Dragon Ball is one of the best-selling manga series ever made. Akira Toriyama’s original run spans 42 volumes, and the story continues today in Dragon Ball Super. If you’re looking to read the manga from start to finish, or just trying to figure out which box set to buy, this guide covers everything.
Quick Navigation
- How Many Dragon Ball Manga Are There?
- Complete Reading Order
- Dragon Ball vs Dragon Ball Z – What’s the Difference?
- Box Set Collector’s Guide
- Dragon Ball Super Manga
- Where to Buy
- Spin-offs & Related Manga
- FAQ
How Many Dragon Ball Manga Are There?
The core Dragon Ball manga consists of:
- Dragon Ball (original): 42 volumes (1984-1995)
- Dragon Ball Super: 23+ volumes (2015-ongoing)
That’s 65+ volumes total for the main storyline. There are also spin-offs and related manga, but these two series are the core reading.
A common point of confusion: the original 42-volume manga is sometimes split into “Dragon Ball” (volumes 1-16) and “Dragon Ball Z” (volumes 17-42) for marketing purposes. But Toriyama wrote it as one continuous story. The “Z” branding was created for the anime’s second half, not the manga.
Complete Dragon Ball Manga Reading Order
Here’s the order to read everything:
1. Dragon Ball (Volumes 1-16)
Young Goku’s adventures. Covers his training under Master Roshi, the first World Martial Arts Tournaments, the Red Ribbon Army arc, and the battle against Piccolo’s father (King Piccolo). This section has more comedy and adventure than the later arcs.
What We Like Less:
Box sets are bulky if shelf space is limited. Some prefer the 3-in-1 omnibus format for portability.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
Complete original series in one purchase. Includes exclusive poster and booklet. Great value compared to buying volumes individually. This is where the entire Dragon Ball story begins.
2. Dragon Ball Z (Volumes 17-42)
Adult Goku and the iconic sagas. This covers:
- Saiyan Saga: Raditz arrives, Goku learns he’s a Saiyan
- Frieza Saga: Namek, Super Saiyan transformation
- Cell Saga: Androids, Future Trunks, Cell Games
- Buu Saga: Majin Buu, fusion, Kid Buu
The Buu Saga ends with a time skip showing Goku meeting Uub at the World Tournament. This is sometimes called “End of Z.”
What We Like Less:
26 volumes is a significant investment. Heavy box set. Note: The manga is just called ‘Dragon Ball’ – the Z branding was only for the anime.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
The complete DBZ manga in one set. Includes Toriyama interview in the booklet. Covers all the iconic sagas: Saiyan, Frieza, Cell, and Buu. This is where Dragon Ball Daima picks up from.
3. Dragon Ball Super (Volumes 1-23+)
The continuation. Set after the Buu Saga but before the “End of Z” time skip. Introduces Beerus the God of Destruction, Whis, Super Saiyan God forms, and the multiverse tournament arcs. The manga is still ongoing with new chapters releasing monthly.
Note: Dragon Ball Daima (the 2024-2025 anime) takes place between the Buu Saga and Dragon Ball Super in the timeline.
What We Like Less:
Not a box set – individual volumes collected together. Series is ongoing so this set will become incomplete as new volumes release.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
Continues where DBZ and Daima leave off. Written by Toriyama himself. The manga often differs from the Super anime with unique story arcs. Still ongoing with new chapters monthly.
Dragon Ball vs Dragon Ball Z – What’s the Difference?
This confuses a lot of people, so let’s clear it up:
The manga: There is no “Dragon Ball Z” manga. Toriyama’s manga is just called “Dragon Ball” from volume 1 to volume 42. It’s one continuous story.
The anime: The anime was split into two series for broadcast. “Dragon Ball” covered the first part (young Goku), and “Dragon Ball Z” covered the second part (Saiyan Saga onward). The “Z” was added to signal the show was entering its final phase – “Z” being the last letter of the alphabet.
The box sets: VIZ Media sells the manga in two box sets that follow the anime’s split: “Dragon Ball” (volumes 1-16) and “Dragon Ball Z” (volumes 17-42, renumbered as volumes 1-26). This is purely for marketing convenience. The story is the same as reading volumes 1-42 of the original Japanese release.
