Top 10 Times Dragon Ball Invaded Other Media
Script written by Jonathan Alexander
#10: “The Amazing World of Gumball” (2011-19)
Top 10 Times Dragon Ball Went Too Far
Goku’s original Super Saiyan transformation is downright iconic. So, it’s no surprise that it’s been imitated, ripped off, and remade well over nine-thousand times across the years. But, this may be the only one done by an anthropomorphic cat. Gumball certainly has the pipes for it, and channels his inner “Dragon Ball” with a transformation-worthy power-up cry. It doesn’t quite work this time, but a few episodes later, Gumball would finally don the golden hair in all its glory. The best part of it all is that the show doesn’t even try to hide its influences. Instead, it fully commits to name-dropping “Super Saiyan,” comparisons be damned.
#9: “Shang-Chi & the Legend of the Ten Rings” (2021)
As a celebration of Asian culture, it’s only fitting that Marvel’s “Shang-Chi” paid homage to one of the most popular anime ever made. And, what’s more “Dragon Ball” than the Kamehameha? So, in the climactic final battle, Shang repurposed his energy beam into something very reminiscent of Goku's signature attack. Katy doesn’t let the reference go unmentioned, and in yet another welcome wink, she refers to the attack by its original, non-anglicized pronunciation. Which, given the context of the film, makes total sense. It’s a worthy tribute to a move that’s now blasted through borders, genres, and mediums on its way to utter pop-culture history.
#8: “Spy × Family” (2022-)
Top 10 Darkest Dragon Ball Moments Ever
Clearly, Damian got some workout tips from Super Saiyans. To start, his regiment of scaling various playground obstacles culminates in a bitter fight with an approaching tire swing. Except, in Damian’s mind, he’s on a planet that looks an awful lot like Namek, against an attack that’s the spitting image of Frieza’s Death Ball. The reference is more than a cheeky gag, it wholly elevates the scene by offering a glimpse inside Damian’s mind. He’s totally a kid who would love “Dragon Ball,” and seeing him use that as motivation is just the kind of heartfelt character work that “Spy × Family” does best.
#7: “Steven Universe” (2013-19)
Odds are, no one’s catching this sly easter egg on a first watch. But, that’s precisely why it feels so clever. In a seemingly innocuous scene, one of the hospital doors reads that Dr. Gero is assigned to Patient 20, a clear reference to the same character from “Dragon Ball.” Notably, Android 20, as he’s known there, also created the androids altogether. So, referencing him in a “Steven Universe” episode about making gem mutations is more than a pointless wink. Instead, it’s a remarkably witty bit of foreshadowing that just so happens to be wrapped inside a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it homage.
#6: “Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers” (2022)
Trying to spot all the easter eggs in this quirky film is like tracking down the Dragons Balls without a radar. But, at least Chip and Dale have Shenron to help - or, rather, an action figure of him. Once the pair end up in a warehouse of bootleg toons, they find themselves in front of a wall of references to animated classics. Including, you guessed it, a model of Shenron. Just like most of the easter eggs in the movie, it goes by without ever being overtly mentioned. But, the fact that an anime like “Dragon Ball” made it on the same shelf as “Mickey Mouse” or “Rocky and Bullwinkle” is still a worthwhile accomplishment.
#5: “WrestleMania 32” (2016)
Apparently, wrestlers just have a thing for “Dragon Ball.” For example, three-time WWE champion Ronda Rousey is a famously large fan of the series, and even wore an “over-9000” shirt to Wrestlemania 31. But, a year later, Tag Team Champions “The New Days” blew her power level out of the water. They made their grand entrance decked out in traditional Saiyan armor, which, predictably, sent the audience and the commentators into an utter uproar. To be fair, it makes perfect sense why a show about getting stronger and flexing obscene feats of strength found such a devoted following inside the ring.
#4: “Blood Lad” (2013)
Top 10 Things to Remember Before Bleach Thousand Year Blood War
It seems that both Staz and his show have a clear love for all things otaku. As a result, this is no cheap Kamehameha knockoff. The aura, the pose, and even the legendary charge-up are all ripped straight from “Dragon Ball” in the best way possible. Sure, it ends with Staz and his pride sprawled across the ground, but that doesn’t make the attempt any less entertaining. And, in Staz’s defense, the Kamehameha does have a pretty great track record in its own show. All in all, this definitely goes down as one of the funniest homages out there, if only because it laughs with “Dragon Ball” instead of at it.
#3: “Gintama” (2006-18)
When fans wished on Shenron for “Dragon Ball” to crossover with “Gintama,” this probably isn’t what they meant. But, damn if it’s not a good time. Leaning more towards parody than purism, it follows Hijikata searching for the seven wish-granting Slippery Balls in the name of a cigarette. Along the way, he runs into some very recognizable faces in the form of Frieza, Krillin, and Cell - sorry, we mean Brieza, Grillin, and Cello. Yeah, it’s silly, it’s absurd, and it’s anything but respectful. And yet, in doing so, it somehow delivered the zany humor that made both show’s successful in the first place.
#2: “Fornite” (2017)
Goku and the others have been in battle royales before, but never quite like this. For one, they now use guns, build structures, and face off against a litany of other iconic characters. Hey, at least they still have the Kamehameha. Jokes aside, the fact that “Dragon Ball” made it into one of the most popular games of the modern age is impossible to ignore. It seemingly proved that, even decades after its original surge in popularity, Goku’s adventures are still as relevant as ever. Plus, while the detailed cosmetics are appreciated, seeing Goku shoot a pistol and then emote on the dead body is everything we never knew we wanted.
#1: “Dream 9 Toriko & One Piece & Dragon Ball Z Super Collaboration Special!!” (2013)
Goku and Luffy met before on the pages of the one-shot manga “Cross Epoch.” But, one chapter just isn’t enough for these two, so they added Toriko to the mix, and got a whole animated special. With a roster like that, it’s no wonder it totally lived up to its “super” name. There’s just an undeniable novelty about seeing Goku, Luffy, and Toriko all in the ring together. Thankfully, the actual story is just self-aware enough to make the absurd hijinks work. Better yet, since these are technically episodes of “One Piece” and “Toriko,” Goku got to invade two shows for the price of one. Now that’s some efficient training.
