Is Dragon Ball bigger in the West than in the East?
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Is Dragon Ball bigger in the West than in the East?
It's hard to deny Dragon Ball's influence on western culture, especially North America and Latin America where it's popularity is so huge it sparked a resurgence of the franchise.
For many people, it was something new and different. It had ongoing story arcs that spanned multiple episodes at a time and was hyper violent. It also helped it had cool-looking characters, epic transformations, and over-the-top fast-paced action.
But is it even more popular within the western hemisphere its homeland?
For many people, it was something new and different. It had ongoing story arcs that spanned multiple episodes at a time and was hyper violent. It also helped it had cool-looking characters, epic transformations, and over-the-top fast-paced action.
But is it even more popular within the western hemisphere its homeland?
fadeddreams5 wrote:Goku didn't die in GT. The show sucked him off so much, it was impossible to keep him in the world of the living, so he ascended beyond mortality.DBZGTKOSDH wrote:... Haven't we already gotten these in GT? Goku dies, the DBs go away, and the Namekian DBs most likely won't be used again because of the Evil Dragons.
jjgp1112 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 18, 2020 6:31 am I'm just about done with the concept of reboots and making shows that were products of their time and impactful "new and sexy" and in line with modern tastes and sensibilities. Let stuff stay in their era and give today's kids their own shit to watch.
I always side eye the people who say "Now my kids/today's kids can experience what I did as a child!" Nigga, who gives a fuck about your childhood? You're an adult now and it was at least 15 years ago. Let the kids have their own experience instead of picking at a corpse.
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Re: Is Dragon Ball bigger in the West than in the East?
I don't have statistics backing this, but my guess is that it's still bigger in the East than the West. However, it's arguably bigger in the West than it's ever been.
The story of DRAGON BALL starts from the moment Goku met Bulma. I don't really mind the Z, so long as it's understood that it's not the true beginning of the story.
I actually prefer the Goku vs Tenshinhan and Goku vs Piccolo Jr. rivalries to the Goku vs Vegeta rivalry.
I actually prefer the Goku vs Tenshinhan and Goku vs Piccolo Jr. rivalries to the Goku vs Vegeta rivalry.
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Re: Is Dragon Ball bigger in the West than in the East?
Except for maybe Latin America, where I've heard it's pretty big I'd say probably not. At least proportional to population. Probably.
Only exception I'd *maybe* give is during the late 90's/early 2000's when DBZ was huge in the west but was on sort of a hiatus in Japan.
Only exception I'd *maybe* give is during the late 90's/early 2000's when DBZ was huge in the west but was on sort of a hiatus in Japan.
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Re: Is Dragon Ball bigger in the West than in the East?
Maybe in Latin America. I doubt it’s the case in North America or Europe.
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Re: Is Dragon Ball bigger in the West than in the East?
You think it's bigger than when the series got it's first run of episodes? With all sorts of merch being produced? With new videogames every year?Demon Prince Piccolo wrote: ↑Mon Sep 06, 2021 3:35 pm I don't have statistics backing this, but my guess is that it's still bigger in the East than the West. However, it's arguably bigger in the West than it's ever been.
Now adays Dragonball has huge competiition. More and more anime releasing everyday. dozens of streaming services provide anime from every genre.
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Re: Is Dragon Ball bigger in the West than in the East?
Maybe not in terms of its relation to other anime in the US, but based on overall numbers, probably. Especially considering there are nostalgic older fans and new fans coming in. It doesn't feel quite as big, but I'd say it's more widely known outside the niche fanbase than it's ever been.Anonymous Friend wrote: ↑Tue Sep 07, 2021 5:33 pmYou think it's bigger than when the series got it's first run of episodes? With all sorts of merch being produced? With new videogames every year?Demon Prince Piccolo wrote: ↑Mon Sep 06, 2021 3:35 pm I don't have statistics backing this, but my guess is that it's still bigger in the East than the West. However, it's arguably bigger in the West than it's ever been.
Now adays Dragonball has huge competiition. More and more anime releasing everyday. dozens of streaming services provide anime from every genre.
The story of DRAGON BALL starts from the moment Goku met Bulma. I don't really mind the Z, so long as it's understood that it's not the true beginning of the story.
I actually prefer the Goku vs Tenshinhan and Goku vs Piccolo Jr. rivalries to the Goku vs Vegeta rivalry.
I actually prefer the Goku vs Tenshinhan and Goku vs Piccolo Jr. rivalries to the Goku vs Vegeta rivalry.
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Re: Is Dragon Ball bigger in the West than in the East?
I was under the impression that some products sell better abroad than in Japan due to market share size, but more broadly I'm inclined to say no. This does open a conversation about how Dragon Ball continues to get interest with kids in different regions over the years.
