Most anime can only dream of reaching a fraction of the success that's been celebrated by Akira Toriyama's formative shonen series, Dragon Ball. For more than 35 years, Dragon Ball has kept audiences entertained and challenged through Goku's ongoing adventures of increasing intensity.
There are hundreds of episodes between the various Dragon Ball series and any property with this much content is going to slip up with its continuity or require the need for revisions to move the story forward. Toriyama has done impressive work with the consistency across Dragon Ball throughout the years, but there are still certain cases of retcons, some of which have divided the fandom.
10 The Limitations That Surround The Hyperbolic Time Chamber
Time is a luxury that the heroes unfortunately don't often have once evil strikes. The rare instances where they're actually able to prepare for an attack include plenty of shortcuts to get the most out of training. The most advantageous of these tactics is the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, a special realm where individuals can cram an entire year's worth of training into a single day.
Initially, it's explained that each individual can only use the Hyperbolic Time Chamber twice, but the series discards this limitation once more severe villains strike. Dende rebuilds the room after its destruction, and it's possible that its reconstruction has to do with its decreased restrictions.
9 There Are Many Celestial Rulers Who Are More Important Than Grand Kai
Dragon Ball begins as a grounded story that never leaves Earth's atmosphere, but over time Goku meets Kami, King Kai, and other powerful deities who govern over different tiers of existence. Dragon Ball Z introduces Grand Kai as the ruler of the four corners of the universe, but he's eventually made irrelevant through figures like Supreme Kai and Old Kai.
Dragon Ball Super goes even further in this department through the incorporation of Gods of Destruction, Angels, and the Omni-King Zeno. Dragon Ball finds a place for each of these important figures, but Grand Kai gets lost along the way after Goku's extended stint in Other World.
8 Broly Is A More Nuanced Legendary Super Saiyan
There are more than a dozen feature films that tell supplemental Dragon Ball stories, but their existence within the series' canon has always been nebulous. Broly, the Legendary Super Saiyan, proves to be such a popular character from these movies that he's at the center of three separate films.
Dragon Ball Super properly brings the Legendary Super Saiyan into the fold through its own motion picture. The broader strokes of Broly's character remain the same, but his central backstory and why he's combative towards Goku are improved. He gains depth and isn't just a raging loose cannon.
7 The Potara Earring Fusion Isn't Permanent
Dragon Ball's characters ascend to unbelievable heights, but there are still occasions where their strength falls short. Fusion is introduced as a helpful way for two powerful individuals to pool together their strength and skills. The series presents the fusion dance as a temporary take on this union, while the Potara Earrings promise a permanent bond between the two parties.
With great trepidation, Goku and Vegeta put on these earrings to become Vegito, but this fusion is conveniently reversed when they're absorbed by Buu. Vegito returns in Dragon Ball Super and once again this fusion separates.
6 Saiyans Aren't As Extinct As They Seem
Goku and the audience don't even know that Saiyans exist until the events of Dragon Ball Z and at this point their homeworld Planet Vegeta is long gone. It's repeatedly made clear that the bulk of the Saiyans were eradicated along with their planet, yet there never seems to be a shortage of them throughout the series.
Turles, Broly, and even Vegeta's never-before-mentioned brother, Tarble, are all Saiyans who find their way into the series. This is to say nothing of the new crop of Saiyans that enter, courtesy of Universe 6, in Dragon Ball Super.
5 Bardock Is Empathetic & Closer To Goku In Nature
Goku has always been such a special Dragon Ball character because his unique background equips him with Saiyan strength and human empathy. Goku's kindness is not the norm for the warrior race and any brief glimpses of Bardock, Goku's father, presented him as a ruthless fighter.
Goku gains crucial intel about his father from Monaito and Granolah, two individuals who benefitted from Bardock's kindness. Some are frustrated over this change in Bardock's character, but others find it touching that Goku can be proud of his father's individuality.
4 The Continued Returns Of Frieza
Dragon Ball is full of horrific villains, and it's never too long until a new evil presence enters the picture. Plenty of foes have come following Frieza, yet Dragon Ball can't seem to part with the character.
Frieza has figured out ways to escape from the afterlife on multiple occasions, but his cooperative contributions during the Tournament of Power result in him legitimately earning back his mortality. Frieza has made himself a permanent part of the series, and at this point, the audience knows that he's not going anywhere.
3 The Requirements To Become Super Saiyan & The Number Of Levels
Goku's debut transformation into a Super Saiyan remains one of the most exciting sequences from the entire franchise. Goku is only able to reach this milestone after he witnesses the death of his best friend by Frieza's hand.
Moving forward, Vegeta, Gohan, and Future Trunks all have to experience similar breaking points to attain Super Saiyan strength. This becomes more of a casual milestone for Goten and Trunks, and in Dragon Ball Super, Goku refers to an entirely different philosophy in order to help the Universe 6 Saiyans transform.
2 The Shifting Powers Of The Dragon Balls
The titular Dragon Balls are the whole reason that Goku ventures into the world in the first place and there's still one of the most powerful relics in the franchise's universe. There are clear rules and limitations in place for the Dragon Balls when they're first introduced.
Over time, concessions are made to expedite the process, whether that means an increased number of wishes from the Dragon Balls, the number of times that characters can be resurrected, and the existence of multiple sets of Dragon Balls, each with their own abilities.
1 Gohan Doesn't Become The Main Character
The original Dragon Ball chronicles Goku's growth from a child into a married adult. Dragon Ball Z adopts the same approach when it comes to Gohan, Goku's son. Gohan's potential is teased right from the start of the series and he properly surpasses his father during the conclusion of the Cell Saga.
The following story arc begins with Goku deceased and Gohan ready to be Earth's prime protector. Toriyama gets cold feet on this plan and Goku eventually returns and finishes off Buu. It's a disappointing reversal and the series still struggles to get out from under Goku's shadow.