Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball

book

2002

WISE
89%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

The OG martial arts epic that's basically the reason your kid wants to join karate and dye their hair neon.

Amazon4.7
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

Amazon
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble
Libby
Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

Dragon Ball is the blueprint for almost everything your kids probably already like. It’s the DNA of Naruto, One Piece, and modern superhero movies.

While the 2002 Viz release is a classic, parents should know it’s a product of its time. The humor can be crude and the 'creepy old man' trope is in full effect. However, the actual story—about a kid with a monkey tail finding his way in the world—is timeless.

It’s fast, it’s funny, and the art is top-tier. If you can handle a few awkward jokes, it's one of the best graphic novel series ever made.

Age Fit

Best for 10 and up. Younger kids can handle the action, but the 'locker room' humor and occasional nudity make it a better fit for the middle-school crowd.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
62

The core themes of friendship, hard work, and self-improvement are stellar, but they're frequently interrupted by '80s-era 'pervy' humor and gags that haven't aged gracefully.

Imaginative
96

Akira Toriyama's world-building is the gold standard. From the 'capsule' technology to the mix of dinosaurs and sci-fi, it's a masterclass in visual creativity.

Safe
65

The manga is uncensored compared to the old TV edits. Expect brief non-sexual nudity (mostly Goku as a kid) and crude sexual humor involving the older characters.

Enriching
85

It teaches a growth mindset better than most textbooks. Goku's drive to find a stronger version of himself—rather than just 'beating' people—is a great life lesson.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Toriyama’s art is incredibly clean and easy for kids to follow compared to modern, cluttered manga.
  • It emphasizes that even your worst enemies can become your best friends if you show them respect.
  • The sense of adventure is genuine; it feels like a grand tour of a weird, wonderful world.
  • It promotes discipline and the idea that there is always room to grow and learn.
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What to Watch For

  • Master Roshi is the 'dirty old man' archetype, which involves some creepy behavior toward women that needs a 'don't do this' talk.
  • Goku is a wild child who doesn't understand social norms, leading to some 'anatomical discovery' gags and brief nudity.
  • The violence is mostly martial arts based, but there is some blood and occasional limb loss (usually involving monsters or aliens).

Conversation Starters

  • "If you had the seven Dragon Balls, would you use the wish for yourself or for someone else?"
  • "Why does Goku keep giving his enemies a second chance?"
  • "Master Roshi is a great teacher, but he treats women pretty badly—how should he actually act?"
  • "Does Goku get stronger because he's 'talented' or because he works harder than everyone else?"

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