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NEW CONTENT: We've dissected the new illustration book, "The Golden Warrior".


Tankoubon Volumes



The DragonBall manga series began its run in December 1984 in Weekly Shounen Jump, a popular manga anthology magazine in Japan. Each week a new chapter would be published with approximately 14 pages per chapter. In comparison, more recent manga series, such as Naruto and One Piece, contain roughly 20 pages per chapter. Occasionally some pages, and sometimes whole chapters, were printed in color, but the vast majority of the series was published in black and white. Ten and a half years later, when it was all said and done, the series had come to a total of 520 chapters, including one side-story, which was an amazing feat at the time.

Beginning in September 1985, these weekly manga chapters began to be compiled into seperate volumes called tankoubon (単行本; "separate volume"). In most English speaking countries, the tankoubon are referred to as "graphic novels", while most people in Japan simply refer to them as "comics" (コミックス), taken from the English word "comics". Each tankoubon volume contained roughly 12 chapters and were printed in grayscale only. Unfortunately, this meant that all of the original colored pages from Weekly Shounen Jump could only be viewed in grayscale. This issue was later rectafied with the kanzenban releases, which retained the color pages.


"Refreshed" Version
In May 2009, Shueisha revised the tankoubon covers with a new "refreshed" look. Although the cover artwork was for the most part kept in-tact, these new editions did receive newly drawn spine art by Toriyama. The actual content of the tankoubon was left unchanged, meaning these are not new editions of the tankoubon, but simply re-prints of the originals with new dust covers.


Original Version (1986)

"Refreshed" Version (2009)


Tankoubon Volume Index
Listed below are all 42 original tankoubon volumes, including brief volume summaries and relative information. Click each volume for additional detailed information including both volume covers, chapter titles, Toriyama goodies, and unique images. Furthermore, we've also included even more information detailing each individual chapter.


ISBN 4-08-851831-4 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: September 15, 1985
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 001 (1984 WJ #51) – 011 (1985 WJ #11)
Synopsis: Goku meets Bulma and they agree to team up. They soon meet Kame-sennin, who rewards Goku with the Kinto-Un. Goku defeats the "terrible" Oolong and runs into the desert bandit Yamcha. Goku, Bulma, and Oolong meet Gyuumao and learn of his troubles.


ISBN 4-08-851832-2 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: January 15, 1986
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 012 (1985 WJ #12) – 024 (1985 WJ #24)
Synopsis: Kame-sennin puts out the fire on Mt. Frypan, with the Kamehameha. Lord Pilaf summons Shenron, but Oolong wishes for a pair of panties. Goku transforms into his Oozuru from, defeating Pilaf and nearly killing his friends. Goku heads to Kame-sennin's for training.


ISBN 4-08-851833-0 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: June 15, 1986
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 025 (1985 WJ #25) – 036 (1985 WJ #36)
Synopsis: Krillin arrives to train with Kame-sennin and both students are sent to fetch a "bouncy" girl for Kame-sennin. Little do they know... Lunch! Goku and Krillin begin their training for the Budoukai. Goku, Krillin, Yamcha, and Jackie Chun all survive the qualifying rounds.


ISBN 4-08-851834-9 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: October 15, 1986
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 037 (1985 WJ #37) – 048 (1985 WJ #48)
Synopsis: Jackie Chun defeats Yamcha without a problem. Surprised by Goku's strength, Giran gives up. Krillin falls to Jackie's superior strength. Goku survives Namu's Tenku Pekeji-ken to take the win. Jackie Chun and Goku begin their epic battle to decide the championship.


ISBN 4-08-851835-7 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: January 15, 1987
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 049 (1985 WJ #49) – 060 (1986 WJ #10)
Synopsis: Jackie performs his deadly Bankoku-Bikkuri-Shou, and nearly kills our hero. Goku eventually loses to Jackie. Goku defeats Captain Silver while searching for the balls. Goku enters Muscle Tower, defeats Sergeant Metallic, and Master Sergeant Murasaki loses a humiliating battle.