JulieYBM wrote:Just like Dragon Ball since Chapter #4.Pannaliciour wrote:Reading all the comments and interviews, my conclusion is: nobody knows what the hell is going on.
son veku wrote:CanadaMetalwario64 wrote:Where is that located?BlazingFiddlesticks wrote:Kingdom Piccolo
Re: Is Dragon Ball bigger in the West than in the East?
Don't think so. Manga and anime in general are much more huge in the east.
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Re: Is Dragon Ball bigger in the West than in the East?
Many of us on this site first viewed it on Toonami as youngsters. Almost religiously. Today, even if I had cable or satellite, I don't I'd sit and just watch whatever TV airings. When I'm in the mood I would probably stream a cuple of episodes while fittling with my phone or tablet.Demon Prince Piccolo wrote: ↑Tue Sep 07, 2021 6:36 pmMaybe not in terms of its relation to other anime in the US, but based on overall numbers, probably. Especially considering there are nostalgic older fans and new fans coming in. It doesn't feel quite as big, but I'd say it's more widely known outside the niche fanbase than it's ever been.Anonymous Friend wrote: ↑Tue Sep 07, 2021 5:33 pmYou think it's bigger than when the series got it's first run of episodes? With all sorts of merch being produced? With new videogames every year?Demon Prince Piccolo wrote: ↑Mon Sep 06, 2021 3:35 pm I don't have statistics backing this, but my guess is that it's still bigger in the East than the West. However, it's arguably bigger in the West than it's ever been.
Now adays Dragonball has huge competiition. More and more anime releasing everyday. dozens of streaming services provide anime from every genre.
You can't properly compare something at the hieght of it's new-ness and influence to decades later when the new-ness has faded and there dozens of other things doing what it used to do, but maybe better.
It's got a place in our hearts, still. It just not taking up all of our heart like it used to.
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Re: Is Dragon Ball bigger in the West than in the East?
Are you sure about that? It got its own page on the world's biggest newspaper back in 1999 and that was before anime was widely embraced by western pop culture.Demon Prince Piccolo wrote: ↑Mon Sep 06, 2021 3:35 pm However, it's arguably bigger in the West than it's ever been.
fadeddreams5 wrote:Goku didn't die in GT. The show sucked him off so much, it was impossible to keep him in the world of the living, so he ascended beyond mortality.DBZGTKOSDH wrote:... Haven't we already gotten these in GT? Goku dies, the DBs go away, and the Namekian DBs most likely won't be used again because of the Evil Dragons.
jjgp1112 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 18, 2020 6:31 am I'm just about done with the concept of reboots and making shows that were products of their time and impactful "new and sexy" and in line with modern tastes and sensibilities. Let stuff stay in their era and give today's kids their own shit to watch.
I always side eye the people who say "Now my kids/today's kids can experience what I did as a child!" Nigga, who gives a fuck about your childhood? You're an adult now and it was at least 15 years ago. Let the kids have their own experience instead of picking at a corpse.
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Re: Is Dragon Ball bigger in the West than in the East?
I mean, I'm pretty sure more people know about Dragon Ball now than even back then, yes. I'm not sure the mania is fever pitch like it was then, but you can't underestimate its massive popularity today either, following Kai, Super, and the films since Battle of Gods.DBZAOTA482 wrote: ↑Wed Sep 08, 2021 6:16 pmAre you sure about that? It got its own page on the world's biggest newspaper back in 1999 and that was before anime was widely embraced by western pop culture.Demon Prince Piccolo wrote: ↑Mon Sep 06, 2021 3:35 pm However, it's arguably bigger in the West than it's ever been.
Then again, though, for Dragon Ball to hit BIG here like it did pre-social media is insane to think about. I wouldn't say it's bigger right now in the moment, but just that it's more widely known even amongst non-Dragon Ball fans.
Last edited by Demon Prince Piccolo on Wed Sep 08, 2021 11:23 pm, edited 1 time in total.
The story of DRAGON BALL starts from the moment Goku met Bulma. I don't really mind the Z, so long as it's understood that it's not the true beginning of the story.
I actually prefer the Goku vs Tenshinhan and Goku vs Piccolo Jr. rivalries to the Goku vs Vegeta rivalry.
I actually prefer the Goku vs Tenshinhan and Goku vs Piccolo Jr. rivalries to the Goku vs Vegeta rivalry.
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Re: Is Dragon Ball bigger in the West than in the East?
