Before Dragon Ball Z/S there was Dragon Ball. Before that there was Dr. Slump
Akira Toriyama's Dr. Slump and Dragon Ball had a significant impact on both the manga and anime industries in Japan, as well as on popular culture worldwide.
Dr. Slump, which ran from 1980 to 1984, was Toriyama's first major success in the manga industry. It follows the adventures of a brilliant but eccentric young inventor named Senbei Norimaki and his robotic creation, Arale, in the whimsical Penguin Village. The series was notable for its surreal humor, colorful characters, and imaginative gadgets, and it helped to popularize the "gag manga" genre.
Dragon Ball, which ran from 1984 to 1995, was Toriyama's magnum opus and one of the most successful manga and anime franchises of all time. It follows the adventures of a young martial artist named Goku and his friends as they search for powerful mystical objects known as Dragon Balls. The series was notable for its dynamic action, memorable characters, and epic storyline, and it helped to popularize the shonen manga genre.
The impact of Dr. Slump and Dragon Ball on the manga and anime industries can be seen in a number of ways. For one, Toriyama's distinctive art style and storytelling techniques influenced countless artists and creators who came after him. Additionally, the popularity of these series helped to cement the dominance of the shonen manga genre, which continues to be one of the most popular and profitable genres in Japan and around the world.
Outside of Japan, Dr. Slump and Dragon Ball helped to popularize anime and manga worldwide. Dragon Ball, in particular, became a cultural phenomenon in the 1990s and early 2000s, with its impact felt in everything from video games to fashion. The series continues to have a devoted fanbase today, with new adaptations and merchandise being produced regularly.
Overall, the impact of Akira Toriyama's Dr. Slump and Dragon Ball cannot be overstated. These series helped to shape the manga and anime industries in Japan and around the world, and their influence can still be felt today.