Bottom line: If you buy both VIZ box sets, you have the complete original manga. The split is artificial but doesn’t affect the reading experience.
Box Set Collector’s Guide
If you want to own the complete Dragon Ball manga, here are your options:
Option 1: The Two Box Sets (Recommended)
Buy the Dragon Ball Complete Box Set (volumes 1-16) and Dragon Ball Z Complete Box Set (volumes 1-26). Together they cover the entire original manga. Both include exclusive posters and collector’s booklets.
Total cost: Around $220-250 at retail, often discounted on Amazon to $150-180 for both.
Best for: Collectors who want the complete set with extras.
What We Like Less:
Box sets are bulky if shelf space is limited. Some prefer the 3-in-1 omnibus format for portability.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
Complete original series in one purchase. Includes exclusive poster and booklet. Great value compared to buying volumes individually. This is where the entire Dragon Ball story begins.
What We Like Less:
26 volumes is a significant investment. Heavy box set. Note: The manga is just called ‘Dragon Ball’ – the Z branding was only for the anime.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
The complete DBZ manga in one set. Includes Toriyama interview in the booklet. Covers all the iconic sagas: Saiyan, Frieza, Cell, and Buu. This is where Dragon Ball Daima picks up from.
Option 2: 3-in-1 Omnibus Editions
VIZ also publishes 3-in-1 omnibus editions that collect three volumes per book. These are cheaper per volume but don’t include the box set extras. The paper quality is slightly lower than the individual volumes.
Best for: Readers who want to save money and don’t care about collectibility.
What We Like Less:
Paper quality slightly lower than individual volumes. No box set extras like posters or booklets. You’ll need 14 omnibus volumes to complete the original series.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
Affordable entry point to the series. Three volumes in one book. Same story content as the box set volumes. Good for readers who want to try before committing to full box sets.
Option 3: Individual Volumes
You can buy volumes individually, but this is the most expensive option per volume. Only makes sense if you’re collecting slowly over time or replacing damaged volumes.
Dragon Ball Super Collection
The Dragon Ball Super manga doesn’t have an official box set yet since it’s still ongoing. You can buy volumes individually or get the 23-volume collection set. New volumes release every few months.
What We Like Less:
Not a box set – individual volumes collected together. Series is ongoing so this set will become incomplete as new volumes release.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
Continues where DBZ and Daima leave off. Written by Toriyama himself. The manga often differs from the Super anime with unique story arcs. Still ongoing with new chapters monthly.
Coming Soon: 40th Anniversary Box Set
In May 2025, Shueisha announced a special 40th anniversary box set releasing in February 2026. This Japanese collector’s edition will include all 42 original volumes, each featuring double covers with artwork by 42 different manga artists. If you’re a serious collector willing to import, this will be the definitive edition.
Dragon Ball Super Manga
Dragon Ball Super is the ongoing continuation of the manga, written by Akira Toriyama with art by Toyotarou. It started in 2015 and is still publishing new chapters monthly on VIZ and MangaPlus.
Where Super Fits in the Timeline
Dragon Ball Super takes place after the Buu Saga but before the final chapters of the original manga (the “End of Z” time skip). The timeline order is:
- Dragon Ball / Dragon Ball Z manga (volumes 1-42)
- Dragon Ball Daima (2024 anime)
- Dragon Ball Super (manga and anime)
- End of Z (final chapters of the original manga)
Manga vs Anime Differences
The Dragon Ball Super manga and anime tell the same general story but often differ in details. The manga includes arcs not in the anime (like the current storyline) and handles some fights and power scaling differently. Most fans recommend experiencing both, but if you have to choose one, the manga continues further into the story.
Where to Buy Dragon Ball Manga
The official English publisher is VIZ Media. Here’s where to find their releases:
- Amazon: Best prices on box sets, especially during sales
- Barnes & Noble: Reliable availability, member discounts
- VIZ.com: Direct from the publisher
- Right Stuf Anime: Specialty retailer with good selection
- Local comic shops: Support local businesses, can often order specific volumes
For digital reading, VIZ and MangaPlus offer chapter-by-chapter access. The Shonen Jump app includes Dragon Ball Super chapters as they release.
