Dragon Ball Z is one of the longest running anime shows to have ever existed and is the sequel to Dragon Ball. It was produced by Toei Animation and was created from the last 26 episodes of the original Dragon Ball. It first debuted on television in Japan in April of 1989 and run for a grand total of 291 full episodes, not concluding until December of 1996.

The anime first premiered in the United States after its conclusion in Japan in 1996. Unfortunately, it was canceled after just two seasons. These two seasons comprised of 53 episodes and these 53 episodes have been recurring on the Cartoon Network ever since. It was during this time that the show gained popularity and the full series began to air, but with Cartoon Network’s own dubbing and voice. These episodes aired from September of 1999 until April of 2003. These episodes had also aired in Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Australia, and New Zealand, becoming an international sensation.

In June of 2009, all episodes of Dragon Ball Z were being re-released in a seven-volume set. This contrasted with Japan’s previously released two-volume set. This set included additional features including a restoration of each frame. The first set was released in November of 2009, the second in February of 2010, and the third on May of 2010. The last four volumes are scheduled for release later throughout this year and 2011.