See Dragon Ball with new eyes. This book is your cultural tour guide of Dragon Ball, the world’s most recognized anime and manga series. Over 11 years in development, at over 2,000 pages, and featuring over 1,800 unique terms, 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 discover the origin of Dragon Ball. How does Akira 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.

Son Goku's adventure begins! Join me in Dragon Ball Culture Volume 2, as we travel along with Goku on his epic journey for greater strength. With each step that Goku takes, you'll discover more of the hidden spirituality and symbolism in Dragon Ball that makes the series so successful. You'll see how author Akira Toriyama synthesizes Chinese culture, Western technology, and Buddho-Daoist philosophy to create a series that speaks to your humanity. Not because of the action or the humor, but because it reminds you of what it means to be alive. Along the way you'll learn of Goku's ancient origin. You'll hear how the legend of a wild monkey-man begins in India, evolves across 2,000 years of Chinese and Japanese history, and leads to the Goku you know and love. I'll walk you through the journey from the first page to the last. And by the time we're done, you will be an expert on Dragon Ball's culture. Volume 2 explores Chapters 1 to 23 of the Dragon Ball manga. So let's take our first step with Goku!

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 mystery’s 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!

Change your perspective: get BIG A seminal series from a legendary creator. Dragon Ball, a wry update on the Chinese "Monkey King" myth, introduces us to Son Goku, a young monkey-tailed boy whose quiet life is turned upside-down when he meets Bulma, a girl determined to collect the seven "Dragon Balls." If she gathers them all, an incredibly powerful dragon will appear and grant her one wish. But the precious orbs are scattered all over the world, and to get them she needs the help of a certain super-strong boy... Final Volume! The Great Demon King Piccolo is all set for world domination--but first, he needs to gather the seven Dragon Balls to restore his youth and power. Son Goku and his friends pit themselves against this heartless monster, but it's looking more and more grim for the side of good as Piccolo picks them off one by one... Their only hope is a martial arts move known as the Mafu-Ba, a technique that managed to imprison Piccolo many years ago. Unfortunately, the move is so powerful that it killed the last person who used it. That won't deter Kame-Sen'nin and Tenshinhan from trying the killer move though, even if it means forfeiting their own lives in the process!

A comprehensive hardcover art book in a collector’s slipcase, showcasing the work of Akira Toriyama’s best-selling manga series, Dragon Ball. A comprehensive art book showcasing manga art, additional promotional material, creator commentary and notes/sketches/posters, from throughout the history of the original Dragon Ball series, all featured in a beautifully slipcased hardcover book with a dust jacket. Featuring stunning full-color artwork, exclusive creator commentary and rarely seen sketches, Dragon Ball: A Visual History is the definitive journey through the artwork of one of the most influential and popular manga series of all time, Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball.

Freeza’s transformation is complete, and his power is unbelievably immense. The Dragon Balls have been gathered, the Dragon Lord summoned and one final wish remains. But before anyone can make that wish, it’s time for the final showdown between Freeza and Goku, the Super Saiyan! -- VIZ Media