Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball has changed the shape of shonen storytelling and its legacy continues to live on. There are more than 600 episodes between the various Dragon Ball series, but Dragon Ball Z understandably receives the most attention. Dragon Ball Z was many North American audiences’ introduction to the anime franchise, and it’s important to remember that it’s a more adult, action-packed sequel to Toriyama’s original Dragon Ball.
The original Dragon Ball ran for 153 episodes and chronicles Goku’s earliest exploits as a hero before Dragon Ball Z catapults him and his fellow warriors to new heights. The OG Dragon Ball is more of a gag comedy series when it begins, only for it to gradually embrace action and combat until it’s front and center in Dragon Ball Z. Dragon Ball Z seamlessly continues Dragon Ball’s story in a satisfying manner, but there are some major differences between these two series other than the tonal changes on the surface.
10 Dragon Ball Z Leaves The Earth’s Atmosphere
The original Dragon Ball features fantastical characters, ideas, and locations, but it’s grounded in the sense that it takes place entirely on Earth and doesn’t at all seem interested in aliens or space travel. Dragon Ball Z expands the franchise’s scope in major ways, but one of the biggest breakthroughs is that it frequently sends characters to outer space and engages alien invaders. In fact, many of the series’ strongest and most interesting characters are different varieties of aliens.
A major early turning point in Dragon Ball Z involves the characters traveling to Planet Namek in order to revive their fallen friends. This kicks off a trend that involves visits to Planet Yardrat and the Sacred World of the Kai, as well as flashbacks to Planet Vegeta. Dragon Ball Z’s successors – Dragon Ball GT and Dragon Ball Super – embrace this concept even further and explore the galaxy’s deeper recesses. Dragon Ball Z reveals that some of the strongest warriors and techniques exist outside of Earth, which is certainly not the case in the original Dragon Ball.
9 Dragon Ball Z Introduces A Robust Afterlife
Death is a common occurrence in most battle shonen series and Dragon Ball is no exception. The original Dragon Ball gradually features some major casualties, including main characters like Krillin, Master Roshi, and Chiaotzu. However, Dragon Ball always stays focused on those who are living and doesn’t seem to be interested in what exists on the other side (other than a brief visit to the Furnace of Eight Divisions filler). Dragon Ball Z quickly breaks this pattern when Goku dies in the anime’s fifth episode.
This tragedy triggers a fascinating look into the franchise’s afterlife and the rich realm that exists in Other World. Goku goes on to master some of his strongest abilities in Other World and there are periodic visits to the afterlife, even after Goku regains his morality. Dragon Ball Z explores Heaven, Hell, and the more unique locations in Other World. There’s even a martial arts tournament that’s held between the strongest deceased fighters from across the universe.
8 Flight Becomes The Norm For Characters
Another significant difference between the original Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z is that characters freely fly in the latter. Flight is treated like a rare and challenging skill in the original series and it’s a genuine shock when Tien reveals he has this power. Goku only makes use of this ability during the anime’s final story arc and it’s treated like a major accomplishment. Admittedly, Goku is able to take to the skies throughout most of the series because of his helpful Flying Nimbus Cloud, but this isn’t the same as ki-based flight.
When Dragon Ball Z begins, everyone is able to make use of this power, including young characters like Gohan, Goten, and Trunks. Characters are substantially stronger in Dragon Ball Z than they are in the original series, so this development makes sense. However, it still seriously changes the series’ scope. Transportation feels completely different and battles are rarely restricted to the land. This gets pushed even further when Goku learns Instant Transmission, which is akin to teleportation and makes him even more mobile.
7 DBZ Introduces Multiple Sets Of Dragon Balls That Can Be Upgraded
The Dragon Balls are an incredible relic in the original Dragon Ball and this doesn’t change in Dragon Ball Z. That being said, the sequel series does introduce the idea that different planets have their own unique Dragon Ball sets that have different perks and abilities. The Namekian Dragon Balls prove to be a huge asset in Dragon Ball Z and even feature a different Eternal Dragon named Porunga. After Kami fuses with Piccolo, Dende goes on to become Earth’s Guardian and he gives the planet’s Dragon Balls a major upgrade.
Three wishes are now possible, rather than one, as well as less rigid limitations when it comes to death. There are other forms of negotiating that can be done with Shenron, such as a shorter period of Dragon Ball inactivity if all three wishes aren't used. This principle continues to develop in subsequent Dragon Ball series with the Black Star Dragon Balls, Super Dragon Balls, and Planet Cereal’s Dragon Balls, but none of this would be possible without Dragon Ball Z first playing with these boundaries.
6 Goku Is Revealed To Be A Member Of A Warrior Alien Race
There are many ways that a sequel can mix up its predecessor’s established status quo, but Dragon Ball Z truly goes for broke with its first-episode reveal that Goku is actually an alien. This is quite brilliant storytelling in the sense that it completely changes Goku’s character development and trajectory, but it’s also oddly fitting for this unusual character who’s always possessed incredible strength. Goku’s Saiyan status becomes one of Dragon Ball Z’s most dominant storytelling elements, going on to define the entire franchise.
