Dragon Ball is a battle manga series created by Akira Toriyama, serialized from 1984 to 1995. Several anime series have been adapted from the manga: Dragon Ball (1986-1989) and Dragon Ball Z (1989–1996), which follow the plot of the manga, as well as other anime series that serve as sequels to the original story. The series has also been adapted into anime and live-action films, as well as video games. Dragon Ball has inspired many other popular manga series and is considered one of the most influential shōnen series.
The story’s protagonist is Son Goku, and the series follows decades of his life from age 12 onwards . At the beginning of the series, Goku sets out to find seven Dragon Balls, which, when gathered, can grant one wish. As the story progresses, Goku hones his fighting skills and becomes increasingly powerful, but also makes new friends, starts a family, and faces numerous foes along the way.