ISBN 4-08-851836-5 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: March 14, 1987
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 061 (1986 WJ #11) – 072 (1986 WJ #22)
Synopsis: Master Sergeant Murasaki releases Artificial Human No. 8 to kill Goku, but instead he befriends the boy. Goku defeats Buyon after some quick thinking. No. 8 and Goku free the Mayor and defeat General White. Goku and General Blue begin competing for the dragonballs.


ISBN 4-08-851837-3 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: May 15, 1987
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 073 (1986 WJ #23) – 084 (1986 WJ #34)
Synopsis: Goku defeats Blue and our heroes escape the pirate cave. Goku teams up with Arale, and Toriyama goes into a Dr. Slump throwback for a while. Goku meets Upa and Bora, who are battling the Red Ribbon Army in the Karin Holy Land. Goku saves Upa and defeats Captain Yellow.


ISBN 4-08-851838-1 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: July 15, 1987
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 085 (1986 WJ #35) – 096 (1986 WJ #46)
Synopsis: Tao Pai Pai kills General Blue and Bora, and defeats Goku with little trouble. After training with Karin, Goku descends the tower and defeats Tao Pai Pai. Assistant Black assassinates Commander Red, but unfortunately for him Goku defeats the entire Red Ribbon Army.


ISBN 4-08-851839-X | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: September 15, 1987
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 097 (1986 WJ #47) – 108 (1987 WJ #8)
Synopsis: Everyone heads to Uranai Baba's to find the location of the last dragonball. Puar and Upa defeat Dracula Man. Yamcha defeats Suke-san, Goku handily defeats Mummy-kun and Akkuman, and Goku eventually emerges victorious after a long battle with a masked mysterious warrior.


ISBN 4-08-851840-3 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: November 15, 1987
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 109 (1987 WJ #9) – 120 (1987 WJ #20)
Synopsis: As promised, Goku uses the dragonballs to revive Upa's father, Bora. Three years pass as Goku travels around the world training. At the 22nd Tenkaichi Budoukai, Goku meets Tenshinhan, a student of Kame-sennin's rival, Tsuru-sennin. Tenshinhan defeats Yamcha, breaking his leg.


ISBN 4-08-851608-7 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: February 15, 1988
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 121 (1987 WJ #21) – 132 (1987 WJ #32)
Synopsis: Krillin defeats Chaozu with a little simple math. Jackie forfeits his match to Tenshinhan, leaving Tenshinhan dumbfounded. Goku defeats Krillin with his blinding speed. Goku and Tenshinhan begin their epic battle for the title of 22nd Tenkaichi Budoukai champion.


ISBN 4-08-851609-5 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: April 15, 1988
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 133 (1987 WJ #33) – 144 (1987 WJ #44)
Synopsis: Goku loses to Tenshinhan by inches as he hits a van just before Tenshinhan hits the ground. Following the tournament, Goku finds Krillin dead and Kame-sennin describes the evil Piccolo Daimao. Goku tracks down and kills Tambourine, but fails to defeat Piccolo Daimao.


ISBN 4-08-851610-9 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: June 15, 1988
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 145 (1987 WJ #45) – 156 (1988 WJ #6)
Synopsis: Kame-sennin performs the Mafuuba against Piccolo Daimao, but fails and dies. Piccolo Daimao wishes to be younger and kills both Shenlong and Chaozu. Yajirobe carries the injured Goku up Karin's tower. Goku returns from Karin's tower to battle Piccolo Daimao.


ISBN 4-08-851611-7 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: August 15, 1988
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 157 (1988 WJ #7) – 168 (1988 WJ #18)
Synopsis: Goku manages to punch himself through Piccolo's chest , but Piccolo produces an offspring before dying. Goku travels to God's Palace in an attempt to revive Shenlong and stays to train. Goku arrives at the tournament, but no one recognizes him. Piccolo appears as Ma Junior.


