It focuses on a character named Goku. He is an eight year old boy, although not an ordinary one. He is adopted by his grandfather, Gohan, right out of the wilderness. Goku is very strong and agile and is afraid of nothing. His grandfather is mysteriously killed by a monster at night leaving Goku alone to fend for himself.

Goku meets a female named Bulma that is in search of DragonBalls. Goku has one which he values very much. Bulma talks Goku into giving the DragonBall to her as he will receive a wish if all 7 DragonBalls are found. They both go off on their search together.

DragonBall covers a period of about 15 years from when Goku is just 8 years old until he finally marries Chichi. It is primarily based on Goku’s life and has much less violence and much more harmless humor than DragonBall Z.