Is Dragonball the greatest cartoon ever?

[samuraix123]

IN YOUR OPINION
Would you consider Dragonball to be the greatest cartoon ever made? in terms of characters,stories, and just the overall universe in general? I wont speak on the actual animation part because I know some stuff that's not anime that blows the actual movement of the characters and such out of the water! but In my opinion I really do think Dragonball is greatest cartoon that there has been and maybe ever will be. It's a timeless classic that never gets old to me and I couldn't tell you how many times I have seen the series and discussed it. What beats it in your opinion?

[Hellspawn28]

It's a good series, but not the greatest. Compare to other anime and other western animated shows out there, there are much better shows in my opinion. The series as a whole will probably get a C+ since there is a lot of good stuff and a lot of bad stuff too. Also I have a feeling that a lot of people will get upset if you call Dragon Ball a "Cartoon" since people like to view anime and cartoons as different things. Even though anime are just cartoons from Japan.

[Doctor.]

Maybe in terms of influence on other anime series, but it's beat by Tezuka even on that regard, who was inspired by Disney. No, I don't consider it the greatest, or even close, in any aspect I can think of. It's only the greatest in terms of personal enjoyment, but that's very irrelevant in the grand scheme of things.

[samuraix123]

Let em get upset. lol If that's all there is to be upset about in this world is me saying cartoon then we're all doing pretty good. lol but seriously I always just wonder what has made me keep coming back for the same story over and over again knowing what's going to happen well in advance of watching it.

[sintzu]

Would you consider Dragonball to be the greatest cartoon ever made? in terms of characters,stories, and just the overall universe in general?

What beats it in your opinion?

If you're talking about the original material covered in the manga (DB, Kai, Z's 2 TV specials) & the last 2 movies then yes.

I think the Batman material in the DCAU is on the same level.

[fadeddreams5]

It's my favorite cartoon (DBZ).

Greatest ever? Well, it's certainly not the most influential. Doesn't have the greatest story. Animation isn't #1. Battles are still among the best in animated history, imo, but still a tad dated.

So nah. Not the greatest. Best animated fighting show, sure.

[theoriginalbilis]

No. The Simpsons is. At least the first ten seasons.

The DragonBall franchise is one of my absolute favorites, for sure.

Greatest cartoon ever? That's highly a subjective and debatable topic. In terms of audience appeal, action, adventure, design, and scope, DragonBall is defintely up there IMO. But I can name plenty of animated works that stand taller.

[KentalSSJ6]

In comparison to strictly other anime/manga titles, series such as Cowboy Bebop, Full Metal Alchemist, and Baccano have it relatively beat in most aspects

[Wezenheim]

I'm going to say no for me, but such a question is completely opinion based and it's all a matter of preference. I love Dragon Ball to death and I don't know if there's another franchise for me that is as interesting to discuss apart from perhaps Star Wars and American comic books, but even though Dragon Ball is in my top 10 favorite cartoons, it isn't quite number 1. Cowboy Bebop takes the cake for me, as generic a choice as that may be, just because the series pretty much aligns with my taste perfectly. I also rank Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood above it, since I love how well put together it is and how spectacular I thought the second half of the series was. There are even American cartoons that I love about as much as Dragon Ball, such as Samurai Jack, The Batman animated series, and Avatar: The Last Airbender. I think I'd usually put Dragon Ball above those series, but that changes all the time depending on the day honestly.

Still, for what its worth, there's probably no other fandom or franchise that I'm so involved in and passionate about, so there's probably something to that. I certainly wouldn't fault anyone for thinking that Dragon Ball is the best.

[samuraix123]

Has Akira Toriyama ever actually spoken about the success of the series and that he's proud of it? I don't keep up with that stuff but I'm curious if he's satisfied with what he's going to leave behind one day.

[sintzu]

Has Akira Toriyama ever actually spoken about the success of the series and that he's proud of it? I don't keep up with that stuff but I'm curious if he's satisfied with what he's going to leave behind one day.

He's said stuff here and there but he's never bragged or made a big deal about it so it's hard to tell what he really thinks about it.

[90sDBZ]

While it isn't always perfect, it is the only cartoon that I've never once lost interest in since I was a kid. There have been other cartoons that I liked, lost interest in for a few years, then got back into later. But with DB/Z/GT, I never once forgot about it, never stopped reading about it online, and got all of the yearly games prior to Ultimate Tenkaichi. I remember when it got taken off UK TV in 2005, having no home release here, and not being able to afford importing the DVDs. For a few years it really sucked not being able to even rewatch the series at all, and yet my interest in the franchise never faded.

