Dragon Ball is and always will be a massive pop culture phenomenon thanks to its unforgettable transformations and innovative battles. However, for those familiar with the source material, differences between Dragon Ballmanga and anime adaptation they are hard to miss. These deviations range from mistranslations to entire storylines that never appeared in the manga.
Some of these differences fundamentally change the perception of certain characters or how iconic battles play out. Some anime inserts contain moments of humor, while others take the main storylines in unexpected directions. Whether it’s the pacing, the extra episodes or the changed moments, Dragon Ball anime and manga can offer two different experiences.
10
Gregory doesn’t exist in the manga
Gregory is a witty character, the only one in the anime
One of the most surprising differences between Dragon BallThe anime and manga feature the existence of Gregory, a cricket living in the world of King Kai. Gregory is an anime-only character who helps train Goku. during King Kai’s Saiyan Saga, causing Goku to chase him with a hammer. Gregory is remembered for his fast movements and sarcastic comments, especially in episodes when Goku is pushed to his limits.
However, Gregory is completely absent from the manga. Goku’s training is still going according to plan, with King Kai providing basic guidance. Gregory’s exclusion makes it clear that the anime added him to add more variety and lengthen the storyline. While he may be a fun character, his absence from the manga does not impact the story, leaving him only exclusive anime entertainment.
9
This is… no more than 9000.
One of Dragon Ball’s most famous lines was changed in the anime adaptation.
One of the most iconic lines in anime history is Vegeta’s exclamation: “Over 9,000!” when reading Goku’s power level during their first battle. However, in the original Dragon Ball manga, the line is different. Vegeta for real instead says his power level is over 8000. It may be a small difference, but due to the huge popularity, the change is interesting.
This change is due to the English dub of the anime, which changed the line. The manga sticks to the original power level of 8000. However, due to the popularity of the anime, this line most often refers to the power level of 9000. The slight discrepancy serves as evidence of how moments from Dragon Ball can begin to take on a life of its own, moving beyond its original context.
8
The pacing is different in the Dragon Ball manga and anime
The pacing of the anime slows down due to various episodes and filler arcs.
One of the most noticeable differences between Dragon BallThe dynamics of anime and manga are largely due to the inclusion of additional episodes in anime. The manga moves much faster. compared to anime, moving from one major battle or plot point to the next without much interruption. In contrast, the anime often stretches out certain moments significantly, including Goku’s journey along the Snake Path and his battle with Frieza.
Filler episodes also contribute to the inconsistency of pacing V Dragon Ball. One of the anime’s most famous spin-off episodes is the one in which Goku and Piccolo, at Chi-Chi’s insistence, take a driving test to get their license. While this had nothing to do with the plot, it provided some light-hearted comedic relief between the serious storylines and the upcoming battles.
7
Super Saiyan Goku completely dominates Frieza in the manga
The manga emphasizes the significant increase in power that a Super Saiyan provides.
In the anime adaptation Dragon Ball ZGoku’s Super Saiyan transformation against Frieza is depicted as a stunning display of power, with Goku and Frieza are equal to each other. Goku’s newfound power is immense, but Frieza remains a threat, forcing Goku to work harder for his victory. Because of this, the fight in the anime was drawn out over thirty episodes with intense action that showcased both the character’s strength and durability.
However, in the manga, Goku’s transformation into Super Saiyan marks a significant shift in power. Once Goku reaches this level, he soon has Frieza on the ropes, demonstrating the incredible new power of the Super Saiyan. This image highlights how far Goku has come and leaves no doubt about his superiority over Frieza.
6
Garlic Jr.
Exclusive anime saga in Dragon Ball Z
One of the most famous add-ons Exclusive to the anime is Saga of Garlic Jr.. Introduced after the Frieza Saga, Garlic Jr. is a character who first appears in the fourth film. Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zonewhere he seeks revenge on Goku and his friends. The anime expands on his story, giving him an entire saga in which he returns after escaping the Dead Zone and causes trouble on Earth.
This filler arc was designed to fill the gap between sagas as the manga progressed. Despite its filler status, The Garlic Jr. Saga is still remembered by fans for focusing on supporting characters like Piccolo, Krillin, and Gohan during Goku’s absence. However, even though the anime featured an entire arc, Garlic Jr. is still not considered canon since he was never introduced in the manga.
5
Otherworld Tournament
The anime introduces new fan-favorite characters that, unfortunately, did not become canon.
Just like in the Saga of Garlic Jr. The Other World Tournament is another major storyline that is only featured in the anime. this is not in the manga. After Goku sacrifices himself during his battle with Cell, the anime features an additional arc in which Goku participates in a tournament in the afterlife, competing against warriors from different parts of the universe. The highlight of this arc was Goku’s battle with Pikkon, a formidable fighter who quickly became a fan favorite.
IN Dragon Ball manga, this tournament will never happen. The absence of the Otherworld Tournament in the manga makes the narrative more streamlined. However, the anime’s additional arc provides fans with more action and showcases Goku’s fighting spirit beyond Earth and his friends and family.
4
Future Trunks became a Super Saiyan before Gohan’s death in the manga
Anime created a more emotional transformation for future chests
In the anime, Future Trunks’ transformation occurs. one of the most emotionally charged scenes V Dragon Ball story, connecting it to Gohan’s death at the hands of the androids. This event is shown to be what pushes Trunks to transform into a Super Saiyan in the first place. The heartbreaking scene gives weight to Trunks’ backstory and his determination to change the future.
However, in Dragon Ball manga, it happens very differently due to the fact that Trunks is already achieved the Super Saiyan transformation before Gohan’s death. Instead of a tragic event being the catalyst for Trunks’ transformation, his Super Saiyan powers had already awakened. This allowed him to fight together with Gohan against androids on equal termsmaking their partnership more strategic.
3
“Battle of the Gods” and “Resurrection F” are forgotten in the supermanga
Akira Toriyama knew that everyone had already seen these films
Battle of the Gods And Resurrection F are arcs that are crucial in Dragon Ball Supermarking the return of the franchise with new transformations, gods and more formidable enemies. In the anime, these storylines are given full arcs.showcasing Goku’s transformation into a Super Saiyan God, his battles with Beerus, and Frieza’s resurrection. Both arcs included lengthy fights, emotional moments, and significant world-building that redefined Dragon BallThe scale of power and knowledge for fans.
In contrast, the manga radically compresses both of these lines, silencing key moments that were central to the anime’s narrative because the manga actually came out much later, meaning fans were already familiar with these events. Instead of giving these sagas the same level of detail and development, the manga goes through them quicklyskipping most of the story. For manga readers Battle of the Gods And Resurrection F were brief preludes to larger stories to follow.
2
Super Saiyan Rage from Future Trunks is an anime-only feat
Future Trunks Gets Another Emotionally Charged Anime Transformation
One of Future Trunks’ most iconic moments V Dragon Ball Super is his transformation into Super Saiyan Fury form against Goku Black and Zamasu. This transformation, brought on by Trunks’ intense anger and determination to protect his timeline, greatly increases his power. The anime highlights this form as a major turning point in the battle, demonstrating Trunks’ determination and giving fans one of the most emotional moments in the series.
However, this form is completely absent in Dragon Ball Super manga. In the original adaptation, Future Trunks does not provide the SSJ Rage transformation, instead relying on the standard Super Saiyan and Super Saiyan 2 forms throughout the arc. The addition of this transformation in the anime demonstrates how the manga and anime portray power scaling differently: in the manga, Trunks’ SSJ 2 form is shown to be more than strong enough to finish the battle.
1
Goku didn’t use Kaioken with Super Saiyan Blue to defeat Hit
Although this combination is iconic in the anime, it does not exist in the manga.
In one of Dragon Ball Supermost memorable moments Goku combines the Kaioken technique with Super Saiyan Blue. during his intense battle with Hit in the Universe 6 Tournament arc of the anime. This combination shocks everyone, including Hit, as Goku pushes his body beyond its limits, temporarily gaining the upper hand. This moment is iconic in the anime due to its high stakes and visual presentation, making Goku’s Kaioken Super Saiyan Blue transformation one of his most dangerous techniques.
However, in the manga the fight plays out completely differently and the combination never happens. Instead, Goku faces Hit only using his Super Saiyan Blue form, relying more on strategy and technique rather than overwhelming force. In the manga, Goku pays close attention to Hit’s fight with Vegeta and figures out how his time skip works, giving him an advantage through smart decisions rather than pure power.