Dragon Ball Culture

See Dragon Ball with new eyes. This book is your cultural tour guide to Dragon Ball, the world's most recognized anime and manga series. Over 11 years in development, Dragon Ball Culture is a 7 Volume analysis of your favorite series. You will go on an adventure with Son Goku, from Chapter 1 to 194 of the original Dragon Ball series, as we explore every page, every panel, and every sentence, to reveal the hidden symbolism and deeper meaning of Dragon Ball. In Volume 1 you will enter the mind of Akira Toriyama and learn the origin of Dragon Ball. How does Toriyama get his big break and become a manga author? Why does he make Dragon Ball? Where does Dragon Ball's culture come from? And why is it so successful? Along the way you'll be informed, entertained, and inspired. You will learn more about your favorite series and about yourself. Now step with me through the doorway of Dragon Ball Culture.

Goku begins a new adventure, and this time the quest is to conquer thyself. In Dragon Ball Culture Volume 3: Battle, you’ll discover the origin of Goku’s training mentality. You’ll see how Akira Toriyama combines thousands of years of martial arts history and modern cinema together to create the Tenkaichi Budōkai. And you’ll hear how Dragon Ball almost gets cancelled, but then changes its format to become the world’s most recognized anime and manga series on the planet. Travel alongside Goku as he becomes the disciple of the world’s greatest martial artist, meets his new training partner, and competes in the largest tournament on Earth. Will this wild monkey boy gain the discipline he needs to become the champion?

Son Goku battles the demon king! In Dragon Ball Culture Volume 5 we'll reunite with Goku and his friends as they compete in the 22nd Tenkaichi Budokai. Then we'll join them as they fight in a life or death battle against the Demon King Pikkoro! Akira Toriyama starts us off by introducing three new characters into the story. These are Tenshinhan, Chaozu, and their evil master, Tsuru-sennin. This book reveals each of their cultural backgrounds. That's right, if you've ever said to yourself, Why does Tenshinhan have a third eye?" and, What the heck is Chaozu?!" then this is the book you've been waiting for. Toriyama then takes the Dragon Ball story to new depths by adding demons and gods into the mix. He increases the intensity of the series and makes it so Goku has no choice but to train harder in order to enact his revenge. And the way Goku does it is straight out of secret Daoist meditation practices of ancient China. Inside these pages you'll discover the true origin of the demon king, find out how Goku learns to sense the energy of his opponents, and understand the full power of the world famous senzu. This book contains hundreds of new revelations about your favorite characters and their adventures through the Dragon World. Volume 5 explores Chapters 113 to 161. It's time to face your demons!

Goku meets God! In “Dragon Ball Culture Volume 6”, we'll reunite with Goku as he ascends to heaven, trains with Kami for 3 years, and battles the reincarnated Demon King Pikkoro! When Goku reaches heaven, he is greeted by the always-controversial Mister Popo. But who is Mister Popo, and why does he look so strange? His ancient cultural origin will finally be revealed! From there we'll explore Kami's roots in Japanese Shinto and Chinese Buddhism. You'll discover how Kami and Pikkoro are related on a spiritual level, how reincarnation works within the Dragon World, and what it means for the new demon king to be the 'son of the father who was cast down from heaven.' Afterward, we'll enter the 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai! But will Goku's friends recognize him, and will he be strong enough to persevere?! Who is this green-skinned man who calls himself "Ma Junia," and why is he such a grave threat to Goku and the world?! Discover the amazing truth behind these new characters, with surprising mysteries and reveals from your old friends, as we take a cultural tour through the final volume of the original Dragon Ball manga! It's a battle of life and death, and Goku's the only one who can save us!! Volume 6 explores Chapters 162 to 194 of the Dragon Ball manga. It's time to face God!