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Bulma

Bulma is a fictional character in the Dragon Ball manga and anime franchise, created by and first appearing as a 16-year-old scientific genius who invents the Dragon Radar to locate the seven mystical Dragon Balls and embarks on a quest to collect them all. Introduced in the original series as the story's co-lead alongside , whom she recruits as her protector during her initial adventures, Bulma evolves from a spoiled and headstrong teenager into a mature, resourceful ally central to the franchise's narrative across , , and related media. As the daughter of Dr. Brief, the founder of the innovative Capsule Corporation, she inherits and leads the company, leveraging her exceptional intellect to develop groundbreaking technologies that aid the protagonists in their battles against formidable foes. Her inventions and technological contributions, including the Dragon Radar, repairs to extraterrestrial spacecraft, and enhancements to training devices like the gravity chamber, prove indispensable to the Z Fighters' victories and the series' progression. Bulma's further intertwines with the plot; she forms early romantic ties with before marrying the Saiyan prince , with whom she has two children—Trunks and —significantly influencing character arcs such as Vegeta's redemption and the introduction of hybrid Saiyan warriors. Despite lacking combat abilities, her engineering prowess, unyielding determination, and emotional depth make her one of the most enduring and influential female figures in anime history.

Creation and design

Conception and characterization

Bulma was conceived by as a brilliant yet spoiled teenage girl from a wealthy family, serving as the sophisticated urban counterpart to the Goku's feral, rural existence. Drawing inspiration from the 16th-century Chinese novel , Toriyama modeled her after the character Tripitaka (also known as Sanzo), positioning Bulma as the quest's intelligent leader who harnesses the group's potential through her technological ingenuity, much like the priest guides the Monkey King. This contrast was essential to the manga's early gag-adventure tone, serialized in , where Bulma's reliance on gadgets and city-bred sensibilities clashed humorously with Goku's wild instincts. Her characterization emphasized a tsundere-like —initially self-centered and bossy, demanding assistance from others while showcasing her prodigious intellect as an inventor. Toriyama highlighted her bossy demeanor but noted her resourcefulness, stating she "seems like she’d give me at least an air car if I became friends with her" due to her inventive prowess. As the daughter of Capsule Corporation founder Dr. Brief, Bulma's privileged background fueled her spoiled traits, yet her scientific acumen, evident in creations like the Dragon Radar, made her the catalyst for the series' central quest to gather the . She debuted in Chapter 1, "Bulma and ," published on November 20, 1984, in issue #51, immediately establishing her as the story's driving force by enlisting Goku's aid. From the outset, Toriyama planned Bulma's role as through her exasperated reactions and overconfident schemes, while also anchoring the emotional dynamics of the group during the serialization. Over time, her character evolved from a demanding adolescent to a more responsible adult and mother, reflecting the manga's shift from parody to action epic, with her family-oriented control and ongoing inventions underscoring this maturation.

Design evolution and voice acting

Bulma's initial design, conceived by for the original Dragon Ball manga and anime adaptation, featured distinctive hair typically styled in a high ponytail or loose waves, paired with fashionable outfits that evoked teen aesthetics, such as short dresses, high heels, and Capsule Corporation-branded jackets or accessories. These elements emphasized her role as a wealthy, inventive urbanite, with early appearances including provocative attire like a bunny girl costume to highlight her bold personality and the era's stylistic influences. As the series progressed into Dragon Ball Z, Bulma's visual design evolved to reflect her maturation from a teenager to an adult and mother; her hair shifted through multiple styles, including a short bob during the Namek Saga, longer curls post-resurrection, and practical updos during her pregnancy with Trunks, while her wardrobe transitioned to more sophisticated ensembles like lab coats and maternity wear, maintaining the turquoise hue but occasionally varying to or in later arcs. Throughout the franchise, Bulma underwent at least 18 distinct hairstyles, more than any other character, symbolizing her vanity and adaptability to narrative time jumps spanning decades. In anime adaptations, Bulma's design saw minor refinements rather than overhauls. The 2009 Dragon Ball Z Kai remaster, aimed at fidelity to the , featured redrawn scenes with updated animation for lost originals, resulting in cleaner lines and brighter color palettes, though her core hair and outfit proportions remained unchanged; subtle shade adjustments in hair rendering occurred to match modern digital standards, enhancing vibrancy without altering her silhouette. These updates prioritized visual clarity for high-definition broadcasts, preserving her fashionable flair across remasters. Bulma's Japanese voice acting began with , who portrayed the character from the 1986 Dragon Ball anime through Dragon Ball Super until her death on November 16, 2017, delivering a versatile performance that captured Bulma's sassy, intelligent tone across three decades of media. Following Tsuru's passing, Dragon Ball Super episode 116, aired on November 19, 2017, included a dedication tribute at its conclusion, honoring her contributions with on-screen messages from the production team expressing gratitude for her enduring impact. assumed the role starting in 2018 for projects like video games (Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot) and promotional content, providing a continuation that maintained Bulma's energetic delivery while adapting to post-Tsuru narratives; for Dragon Ball Daima (2024), voiced the miniaturized version of Bulma, bringing a youthful yet feisty inflection suited to the series' child-like transformations. In English dubs produced by , Bulma's voice evolved through recasts driven by scheduling and personal commitments. Tiffany Vollmer originated the role starting with episode 54 of the dub in 1999, infusing a youthful, flirtatious edge that defined much of the adaptation through the end of , , and various films, but stepped away due to family priorities, leading to taking over beginning with in 2009 and continuing through , with her warmer, mature timbre accommodating Bulma's adult arcs and proving seamless despite initial fan adjustments to the transition. challenges included matching lip-sync for Bulma's verbose dialogue and ensuring consistency across recasts, particularly as Rial's portrayal balanced humor and authority in high-stakes scenes. For , Taylor Murphy voiced the mini Bulma, offering a fresh, high-pitched interpretation aligned with the series' whimsical tone, while Rial returned for any adult appearances to maintain continuity.

