The original manga series started in 1984 Dragon Ball the franchise has been going strong for over 40 years, becoming a global phenomenon and never showing signs of slowing down. From hit anime series and video games to trading card games and merchandise galore, the fandom has never been starved for fresh content, even after the death of creator Akira Toriyama in March 2024. Most of these releases have been met with rave reviews and plenty of fanfare, but one particular anime series was quickly dubbed the “black sheep” of the franchise. While views on Dragon Ball GT has evolved over the decades since its release, never quite shaking off his negative reputation.
The best representation of Dragon Ball GT in Dragon Ball Games
These are some of the best Dragon Ball GT representations and references in the Dragon Ball games.
It began its broadcast on Japanese television on February 7, 1996, Dragon Ball GT is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, but probably isn't expecting much for a proper celebration. The series is still criticized for its boring plot and goofy character designs three decades later, and most chose to simply abandon it in the past. However, there are some diamonds in the rough for those willing to sit through the 64-episode series, and some longtime fans are finally admitting that some pieces GT they weren't so bad after all.
Dragon Ball GT remains the most controversial series in the long-running franchise
Given the popularity of Toriyama's manga series, it was no surprise that both Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z anime adaptations have seen unprecedented success. With so much money coming in, publisher Shueisha and Toei Animation were reluctant to let it end, leading to the creation of Dragon Ball GT. Under great pressure, Toriyama agreed to produce it, but the series is not an adaptation of his manga series. Instead, it is an exclusive sequel to the anime Dragon Ball Zsomething that immediately confused fans.
The series begins with Goku accidentally turning back into the child Ultimate Shenron, who is summoned by his former enemy, Emperor Pilaf. He is then forced to travel through space to track down the Black Star Dragon Balls along with Trunks and his granddaughter Pan, as failure to do so within a year will result in the destruction of Earth. While the first two arc Dragon Ball GT agree that it is the best the lambasted series has to offer, viewers agree that the show is a departure from the follow-up arcs Super Android 17 Saga and Shadow Dragons Saga. Many also became frustrated with the show's focus on Goku, which didn't give any other character a chance to shine.
Fans Dragon Ball they were undoubtedly excited for more content when the series took off in 1996, but that was immediately clear Dragon Ball GT was not what most of those who supported Toriyama's work were interested in watching. The original author was largely absent from it GT's development and fans were quick to point out the missing spark that was present in earlier anime adaptations. The jokes don't fit, many plots feel forced, and both Pan and her robotic companion Giru have been labeled as some of the most annoying characters in the series. Dragon Ball franchise. It was a losing battle from the start, and current fans have long wondered what needs to be done GT welcome entry into the series. (Getting Toriyama more involved seems like the easiest answer.)
This concept from Dragon Ball GT is too good to ignore
Dragon Ball GT may be hated by many, but it actually introduced great concepts that the series can still benefit from.
I don't mean to say Dragon Ball GT was a total flop at the time of its release. It inspired a theatrical production in Japan in 1997, along with several art books, a 2013 manga adaptation, and several video games, including Dragon Ball GT: Final Bout for PlayStation and the 2005 Game Boy Advance title Dragon Ball GT: Transformationwhich was released exclusively in North America. Curiously, GT he was much more popular overseas than in Japan, though it's hard to find more love for him online.
Despite Backlash, Dragon Ball GT has plenty of redeeming features
Over the past three decades, there have been numerous discussions about what Dragon Ball GT he did right. Even those who haven't dipped their toes into the series have likely seen the Super Saiyan 4 transformation, which was introduced in episode 34 of GT and remains one of the most popular forms in the entire franchise. An advanced version of the Super Saiyan and Golden Great Ape forms, she is devastating and her updated incarnation recently appeared in the latest anime series, Dragon Ball Daima. This was well received as it was a favorite part of many fans GTwith the transformation getting a few tweaks to keep it fresh and interesting for modern audiences.
One of Dragon Ball GT's powerful main villains were also applauded by the audience. In the distant past, the Tuffle race, once the natural inhabitants of Planet Plant, were exterminated by the Saiyans under the rule of King Vegeta. IN GTBaby, the sole survivor of this decimated race, returns to exact revenge on the Saiyans, boasting unique techniques and plenty of strength. He even possessed Vegeta, prompting another fight between the Saiyan prince and his rival. It was a highlight for many, as Baby was anything but one-dimensional. His ability to lay eggs between the people he possesses, allowing him to turn his former hosts into loyal minions, also added a bit of extra terror to his arc.
Vegeta lovers were also pleased how Dragon Ball GT managed the growth of his figure. Throughout Dragon Ball ZThe Saiyan prince begins to show more affection for his family and planet Earth, with the pinnacle of his transformation coming during a sacrifice in the Buu Saga. IN GThe truly developed into a family man, putting aside his eternal rivalry with Goku and obsession with becoming stronger and choosing instead to focus on his wife and children.
30 years later, many fans have warmed to Dragon Ball GT – at least a little
While Dragon Ball GT had some good ideas, fans agree that these were ineffective due to weak writing and poor execution. The Baby Saga in particular brought up many interesting ideas, from Super Saiyan 4 possibilities to Majin Buu and Uub joining forces. Black Star Dragon Balls also conjured up an interesting question for fans Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z: what if the Dragon Balls were damaged by overuse earlier in the canon series?
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Although it remains divisive 30 years after its debut, Dragon Ball GT she still managed to influence the franchise as a whole. Currently, GTThe legacy 's lives on Dragon Ball Daimawith Super Saiyan 4 returning in the 18th episode of the series. While the design is largely similar, the transformation trigger has been changed to make sense within the show's storyline. Dragon Ball GT he also has a large presence in the Dragon Ball video games, including the most recent ones Dragon Ball Sparking Zero. It remains to be seen if there are any other aspects GT will appear in future Dragon Ball content.
The Dragon Ball the franchise as a whole will be 40 years old in 2026, and fittingly, some exciting news has recently been announced. new anime, Dragon Ball Super: The Galactic Patrolwill continue where Dragon Ball Super discontinued and new video game, Dragon Ball: Age 1000is on the way. Although little is known about the latter, it has been confirmed that Toriyama was involved in its creation. More information will be revealed in April during the Dragon Ball Games Battle Hour in Los Angeles.
- Release date
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1997 – 1997-00-00
- Network
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Fuji TV
- Showrunner
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Akira Toriyama
- directors
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Minoru Okazaki, Mitsuo Hashimoto, Yoshihiro Ueda, Takahiro Imamura, Hidehiko Kadota, Osamu Kasai, Hiroyuki Kakudou, Shigeyasu Yamauchi
- Writers
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Akira Toriyama
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Masako Nozawa
oob (voice)
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Yuko Minaguchi
No attribution
