I. Introduction
Dragon Ball is a popular anime series that has been entertaining audiences for decades. From its humble beginnings as a manga series to its current iteration as Dragon Ball Super, the series has captured the hearts of millions. However, with so many episodes, movies, and spin-offs, it can be overwhelming for viewers to know where to start. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to watch Dragon Ball in order.
II. Chronological Order
Dragon Ball follows the adventures of Goku, a young warrior with incredible strength and courage. The series is divided into four main parts: Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, and Dragon Ball Super. While these parts were not created in chronological order, watching the series in this order can provide a cohesive and progressive experience for viewers.
Watching Dragon Ball in order means starting with the beginning of Goku’s journey in Dragon Ball and ending with his latest adventures in Dragon Ball Super. This way, viewers can see the progress and growth of the characters and the storylines as they develop chronologically. However, this means that viewers will have to jump from one series to another, adjusting to the differences in animation style and tone. This can be jarring for some viewers.
For those who choose to watch the series in chronological order, it is important to keep in mind that some parts may not be as well-received as others. For example, Dragon Ball GT, a series that was not created by the original author, Akira Toriyama, received mixed reviews from fans. Despite this, there are some who enjoy the series and believe it adds to the overall Dragon Ball experience.
If you choose to watch the series in chronological order, it is recommended to divide the series into manageable chunks, perhaps watching one series at a time and taking breaks in between. This can help prevent burnout and allow viewers to fully appreciate each arc.
III. Release Order
Dragon Ball has been released in a specific order that does not follow its chronological order. Watching the series and movies in the order in which they were released can provide a different viewing experience. Fans who watched the series as it was originally released may want to relive that experience, while newer fans may want to experience the series in the same way.
Starting with Dragon Ball, then moving on to Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, and finally Dragon Ball Super, this method follows the order in which the series was originally released. Fans who choose to watch the series in release order can see how the story and animation have evolved over time.
However, watching in release order can also create confusion, particularly for those who are new to the series. For example, there are some movies that take place during certain arcs of the series and may require prior knowledge to fully understand them. Additionally, some fans may prefer to watch specific arcs or movies in a certain order, rather than following the release schedule.
It is important to note that there is no “wrong” way to watch Dragon Ball. Fans should feel free to watch the series in the way that suits them best.
IV. Arc by Arc
Another approach to watching Dragon Ball is to break down the series into smaller arcs. This can make the series more manageable for those who don’t have time to watch every single episode and movie. Additionally, watching in smaller chunks allows viewers to focus on specific storylines and character arcs of their choice.
Dividing the series into arcs can be subjective, as some storylines may overlap or continue for several episodes. Generally, fans agree on the major arcs of the series, such as the Saiyan Saga, the Cell Saga, and the Buu Saga. Breaking the series into smaller arcs allows for more flexibility and customization for viewers.
However, watching the series in smaller arcs can be confusing for new viewers who may not be familiar with the overarching storyline. Additionally, by watching only specific arcs, viewers may miss important character development and plot twists that occur in other parts of the series.
If you choose to watch the series arc by arc, it is recommended that you still watch each arc in order, rather than jumping around. This way, you can fully appreciate each storyline and the characters involved.
V. Character Guide
Many fans of Dragon Ball have their favorite characters that they want to see more of. For those who want to focus on specific characters, watching the series according to that character’s storyline can be a fun option.
By creating a guide that lists the episodes and movies that focus on a certain character, viewers can have a more targeted viewing experience. For example, a guide for Vegeta would include episodes in which he plays a major role, such as the Saiyan Saga, the Namek Saga, and the Android Saga.
Focusing on one character’s storyline can be a fun and immersive way to watch the series. However, it may not provide a complete picture of the series as a whole. It is important for viewers who choose this method to be aware of this and to not miss out on important plot points outside of their chosen character’s storyline.
VI. Episodic Highlights
For those who don’t have time to watch every episode and movie, watching specific episodes or scenes that are important to the overall storyline can be a good option. By finding a guide that lists the most important episodes, viewers can get a condensed version of the series without feeling like they missed out on anything too important.
However, this method falls short on character development and full storyline immersion. Skipping certain episodes can lead to missing out on important details that contribute to the overall enjoyment of the series.
VII. Conclusion
There is no “right” way to watch Dragon Ball, and each method has its own pros and cons. Choosing which method to use ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some may choose to watch in chronological order, while others may want to focus on specific characters or arcs. However you choose to watch the series, don’t be afraid to mix and match methods to find what works best for you. After all, the most important thing is to enjoy the Dragon Ball series and all it has to offer.