Goku defeating Piccolo Jr. (September 1988 for the manga, April 1989 for the anime)
Super Saiyan Goku killing Freeza and dying on Namek (June 1991 for the manga, September 1991 for the anime)
The end of the Cell Games and Trunks going back to the future (April 1993 for the manga, July 1993 for the anime)
Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound (July 1993)
The finale of the Anoyoichi Budokai (September 1993)
Majin Vegeta killing Fat Boo (April 1994 for the manga, August 1994 for the anime)
Goku killing Pure Boo with a Super Genkidama (May 1995 for the manga, December 1995 for the anime. Could be pushed to January 1996 for that one filler episode)
What we got (May 1995 for the manga, late January 1996 for the anime)
The end of DBGT (November 1997)
Yo! Son Goku and His Friends Return (September 2008)
DB Kai's original run (March 2011)
The release of DBZ: Battle of Gods (March 2013)
DB Kai's revival (June 2015)
The end of the Tournament of Power (March 2018 for the anime, November 2018 for the manga)
The theatrical release of Dragon Ball Super: Broly (November 2018 in Japan [nationwide by December 2018], December 2018 - May 2019 worldwide)
The end of the Moro arc (December 2020)
I've left out the Granolah arc because it ends about a year after ChatGPT's knowledge cutoff. Super Dragon Ball Heroes has also been ignored for obvious reasons. Anyway, this is the response:
1. Goku defeating Piccolo Jr. (September 1988 for the manga, April 1989 for the anime):
Pros:
- This ending would have been a fitting conclusion to the original Dragon Ball series. It marked the end of a major saga and showcased Goku's growth as a character from a child to a powerful martial artist.
- It leaves room for speculation and imagination about what might happen next in the Dragon Ball world.
Cons:
- Ending here would have deprived fans of the iconic Dragon Ball Z series, which introduced new characters, transformations, and story arcs.
- The epic battles and power-ups that became synonymous with Dragon Ball Z would never have been realized.
2. Super Saiyan Goku killing Freeza and dying on Namek (June 1991 for the manga, September 1991 for the anime):
Pros:
- This could have served as a dramatic and emotional conclusion to the series, with Goku sacrificing himself to save others.
- The impact of Goku's death and the legend of the Super Saiyan would have left a lasting legacy.
Cons:
- The introduction of new villains and characters like the Androids and Cell, which became fan favorites, would never have occurred.
- The opportunity to explore the Saiyan heritage and the concept of Super Saiyan further would have been missed.
3. The end of the Cell Games and Trunks going back to the future (April 1993 for the manga, July 1993 for the anime):
Pros:
- This ending wraps up the Android and Cell sagas nicely, with Gohan taking on the role of the main hero.
- It provides closure for Trunks' character arc and his mission to save his timeline.
Cons:
- Missing out on the Buu saga, which introduced Majin Buu, fusion techniques, and the Supreme Kai, would have been a significant loss.
- The potential for exploring the broader Dragon Ball universe would have been limited.
4. Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound (July 1993):
Pros:
- ...?
Cons:
- It would have left fans hanging with unanswered questions and unresolved storylines from the main series.
- The lack of continuation would have left Dragon Ball enthusiasts hungry for more.
5. The finale of the Anoyoichi Budokai (September 1993):
Pros:
- The Other World Tournament provided a unique setting and showcased different characters in action.
- It could have served as a lighter and comedic ending compared to the previous intense arcs.
Cons:
- The conclusion of the series here would have felt abrupt, as it doesn't address the lingering threats in the Dragon Ball universe.
- The absence of a proper resolution to the overarching storylines might have left fans dissatisfied.
6. Majin Vegeta killing Fat Boo (April 1994 for the manga, August 1994 for the anime):
Pros:
- This ending would have highlighted Vegeta's character development and his ultimate sacrifice.
- It provides a fitting conclusion to the Buu saga's conflict with Majin Buu.
Cons:
- The opportunity to explore the Good Buu and Evil Buu dynamic, fusion techniques, and the return of Kid Buu would have been missed.
- Iconic moments like Goku's return and the Spirit Bomb against Kid Buu would never have happened.