Saiyans take over the franchise and make up a dominant portion of Dragon Ball Z’s cast by its end. This gives Dragon Ball Z a distinctly unique flavor to the original Dragon Ball. It pulls Goku between two contrasting worlds, neither of which he completely belongs to. Goku’s Saiyan tail, which is prominent throughout most of the original Dragon Ball, is also absent during Dragon Ball Z. All this pushes Goku down a fascinating path of self-discovery where he learns how to reconcile both his Saiyan heritage and his humanity.
5 Time Travel Becomes An Important Concept
Dragon Ball Z heading to outer space and leaving the comfort of the Earth’s atmosphere is one thing, but time travel is a completely different sci-fi mechanic that’s also explored in the series. Dragon Ball Z’s Cell Saga hinges upon time travel when Future Trunks, an older version of Vegeta and Bulma’s son from the future, travels to the past to save them from the same apocalyptic fate. Future Trunks travels to the past with the help of a time machine, which Future Bulma perfects.
It’s fascinating that Dragon Ball Z chooses to feature time travel as a science that can be perfected, rather than the magical power of a God. Time travel isn’t focused on too heavily in Dragon Ball Z outside the Cell Saga, but its existence has major ramifications for the rest of the franchise. Time travel is crucial to Dragon Ball Super’s narrative and it’s become a dominant component in Dragon Ball video games, where Xeno Trunks is a member of the Time Patrol. Chronoa, a Supreme Kai of Time, even exists.
4 Humans Largely Become Largely Irrelevant
The original Dragon Ball features many characters with unusual designs and appearances, such as Tien, Chiaotzu, and Krillin, but they’re all still humans. The original Dragon Ball gradually features “demons” when it reaches its King Piccolo Saga, but these non-human individuals are typically restricted to the series’ villains. Dragon Ball Z is quite different in the sense that its strongest characters are Saiyans, Namekians, and Androids.
Humans don’t disappear, but they struggle to fit in and prove their strength in comparison to these powerful aliens and creatures. Krillin, Tien, and Yamcha all become progressively less important and they’re rarely featured in any of the final battles against villains. In the original Dragon Ball, it’s still possible for a human to be the big winner. Audiences learn to accept that this is quite unlikely once Dragon Ball Z is in full swing.
3 Dragon Ball Z Introduces New Tiers Of Gods
The original Dragon Ball presents Goku with many knowledgeable martial arts masters, some of which even embody a holy status. Goku’s trek to Korin’s Tower and Kami’s Lookout aren’t easy for the boy, but they help him better understand the world’s delicate balance. Kami is introduced as Earth’s Guardian and the creator of the Dragon Balls, and there’s nothing to indicate in the original series that there’s anyone more important than him. Dragon Ball Z quickly dispels this notion and introduces many celestial tiers of deity, which have only been pushed to more extreme heights in Dragon Ball Super.
Dragon Ball Z introduces King Kai, the guardian of the galaxy’s north quadrant, as well as his East, West, and South Kai counterparts. Beyond these individuals is the Supreme Kai, who governs above them all. Multiple Supreme Kai exist and the Sacred World of the Kai’s Old Kai is a former Supreme Kai from the East Galaxy. Flashbacks with Majin Buu also reveal that there’s a Grand Supreme Kai, who holds power over the galaxy’s five Supreme Kai. This all greatly trumps what was explored in the original Dragon Ball and reflects a grander and more complex understanding of the universe.
2 Piccolo Becomes One Of Dragon Ball Z’s Greatest Heroes
The original Dragon Ball’s final story arcs are easily the series’ strongest and most suspenseful. Demon King Piccolo presents unprecedented evil and power. There’s genuine terror when he manages to create another version of himself, Piccolo Jr., during his final moments. Piccolo Jr. proves to be a worthy successor to his father and his battle against Goku becomes the centerpiece of the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament. Piccolo is brought into the world for the sole purpose of taking out Goku and getting revenge for his father’s death.
However, Dragon Ball Z immediately shatters this rivalry when both characters encounter a stronger enemy, Raditz. Goku and Piccolo are pushed into a temporary alliance that goes on to become a lifelong friendship. Piccolo doesn’t just become a friend to Goku and a hero to Earth, he sacrifices himself to protect Goku’s son, Gohan, and views him as a surrogate child. Dragon Ball Z is rich in redemption stories, but none are so significant as turning the original Dragon Ball’s final villain into a selfless hero who’s willing to surrender his life for Goku’s survival.
1 Super Saiyan Transformations Become The Ultimate Displays Of Power
Dragon Ball Z takes major strides to introduce Saiyans into the mix, but the franchise changes even more during the Frieza Saga’s climax when Goku ascends to Super Saiyan status for the first time. While initially introduced as a momentous, rare milestone, Super Saiyan transformations progressively become the norm and are even experienced by children. Dragon Ball Z goes on to treat successive Super Saiyan transformations as the greatest marker of power and each saga features a new transformation tier that’s necessary for the heroes’ survival.
This concept becomes routine for Dragon Ball Z’s heroes and villains. Multiple transformations are now expected and the most common ways to prolong battles. The original Dragon Ball is much more focused on creative battle strategies and new techniques, like the Evil Containment Wave, rather than transformations being the key to victory. This is arguably the most crucial difference between these two series. Characters are still incredibly strong in Dragon Ball, but the original series rarely resorts to transformations and instead solves its problems through more creative means.
