Since its first publication in Shonen Jump magazine (circa 1984) , Akira Toriyama 's martial arts epic Dragon Ball has inspired a vast transmedia franchise consisting of video games, figurines, films and a series ultra-popular animated film adapted for television. 📺
And if the latter catapulted Son Goku and his friends to the forefront in terms of public awareness in the West of Japanese culture, the DBZ manga has also slowly made its way to become a reference in the genre. So do you know which books are the most popular among manga fans and readers? Here is the TOP 10 Best Dragon Ball Z Manga according to Goku Shop®!
10. DBZ - PART 1 VOLUME 3: THE SAÏYENS
“The Saiyans” takes up the plot of the DBZ saga with the Z-fighters who find themselves facing Nappa and Vegeta, two powerful beings from Goku's planet who have come to Earth to unearth the famous crystal balls of the dragon Shenron . Vegeta , the prince of the Saiyan race, wishes for immortality, granting himself the ability to take control of the universe if successful (or so we thought). 🔮
Currently, volume 3 obtains a very good rating and very good reviews from fans. Among these reviews, many were five stars. ⭐ One reader even calls the book "an exciting volume for newcomers to the series and a nostalgic trip for us, long-time fans" , a nice review that reminds us well of this unique aspect that the Dragon Ball saga gives us. 🤩
9. DBZ - PART 5, VOLUME 2: CELL GAMES
The infamous Cell Games pit Earth's mightiest warriors against formidable adversaries, such as the ultimate badass, the perfect form of Cell , an insect-like android with a strange ability to absorb powers. of other beings and to use them at will (up to the cellular level) . And just like its animated counterpart, "Cell Games" remains a much-loved part of the Dragon Ball manga. 🐛
Fans of the saga give it a high rating, and the general consensus is that while most of this volume deals with the heroes preparing for the current games, creator Akira Toriyama still manages to keep the fun soaring. The balance between humor and combat is also very good, with the addition of Mr. Satan , who peppers the pages with his comedic antics. 🤣
Besides, if you like this character, find the Mr. Satan Figurine in Dragon Ball Z now:
Additionally, many users commented on the dive into Trunks ' story, revealing important aspects of both his character and the android villains themselves, a successful volume! ✨
8. DBZ - PART 1 VOLUME 5: THE SAYENS
We simply cannot talk about the ranking of the best Dragon Ball mangas without mentioning the war between the enemies Goku and Vegeta . The fans remember it very well. In this volume, Goku and Vegeta kick off their long-awaited Duel of Destiny, pushing power levels beyond anything the franchise has seen thus far. 🤼♂️
Although such levels might seem passable today, readers in the late 80s were impressed by Goku 's performance during King Kai 's signature Kaioken attack, which allowed the warrior to go faster than the speed of thought. You can also read our article bringing together the Best Anime of the 80s if this is your generation. In general, reviews of this volume featuring Goku's fight against Vegeta are very positive, and often get 5 stars. According to users, this book lives up to a long-awaited promise: a battle of champions with stakes reaching fever pitch. 🔱
7. DBZ - PART 7, VOLUME 5: THE AWAKENING OF MAJIN BOO
Volume 5 of the Dragonball Z manga follows the story of the Z-fighters ' battle against a terrifying new enemy: the terrifying Majin Boo . This is also where the fusion between Goten and Trunks occurs, creating the Saiyan warrior Gotenks . A plan that ultimately fails at the hands of this malevolent djinn whose affinity for chocolate matches his penchant for destruction. 🍫💥
With a very good score as well, this volume is, according to readers, a “breathtaking” favorite . Highlights include the introduction of fusion (as noted above) , Super Gohan defeating Super Boo seamlessly, and the prelude to the grand finale to come. 🥇
6. DBZ - PART 3 VOLUME 4: THE SUPER SAIYEN FREEZER
We remember that Dragon Ball Z was still the saga where all the children ran home from school to watch it, when it was broadcast for the first time on the Toonami channel in 1999. Thus, it seems that this volume tackling the fight between Goku and Frieza was considered one of the best entries in the manga, the only thing more iconic than Goku's battle against Prince Vegeta is his end of the world battle against the tyrant intergalactic Frieza. ⚔
