Ranking Dragon Ball's Top Animation Styles: Evolution of a Legendary Franchise

Introduction

For over three decades, the Dragon Ball series has captivated audiences worldwide, evolving through numerous series and films. Each installment introduced unique animation styles, leaving an impression on fans. From the playful early days to the intense battles of Dragon Ball Z, every era of Dragon Ball animation has its enthusiastic supporters and distinct memories. With the release of Dragon Ball Daima, the series continues to enchant old and new fans alike. In this article, we rank the top 10 Dragon Ball animation styles that defined its legacy.

Dragon Ball GT: Consistency Amidst Change

Although Dragon Ball GT is non-canon, it retains a significant place in the art style hierarchy due to its consistency. Despite its washed-out colors compared to its predecessors, GT embraced a grittier, textured look. The choice to continue with cel animation while the industry shifted to digital techniques maintained continuity and offered a nostalgic texture. Character designs received mixed reviews for their thicker features and older appearances but contributed to GT's unique identity. Learn about the legacy of GT here.

Resurrection ‘F’: Nostalgic Yet Underwhelming

Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ marked Tadayoshi Yamamuro's return, evoking nostalgia with his iconic style from Dragon Ball Z. Although it rekindled memories, the film heavily relied on nostalgia rather than innovation, with some overly apparent 3D integration diminishing its impact. While the action sequences were noteworthy, they couldn't push the animation style to excel beyond what the franchise had already achieved.

Original Dragon Ball: The Charm of Simplicity

The original Dragon Ball series boasted a charming simplicity that resonated with fans. Despite lacking fluid animation and featuring choppy fight scenes typical of its era, it laid the foundation for the franchise's characteristic style and tone. Minoru Maeda's design choices emphasized vibrant colors and rounded features, aptly matching the series’ comedic tone. Explore the series timeline here.

Dragon Ball Z: The Evolution of Animation

As Dragon Ball segued into Dragon Ball Z, the transformation in animation marked a significant shift. Lines became sharper, enhancing the new, more serious tone. Over time, the improvement in design detail became notable, signifying the series' dedication to evolving its animation. However, consistency suffered across its long run, occasionally resulting in stilted animation. Despite this, Dragon Ball Z remains beloved for its growth and dynamism.

Battle of Gods: A Modern Reawakening

Battle of Gods revitalized the franchise after a long hiatus, resonating with old and new fans. Under the direction of Masahiro Hosoda, the film utilized advancements in animation to elevate its visual appeal fully. Enhanced 3D elements and seamless transitions echoed the excitement of classic Dragon Ball fights. The film marked a significant juncture where quality and nostalgic elements merged beautifully.

Dragon Ball Daima: A Masterful Blend

The latest installment, Dragon Ball Daima, exemplifies a refined fusion of the original series’ art style with Dragon Ball Z’s aesthetics. By infusing modern touches with heartfelt dedication, the series offers consistently impressive character design and fluid animations. The result is a stellar example of how the timelessness of Dragon Ball can be effectively updated without losing its essence. Check out why creator involvement matters here.

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero's Visual Leap

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero took a bold step by incorporating 3D animation into a traditionally 2D dominated franchise. Amid initial skepticism, the film delivered stunning, dynamic action sequences. Key animator Chikashi Kubota merged CGI with hand-drawn techniques, achieving visual coherence and excitement that honored the series' spirit. This successful experiment sets a benchmark in the franchise for future animation endeavors. Read more about this film's impact here.

The Tournament of Power: A Turnaround

Dragon Ball Super initially struggled with inconsistent animation. However, during the Tournament of Power arc, the series experienced a notable revival. Animation became more dynamic and expressive, with battles reviving the series' reputation for epic confrontations. The involvement of key animators like Yuya Takahashi underscored the importance of expertise in achieving quality animation, positioning this arc among Dragon Ball’s best.

Yamamuro's DBZ: Defined Artistry

Tadayoshi Yamamuro's work post-Saiyan saga refined the animation style with compact, defined designs that would become symbolic of the series. This angular, detailed approach set the standard for Dragon Ball animation moving forward.