No other cartoon (or other show for that matter) has left such a positive impression on me for so long. So yes, Dragonball is the greatest cartoon ever, and also the greatest show ever.

[samuraix123]

You know you got it bad when you go walking through walmart looking at big HD tvs and thinking ''I bet Dragonball would look good on that'' haha

[Lord Beerus]

No, it isn't. I love Dragon Ball to death, but I could name ten cartoons superior to Dragon Ball in every department off of the top of my head.

[Vijay]

Yup. Its by FAR greatest show for me

Its fun. Accomplished what it sets out to do. Entertainment in its purest form

The 2 important reasons that I think behind it was

1. Repeat value : be it fights, drama, characters or anything. Its got this likable & addictive charm which most series fail to capture, inspite of bein deep & thought-stimulating

2. Staying power : I watched DBZ back then when I was 5. Blown away. Watchin now at 23. Blown away. Will watch it at 35. Will definetly be blown away by its sheer "greatness".

With crappy shows rulling the roost, an anime (late 80's~early 90's) could pack so much punch & THATS a testament to its success.

[Gonstead]

Hardly the greatest, at least for me. Love it with all my heart but can easily name plenty of series I consider superior to it.

[omaro34]

Dragonball is one of the most successful shows ever, but its not the greatest. It was a pioneer in terms of creating that anime appeal internationally especially in Western countries.

The story itself has far too many inconsistencies and plot holes. Don't get me wrong, I love the series and I wouldn't be here if I didn't, but there are simply better shows out there that beat Dragonball in terms of writing, execution, and a better utilization of characters.

Dragonball's legacy will live on though. It paved the way for other shows.

[CosmicSaiyan]

I definitely think its one of the most successful cartoons ever written. And thats if you take the whole franchise for example. Because first being able create such a complex unique story is almost literally impossible for an average mangaka joe. Making it country well know icon for over 30 years takes more than randomly winning a lottery or finding millions of dollars on the street.
Ofcourse if you give some criticism, dragon ball is definetly not a really a cartoon that anyone will easily be able to get into. Infact i had trouble getting intro dragon ball at first due to the whole DBZ mania and images of bunch of angry over buffed macho looking dudes with spiky long hair and very unappealing art style, i never thought this show was going to be this good and interesting And after watching the original dragon ball series and moving up to DBZ it was a such an amazing experience to see Son Goku from this bushy clueless kid transform into this godly blonde being like WTF!!! I though they were separate beings at first!!?

But yeah its still one of those shows that gives me chills still. And I end up loving it for what it was, but i am disappointing more with how its new series is being treated its own creator and toei itself. ;(

[TheUltimateVegito]

Damn right it's the greatest.

The great characters, the unique DB Universe and it's interpretation of Ki techniques that make all the techniques possible and feel organic, as well as its unique interpretation of life and death, with certain characters being able to keep their bodies as a reward and the plot using that to its advantage i.e Goku's decision in Cell arc. No over reliance on melodrama or complexities to keep the plot compelling and engaging while still giving great depth and meaning to the characters and the story as a whole. The emotional moments are also extremely well placed without being overdone, and the fact that the series doesn't lend itself to be emotional gives more impact to them. Variety to the plots, going from a light hearted adventure in the Hunt for DB arc to World Tournaments to a feared global army to ancient demons, to space pirates and their intergalactic warlord to Androids then finally to an ancient eater of deities. The story flows and grows so organically and naturally with the variety because of how unique the world of Dragon Ball is, with the growth being represented in the character of Goku. Undertones and themes that adds to the overall story-telling, making the story all the more exciting to think about and go back to. Dragon Ball is just a fantastic show, even with all its plot holes. The character variety is great too, you have colourful characters like Son Goku to characters in great turmoil like Kami. They each have their own personalities that sets them apart from other characters, making them all the more interesting. Most importantly, the series does all this while remaining fresh, fun and entertaining throughout, with the main theme "There's always someone better" persisting in fantastic ways and makes the fact that they constantly get stronger add to the great story telling i.e Super Saiyan Grade Forms, without it feeling overdone, since like the emotional moments they're also very well placed.

Hell, it has all the makings for the greatest show of all time in my book.

[DoomieDoomie911]

No. The title of greatest cartoon would probably go to Looney Tunes/Merrie Melodies or Mickey Mouse. I wouldn't even say that Dragon Ball is the greatest anime of all time (there are many series that are better written and organized), but it's certainly the most influential. There's no doubt about that.