Dragon Ball #1 Manga Cover

Finally, one of these books I actually read! Akira Toriyama was a genius - he understood what made long term story telling click. If Miyazaki is the Walt Disney of Japan, then Toriyama is the John Ford - consistent story, great production values, amazing look.

And if you're asking why not DBZ instead of Dragon Ball? Well, go look at the art for the covers of DBZ #1 and that should tell you why.