Anime fans often debate about which series is the greatest of all time. In these discussions, the term “Big 3” frequently comes up. But what exactly does it mean, and why isn’t Dragon Ball included?

To understand this, we need to know what constitutes the Big 3 and why Dragon Ball, despite its immense popularity, doesn’t quite fit the mold.

The Big 3 Anime

The term “Big Three” originated in Western anime fandom in the mid-2000s and refers to One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach. These series became synonymous with the shounen genre and were impossible to escape from due to their immense popularity, extensive length, and cultural impact. Let’s take a closer look at each:

One Piece

Created by Eiichiro Oda, One Piece follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew searching for the legendary One Piece treasure. It began in 1997 and is still ongoing, with over 490 million manga copies sold, making it the best-selling manga series ever.

The anime adaptation began airing form 1999 and is still a continuing series. It is equally popular and continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Naruto

Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto tells the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja striving to become the Hokage, the leader of his village. The manga ran from 1999 to 2014, selling over 250 million copies globally.

Its anime adaptation also enjoyed massive success with Naruto from 2002 to 2007 and Naruto Shippuden from 2007 to 2017 and left a lasting legacy in the anime world.

Bleach

Created by Tite Kubo, Bleach centers around Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who gains the powers of a Soul Reaper. The manga was serialized from 2001 to 2016, with over 120 million copies sold.

The initial anime adaptation was broadcast from 2004 to 2012 and during this period it garnered a huge fanbase, contributing to its status as one of the Big 3. The anime is yet to conclude with its sequel Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War still airing in multiple parts.

Also Read: List of Kaiju No 8 Characters Introduced in the Anime

Why These 3 Are Known as the Big 3

The term “Big 3” emerged from fan discussions and reflects the zeitgeist of the anime fandom during the mid-2000s. It’s important to note that this designation is not an official label but a recognition of their shared dominance and influence during that period.

But what exactly made the fans recognize them as the Big 3?

Several factors contributed to One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach being recognized as the Big Three:

Simultaneous Popularity

All three series gained immense popularity around the same time, particularly during the 2000s. Their simultaneous rise created a wave of shonen anime that dominated the scene.

Cultural Impact

These series didn’t just entertain; they influenced the genre and inspired countless other anime and manga. Their characters, storylines, and themes left a lasting mark on the anime world.

Dominance in Media

The Big Three consistently appeared on the covers of Shonen Jump, the most prestigious manga magazine, solidifying their status. They also dominated anime conventions, merchandise, and online forums.

Massive Sales and Viewership

Their commercial success was undeniable. With millions of manga copies sold and high anime viewership ratings, they were both critical and commercial hits.

Also Read: Fubuki Hero Visual Revealed for One-Punch Man Season 3!

Why Dragon Ball is excluded from the Big 3?

Dragon Ball, created by Akira Toriyama, is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and influential anime series of all time. The original manga ran from 1984 to 1995 and has sold over 300 million copies worldwide. Its anime adaptations, including Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, and Dragon Ball Super, have a massive global fanbase.

So, why isn’t Dragon Ball part of the Big 3? The primary reason lies in its timeline. Dragon Ball’s peak popularity occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s, long before the Big 3 Anime emerged. By the time One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach were dominating the scene, Dragon Ball had already established its legacy.

Publication Dates: Dragon Ball’s manga debuted in Japan in 1984 and concluded in 1995. In contrast, One Piece began in 1997, Naruto in 1999, and Bleach in 2001. Their staggered release dates meant they were in the public consciousness simultaneously, whereas Dragon Ball was from an earlier era.

Western Release: Dragon Ball’s anime hit North American TV screens in 1996 and quickly garnered a dedicated fanbase. However, its run of new episodes ended in 2003, before any of the Big Three had started airing. One Piece debuted in North America in 2004, followed by Naruto in 2005 and Bleach in 2006.

Also Read: SPY x FAMILY Season 3 Officially Announced!

Additionally, when Viz Media brought the Dragon Ball manga to America, it wasn’t through the American version of Shonen Jump but as a monthly comic book. This separated it from its contemporaries, making Dragon Ball feel like it belonged to a different era. The Big Three anime were often seen together on Shonen Jump covers, creating a sense of unity among them that Dragon Ball didn’t share.

Dragon Ball’s era preceded the Big Three both in the East and West. When Dragon Ball Z was at its peak, streaming anime online wasn’t a thing, and fans relied on local broadcasts. This meant that by the time the Big 3 Anime started their Western runs, Dragon Ball’s initial hype had already died down.

The Dragon Ball series might not be a part of Big 3 because it is much more iconic!

Dragon Ball was the very first anime that entered the mainstream Western media.

One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach earned their status due to their simultaneous impact and dominance during the 2000s. While Dragon Ball isn’t part of the Big Three, its importance and influence in the anime and manga world are undeniable.