In this arc, Goku has finally recovered from his rejuvenation treatment, arriving there to the bruised sight of his friends. Thus begins the epic battle that pushes the series to new limits. Readers fall in love with the intense action and high stakes at play in this volume, which continue to grow as Frieza and Goku unleash earthquakes with every punch and kick. 👊
5. DBZ - PART 5 VOLUME 4: CELL GAMES
The previous part plunges the reader into bloody Cell Games where an unexpected turn of events occurs. Goku gives up his turn to fight against Perfect Form Cell , promoting another warrior in his place: his son Gohan, then ten years old. As Sangohan battles against the Ultimate Android, his true power awakens, transforming the half-Saiyan into a Level 2 Super Saiyan! However, when Cell decides to self-destruct and blow up the earth, Goku teleports the villain by balloon to King Kai 's planet where he is killed in the explosion. 🪐
All fans of the first dates are unanimous, this volume is one of the most popular entries in the Dragon Ball Z manga . According to readers, "creativity" and "great plot twists" play a major role in its high ratings. Additionally, the fact that Goku finally passes on the queens to the next generation brings a much-needed freshness to the plot in the eyes of fans of the manga. 👀
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4. DBZ - PART 3 VOLUME 3: THE SUPER SAIYEN FREEZER
Picking up where the previous part left off, part 3 of this volume 3 of the Dragon Ball Z manga features the Frieza saga with the transformation of Goku into a Super Saiyan , sporting magnificent golden hair. Being one of the most famous turning points of the franchise, it is not surprising that readers of the manga rank "The Super Saiyan" in the TOP 10 of the best Mangas that the saga has ever known. 🌟
Readers applaud Toriyama's ability to raise the stakes and push the fights to new heights with each new page. Although we notice that the crystal balls allow the heroes to escape easily, this does not take away from the tension accumulated throughout the saga. 📈
3. DBZ - PART 8 VOLUME 5: THE FINAL FIGHT AGAINST MAJIN BOO
Here, Akira Toriyama ends his fantasy series with Goku's final battle against Boo . From there, the story jumps ten years into the future where the Saiyan warrior enters the World Martial Arts Tournament, meeting a young fighting prodigy who he later takes on as a student (just like Master Roshi did at Goku all those years ago). 🎒
According to the biggest Dragon Ball analysis sites, this volume, which has the third highest score of all DBZ mangas , brings all the sensations imaginable for the reader. One user even concludes this volume as a “satisfactory conclusion” . Another also writes: “This volume is the perfect ending.” 🥇
2. DBZ - PART 1 VOLUME 2: THE SAYENS
In second place in this ranking is the first part of this second volume of the Dragon Ball Z manga. In anticipation of the arrival of the saiyans on earth, Goku, who died heroically in his battle with Raditz , seeks to gaining tutelage from the otherworld's martial arts master, King Kai. Only through Kai 's training can Goku hope to unlock a power great enough to defeat these new enemies. Meanwhile, on Earth, the Z-fighters are also training and looking for the crystal balls so they can resurrect Goku. 👼
With its very good reviews, this part enjoys a very good rating. According to readers, one particular event that stands out in this volume is Gohan's training with Piccolo , and the bond they form after all their times spent together. 💕
You too can decorate your office in an original way thanks to our crystal balls . You can also use them to ask Shenron for a wish!
1. DBZ - PART 1 VOLUME 1: THE SAYENS
The enemy turning into an ally is a classic in the Dragon Ball franchise. Starting with old enemies like Yamcha , Oolong , and Ten Shin Han , forcing bad guys to team up with good guys is nothing new. What distinguishes this scenario? This time, Toriyama offers us even stronger! That's right, Goku and his mortal enemy Piccolo must put aside their fatal feud to face a greater threat: Raditz , Goku's brother. 😰
For us, “The Saiyans” wins gold and climbs to first place in our TOP 10 Best Dragon Ball Z Mangas . This tome also has the most five stars of any of the biggest review sites and boasts the widest consensus on the story. Readers not only love the expansion of Goku's story, but also the climax of the saga hero's heroic sacrifice. 🙏
And you ? What was your favorite volume of the Dragon Ball Z manga? Don't hesitate to let us know, young Saiyan! 💬
Also discover our dragon ball wiki page !