Appearances in the anime and manga

Original Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z

Bulma is introduced in the original Dragon Ball manga and anime as a brilliant 16-year-old scientist and the daughter of Dr. Brief, the founder of the innovative Capsule Corporation, which specializes in compacting large objects into portable capsules. Driven by a desire to collect the seven Dragon Balls to summon Shenron and make a wish for a perfect boyfriend, she invents the Dragon Radar, a device that detects the location of the mystical orbs, marking her first major technological contribution to the series. This invention propels her into an adventurous quest, where she encounters the young Goku, a powerful boy living in isolation, and recruits him as a protector after he refuses to surrender his family's four-star Dragon Ball. Their partnership forms the foundation of the early narrative, blending Bulma's intellect and resourcefulness with Goku's strength. Throughout the Emperor Pilaf Saga, Bulma's role emphasizes her gadgetry and quick thinking amid escalating dangers. Traveling with , she faces threats from the shape-shifting pig and the bandit , with whom she develops a flirtatious romantic tension that evolves into a long-term relationship. The group reaches Emperor 's castle after summoning for his , but the group is captured by , who uses them to summon Shenron for his wish. interrupts by wishing for a pair of . Enraged, orders an attack; Bulma uses a hidden gun (obtained from the wish) and other Capsule Corp tools to defend herself. transforms into a Great Ape upon seeing the , rampaging and destroying the castle, which allows their escape. These events highlight Bulma's vulnerability as a contrasted by her reliance on and alliances, solidifying her as the quest's strategic mind. In the Red Ribbon Army arc, Bulma shifts to a supportive engineering role, leveraging Capsule Corp resources to assist Goku against the militaristic organization seeking the Dragon Balls for global conquest. When Goku's Dragon Radar malfunctions, she repairs it and constructs a submarine to explore an underwater location for a Dragon Ball, enabling the hero's progress despite her absence from direct battles. Her inventions, including various vehicles and tools, underscore her genius in adapting technology to perilous situations, though she remains on the sidelines to avoid combat. This arc also deepens her family ties, as interactions with her parents at Capsule Corp reveal a nurturing home environment amid her absences. As transitions into , Bulma matures into adulthood, taking on more prominent logistical and familial responsibilities. During the Saiyan Saga, she joins , , and others on a journey to Namek aboard a co-designed with her father to pursue the planet's Dragon Balls for reviving fallen friends. On Namek, her boldness shines through flirtations with the alien Zarbon for information, but she faces peril from Frieza's forces, ultimately escaping with the group. Post-saga, , recovering from injuries at Capsule Corp, begins an unlikely romantic relationship with Bulma, sparked by proximity and her assertive personality; this pairing defies initial class differences, with Bulma's confidence drawing the proud Saiyan prince into her orbit. She builds a gravity chamber to facilitate Vegeta's intense training, enhancing his power levels in preparation for future threats. The Cell Saga marks a pivotal expansion of Bulma's family dynamics and inventive legacy. Her relationship with Vegeta culminates in the birth of their son Trunks, conceived shortly after the Androids' initial threat emerges, providing emotional stakes amid the escalating crisis. Collaborating with Future Trunks from an alternate timeline—sent via a she constructs—Bulma repairs and refines the device, enabling temporal interventions against the androids and . This invention, powered by advanced Capsule Corp tech, proves crucial to averting catastrophe, while her interactions with her eccentric parents, Dr. Brief and the carefree Mrs. Brief, offer and reinforce the supportive household at Capsule Corp. Bulma's evolution from adventurous teen to devoted mother and key innovator cements her indispensable role in the Z fighters' successes.

Dragon Ball Super and Dragon Ball Daima

In , Bulma continues to leverage her scientific expertise and wealth to support the Z Fighters during major cosmic threats. During the Battle of Gods arc, she hosts a lavish birthday party on a , inadvertently drawing the attention of the , who arrives seeking the Super Saiyan God; her confrontation with Beerus, including slapping him after he disrupts the event, escalates the conflict and motivates to intervene protectively. In the Resurrection 'F' arc, Bulma uses her family's resources to broker alliances, such as funding efforts to revive the fallen and providing logistical support against Frieza's return. Bulma's ingenuity shines in the Universe 6 saga, where she organizes preparations for the inter-universal by inventing the Super Dragon Radar, a advanced device capable of detecting the massive Super Dragon Balls across universes after she and Jaco travel to Planet Zuno for critical intelligence. This invention proves pivotal in locating the final Super Dragon Ball, enabling Universe 7's participation. Later, in the "Future" Trunks saga, a brief mention highlights Future Bulma's sacrifice, as she provides time machine fuel to her before being killed by Goku Black, underscoring the timeline's stakes. The series also explores Bulma's family milestones, particularly her and the birth of her daughter during the Universe Survival saga; Whis assists in the delivery at Capsule Corporation, allowing Bulma to name the child after her preference despite Vegeta's initial suggestion of "." Her marriage to Vegeta remains strained by his intense training regimen but affectionate, as seen in moments where he prioritizes family, such as returning from off-world training for Bulla's birth. In Dragon Ball Daima (2024–2025), