Databook Guide

Over the years, there have been many different Dragon Ball data books published, covering virtually every aspect of the series. The biggest group of data books 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 anime. However, most have been derivatives of the daizenshuu, recycling much of the existing information. The series is still seeing databooks being released, and all indications show that they don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

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”.

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

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

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