01) Dragon Ball Z
Do I even have to say it? The milestones that Dragon Ball Z set for Toonami were numerous and it remained a valuable player even after the series ended. From 1998 until 2008, Dragon Ball was rarely apart from Toonami. The original Dragon Ball also deserves its due. The two series in concert, kept viewers coming back for more and more.
Back in its heyday, the franchise was untouchable. DBZ’s incredible success allowed Toonami to pick up dozens of anime and established the block as a force to be reckoned with. Its outstanding success lead to fruitful relationship with FUNimation and that relationship was a vital component in Toonami’s return to television and brought us the likes of Yu Yu Hakusho, Fullmetal Alchemist, Deadman Wonderland, One Piece, Space Dandy, Attack on Titan and of course every other iteration of the Dragon Ball franchise.
Once again Dragon Ball proves invaluable on the current Toonami in the form of Dragon Ball Z Kai and now Dragon Ball Super. Kai has smashed the impressive records of Bleach and Attack on Titan and it proves its value as the flagship each and every week it airs and Dragon Ball Super shall continue that tradition in the years ahead. While many would argue the Dragon Ball franchise has been both a blessing and a curse for Toonami, its impact on the block’s past and present and future cannot be denied.
Closing Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane as I highlighted the series that made Toonami what was, what it is and what it may become. I could certainly revise this list someday. Toonami is always changing and my perspective of the block’s history changes with it. Perhaps some other show from Toonami’s history will play a bigger role down the line. Only time will tell. Thank you for reading and supporting. Here is to many more years of best source of action animation on television.
-Andrew “Sketch” Hingson
Editor and Chief of ToonamiFaithful.com