ISBN 4-08-851612-5 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: December 11, 1988
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 169 (1988 WJ #19) – 180 (1988 WJ #30)
Synopsis: Tenshinhan easily defeats Tao Pai Pai while Goku defeats Chi Chi. Ma Junior (Piccolo) easily takes out Krillin. Inhabiting Shen's body, God clumsily defeats Yamcha. Finally, Goku defeats Tenshinhan by copying one of his signature techniques, the Taiyou-ken.


ISBN 4-08-851613-3 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: February 15, 1989
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 181 (1988 WJ #31) – 192 (1988 WJ #42)
Synopsis: Shen performs the Mafuuba, but Piccolo returns the favor and instead traps him in a jar, which he swallows. Goku and Ma Junior begin their epic battle, and Goku manages to rescue God from inside Piccolo. With broken limbs and a hole in his chest, Goku declares that he will win.


ISBN 4-08-851614-1 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: May 15, 1989
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 193 (1988 WJ #43) – 204 (1989 WJ #1/2)
Synopsis: Goku knocks Piccolo out of the ring using Bukujutsu. Goku flies off with Chi Chi to get married. Raditz arrives on Earth and kidnaps Gohan while Piccolo and Goku give chase. Piccolo fires a Makankosappo through Goku and Raditz, killing both Saiyans. Vegeta learns of the dragonballs.


ISBN 4-08-851615-X | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: July 15, 1989
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 205 (1989 WJ #3/4) – 216 (1989 WJ #16)
Synopsis: Gohan begins his year of training with Piccolo while the Z Warriors begin training with God. Goku reaches the end of Snake Road and begins his training with Kaio. Vegeta and Nappa arrive on Earth, and the Z Warriors defeat the Saibaimen. Goku begins his journey back to Earth.


ISBN 4-08-851616-8 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: November 15, 1989
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 217 (1989 WJ #17) – 228 (1989 WJ #28)
Synopsis: The Z Warriors begin their battle with Nappa. Chaozu and Tenshinhan sacrifice themselves to defeat Nappa, but to no avail. Piccolo sacrifices himself to save Gohan and God dies as a result of his death. Goku finally arrives, Vegeta kills Nappa, and they begin their epic battle.


ISBN 4-08-851617-6 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: January 15, 1990
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 229 (1989 WJ #29) – 240 (1989 WJ #40)
Synopsis: Vegeta employs his Power Ball technique to transform into an Oozaru. Goku tries to gather the energy for a Genki-dama, but fails. Yajirobe slices off Vegeta's tail, returning him to normal. Gohan bounces back the Genki-dama that Goku gave to Krillin and sends Vegeta into space.


ISBN 4-08-851618-4 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: April 15, 1990
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 241 (1989 WJ #41) – 252 (1989 WJ #52)
Synopsis: Barely able to crawl, Vegeta flees Earth. Krillin, Gohan, and Bulma leave to gather Namek's dragonballs. Gohan and Krillin arrive on Namek and are attacked by two of Freeza's men. Vegeta shows up shortly thereafter and kills Kui. Goku recovers and heads to Namek.


ISBN 4-08-851619-2 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: July 15, 1990
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 253 (1990 WJ #1/2) – 264 (1990 WJ #13)
Synopsis: While searching for Gohan and Krillin, Dodoria meets his end at the hands of Vegeta. Vegeta learns the true fate of Planet Vegeta. Gohan and Krillin take Dende to their camp, where they learn Goku is on his way. Vegeta has a rather unfortunate run-in with Zarbon.


ISBN 4-08-851620-6 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: October 15, 1990
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 265 (1990 WJ #14) – 276 (1990 WJ #26)
Synopsis: The Eldest hands over the dragonball and awakens Krillin's sleeping powers. Vegeta kills Zarbon and takes Krillin's dragonball. Gohan also receives the Eldest's power-up. The Ginyu Special-Squad arrives, captures the dragonballs, and face off against Vegeta, Krillin, and Gohan.


ISBN 4-08-851414-9 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: January 15, 1991
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 277 (1990 WJ #27) – 288 (1990 WJ #38)
Synopsis: Goku arrives on Namek, rushes to aid his friends, and downs Recoom with one punch. Jhees escapes to retrieve Ginyu to fight Goku. Vegeta leaves the battle to try to find the dragonballs. Realizing Goku has him beat, Ginyu injures himself and switches bodies with Goku.


