The 15 Major Differences Between the Dragon Ball Z Manga and Anime
Explore the significant discrepancies between the Dragon Ball Z manga and anime, including changes in story, character designs, and narrative format.
The 15 Major Differences Between the Dragon Ball Z Manga and Anime
The Dragon Ball Z franchise, known for its popularity in the West and Europe through the anime series, is actually based on the Dragon Ball manga by Akira Toriyama. While the anime closely follows the source material, there are significant discrepancies between the two mediums. This article explores the 15 biggest differences between the Dragon Ball Z manga and anime, highlighting alterations in story, character designs, and narrative format.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
Black and White Manga
The Dragon Ball manga series is published in black and white, a common trait of Japanese comic books. While Western comics often utilize color, the lack of color in the manga doesn’t hinder the enjoyment of the series. Recent years have seen color versions of the manga being produced, but the original intent was black and white.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
Gohan Returns to Fight Frieza
In the anime, after Goku transforms into a Super Saiyan during his battle with Frieza, he is momentarily bested and pushed underground. Gohan, unable to sense his father’s energy, rushes back to help him. This scene is exclusive to the anime, as the manga keeps the battle strictly between Goku and Frieza.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
Z-Fighters Team Up Against Cell
During Gohan’s final battle against Cell, the anime includes a scene where the Z-Fighters all gather around to distract Cell and give Gohan an edge. In the manga, only Vegeta runs interference, while the other Z-Fighters remain on the sidelines. The team effort in the anime adds to the scene’s feel-good factor.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
Gregory, King Kai’s Pet Cricket
King Kai’s pet cricket, Gregory, is an anime-only creation. In the manga, King Kai only has his monkey, Bubbles, for company. Gregory was added to the anime to provide comic relief, and his inclusion was suggested by Akira Toriyama himself.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
The Other World Tournament
In the anime, Goku participates in an entirely different fighting tournament in the Other World after his demise. This introduces new anime-only characters and provides additional filler material. The manga, however, goes directly from the Frieza material to the Trunks saga.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
Snake Way
Goku’s journey down Snake Way is considerably shorter in the manga, taking place over a few chapters. The anime elongates this sequence with various detours, showcasing the length of the road and enhancing the aura surrounding King Kai.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
No Garlic Jr.
The Garlic Jr. arc, present in the Dragon Ball Z anime, does not exist in the manga. This anime-only villain seeks revenge after being locked in the Dead Zone. The arc allows other characters like Gohan and Krillin to shine, providing build-up for Gohan’s future role against Cell.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
Buu’s World Tour
The anime expands on Majin Buu’s destructive rampage, showing Kid Buu laying waste to various locations in the Other World before reaching Goku and Vegeta. In the manga, Buu senses their location immediately and travels there without delay. The added destruction in the anime showcases Kid Buu’s formidable power.
Nudity
While the Dragon Ball Z anime has infamous moments of sexual innuendos, the manga goes even further. For example, in the manga, Krillin exposes Bulma’s chest to distract an invisible opponent during a tournament. The anime cleverly avoids showing anything untoward.
Gore
The manga series tends to be gorier than its anime adaptation. The treatment of background characters, particularly during the introduction of the Androids, is toned down in the anime. Manga moments such as Dr. Gero draining the life out of a random old man are more gruesome.
Pace
The anime’s inclusion of filler material, extended flying and powering-up scenes, slows down the pace compared to the manga. The manga moves along more quickly, with even the Goku vs. Frieza fight being relatively brief. Many fans consider the manga to be the superior medium due to its brisker pace.
SSJ Goku > Frieza
In the anime, Frieza’s final transformation allows him to regain an advantage against Goku’s Super Saiyan form. However, in the manga, Goku’s Super Saiyan transformation makes Frieza appear hopelessly outmatched. The anime decision aimed to prolong the battle and avoid one-sidedness.
Alien Hand Designs
The anime mistakenly gives certain alien characters, like Piccolo, Cell, and Majin Buu, a human-like hand with an additional finger. In the manga, these characters have their original hand designs. This change was likely made for ease of animation.
Trunks Going Super Saiyan
In the manga, Future Trunks is able to transform into a Super Saiyan before the death of his mentor, Gohan. However, in the anime, the iconic scene of Trunks transforming occurs after Gohan’s death. This alteration in the anime adds more drama and significance to the moment.
“It’s Over…8000?!”
The most famous line from the anime, “It’s over 9000!” is actually a misquote. In the manga, the line reads as “it’s over 8000!” The change occurred during the translation process, with the anime opting for “9000” to match Vegeta’s mouth movements in English.
Conclusion
While the Dragon Ball Z anime closely follows the manga’s storyline, there are notable differences between the two mediums. From black and white illustrations to added filler content and altered character designs, these discrepancies provide unique experiences for fans of both the anime and manga versions.
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