Dragon Ball Z stands as one of the most iconic anime and manga franchises in history, with total revenues surpassing an astonishing $30 billion. Conceived by the talented Akira Toriyama as a sequel to Dragon Ball, the DBZ anime has transcended borders, turning beloved characters such as Goku, Gohan, and Broly into global sensations. The manga alone boasts sales of over 260 million copies worldwide, while films like Dragon Ball Super: Broly have made impressive box office totals, accumulating over $124 million globally.
But what if we had seen a different narrative where Dragon Ball Z was actually titled Gohan’s Great Adventure, with Gohan taking center stage instead of Goku? This intriguing alternate reality was almost a part of anime history, as revealed in a recently discovered roundtable discussion featuring key creatives behind the series. This conversation illuminates the unexpected path that could have changed the series as we know it.
Alternate Title: Gohan’s Great Adventure
What Lies Behind the Letter? The Significance of “Z”
According to a behind-the-scenes article featured on the Kanzenshuu website, Toei Animation producer Kōzō Morishita and Fuji TV producer Kenji Shimizu shared the surprising origins of this title. “For a significant period, we referred to it as ‘Gohan’s Great Adventure,'” Shimizu noted with a chuckle. Morishita added, “Indeed; our vision was centered around Gohan as the protagonist.” However, the visionary creator Akira Toriyama made a decisive shift, asserting, “No, the main character is truly Goku.” Shimizu recalled their questioning of the title’s relevance, and Toriyama’s suggestion, “Wouldn’t ‘Z’ be an exciting choice?” This lighthearted brainstorming session culminated in the now-legendary title, Dragon Ball Z.
Initially, even the creators found the title somewhat peculiar. “Looking back, that Z feels almost perfectly suited now, though it did feel odd at first,” Morishita confessed. “We often had to clarify the meaning behind the Z, suggesting it signified a finale or linked it to ‘A’… Over time, however, those inquiries dissipated. It truly grows on you.” Shimizu chimed in, observing that the announcement must have generated quite a buzz. Screenwriter Takao Koyama added that they intentionally aimed to avoid any implication that Z indicated an ending to the story. “We didn’t want it to convey a negative connotation like ‘this is the end,'” he elaborated, emphasizing their dedication to that narrative. What began as a whimsical suggestion ultimately morphed into one of the most recognized titles in the realm of anime.
Dragon Ball Illustrates How Small Choices Can Cause Major Ripples
A Near Miss of a Different Legacy for DBZ
Just how close were we to witnessing Gohan’s Great Adventure instead of Dragon Ball Z? Incredibly close. Early scripts were drafted and circulated under the alternate title, and various anime magazines in Japan even preemptively announced that the next installment of the franchise would bear this name—prior to Akira Toriyama solidifying Dragon Ball Z as the definitive title and re-establishing Goku in his role as the series lead.
Ultimately, what could have transpired as Gohan’s Great Adventure evolved into Dragon Ball Z—a seemingly simple title that nonetheless carved out an extraordinary legacy. The lone letter ‘Z’ has come to symbolize an entire epoch in anime, effectively defining the franchise’s identity and captivating audiences around the globe. It’s a poignant reminder that often, the slightest of decisions can yield the most significant outcomes.
Source: Kanzenshuu