ISBN 4-08-851415-7 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: March 15, 1991
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 289 (1990 WJ #39) – 300 (1990 WJ #50)
Synopsis: After several body switches, Goku is in his own body again, and Ginyu is in a frog's. Dende, Gohan, and Krillin summon Porunga. Piccolo is revived and transported to Namek. Freeza takes to his second form and battles Vegeta. Piccolo arrives and begins to battle Freeza.


ISBN 4-08-851416-5 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: June 15, 1991
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 301 (1990 WJ #51) – 313 (1991 WJ #11)
Synopsis: Freeza takes to his third form and Piccolo is promptly defeated. Freeza makes his final transformation as Dende heals Vegeta. Goku is fully healed and arrives to save his friends, but Freeza kills Vegeta. Goku buries the Saiyan prince and begins his epically long battle with Freeza.


ISBN 4-08-851417-3 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: August 12, 1991
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 314 (1991 WJ #12) – 325 (1991 WJ #24)
Synopsis: Goku drops a Genki-dama on Freeza, but to their horror Freeza is still alive. Freeza levitates and explodes Krillin, causing Goku to become a Super Saiyan. Freeza blasts Namek's core, starting a long five minute countdown. Kaio has a plan, and everyone on Namek is sent to Earth.


ISBN 4-08-851418-1 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: November 15, 1991
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 326 (1991 WJ #25) – 337 (1991 WJ #36/37)
Synopsis: Goku defeats Freeza and Namek explodes, but Goku narrowly escapes. A mysterious youth appears and dispatches Freeza and his father on Earth. Goku lands and learns of the Artificial Humans from the boy from the future. Three years later No. 19 and No. 20 appear as scheduled.


ISBN 4-08-851419-X | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: March 15, 1992
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 338 (1991 WJ #38) – 349 (1991 WJ #49)
Synopsis: No. 20 absorbs Yamcha's energy, nearly killing him. Goku begins his battle with No. 19, but is weakened by his heart disease. Vegeta arrives, saves Goku, and transforms into a Super Saiyan. Vegeta destroys No. 19, and No. 20 flees to his lab, where he releases No. 17 and No. 18.


ISBN 4-08-851420-3 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: June 15, 1992
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 350 (1991 WJ #50) – 361 (1992 WJ #11)
Synopsis: Not wanting to follow orders, No. 17 kills his creator. No. 16 is activated, and the three head for Goku's house. Vegeta follows, but is disposed of by No. 18. After sensing the monster Cell on Earth, God agrees to once again merge with Piccolo. Piccolo finds Cell, and the two face off.


ISBN 4-08-851686-9 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: August 9, 1992
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 362 (1992 WJ #12) – 373 (1992 WJ #23)
Synopsis: Cell escapes from Piccolo with a Taiyou-ken. Goku recovers from his heart disease and informs everyone about the Room of Spirit and Time. Vegeta and Trunks begin training first. Cell is attracted by the battle between No. 17 and Piccolo, and No. 17 is absorbed by Cell.


ISBN 4-08-851687-7 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: October 7, 1992
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 374 (1992 WJ #24) – 385 (1992 WJ #35)
Synopsis: Vegeta and Trunks emerge from the Room of Spirit and Time, while Goku and Gohan begin their "year" of training. Vegeta tracks down Cell and allows him to reach his perfect form. Vegeta is handily beat by Perfect Cell and Trunks begins to power up to save his father.


ISBN 4-08-851688-5 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: December 31, 1992
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 386 (1992 WJ #36/37) – 396 (1992 WJ #47); Trunks the Story
Synopsis: Trunks gets mopped up by Cell, who then announces a tournament, the Cell Games. Goku and Gohan emerge from their training, having reached a new level. The Z Warriors arrive to challenge Cell, but Mr. Satan goes first and is promptly defeated. We learn the story of Trunks' future.