7. Goku killing Pure Boo with a Super Genkidama (May 1995 for the manga, December 1995 for the anime):
Pros:
- It serves as a climactic and epic conclusion to the Dragon Ball Z series.
- Goku's use of the Spirit Bomb against Kid Buu is a memorable moment in the franchise.
Cons:
- The franchise would have ended without exploring the potential for future adventures and new villains.
- Fans would have been left without answers about the fate of the characters and the Dragon Balls.
8. What we got (May 1995 for the manga, late January 1996 for the anime):
Pros:
- This ending provides a sense of closure while leaving room for speculation about Goku and Oob's future adventures.
- Dragon Ball GT, despite mixed reception, allowed fans to continue exploring the Dragon Ball universe.
Cons:
- Some fans felt that Dragon Ball GT didn't live up to the quality and storytelling of the previous series.
- The introduction of Dragon Ball GT led to a divergence in the franchise, with some considering it non-canon.
9. The end of DBGT (November 1997):
Pros:
- DBGT provided a sense of closure to the Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball series.
- It introduced new transformations like Super Saiyan 4 and explored different aspects of the Dragon Ball universe.
Cons:
- DBGT is often criticized for its inconsistent quality and departure from the tone and style of the previous series.
- The ending might not have been as satisfying for fans who preferred the original Dragon Ball Z story.
10. Yo! Son Goku and His Friends Return (September 2008):
Pros:
- This special provided a fun and nostalgic reunion of Dragon Ball characters.
- It offered a brief return to the franchise for fans who missed the original series.
Cons:
- While enjoyable, it was a relatively short and non-canonical addition, not serving as a proper conclusion to the series.
11. DB Kai's original run (March 2011):
Pros:
- Dragon Ball Kai aimed to provide a condensed and improved version of the original series for new and old fans.
- Ending at the Cell arc could have been seen as a deliberate stopping point, focusing on one of the series' most iconic villains.
Cons:
- Fans would have missed out on the Buu saga, which is an integral part of the Dragon Ball Z story.
- The unresolved threat of Majin Buu and the fate of other characters would have left many questions unanswered.
12. The release of DBZ: Battle of Gods (March 2013):
Pros:
- Battle of Gods marked the return of Dragon Ball to the big screen and the introduction of new characters like Beerus and Whis.
- It revitalized interest in the franchise and paved the way for Dragon Ball Super.
Cons:
- Ending the series here would have left fans with many unanswered questions about the fate of Earth and the Dragon Ball universe.
- The potential for further character development and exploration of the Saiyan mythology would have been missed.
13. Kai's revival (June 2015):
Pros:
- This revival allowed fans to experience the entire Dragon Ball Z story in a remastered and condensed format.
- It provided a more polished version of the Buu saga for both new and old fans.
Cons:
- Although it provided closure for the Dragon Ball Z story, it didn't address the events of Dragon Ball Super, leaving a gap in the continuity.
14. The end of the Tournament of Power (March 2018 for the anime, November 2018 for the manga):
Pros:
- The Tournament of Power was a thrilling and action-packed arc that showcased a wide range of characters and abilities.
- It brought Dragon Ball Super to an intense climax and resolved the fate of multiple universes.
Cons:
- Ending here would have left questions about the future of Goku, Vegeta, and the Dragon Ball multiverse unanswered.
- It would have been a relatively abrupt conclusion for a series known for its long-lasting impact.
15. The theatrical release of DB Super: Broly (November 2018 - May 2019 worldwide):
Pros:
- Dragon Ball Super: Broly introduced an iconic character into the official canon and expanded on the Saiyan lore.
- It showcased breathtaking animation and epic battles.
Cons:
- While a significant addition to the Dragon Ball lore, it didn't serve as a conclusive ending to the series, leaving fans hungry for more.
16. The end of the Moro arc (December 2020):
Pros:
- The Moro arc concluded a major storyline in Dragon Ball Super, providing closure to the threat posed by Moro.
- It set the stage for potential future adventures and challenges for Goku and his friends.
Cons:
- Ending here would have left the future of the series uncertain, as there were no official announcements regarding the continuation of Dragon Ball Super.
In summary, each potential ending point for the Dragon Ball franchise has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the decision to continue the series allowed for the exploration of new storylines, characters, and transformations, keeping the franchise fresh and engaging for fans over the years.