Unleash Your Inner Saiyan Writer
Writing Dragon Ball fan fiction can be an exciting way to immerse yourself in the universe you love while unleashing your creativity. Whether you’re imagining Goku’s next big battle, exploring untold stories of lesser-known characters, or creating your own original Saiyan, this guide will help you build a solid foundation for your fanfic. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
1. Understand the Source Material
Before you put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), familiarize yourself with the world of Dragon Ball. This includes its characters, lore, and tone. Whether it’s the original manga, the anime, or movies, take note of how Akira Toriyama crafts his stories. Dragon Ball is filled with humor, heartfelt moments, and epic battles, and capturing these elements in your writing will make your story feel authentic. Pay attention to character motivations, relationships, and quirks—Goku’s carefree nature, Vegeta’s pride, and Bulma’s ingenuity all help bring the story to life.
2. Choose Your Focus
Decide what aspect of the Dragon Ball universe you want to explore. Are you writing about epic battles on a galactic scale, slice-of-life moments at Capsule Corp, or the backstory of an underappreciated character like Android 17? Narrowing your focus will help you shape your narrative and ensure your story has a clear direction. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even introduce your own original character (OC) to shake up the dynamics—just make sure they fit within the established world and aren’t overly perfect or “overpowered” without reason.
3. Build a Strong Plot
Even the most exciting battles need a solid story to support them. Start with a clear conflict: What does your protagonist want, and what stands in their way? Maybe Gohan is tasked with solving a mystery involving the Dragon Balls, or perhaps a new enemy has arrived from another universe. Whatever the case, structure your story with a beginning, middle, and end. Make sure each scene contributes to the overall plot and gives your characters meaningful moments to grow or shine.
4. Write Engaging Battles
Fights are a core element of Dragon Ball, and writing them can be a challenge. Focus on pacing—combine fast, intense action with slower, strategic moments to keep readers engaged. Describe the techniques, transformations, and emotional stakes clearly. For example, rather than simply stating, “Goku fired a Kamehameha,” you could write, “Goku’s hands glowed with a fiery blue aura as he channeled every ounce of energy into his palms, the iconic cry of ‘KA-ME-HA-ME…’ echoing across the battlefield.” Show how each move affects the characters physically and emotionally, making the battle more immersive.
5. Develop Your Characters
Dragon Ball is beloved because of its iconic characters. When writing fanfiction, stay true to their established personalities while giving them room to grow. If Vegeta is your main character, you might explore his internal struggle between pride and family. If you’re introducing an OC, make sure their motivations and flaws are well-defined. Avoid clichés like the “perfect Saiyan who can defeat Goku effortlessly” unless you have a unique spin to make it interesting. Readers connect with relatable, multi-dimensional characters, so give them depth and authenticity.
6. Add the Right Amount of Humor and Heart
Dragon Ball is as much about comedy and friendship as it is about epic fights. Add moments of levity—like Goku’s love of food or Krillin’s self-deprecating humor—to balance the action. At the same time, don’t shy away from emotional beats. Maybe your story explores Piccolo’s growing bond with Pan or Bulma’s memories of her adventures with Goku. These moments can make your fanfic more memorable and impactful.
7. Edit and Share
Once you’ve finished your first draft, take time to revise. Check for spelling and grammar errors, ensure your story flows smoothly, and make sure the characters stay consistent with their established traits. If possible, ask a fellow Dragon Ball fan to read your work and provide feedback. When you’re ready, share your story on platforms like FanFiction.net, Archive of Our Own (AO3), or dedicated Dragon Ball fan communities. Engaging with readers can be a rewarding way to connect with others who share your passion.
Fanfiction is a chance to expand the Dragon Ball universe in ways only you can imagine. Whether you’re writing about an alternate timeline, exploring the depths of a character’s psyche, or creating a thrilling new saga, remember to have fun with it. The more passion you put into your story, the more readers will feel it. So grab your scouter, power up your creativity, and get writing!