Spin-offs & Related Manga
Beyond the main series, Toriyama created several related works that expand the Dragon Ball universe. These aren’t required reading but add context and are fun for fans.
Jaco the Galactic Patrolman
A prequel manga written and drawn entirely by Toriyama, set 11 years before Dragon Ball begins. Follows Jaco, a clumsy alien cop who crashes on Earth and meets Bulma’s older sister Tights. The volume includes a bonus chapter called “Dragon Ball Minus” which reveals the origin of Goku’s parents – Bardock and his mother Gine. Jaco later appears throughout Dragon Ball Super as a recurring character.
What We Like Less:
Short series – just one volume. More comedy-focused than action. Not essential to understand the main story.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
Written and drawn entirely by Toriyama. Includes Dragon Ball Minus – the canon origin of Bardock and Goku’s mother Gine. Jaco appears throughout Dragon Ball Super. Fun standalone read that connects to the main series.
Dragon Ball: That Time I Got Reincarnated as Yamcha
A comedy spin-off where a Dragon Ball fan dies and gets reincarnated as Yamcha during the early story. Using his knowledge of future events (like Yamcha’s death by Saibaman), he tries to change fate and make Yamcha the strongest fighter. It’s a short three-chapter story but a fun what-if scenario for fans who know the series well.
What We Like Less:
Very short – only 3 chapters in one volume. Non-canon comedy story. Only makes sense if you already know Dragon Ball.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
Hilarious premise for DB fans. Great art by dragongarow LEE. Fun what-if scenarios like Yamcha defeating the Saibamen. Official spin-off published by Shueisha.
Other Spin-offs
Dragon Ball SD is a chibi-style retelling of the original story aimed at younger readers. Neko Majin is Toriyama’s self-parody series featuring a cat character who trained under Goku. Neither is essential, but both show Toriyama’s comedic side. The original manga also connects to Toriyama’s earlier work Dr. Slump – Goku meets that series’ protagonist Arale in volume 7.
What’s Next
If you’re coming from the anime and want to understand where the new series fits, check out our Dragon Ball Daima guide which covers the 2024-2025 anime and its place in the timeline.
For art and behind-the-scenes content, see Dragon Ball: A Visual History, a hardcover art book covering Toriyama’s work across the entire franchise.
About These Recommendations
I’m George. I read to my kids for 10+ years before they started reading on their own. My wife’s a therapist who helped pick books that actually matter for development. Everything on this site got tested on our family first.
FAQ
The original Dragon Ball manga has 42 volumes. Dragon Ball Super adds 23+ more volumes and is still ongoing. In total, that’s 65+ volumes of main storyline manga.
The most cost-effective way is to buy the two VIZ box sets: Dragon Ball Complete Box Set (volumes 1-16) and Dragon Ball Z Complete Box Set (volumes 1-26). Together they cover the entire original 42-volume manga with bonus posters and booklets.
The original Dragon Ball manga (42 volumes) is complete. Dragon Ball Super is still ongoing with new chapters releasing monthly. Akira Toriyama passed away in March 2024, but Super continues with artist Toyotarou.
No. The manga is just called ‘Dragon Ball’ throughout all 42 volumes. The ‘Z’ branding was created for the anime’s second half. VIZ sells them as two box sets for marketing purposes, but it’s one continuous story by Akira Toriyama.
VIZ Media is the official English publisher. You can buy from Amazon (best prices on box sets), Barnes & Noble, VIZ.com directly, Right Stuf Anime, or local comic shops. Digital chapters are available on VIZ and MangaPlus.
Read in this order: 1) Dragon Ball volumes 1-16 (young Goku), 2) Dragon Ball Z volumes 1-26 (Saiyan through Buu Saga), 3) Dragon Ball Super volumes 1-23+ (ongoing). This covers the complete story chronologically.