ISBN 4-08-851689-3 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: June 9, 1993
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 397 (1992 WJ #48) – 408 (1993 WJ #9)
Synopsis: Goku fights Cell but resigns, saying his son will defeat Cell. Cell spawns numerous Cell Jrs. in an effort to spark Gohan's rage. No. 16 urges Gohan to fight, but Cell crushes his head. Watching this sends Gohan over the edge, and he surpasses the level of Super Saiyan.


ISBN 4-08-851700-8 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: September 8, 1993
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 409 (1993 WJ #10) – 420 (1993 WJ #21/22)
Synopsis: Gohan proceeds to kick the crap out of Cell. Cell self-destructs, but Goku sacrifices himself to save everyone. Cell returns and begins his Kamehameha showdown with Gohan. With Goku's encouragement, Gohan vaporizes Cell. The warriors heal and pay their respects to Goku.


ISBN 4-08-851495-5 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: November 9, 1993
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 421 (1993 WJ #23) – 432 (1993 WJ #34)
Synopsis: Gohan, now 16, is attending Orange Star High School in Satan City. Gohan assumes the identity of the Great Saiyaman to fight crime in the city. Gohan eventually teaches Videl and Goten how to fly. The 25th Tenkaichi Budoukai begins and Goku arrives for his one day on Earth.


ISBN 4-08-851496-3 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: April 9, 1994
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 433 (1993 WJ #35) – 445 (1993 WJ #48)
Synopsis: Trunks wins the Junior Division and faces Mr. Satan. Piccolo forfeits his match with Shin and Videl is completely manhandled in her match with Spopovich. Gohan's energy is absorbed by Spopovich and Yamu. Kaioshin and the others give chase while Gohan is healed.


ISBN 4-08-851497-1 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: August 9, 1994
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 446 (1993 WJ #49) – 459 (1994 WJ #12)
Synopsis: Vegeta defeats Pui Pui and Goku defeats Yakon inside Babidi's ship. During Gohan's battle with Dabra, Babidi takes control of Vegeta's mind. Goku and Vegeta begin their second epic battle. Meanwhile, Babidi has gathered enough energy, and prepares to release Majin Buu.


ISBN 4-08-851498-X | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: December 7, 1994
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 460 (1994 WJ #13) – 472 (1994 WJ #26)
Synopsis: Majin Buu easily defeats Dabra. Vegeta knocks out Goku and leaves to take on Buu by himself. Vegeta self-destructs to defeat Buu, but Buu survives. Buu begins to destroy cities at Babidi's orders. Kibito takes Gohan and Kaioshin to heaven. Gohan is given the Z Sword.


ISBN 4-08-851499-8 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: March 8, 1995
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 473 (1994 WJ #27) – 485 (1994 WJ #40)
Synopsis: Goku stalls Majin Buu by showing off the different Super Saiyan forms, and then Majin Buu kills Babidi. Gohan is given a power up by the Elder Kaioshin and Goku teaches Goten and Trunks fusion. Majin Buu splits personalities after Bee is shot by some wicked people and powers up.


ISBN 4-08-851500-5 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: June 7, 1995
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 486 (1994 WJ #41) – 502 (1995 WJ #7)
Synopsis: Piccolo takes Buu to the Room of Spirit and Time to fight Gotenks. Gotenks goes Super Saiyan 3 and blows another hole in space, freeing Piccolo and himself. Gohan completely manhandles Buu. Goku receives the Potara earrings, but Gohan is absorbed before they can use them.


ISBN 4-08-851090-9 | Softcover | New Book Format (11 X 17 cm)

Released: August 9, 1995
Retail: ¥390
Contents: Chapters 503 (1995 WJ #8) – 519 (1995 WJ #25)
Synopsis: Vegetto taunts Buu as he effortlessly beats him. All the prisoners within Buu's body are freed, including Fat Buu. Pure Buu is formed. Goku kills Pure Buu with a Genki-dama. 10 years later, everyone gathers for another Tenkaichi Budoukai. Goku leaves to train Uub... DragonBall ends.
Translations by: TripleRach & Herms
Information/Images by: Hujio


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