“Dragon Ball” is a legendary franchise that has left an indelible mark on the world of anime and manga. Its epic battles, unforgettable characters, and groundbreaking moments have influenced countless series and shaped the genre. Here are the 10 most influential “Dragon Ball” moments that changed anime and manga forever:
1. Goku’s First Kamehameha
- Episode: Dragon Ball Episode 8
- Context: Goku learns and performs the iconic Kamehameha technique for the first time after witnessing Master Roshi use it.
- Impact: The Kamehameha wave became one of the most recognizable moves in anime history, inspiring countless energy attacks in other series.
2. The First Super Saiyan Transformation
- Episode: Dragon Ball Z Episode 95
- Context: Goku transforms into a Super Saiyan for the first time during his battle with Frieza on Planet Namek.
- Impact: This transformation set a new standard for power-ups in anime, with many series adopting similar dramatic transformation scenes.
3. Goku vs. Vegeta (Saiyan Saga)
- Episode: Dragon Ball Z Episodes 29-30
- Context: The intense battle between Goku and Vegeta marks the first major fight between two Saiyans on Earth.
- Impact: The fight showcased high-stakes action and character development, influencing the portrayal of rivalries in future anime.
4. Gohan’s Super Saiyan 2 Transformation
- Episode: Dragon Ball Z Episode 184
- Context: Gohan transforms into a Super Saiyan 2 during the Cell Games, unleashing his true power to defeat Cell.
- Impact: This moment highlighted the potential of secondary characters and the theme of surpassing one’s limits, becoming a template for character growth arcs.
5. The Spirit Bomb Against Kid Buu
- Episode: Dragon Ball Z Episode 286
- Context: Goku gathers energy from all living beings to create the Spirit Bomb, ultimately defeating Kid Buu.
- Impact: The Spirit Bomb became a symbol of hope and collective effort, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration in defeating evil.
6. Goku Meets Bulma and the Journey Begins
- Episode: Dragon Ball Episode 1
- Context: Goku meets Bulma and embarks on a quest to find the Dragon Balls, marking the start of their epic adventure.
- Impact: This moment laid the foundation for the series’ adventurous spirit and quest-driven narrative, influencing countless shonen series that followed.
7. Goku’s Sacrifice Against Raditz
- Episode: Dragon Ball Z Episode 5
- Context: Goku sacrifices himself to defeat Raditz, allowing Piccolo to kill them both with a Special Beam Cannon.
- Impact: Goku’s sacrifice introduced the concept of major character deaths and resurrections, adding emotional depth and stakes to the series.
8. The Fusion Dance
- Episode: Dragon Ball Z Episode 243
- Context: Goten and Trunks perform the Fusion Dance to become Gotenks, combining their powers to fight Majin Buu.
- Impact: The Fusion Dance introduced a unique way to power up characters, inspiring similar fusion techniques and collaborations in other series.
9. Vegeta’s Sacrifice Against Majin Buu
- Episode: Dragon Ball Z Episode 237
- Context: Vegeta sacrifices himself in a self-destructive attack to defeat Majin Buu, hoping to save his loved ones.
- Impact: This moment showcased Vegeta’s character development and the theme of redemption, adding layers of complexity to his character arc.
10. Goku’s Ultra Instinct Transformation
- Episode: Dragon Ball Super Episode 110
- Context: Goku attains Ultra Instinct during the Tournament of Power, reaching a new level of combat proficiency and awareness.
- Impact: Ultra Instinct set a new benchmark for power-ups, emphasizing the importance of instinct and mastery in combat, and reinvigorating interest in the franchise.
These moments from “Dragon Ball” not only defined the series but also left a lasting legacy on the anime and manga industry. Each iconic scene contributed to shaping the genre, inspiring countless creators, and captivating audiences worldwide.