The Secrets Behind the Success of the Dragon Ball Franchise
Dragon Ball, also known as “7 Dragon Balls,” is one of the most beloved manga series in Vietnam and worldwide. After over 11 years of development, Dragon Ball has swept through the ranks, breaking records and becoming a cultural phenomenon for generations born in the late ’80s and ’90s.
To achieve such success, it is clear that storytelling and character depth are two primary reasons. However, alongside these elements, there are several other hidden secrets that creator Akira Toriyama has applied effectively.
The first key is the layout and pacing of each chapter, creating the most enjoyable experiences for readers.
The Nikaidorenji website recently conducted a “deep dive” analysis to uncover the logic behind each chapter of the Dragon Ball series – the formula for the series’ success. Although this research is yet to reach its peak, fans of Goku find it incredibly engaging. Below is a visual example illustrating the logical chapter structure created by Akira Toriyama (Note that Japanese manga typically reads from right to left).
In the above chapter, we can see that Goku has just defeated King Chappa with a low kick. Immediately after, King Chappa falls to the ground, and Goku proudly remarks, “You should have let your guard down.” All elements are meticulously arranged to create a highly engaging and coherent flow, including dialogue and sound effects. The details are illustrated below.
To provide clearer evidence of this, let’s explore several examples below that may present minor challenges and comprehension for readers.
The second key is the unique character styling of Dragon Ball
Unlike other works in the industry, Akira Toriyama has consistently found ways to convey his narrative through character development details that resonate with readers.
This is something that Dragon Ball’s creator has effectively communicated. When Dragon Ball first began, Goku, like other characters, was portrayed with a humorous touch through witty dialogues and the antics of this young Saiyan. As the series progressed, Goku’s battles and plot details became more serious, addressing more profound themes such as protecting the world and safeguarding family ties.
The third key is Akira Toriyama’s exceptional imagination without being constrained by any clichés.
Herein lies what has made the Dragon Ball series so remarkably successful. For Akira Toriyama, he constantly seeks fresh elements to maintain the appeal of his work. From Goku’s original origin story to the vast details of battles outside the universe, various unique abilities of characters are crafted with a distinct “flavor.” However, what increasingly makes this work beloved is its connection to readers and the emotional resonance it brings.
Thus, we can see that making a manga successful requires more than just a compelling narrative; it also needs a variety of qualities that enhance its visual appeal and create numerous other elements. However, for every creator, there exists a “secret formula” unique to them, making the world of manga diverse and captivating.
