Databook Guide

Over the years, there have been many different Dragon Ball data and guide books published, covering virtually every aspect of the series. The biggest group of databooks are the daizenshuu, or the “Great Complete Collections”, which were released shortly after the manga ended its serialization. Since then, numerous other smaller guides have been released, pertaining to both the manga and TV series. However, most have been derivatives of the daizenshuu, recycling much of the existing information. The franchise is still seeing databooks being released, and all indications show that they will be released far into the future, so long as there is a desire for their creation.

In addition to the numerous Dragon Ball guides, there are also several collections of Toriyama’s artwork. While not exclusively devoted to Dragon Ball, they do contain some nice Dragon Ball-related image. The “World of Akira Toriyama” books are based on two Toriyama museum exhibits that toured in Japan. There are many other Toriyama art books in addition to these, although most seem to be named with some variant on “Akira Toriyama – The World”.

Japanese Databooks

Daizenshuu Volumes大全集

The first, and still largest, group of Dragon Ball databooks released are the Daizenshuu, or the “Great Complete Collections”. The collection is divided up into a main series of seven hardcover books and three softcover supplemental volumes.

Release Information

Released:25 June 1995 – 18 August 1996
Retail:¥980 – ¥1,800
Book Size:JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
Publisher:Shueisha Publishing Co., Ltd.
Volumes:10 volumes

Chōzenshū Volumes超全集

The second largest group of Dragon Ball databooks released to date are the Chōzenshū, or the “Super Complete Collections”. The collection is divided up into four volumes.

Release Information

Released:05 February 2013 – 09 May 2013
Retail:¥2,200
Book Size:JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
Publisher:Shueisha Publishing Co., Ltd.
Volumes:4 volumes

Theatrical Movie Guides映画

Each major theatrical film received its own dedicated print publication. In the early days, this meant a pamphlet for that season’s Toei fair shared across the two or three films being screened. In the modern era, this has resulted in at least one publication filled with screenshots, summaries, interviews, etc.

Release Information

Released:20 December 1986 – 11 June 2022
Retail:Free – ¥1,000
Book Size:Book sizes vary
Publisher:Shueisha Publishing Co., Ltd.
Volumes:31 volumes

Game Guidesゲーム

Over the years, there have been numerous Dragon Ball video games released in Japan across several platforms, and in various genres. In most cases, Shueisha also released a corresponding guide book for these video games, as documented in this section.

Release Information

Released:15 December 1986 – ongoing
Retail:¥360 – ¥1,350
Book Size:Book sizes vary from B4 (largest) to B6 (smallest)
Publisher:Shueisha Publishing Co., Ltd.
Volumes:64 volumes

Other Dragon Ball Guidesその他

In addition to the Daizenshuu and Chōzenshū volumes, numerous other guides have been released over the years, pertaining to both the manga and anime. However, most have unfortunately been derivatives of the Daizenshuu, recycling much of the existing information.

Release Information

Released:18 November 1987 – 21 January 2016
Retail:¥280 – ¥3,800
Book Size:Book sizes vary from A4 (largest) to JIS B6 (smallest)
Publisher:Shueisha Publishing Co., Ltd.
Volumes:20 volumes

English Databooks

Dragon Ball: The Complete Illustrations

A translation of the first Daizenshuu, released in English by Viz as “The Complete Illustrations” in 2008. No further Daizenshuu were released by Viz in English.

Release Information

Released:21 October 2008
Retail:$24.99
Book Size:7.13 x 0.7 x 10.13 inches (original JIS B5)
Pages:218
Publisher:VIZ Media LLC
Volumes:Single volume release

Dragon Ball: A Visual History

A translation of the Chōgashū (Super Art Collection), released in English by Viz as “A Visual History” in 2019.

Release Information

Released:12 November 2019
Retail:$34.99
Book Size:7.13 x 0.7 x 10.13 inches (original JIS B5)
Pages:240
Publisher:VIZ Media LLC
Volumes:Single volume release

German Databooks

Dragon Ball Artbook

A translation of the first Daizenshuu, released in German by Carlsen as “Dragon Ball Artbook” in 2001.

Release Information

Released:15 February 2001
Retail:$24.99
Book Size:18.5 x 26.3 x 1.7 cm (roughly original JIS B5)
Pages:208
Publisher:Carlsen
Volumes:Single volume release

French Databooks

Daizenshuu Volumes

A translation of the first and the seventh Daizenshuu, released in French by Glénat as “Le Grand Livre” and “Le Dictionnaire De Dragon Ball” in 1996 and 1999, respectively.

Release Information

Released:23 October 1996 / 03 November 1999
Retail:TBD
Book Size:18.7 x 2.5 x 26.6 cm (roughly original JIS B5)
Pages:208 / 311
Publisher:Carlsen
Volumes:Two volumes released