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Rating: I don't know what ideas might have wandered in Toriyama's mind when he created this manga. Practically unprecedented, it was completely different from all the other comics and cartoons made until then. The comic style of the first series was somewhat reminiscent of Doctor Slump and Arale, but that was also the master's work.
In 1984, an era began in the history of manga, an era that has not yet ended, given that even today many mangakas are inspired, even just in a small part, by Toriyama's masterpiece.
A mix of action, comedy, and adventure. Highly improbable situations in a world populated by strange beings, animals that talk and coexist with humans. A world where dinosaurs still haven't gone extinct, yet highly technological. It is in this setting that the story of a tailed boy named Goku and Bulma, a city girl in search of the so-called “Dragon Balls” takes place. Seven balls scattered around the world, which if united will summon a gigantic dragon capable of granting any wish. The wishes will be of the most varied kind, from world domination to women's panties. They will be the craving of the antagonists, who will do anything to get their hands on them.
The two set off and begin their search thanks to the “Dragon Radar”, until Goku goes to train with the great Master Roshi, an old perverted martial arts expert, where he will meet Krillin, his best friend.
Throughout the story, various and odd characters will be added, and villains will become increasingly evil. In fact, while the beginning of Dragon Ball is more carefree and joyful, as time goes on the enemies become stronger and more ruthless, prioritizing action above all else without missing splashes of comedy here and there. Unlike many other manga and anime, where the situation always remains unchanged, the characters grow, get married, start families, and age.
Goku represents the essence of purity, that naivety, and “childishness” typical of many shonen manga characters (manga for boys). The protagonist is inspired by the ancient Chinese legend of the stone monkey Sun Wukong, who, with his golden cloud and magical staff, sets off in search of the Sutras (the sacred texts of Buddhism) to abandon his disrespectful nature and find wisdom.
In 1986, the animated version was produced, followed in 1989 by the second series entitled Dragon Ball Z (unlike the manga, which is simply called Dragon Ball), launching Akira Toriyama's masterpiece to worldwide success. At the time, the work also sparked many (and pointless) controversies. In Italy, like many other animes, it was censored in many parts (for what, then?), especially the first series, by Mediaset. This is because, in the West, there is a different culture regarding cartoons compared to the Far East, where cartoons = stuff (only) for kids. Fortunately, over time this belief is increasingly disappearing, but it is still deeply rooted here.
It's been 25 years since the birth of Dragon Ball, and it is still one of the most-read manga in the world today. It paved the way for many other mangas and animes, and it created an actual genre. So for those who now watch Naruto or One Piece (which has nothing to do with Dragon Ball's plot, it's true, but even Eiichiro Oda has been influenced by Toriyama), and have never delved into this work, I recommend doing so immediately. And if you have never read a manga and want to start, well start with this one (then it's a matter of taste). If you've seen the live-action movie instead, reset everything and start from the beginning.
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