Dragon Ball debuted in manga form in 1984 and was quickly adapted into an anime. Goku’s adventures became famous almost instantly, making a significant impact on the international anime scene throughout the 1990s.
However, the storyline reached a pivotal moment as it progressed, particularly when Goku matured into adulthood. The once innocent warrior had to confront various dangers, and as the narrative deepened, Akira Toriyama needed to connect Goku with new foes without losing sight of the main character.
What inspired the name change to Dragon Ball Z?
Thus, the Japanese mangaka had to reflect on how to name the sequel and select a title that matched the storyline.
Before Dragon Ball Z, Akira Toriyama considered various titles such as New Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball 90, Dragon Ball: Wonder Boy, and Dragon Ball: Gohan’s Big Adventure.
Fortunately, none of these four titles were favored by Toei Animation, the anime production company at the time, so they were not chosen.
How was Dragon Ball Z born?
The title Dragon Ball Z was not simply a creative decision to signify the end of an era. It was also not about the idea of it being the final chapter in a series of titles, and Akira Toriyama wanted to conclude the story with this significant detail, which ultimately did not come to fruition.
Interestingly, while searching for a title, Dragon Ball 2 was initially written in drafts, and one of the designers accidentally included the letter Z. This design resonated with fans, leading to the creation of Dragon Ball Z.
As we know, “Dragon Ball Z” is the direct continuation of the original “Dragon Ball” series. By keeping “Dragon Ball” in the title, it maintains the continuity of the brand and connects the two series.
With “Dragon Ball Z,” the narrative shifted towards more intense battles and explored the immense power levels, legacies of the Saiyan race, and the various universe challenges. It no longer served as merely a plot device but became a backdrop for grander storytelling.
