The story picks up after Dragon Ball Kai: Majin Buu Arc and revolves around the arrival of the Destruction God Beerus, the resurrection of Frieza, and other events. In Episode 10 (Overall Episode 10), it primarily focuses on Goku's interactions with new characters like Hit from Universe 6, as well as the mysterious disappearance of planets near Earth.

The manga was adapted into two anime series produced by Toei Animation: Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z, which were broadcast in Japan from 1986 to 1996. A media franchise has built up around the series; among the merchandise, there have been both animated and live-action films, collectible trading card games, Dragon Ball Seasons 1-5 DVD action figures, collections of soundtracks and video games. The series was licensed for an English-language release in North America and the United Kingdom by Viz Media, and in Australia and New Zealand by Madman Entertainment. The companies initially split the manga into two parts, Dragon Ball Seasons 1-5and Dragon Ball Z to match the anime series but the most recent edition of the series was released under its original title

The Saiyans are coming! The last survivors of a cruel warrior race, these ruthless villains have carved a path of destruction across the galaxy, and now they have carved a path of destruction across the galaxy, and now they have their sights on Earth! They will stop at nothing until they have the wish-granting powers of the seven magic Dragon Balls for their very own. With the fate of his family, friends, and the entire human race hanging in the balance, Goku, the Earth's greatest hero, must rise to meet the approaching threat. As he prepares for the fight of his life, Goku embarks on an epic journey that will take him to other worlds, pit him against new and old enemies alike, and force him to confront the dark secrets of his own past. At the end of the path, the most powerful opponent he has ever faced awaits; the evil Saiyan Prince Vegeta!