Culture news Dragon Ball Z: Why does the name of the anime end with a Z? We have the answer
Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1, 2024 at the age of 68, and left a void that is difficult to fill in the hearts of all fans of Dragon Ball, and manga in the broad sense. The one who was at the origin of the adventures of Son Goku and the Z warriors has left an indelible mark in popular culture. The franchise is so well known that it no longer has any secrets for some… well almost. Today, we come back to the famous “Z” from the anime Dragon Ball Z. What does it really mean?
The “Dragon Ball Z” case
Dragon Ball is a single work in paper format, but in anime things are very different. The Dragon Ball animated series only covers the first volumes of the manga (i.e. the story arcs “The Quest for the Dragon Balls, The Red Ribbon Army and Piccolo Daimao). Its sequel Dragon Ball Z adapts the arcs The Saiyans, Frieza, The Cyborgs (and the Cell Game) and finally Majin Boo, i.e. the last 26 volumes.
Produced by Toei Animation, Dragon Ball Z aired between April 1989 and January 1996, and followed the events of Dragon Ball. 14 years later, the animated series resurfaced on television via a remastered and edited version of 159 episodes entitled Dragon Ball Kai. This project seeks to get as close as possible to the original manga by notably removing the lengths and offering an HD experience in order to properly celebrate the 20th anniversary of the “Z” saga.
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The meaning of “Z”
Theories have sprung up regarding the meaning of the iconic “Z” in Dragon Ball Z. However, you don’t have to look far. Akira Toriyama, the creative mind behind this loose adaptation of the great Chinese classic “Journey to the West”, had a very specific idea when he suggested naming the animated sequel to Dragon Ball. The “Z” is in the Latin alphabet the last letter of the alphabet, which logically symbolizes the end because Dragon Ball Z was to be the ultimate conclusion of a saga rich in 42 volumes and 244 episodes.without forgetting the numerous films, OAVs and other video games.
Where to see Dragon Ball Z in France?
Dragon Ball was strangely one of the most difficult anime to watch legally in France via streaming, but this situation has evolved recently to the delight of fans. Indeed, Anime Digital Network has acquired the rights to Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, Dragon Ball Z Kai and finally Dragon Ball Super. Solo in the niche for several months, the simulcast platform must now share the precious franchise with its competitor Crunchyroll. Only Dragon Ball is currently available in France, but the other animated series should not take (too) long. The dates of addition to the catalog have still not been made official in our territory.
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