Dragon Ball: Is it Worth it to Start from the Beginning?

For those considering getting into Dragon Ball, it may be difficult to decide where to start. With multiple titles within the series and a somewhat daunting episode count, is it really worth it to start from the beginning? Some might suggest diving in at one point or another, but many would insist the logical entry point would be episode one. It’s certainly not unheard of to begin a long series from a midpoint, if only to get your feet wet before committing, but is this a case where it’s actually worthwhile to get all that backstory, or is it more efficient to start elsewhere?

There are few anime titles that can be as universally recognized as Akira Toriyama’s beloved classic, Dragon Ball. Beginning its run in Shonen Jump in 1984, Toei adapted the manga into an anime in 1986. The series was translated for release in English in 1989, but didn’t quite catch on until it was aired during the popular Cartoon Network block, Toonami. The thing is, Toonami aired Dragon Ball Z first, not adding the original Dragon Ball to their lineup until 2001. Thanks to this, it’s not uncommon for even die-hard fans of the show to be unacquainted with the first 153 episodes.

There’s a Long Way to Go

An Episode Count That’s Nothing to Sneeze at

Speaking of episodes, when totaling Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, GT, Super, and Daima, the count currently comes to 659. That’s not even taking the fourteen animated movies, the live-actions, or the HD re-release of DBZ, Dragon Ball Kai into account. That’s all spanned across six different series.

Skipping what some would call an unnecessary backstory might seem appealing to those feeling overwhelmed. With the way Dragon Ball Z is structured, it’s possible to start from there and rely on catch-up dialogue and narration to fill in for what was missed. That being said, the highlight of Dragon Ball isn’t necessarily the story. Where the original shines is its knee-slapping humor.

’80s Comedy At Its Best

The Jokes Hold Up

To be fair, Toriyama’s sense of humor can be seen throughout the series, but as stakes rise with the continuation of the story, some complain that there are fewer chuckle-worthy moments than there were when the journey began. The original series is jam-packed with moments that shock and amuse.

Young Goku, with his country bumpkin naivety coupled with childish curiosity, is consistently hilarious. Bulma, Roshi, and the rest of the cast are just as entertaining, if not more. Between the punchlines are the kicks and jabs of a typical shonen anime, and, predictably, a journey for the legendary dragon balls. All of that, packaged in charming, classic animation, makes Dragon Ball a delight from beginning to end.

Memorable Characters That Fell Through the Cracks

In addition to the nostalgic humor, starting from the beginning gives viewers the opportunity to appreciate the characters that eventually get little to no screen time further into the series. With a lot of the original characters forced to take a backseat in Z and beyond as new protagonists are introduced, these early episodes are the only time some of them feel relevant. Yamcha enjoyers can attest to this fact. The first series not only gives backstories for many of the Z Fighters, but also allows them key roles in the plot. Jumping in at Z or Super will leave viewers missing out on some characters completely. It may seem like a minor loss, considering they weren’t important enough to maintain screen time, but quirky characters like Launch remain fan-favorites, despite disappearing from the script.

It’s An Important First Step

All in all, there are plenty of reasons to watch Dragon Ball. It sets the very foundation for one of the most popular anime of all time. New fans can watch to get primed for Dragon Ball Z, while the old can treat it as a prequel, filling in missing history. Starting the series from any point is valid. The most important part is just starting. Watch in any order that makes sense. Goku is a great protagonist, regardless of his age. Every leg of his journey has been a joy to watch for viewers around the world. Join the community in whatever way works best. Just don’t start with GT.

Dragon Ball

Created by

Akira Toriyama

First TV Show

Dragon Ball

Latest TV Show

Dragon Ball DAIMA

Upcoming TV Shows

Dragon Ball DAIMA

First Episode Air Date

February 26, 1986

TV Show(s)

Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, Dragon Ball Super, Dragon Ball DAIMA

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