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The worldwide audience has loved Dragon Ball as one of the top manga and anime series for decades. The series originated by fans for its intense narrative and detailed mythology, but Dragon Ball SD brings a joyful, simplified adaptation of the traditional storyline. Naho Ooishi designed this spin-off which shows Dragon Ball through super-deformed (SD) character designs with comedic storytelling while adjusting the format for younger fans.
In this blog, we will discuss why Dragon Ball SD stands apart from other Dragon Ball titles, then explain its storyline evolution and point out its differences from the first manga.
What is Dragon Ball SD?
The manga Dragon Ball SD was first published through Saikyō Jump in December 2010. The SD version of Dragon Ball differs significantly from Toriyama’s original manga, which featured detailed action sequences and complex character developments, Dragon Ball SD simplifies the narrative, making it more accessible for younger readers.
When Dragon Ball SD started, it appeared as a quarterly publication until Saikyō Jump converted it to a monthly format during 2012. The first chapters of Dragon Ball SD hurdled through essential plot events at a fast pace until the series transitioned into regular monthly issues when it began showing Dragon Ball events sequentially and incorporated comical moments that hinted at upcoming storylines.
Story Progression in Dragon Ball SD
The first four chapters in Dragon Ball SD show a trimmed-down version of significant Dragon Ball arcs encompassing:
- Goku’s early adventures with Bulma
- The battle on Namek and his first Super Saiyan transformation
- The Cell Games and Gohan’s rise as Earth’s defender
- The Majin Buu saga and its climactic conclusion
When Saikyō Jump turned into a monthly periodical, the narrative began again at the start, while adhering to the Dragon Ball story sequence more accurately. The published volumes of Dragon Ball SD follow this chronological order of the Dragon Ball story:
Released Volumes
- Volume 1(2013): Cover all stories from the beginning until they reach the Tournament Arc.
- Volume 2(2014): Presents a summary of Tournament Arc together with Red Ribbon Army chapters and features exclusive bonus material.
- Volume 3 (2014): Focuses on the Red Ribbon Army saga.
- Volume 4 (2016): Covers the Fortune Teller Baba arc.
- Volume 5 (2018): Begins the Saiyan Saga.
- Volume 6 (2019): Continues the Saiyan Saga.
- Volume 7 (2021): the authors present additional content that develops the ongoing Saiyan Saga.
The franchise Dragon Ball SD does not include Demon King Piccolo but shifts straight to the Saiyan Saga following the Fortune Teller Baba arc.
Major Differences Between Dragon Ball SD and the Original Series
Dragon Ball SD maintains the fundamental plots of the original story yet distinct changes distinguish it from its predecessor.
1. Simplified Storytelling
Due to targeting younger readers, the manga simplifies various complicated themes and story arcs. This series maintains the essence of the Dragon Ball plot but presents it in a fun, easy-to-follow format with fewer dramatic twists.
2. Super-Deformed Art Style
The manga adopts the Super-Deformed art style, which creates characters with large overstated cartoonish elements. The chibi visual approach in this manga distinguishes it from the main Dragon Ball product while simultaneously boosting humorous elements throughout.
3. Fast-Paced Narrative
Multiple crucial conflicts and character developments are eliminated from the first chapters. For example:
The end form of Frieza appears immediately after skipping his transitional stages during the transformation sequence.
The Super Saiyan transformation appears on Goku when he sees Vegeta being injured rather than Krillin suffering fatal blows.
The conflict with Majin Buu takes less time to resolve than in the original Dragon Ball manga.
4. Increased Humor and Gags
Through comedic references to events ahead of time, the story receives its playful temperament from author Naho Ooishi. For example:
Bulma shows her desire for the ideal boyfriend, and then Vegeta sprays Frieza’s spaceship with his sneeze to foreshadow their future bond.
During humorous moments in the storyline, Roshi demonstrates his Kamehameha by destroying active volcanoes and Goku accidentally defeats the Pilaf Gang through its utilization.
5. Different Character Interactions
Krillin begins the story with a friendly attitude toward Goku whereas their original series established a competitive dynamic between them.
Certain story arcs exclude primary characters like Piccolo and Dende as well as the Cell Juniors from appearing.
Majin Buu consumes Babidi as a cookie the moment he escapes from captivity, which significantly changes the main plot.
Why you should read Reading Dragon Ball SD
The Dragon Ball universe appears through Dragon Ball SD by delivering both a vintage and revitalized interpretation of the series. You can enjoy Dragon Ball SD either as an established franchise enthusiast or as someone new to the series because this manga caters to all audiences.
The magic of Dragon Ball remains accessible through Dragon Ball SD which demonstrates the different presentation possibilities of the franchise. Fun comedic storytelling with chibi art styles alongside a quick version of the story provides a new perspective on Goku’s tale for viewers to enjoy. The condensed version of Dragon Ball demonstrates a successful pitch to children while offering traditional fans a casual encounter with the tale.
The Dragon Ball SD comic series will appeal to all fans of the original franchise because of its entertaining nature.
Have you read Dragon Ball SD? Please share your reviews regarding this different interpretation of the original story. Let us know in the comments!!
When was Dragon Ball SD first published?
It was first published in Saikyō Jump in December 2010.
Does Dragon Ball SD follow the same story arcs as the original?
Yes, it covers the major story arcs, but it does so in a condensed and simplified manner, especially in the early chapters. Later, it adheres more closely to the chronological order of the original.
Is Dragon Ball SD considered canon?
Dragon Ball SD is a spin-off and is not considered part of the main Dragon Ball canon. It’s a separate, comedic adaptation.
What are the main differences between Dragon Ball SD and the original Dragon Ball manga?
The main differences include simplified storytelling, the super-deformed art style, a fast-paced narrative, increased humor and gags, and altered character interactions.