Ever since its launch as a manga series in 1984, Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball franchise has proven to be enormously popular with audiences all over the world. Adapted across multiple anime series including the long-running Dragon Ball Z and its latest sequel series Dragon Ball Super, along with a series of animated films, the property has inspired waves of tie-in merchandising from video games and action figures to apparel and accessories as the most recognizable brand to come out of Japan this side of Hello Kitty.
There are Dragon Ball fans out there who have watched every episode, every film and every special from top to bottom multiple times, those who can recount entire lines of dialogue. For these diehard fans, there are plenty of gifts to choose from, but rare are the ones that complete a truly avid fan's collection. From branded apparel to replica pieces, here is some of the best merchandise to come out of Toriyama's beloved multimedia franchise.
Kame House Swim Trunks
GET IT NOW: $11.99
As beach season comes ever closer, it's time to get an upgrade in swimwear for the summer. Activewear company CHENMA has released a set of men's swim trunks matching the Kame House design worn by the students of Master Roshi including Goku, Krillin and Yamcha.
The shorts are 100% nylon with a mesh weave interior, making it more breathable and fast-drying for swimmers looking to get some water training in while honoring Roshi's Turtle style of martial arts.
Full Dragon Ball Set
GET THEM NOW: $16.95
A set of Dragon Ball merchandise wouldn't be complete without including the Dragon Balls themselves. The seven ancient orbs can be combined to summon the powerful eternal dragon Shenron, who will grant its summoner anywhere from 1-3 wishes depending on the set of Dragon Balls.
Given this reputation, the relics are desperately sought after by characters across the entire franchise and fans can have a complete set of their own. Baken has created a replica set of the seven Dragon Balls, complete with their own gift box and cloth to showcase the relics, built to scale with the series.
Potara Earrings
GET THEM NOW: $17.30
Introduced during the final story arc of Dragon Ball Z, the concept of fusion joins two fighters to form a new, hybrid individual of immense power. One of the methods used to facilitate this process involved mystical Potara earrings.
Worn by the Kais, these divine earrings would join together two individuals who wore the corresponding earring. UU-Style has released a replica set of the earrings made from agate decorative stone and a titanium steel alloy for fans looking for jewelry to subtly show their love of the franchise. Fusion not guaranteed.
Dragon Ball FighterZ
GET IT NOW: $27.00
Goku has appeared in countless video games over the past three decades, but the latest and one of the most acclaimed is Dragon Ball FighterZ. Taking place during the events of Dragon Ball Super, the fighting game features three-on-three battles between the classic heroes and villains of Dragon Ball Z and Super with creative input from Toriyama himself.
A love letter to the anime series, Dragon Ball FighterZ is developed by Arc System Works and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. The game is available on PlayStation , Xbox One and PC.
Workout Gear
GET IT NOW: $30.00
One of the hallmarks of the Dragon Ball franchise is its main characters constantly undergoing rigorous training to increase their power levels. With that in mind, workout clothes based off its fighters' attire is a perfectly fitting gift for the fitness-minded fans. While there are a variety of compression shirts based on designs from Dragon Ball, a set based off of Vegeta's trademark Saiyan armor by AestheticCosplay is a particular favorite.
Reactive Mug
GET IT NOW: $14.99
One of the earliest techniques Goku learns in Dragon Ball Z is Kaio Ken. Taught to him by King Kai, the technique amplifies Goku's abilities in bursts beyond his natural capabilities. Incredibly effective, the move also generates a considerable amount of body heat and taxes his body. Fortunately for fans, a Kaio Ken reactive mug by Keyigou allows fans to enjoy hot beverages with Goku's heat-based aura warning them if their drinks are too hot to handle.
Dragon Ball Super Volume 7 is out on Blu-ray on April 2.