Dragon Ball: Going Further Beyond, a true story by Dom Faigal 

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a huge fan of Dragon Ball Z. As a kid, I’d try to throw a Kamehameha or power up into a Super Saiyan. Dragon Ball has always been a huge part of me. Now, as an adult, I still appreciate it. I may not love it as much as I used to, but there’s something about it that I don’t think any anime can replicate today. Imagine my surprise seeing a younger generation of kids talking about Goku, his adventures, and how cool that first Super Saiyan transformation was.

I’ve realized something about the series: the franchise has always evolved. For better or worse, there are always new stories, new transformations, and new games. In a world where so many franchises suffer from fatigue, Dragon Ball still thrives. I’ve never heard anyone say they’re tired of Dragon Ball or the enemies Goku faces. It feels like there’s an era for everyone: for ’90s and 2000s kids, it’s the classic Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z stories; for the newer generation, Super and Daima are taking over. These stories are open to everyone, for all ages. In a world so disconnected nowadays, Dragon Ball still brings people together.

No other anime can replicate that lightning-in-a-bottle magic. I remember the global reaction when Goku went Ultra Instinct, even though I hadn’t been keeping up with DBS. I remember the meltdowns when SSJ4 became canon. It’s those moments that bring people together: the hype, the fights, and, often overlooked, the softer side of these ridiculously overpowered characters.

I’m incredibly thankful to Akira Toriyama for shaping my childhood and still influencing my adulthood. I’m grateful for his storytelling and for giving life to Goku’s adventures. I only watched Dragon Ball GT once, but its ending really moved me. Goku smiling and waving goodbye one last time is a memory that never left me. I’ll always be thankful for the series’ highs and lows.

One thing I’ll never forget is that I didn’t change the channel when Frieza stared down Goku. And I’ll always be grateful for the brilliant mind of Akira Toriyama. Thank you for Dragon Ball, and thank you for the joy you’ve given to everyone.

So that’s all I have to share about my appreciation for this series. Thank you!
—Doms