In the vast landscape of anime and manga, there are those who flirt with the line of obscurity, whisking the hearts of niche audiences for a fleeting season, and then there are juggernauts that stand the test of trivialities such as time and cultural barriers. Dragon Ball, created by Akira Toriyama, assists in defining the latter category. Since introducing the world to Goku and his fantastical exploits in 1984, the universe of Dragon Ball has sprawled out into an expanse of episodes, sequels, specials, movies, and even video games. The breadth of content patches together a sum of 806 episodes, 21 movies, seven specials, and an impressive trail of 622 manga chapters. To an outsider, this ant-hill may seem like a mountain.The casual observer dipping their toe might view this as an intimidating commitment, as they ponder the chronological placement of Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, and Dragon Ball Super. Fear not, the beauty of Goku’s universe lies in its simplicity. Embarking on this journey does not require a scholar’s knack for memorization of timelines or intricate series names, one can leap headfirst into any series and make sense of the cosmic drama unfolding before them. But for the dependable fans who wish to absorb every drop of this animated odyssey, the reward lies in viewing each series meticulously, dissecting its storyline, and appreciating its individual charm.

Now is an excellent time to initiate or revisit this pleasure, especially with the impending release of Dragon Ball Daima set in 2024, which intends to revamp the status quo of the franchise.

The original Dragon Ball is a melting pot of gag comedy and high-octane action. Goku’s journey, from his fateful encounter with Bulma at the tender age of 12 and their Dragon Ball expeditions to his foundational martial arts experience, provides an intriguing initiation into the universe of Dragon Ball. These riveting 194 chapters, encapsulated in 16 volumes and 153 animated episodes, construct a sturdy foundation for the madness and mayhem that follow in Dragon Ball Z.

Dragon Ball Z represents a sharper demarcation for the protagonist’s life, where Goku, laden with familial responsibilities, rumbles with power-packed foes and embraces his Saiyan heritage. Substantiated by 26 volumes comprising 325 manga chapters and an impressive run of 291 animated episodes, Dragon Ball Z steals the lion’s share of the franchise’s spotlight. The production also trotted out 15 captivating movies and six specials or OVAs add another glorious layer to this epoch. For those snuggling up for a binge, and intimidated by the extensive catalog, Dragon Ball Z Kai accommodates by presenting a trimmed down alternative, eliminating filler and wrapping up the series in just 167 (or 159 in Japan) episodes.

Dragon Ball GT is an aberration of sorts, bridging the gap after Dragon Ball Z, simulating a peculiar homecoming where Goku, turned child, embarks on juvenile hijinks with a twist. Venturing into uncharted territory, this original anime production spirals out for 64 episodes before concluding with A Hero’s Legacy, a special set a century in the future.

Breathing fresh air into the illustrated saga, Dragon Ball Super transports Goku and his companions to divine heights. The anime’s 131 episodes screenplay a fantastical interlude in the 10 years between the defeat of Kid Buu and the 28th World Martial Arts Tournament. The 23-volume, 103-chapter manga version of Dragon Ball Super keeps the flame alive, exceeding the anime’s end and providing the most current material. The tragic passing of creator Akira Toriyama, however, has cast the manga into an indefinite hiatus.

Featuring powerful storylines encapsulated within movies, Dragon Ball Super has contrarily used these entities for the continuation of the anime cannon. Sheepishly, we all await Dragon Ball Daima, rumored to wrap up in 20 episodes and scheduled for 2024. So, fans and curious bystanders alike have plenty of time to absorb the 806 episodes, 622 manga chapters, 21 movies, and seven specials that make up the grand Dragon Ball universe.

Remember Goku’s tale starts as that of a peculiar youthful warrior embarking on a quest to harness his strength and a magical voyage of gathering seven Dragon Balls, but it transcends into something extraordinary that spans across the time and space of many remarkable series and movies. Whichever path you follow into this world, rest assured, adventure awaits.