What does GT in DBGT stand for?

Dragon Ball GT is a non-canon sequel to Dragon Ball Z, and its story takes place after the events of Dragon Ball Z. Many fans often wonder what the "GT" in the title stands for, especially since it doesn't follow the main storyline from Dragon Ball Z or Dragon Ball Super. The answer is simple, but it may surprise some fans.

GT Stands for “Grand Touring”

In Dragon Ball GT, the "GT" stands for “Grand Touring”. The term "Grand Touring" is usually associated with long-distance travel in comfortable, high-performance cars, and it reflects the adventurous nature of the series. The idea behind the title is that the characters of Dragon Ball GT go on a journey across the universe, just like a grand tour in a high-speed car would involve an exciting and expansive adventure.

This aligns with the storyline of Dragon Ball GT, where Goku, Pan, and Trunks travel to various planets to collect the Black Star Dragon Balls, which have the potential to destroy Earth if not returned within a year. The focus is on exploration and adventure, which fits the concept of "grand touring."

Different From Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super

While Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super are centered around intense battles, power-ups, and the defense of Earth, Dragon Ball GT veers into more cosmic adventures. The "Grand Touring" theme is reflected in the characters’ journey across space and different worlds, where they encounter new challenges and enemies along the way.

Although Dragon Ball GT isn't considered part of the main continuity by many fans (since it wasn’t directly adapted from Dragon Ball manga), it still holds a place in the hearts of Dragon Ball fans who enjoyed seeing the characters embark on a new kind of adventure, even if it wasn’t officially recognized by the creators of the franchise.

Why Did They Choose “GT”?

The choice of "GT" as a title was a creative one, aiming to invoke the feeling of a grand journey across the universe, in the same vein as other grand tours in pop culture. However, it’s worth noting that Dragon Ball GT was initially developed by Toei Animation without the direct involvement of Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball. This decision to use "GT" instead of something more directly related to the Dragon Ball storyline might have been a way to differentiate the series from its predecessors.

Conclusion

So, the "GT" in Dragon Ball GT stands for “Grand Touring”, symbolizing the vast adventures and journeys that the characters undertake in the series. While it may not be part of the official Dragon Ball canon, it remains an interesting addition to the Dragon Ball franchise and is remembered fondly by many fans for its unique storyline and characters, including the transformation of Goku into a child once again and the introduction of new characters like Baby and Super Saiyan 4.