The fever pitch mania isn't what it was back then, for sure, but you can't underestimate Dragon Ball's resurgence since Kai, Battle of Gods, Super, the new Belly film, and FighterZ. I'm not sure it dominates playground conversations like it use to, but more people are aware of Dragon Ball than ever before. That's not something you'd say for a franchise that has dwindled in popularity.Anonymous Friend wrote: ↑Wed Sep 08, 2021 4:55 pm Many of us on this site first viewed it on Toonami as youngsters. Almost religiously. Today, even if I had cable or satellite, I don't I'd sit and just watch whatever TV airings. When I'm in the mood I would probably stream a cuple of episodes while fittling with my phone or tablet.
You can't properly compare something at the hieght of it's new-ness and influence to decades later when the new-ness has faded and there dozens of other things doing what it used to do, but maybe better.
It's got a place in our hearts, still. It just not taking up all of our heart like it used to.
The story of DRAGON BALL starts from the moment Goku met Bulma. I don't really mind the Z, so long as it's understood that it's not the true beginning of the story.
I actually prefer the Goku vs Tenshinhan and Goku vs Piccolo Jr. rivalries to the Goku vs Vegeta rivalry.
I actually prefer the Goku vs Tenshinhan and Goku vs Piccolo Jr. rivalries to the Goku vs Vegeta rivalry.
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Re: Is Dragon Ball bigger in the West than in the East?
These statements from you right here indicate you you recognize that the series is not as big as it was in decades past. Pokemon is argueably a bigger franchise in every regard. And way more people are aware of it than Dragonball. And it's been continuing more consistently and at a higher level than Dragonball, and it is not as high profile as it used to be.Demon Prince Piccolo wrote: ↑Wed Sep 08, 2021 9:45 pmThe fever pitch mania isn't what it was back then, for sure, but you can't underestimate Dragon Ball's resurgence since Kai, Battle of Gods, Super, the new Belly film, and FighterZ. I'm not sure it dominates playground conversations like it use to, but more people are aware of Dragon Ball than ever before. That's not something you'd say for a franchise that has dwindled in popularity.Anonymous Friend wrote: ↑Wed Sep 08, 2021 4:55 pm Many of us on this site first viewed it on Toonami as youngsters. Almost religiously. Today, even if I had cable or satellite, I don't I'd sit and just watch whatever TV airings. When I'm in the mood I would probably stream a cuple of episodes while fittling with my phone or tablet.
You can't properly compare something at the hieght of it's new-ness and influence to decades later when the new-ness has faded and there dozens of other things doing what it used to do, but maybe better.
It's got a place in our hearts, still. It just not taking up all of our heart like it used to.
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Re: Is Dragon Ball bigger in the West than in the East?
I'm not sure I agree that way more people are aware of Pokemon than Dragon Ball. But you're right in that Pokemon has an even more massive following today. What you said about it being produced more consistently is true, which is why I say that it's impressive Dragon Ball is as popular as it is since it's resurgence in 2013.Anonymous Friend wrote: ↑Fri Sep 10, 2021 3:15 pm These statements from you right here indicate you you recognize that the series is not as big as it was in decades past. Pokemon is argueably a bigger franchise in every regard. And way more people are aware of it than Dragonball. And it's been continuing more consistently and at a higher level than Dragonball, and it is not as high profile as it used to be.
The story of DRAGON BALL starts from the moment Goku met Bulma. I don't really mind the Z, so long as it's understood that it's not the true beginning of the story.
I actually prefer the Goku vs Tenshinhan and Goku vs Piccolo Jr. rivalries to the Goku vs Vegeta rivalry.
I actually prefer the Goku vs Tenshinhan and Goku vs Piccolo Jr. rivalries to the Goku vs Vegeta rivalry.
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Re: Is Dragon Ball bigger in the West than in the East?
There's plenty of things with no new releases in years and decades with stronger followings. Plus this is the time of the internet. Nothing really ever goes away.Demon Prince Piccolo wrote: ↑Fri Sep 10, 2021 3:25 pmI'm not sure I agree that way more people are aware of Pokemon than Dragon Ball. But you're right in that Pokemon has an even more massive following today. What you said about it being produced more consistently is true, which is why I say that it's impressive Dragon Ball is as popular as it is since it's resurgence in 2013.Anonymous Friend wrote: ↑Fri Sep 10, 2021 3:15 pm These statements from you right here indicate you you recognize that the series is not as big as it was in decades past. Pokemon is argueably a bigger franchise in every regard. And way more people are aware of it than Dragonball. And it's been continuing more consistently and at a higher level than Dragonball, and it is not as high profile as it used to be.
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Re: Is Dragon Ball bigger in the West than in the East?
Anything in particular come to mind? Saying plenty sounds a bit like a stretch to me.Anonymous Friend wrote: ↑Fri Sep 10, 2021 3:49 pm There's plenty of things with no new releases in years and decades with stronger followings. Plus this is the time of the internet. Nothing really ever goes away.
The story of DRAGON BALL starts from the moment Goku met Bulma. I don't really mind the Z, so long as it's understood that it's not the true beginning of the story.
I actually prefer the Goku vs Tenshinhan and Goku vs Piccolo Jr. rivalries to the Goku vs Vegeta rivalry.
I actually prefer the Goku vs Tenshinhan and Goku vs Piccolo Jr. rivalries to the Goku vs Vegeta rivalry.
Re: Is Dragon Ball bigger in the West than in the East?
In Crunchyroll's most watched anime of the decade, DBS was #1 in some Central and South American countries but not in any Asian country.
https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-featu ... by-country
It doesn't really indicate DB's overall popularity since this is only one streaming service but it's all I could find. It definitely has many fans all over the world though .
https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-featu ... by-country
It doesn't really indicate DB's overall popularity since this is only one streaming service but it's all I could find. It definitely has many fans all over the world though .
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Re: Is Dragon Ball bigger in the West than in the East?
Plenty of things come to mind.Demon Prince Piccolo wrote: ↑Fri Sep 10, 2021 4:08 pmAnything in particular come to mind? Saying plenty sounds a bit like a stretch to me.Anonymous Friend wrote: ↑Fri Sep 10, 2021 3:49 pm There's plenty of things with no new releases in years and decades with stronger followings. Plus this is the time of the internet. Nothing really ever goes away.
Star Wars goes fifteen years between releases. Before Disney bought it, people kept asking for more.
The Godfather and many other mod related movies hasn't had a new movie in thirty years or more. That includes Scarface.
Until recently, The Matrix.
People can't stop asking for new entries in F-Zero, Conker, Banjo Kazooie, and many, many, many more dead series
Heck, these are just stuff off the top of my head that I'm not even a huge fan of, I just hear people endlessly request new stuff for.
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Re: Is Dragon Ball bigger in the West than in the East?
Heres the thing about anime ... Why would Japanese be clamouring to streaming sites the view when it's always airing on broadcast TV?Skar wrote: ↑Fri Sep 10, 2021 4:13 pm In Crunchyroll's most watched anime of the decade, DBS was #1 in some Central and South American countries but not in any Asian country.
https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-featu ... by-country
It doesn't really indicate DB's overall popularity since this is only one streaming service but it's all I could find. It definitely has many fans all over the world though .
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Re: Is Dragon Ball bigger in the West than in the East?
Pokemon as a multi-media franchise is far bigger than Dragon Ball could ever hope to be but the anime series fell off a long time ago and people don't really care about it outside nostalgia for the first season while Dragon Ball remains one of the most popular anime series' in recent memory.Anonymous Friend wrote: ↑Fri Sep 10, 2021 3:15 pmThese statements from you right here indicate you you recognize that the series is not as big as it was in decades past. Pokemon is argueably a bigger franchise in every regard. And way more people are aware of it than Dragonball. And it's been continuing more consistently and at a higher level than Dragonball, and it is not as high profile as it used to be.Demon Prince Piccolo wrote: ↑Wed Sep 08, 2021 9:45 pmThe fever pitch mania isn't what it was back then, for sure, but you can't underestimate Dragon Ball's resurgence since Kai, Battle of Gods, Super, the new Belly film, and FighterZ. I'm not sure it dominates playground conversations like it use to, but more people are aware of Dragon Ball than ever before. That's not something you'd say for a franchise that has dwindled in popularity.Anonymous Friend wrote: ↑Wed Sep 08, 2021 4:55 pm Many of us on this site first viewed it on Toonami as youngsters. Almost religiously. Today, even if I had cable or satellite, I don't I'd sit and just watch whatever TV airings. When I'm in the mood I would probably stream a cuple of episodes while fittling with my phone or tablet.
You can't properly compare something at the hieght of it's new-ness and influence to decades later when the new-ness has faded and there dozens of other things doing what it used to do, but maybe better.
It's got a place in our hearts, still. It just not taking up all of our heart like it used to.
fadeddreams5 wrote:Goku didn't die in GT. The show sucked him off so much, it was impossible to keep him in the world of the living, so he ascended beyond mortality.DBZGTKOSDH wrote:... Haven't we already gotten these in GT? Goku dies, the DBs go away, and the Namekian DBs most likely won't be used again because of the Evil Dragons.
jjgp1112 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 18, 2020 6:31 am I'm just about done with the concept of reboots and making shows that were products of their time and impactful "new and sexy" and in line with modern tastes and sensibilities. Let stuff stay in their era and give today's kids their own shit to watch.
I always side eye the people who say "Now my kids/today's kids can experience what I did as a child!" Nigga, who gives a fuck about your childhood? You're an adult now and it was at least 15 years ago. Let the kids have their own experience instead of picking at a corpse.