with Goku, a child with remarkable strength, being recruited by Bulma to search for the mystical Dragon Balls. The comedic dynamic between Goku's naivety and Bulma's technological acumen instantly set the tone for a lighthearted adventure.

While the series eventually evolved to include high-stakes martial arts tournaments and galactic battles, the foundation of comedy remained an essential aspect of its charm.

Evolution into an Action-Adventure Behemoth

Despite its comedic beginnings, Dragon Ball quickly expanded into a broader action-adventure narrative. The epic 'Saiyan Arcs', known popularly as Dragon Ball Z, transformed the series into a staple for action-oriented storytelling. These arcs introduced complex characters, including numerous powerful antagonists who pushed Goku and his friends to their limits.

With over 20 films, a sequel series (Dragon Ball Super), and multiple spin-offs, Dragon Ball has become a multimedia juggernaut that continues to celebrate its rich history with initiatives like the "40th Anniversary Super Gallery" in Saikyo Jump. This gallery regularly showcases Dragon Ball covers reimagined by prominent manga artists such as Kohei Horikoshi and Yoshihiro Togashi.

A Return to Comedic Origins: Dragon Ball Daima

Recent developments in the Dragon Ball franchise highlight a return to its comedic roots through the anime series Dragon Ball Daima. Debuting in October 2024, this series takes place after the "Buu" saga and features beloved characters transformed into children. As they navigate a whimsical plot led by King Gomah, Goku and his allies must use their wits to revert to their original forms. Combining humor with classic Dragon Ball action sequences, Dragon Ball Daima reflects the essence of the original manga while engaging a new audience.

Legacy and Availability

Today, Dragon Ball remains internationally beloved, with its manga available in English through VIZ Media. Fans can relive the adventures across various streaming platforms such as Hulu and Crunchyroll. Additionally, for those eager to see the latest comedic escapades, Dragon Ball Daima is available for streaming on Netflix, alongside other platforms.

Source: Dragon Ball official site