The Dragon Ball Franchise is a popular Japanese media series created by Akira Toriyama. It began as a manga in 1984 and has since expanded to include multiple anime series, movies, video games, and merchandise. The story follows the adventures of Goku, a Saiyan warrior, as he seeks powerful artifacts known as Dragon Balls and battles various foes. The franchise is known for its action-packed battles, unique characters, and themes of friendship and perseverance. Key series include Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball Super. The franchise has gained a massive global following and has significantly influenced the anime and manga industry.