What did Toriyama intend for Dragon Ball to be about?

[Gligarman]

It was suppose to be about silly people going on a silly adventure while doing silly things. Then everyone decided it was about pretty much anything but that which is why Battle of Gods was so jarring for people who weren't familiar with the manga or the earlier part of the show.

[RedRibbonSoldier#42]

What the series is currently about is quite simple and at the forefront of every episode: unbridled optimism for getting and being strong. Every character, good or bad, weak or strong, has shown multiple levels of "sugee" with a final explosion at the end, and the saiyans continuously surpass their limits more and more until the end of time and being celebrated by the show each time. Toriyama has succeeded in making a story with completely pure intentions, and attempts from Kami's and justice warriors to complicate things have mostly ended in failure.

[GreatSaiyaJeff]

Well from what I gathered from his insert in the first volume, he wanted to tell a story with a Chinese feel. Then it moved more towards fighting, as others pointed out the 21st tournament arc got a good response. a lot of arcs usually feel different at times but as others pointed out, he just writes at the seat of his pants. It's an ever evolving series that a Toriyama just drew what he felt like.

[mahakaishin1991]

Lighthearted entertainment that is not to be taken seriously.

So exactly the opposite of what 99% of the fans who have arguments with made-up explanations think.

You mean like your rant at me about Zamasu's spirit animal?

[DB Tyrant]

Lighthearted entertainment that is not to be taken seriously.

So exactly the opposite of what 99% of the fans who have arguments with made-up explanations think.

I think Toriyama took the series way lighter than much of the DB fandom. BUT, I wouldn't say Dragon Ball is completely lacking in depth. Vegeta, Piccolo, and Gohan's development showed us Dragon Ball is far from shallow.

I think its part of why Dragon Ball is so popular world wide. It found that happy spot between seriousness and silliness.