10 Ways the Dragon Ball Anime Improved on the Manga
While the manga serves as the foundation of the Dragon Ball franchise, the anime has expanded, corrected, and even enhanced various elements—mainly because the manga tends to move very quickly through some events.
The Dragon Ball Z anime, in particular, transformed fast-paced and underdeveloped scenes from the manga into more fleshed-out moments. It also introduced original stories that enriched the universe. Below, check out the 10 main improvements the Dragon Ball anime made over the manga.
10 Ways the Dragon Ball Anime Improved on the Manga
The Anime Fills in Gaps Ignored by the Manga
One major example of the anime’s improvements is how it handles time skips. In the manga, these time jumps go by quickly without much detail. In contrast, the anime uses filler episodes to show training sessions, character interactions, and side adventures—adding more depth to the Dragon Ball world.
The 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament Has Better Pacing in the Anime
The anime version of the 22nd Martial Arts Tournament fixes one of the manga’s biggest issues: its fast pacing. In the anime, the tournament unfolds over several episodes, allowing time for character development, dialogue, and camaraderie among the fighters.
Goku’s Growth Against Piccolo Is Better Developed in the Anime
Another major anime improvement is how Goku’s power progression is portrayed during his fight with King Piccolo. While the manga presents his power boost suddenly, the anime shows a more gradual buildup through psychological challenges and physical trials.
Gohan’s Growth Is More Emotional in the Anime
In the manga, Gohan’s transition from scared child to brave warrior happens rather abruptly. The anime, however, dedicates entire episodes to his development during training with Piccolo, making his evolution feel more earned and emotional.
Bardock – An Original Anime Character Who Won Fans Over
The TV special Bardock – The Father of Goku is one of the anime’s most valuable original contributions. Focused on drama, it uniquely expanded the series’ universe by introducing Goku’s father—a character who became a fan favorite.
Bulma and Vegeta’s Romance Makes More Sense in the Anime
In the manga, Bulma and Vegeta’s relationship appears suddenly and without much explanation (it caused quite a stir at the time), seeming like a quick fix to justify Trunks’ birth.
The anime, however, offers a more believable buildup to their romance—especially in the filler episode Z Warriors Prepare, which shows the two gradually getting closer.
“The History of Trunks” Special Outshines the Manga Chapter
The History of Trunks TV special delivers a far more emotional and detailed story than the manga chapter. In just 48 minutes, it conveys the despair of a world ruled by Androids 17 and 18, as well as the touching relationship between Trunks and Gohan.
Cell Saga Ending Is More Emotional in the Anime
Although the manga provides a more logical conclusion to Cell’s defeat—with Vegeta distracting the villain—the anime opts for a more emotional climax by involving several characters. This allows human warriors like Yamcha and Tien to shine, giving a satisfying sendoff to Goku’s longtime allies.
The Great Saiyaman Arc Gets More Spotlight in the Anime
In the manga, Gohan’s adventures as the Great Saiyaman are short-lived (Toriyama got tired of it). The anime expands this phase with more episodes, creating lighthearted and creative scenarios that show a different side of the franchise.
It also further develops Gohan and Videl’s relationship through more interactions and meaningful moments—undoubtedly one of the anime’s better contributions
Goku vs. Majin Vegeta: A Fight the Manga Skips
In the manga, the Goku vs. Majin Vegeta battle happens mostly off-panel and feels underwhelming. The anime, on the other hand, delivers a full-length, action-packed fight that lasts several minutes and adds emotional weight to the saga.
via Você Sabia Anime
