Ahhh, Dragon Ball… What child in front of this cartoon or after finishing his manga, did not shout "Kaméhaméha" in his room, or even try to transform into "Super Saiyan" to look like Sangoku? This manga became mythical, has for many become the starting point of the passion of manga, as well as everything that surrounds it. Let's go back to this manga that crosses generations to the delight of fans.
Dragon Ball: The synopsis of an immortal manga
As Bulma travels the mountain roads on a motorcycle, she makes a very strange encounter in the person of Sangoku. A surprisingly strong, resilient little boy with a tail, like monkeys. He also has a treasure she is looking for, a crystal ball, but he doesn't want to give it to her. It is a gift left to him by his grandfather Sangohan. They finally find a compromise, and Sangoku goes with her in search of the 7 crystal balls that are said to fulfill any wish once reunited. Then begin the crazy adventures of Sangoku. 
A timeless and intergenerational manga
Akira Toriyama was soon considered the father of manga. From 1984 to 1995 he drew the 42 volumes of Dragon Ball without suspecting that it would be the eleven years of his life that would change his career and contribute greatly to the development of manga. 13 years after the release of the first volume, it is in 1988 that it will be broadcast in anime in France, which will work just as well and will allow the manga to cross entire generations of children and adults. Because yes, manga also appeal to adults. Currently, the Dragon Ball Super series has taken over, still led by Akira Toriyama. Sales are exploding (second in 2019 sales in manga) and anime too. This longevity of 36 years after the first volume allows the series to keep its fans and acquire new ones. Akira Toriyama's manga has been all the rage around the world and it has taken root in the West at breakneck speed. There will then be video games, toys, cards or collector's figurines derived from the book series as well as anime or films that may have been produced. These variations of the manga in all kinds of objects were intended to satisfy a population in constant demand for this original novelty: the story of Dragon Ball with Sangoku and his friends. Over time, it gradually became one of the most popular and successful manga in the world. 
Only, contrary to what some might believe, this is not the first anime broadcast in the world. Japanese comics were known a little before with Goldorak, Captain Flam or Albator in cartoon form. However, the rise of Dragon Ball has indeed propelled the Manga World to the Planetary level. This image has become very much established, particularly in the Western world. Especially in France, because we are now the second largest consumer of manga after Japan, which is its founding country. In terms of sales, it is the second best-selling manga in the world behind the very famous One Piece by Eiichirō Oda. After 36 years of existence, this is a remarkable achievement. For many Otaku (manga fan), Dragon Ball is a classic to have in their collection. You have to have read and seen it at least once, it's a reference of the manga. However, for its creator, Akira Toriyama does not perceive his work as such. Humble, reserved and distancing himself from all the achievements he undertakes, he does not understand the success for "such a creation".
A mangaka who does not see his work like the rest of the world
Despite a manga ranked among the best in the world, Akira Toriyama does not understand such success. For him, he does not draw properly, he finds it inexplicable that with his drawing he is so high placed by the world of Manga. Yet, despite what he may think, nothing prevents Dragon Ball from remaining the second best seller in the world. Fans still have as much affection for the work and its story. 
Even if he himself will surely never understand the importance that Dragon Ball brings to the world of Japanese comics, he continues to make readers happy and to perpetuate the series through generations of children now adults. Everyone can thank Dragon Ball and especially Akira Toriyama for his work. If you like the mangaka, you can watch his one and only TV interview he gave a year before the release of Dragon Ball.
A rather surprising inspiration
Akira Toriyama is inspired for his manga by a Buddhist Chinese tale: The Journey to the West. In this tale, the hero has the same name: Son Goku (king of the monkeys). Magical items such as the transport cloud (Kinto'un) and the battle stick (Nyoibō) are also present. In the mind of the mangaka, this idea did not appear suddenly since it has been germinating there for a long time. This can be seen with the help of his works that preceded Dragon Ball. Dragon Boy is quite close to Dragon Ball and the adventures of Sangoku, as can Tongpoo. However, Akira Toriyama is not the first to make a fairy tale adaptation. Another mangaka did it before him: Osamu Tezuka The Legend of Songoku in 1952. Some elements are similar such as the character with the monkey tail, the transport cloud, or the magic staff. But the rest is unique to Akira Toriyama. It should also be noted that in the anime Dragon Ball, sometimes appears his main character Aralé from his first manga, Dr. Slump, who made him reach the top in Japan a year before the first volume of Dragon Ball. To conclude, Dragon Ball was the flagship manga of the 80s and has long been a must. It's important to go back to symbols of manga like this one in order to understand the rise of what we love to watch and read today and what was the trigger. Dragon Ball's father, Akira Toriyama, created a landmark for many people, but also made Sangoku a spiritual father for many little boys who have now become adults for the majority. These adults already ensure transmission. And to finish, let's finish with this music that rocked your childhood. https://youtu.be/pYnLO7MVKno
