What does z in Dragon Ball Z mean?

The "Z" in Dragon Ball Z has a significant meaning, but its origin and reason for being included are actually quite interesting.

Meaning of the "Z" in Dragon Ball Z:

1. "Z" Represents the End: Initially, Dragon Ball Z was meant to be the final chapter in the Dragon Ball franchise. The "Z" was inspired by the last letter of the alphabet, symbolizing "the end" or "the ultimate conclusion." It was meant to convey that this series would wrap up the story of Goku and his adventures.

2. Impact of "Z" on the Franchise: Despite the original intention for Dragon Ball Z to be the final arc, the popularity of the show, especially in the West, led to the franchise continuing with Dragon Ball GT, and eventually Dragon Ball Super. So, while Dragon Ball Z was initially meant to represent the end, it became iconic, and the "Z" has come to symbolize a new chapter in the Dragon Ball universe, even though the story did not end there.

3. Fun Fact: The Z Wasn't Initially Planned: The original Dragon Ball manga was split into two distinct parts: the early Dragon Ball series, which focused more on Goku’s childhood, and Dragon Ball Z, which was the continuation of the story and the more intense, battle-heavy phase of the series. The name "Z" was chosen by Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, largely because it felt like a fitting title for the saga's tone and power escalation. Toriyama has mentioned that he chose "Z" simply because it felt right for the final saga, not because it had a deeper meaning.

Conclusion:

In short, the "Z" in Dragon Ball Z symbolizes "the end" or "the final" chapter of Goku’s story at the time. While the series didn't truly end there, the "Z" has become a symbol of the action-packed, epic battles and the ultimate moments of the Dragon Ball saga. Even with the continuation in Dragon Ball Super, the "Z" remains a lasting part of the Dragon Ball legacy.