Ranking Dragon Ball Specials and OVAs: From Overlooked Gems to Essential Lore

An Overview of Dragon Ball Specials and OVAs

The Dragon Ball franchise has transcended its original manga and anime formats, expanding into various special episodes and original video animations (OVAs). These unique pieces of media have contributed significantly to the Dragon Ball lore, providing fans with exciting new content. Although sometimes overlooked in favor of the primary series, these specials offer a variety of narratives ranging from lore-building stories to comedic adventures.

Recap Specials: Nostalgic Collection

Right Before the Dragon Ball Super Movie Debuts!

This special served as a promotional piece for the Dragon Ball Super: Broly film, primarily recapping the climactic ending of Dragon Ball Super. While the Jiren-Goku battle is exhilarating, this special is essentially redundant with the availability of the series on streaming platforms. Its sole allure lies in the trailer for the Broly movie.

Dragon Ball Z Summer Vacation Special

Aired between episodes 150 and 151 of Dragon Ball Z, this special featured Goku and Gohan in formal wear summarizing past Dragon Ball movies. It was more a promotional effort for the Super Android 13 movie. While it might have served its purpose in the pre-streaming era, modern accessibility to digital content platforms renders this summary obsolete.

Lore Expanding Specials

Bardock - The Father of Goku

A captivating insight into the Saiyan warrior Bardock before the fall of Planet Vegeta. It presents a more personal narrative within the larger Dragon Ball universe. Despite some questions regarding its canonicity, it is a treat for fans interested in the lore of Goku’s lineage. Here’s a deeper look at Bardock's impact on the Dragon Ball universe.

Dragon Ball: Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans

Originally released as a two-part OVA, this story dives into a revenge plot by Dr. Lychee against the Saiyans. Incorporating returning villains and a quest-like narrative structure, it expands on the lore involving the Saiyans and their historic rivalry with the Tuffles. Its innovative approach to reintroducing old enemies is highly entertaining for those intrigued by Saiyan heritage.

Critically Acclaimed Specials

Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks

This special beautifully tackles the dystopian timeline of Future Trunks, offering a glimpse into a world ravaged by the Androids. Its darker tone and unique perspective add significant depth to the saga, illustrating the dire consequences of unchecked villainy. This special is praised for augmenting the existing storyline by increasing the stakes of the Android Saga, making it essential viewing for a comprehensive understanding of the Dragon Ball universe.

Notable Mentions

A Hero's Legacy

Set in the Dragon Ball GT universe, this special takes a leap into the future, focusing on Goku Jr., a descendant of the original Goku. Although it lacks classic characters, it presents a new narrative setting that explores legacy and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Dragon Ball: Yo! Son Goku and His Friends Return!!

A post-Kid Buu saga special, it reintroduces viewers to familiar characters within a relaxed, celebratory environment. The arrival of Vegeta's brother, Tarble, adds a new familial dimension. While not pivotal for the storyline, its charm lies in its enjoyable character interactions and humor, appealing to fans who cherish the camaraderie of the Z-Fighters.

Conclusion

While these Dragon Ball specials and OVAs may vary in relevance and popularity, they enrich the franchise in unique ways. Whether revisiting key moments, exploring untold tales, or simply enjoying additional content, fans of Dragon Ball will certainly find something exciting in these expanded narratives. For more exploration into Dragon Ball specials and their rank, this article from Anime News Network offers an insightful breakdown.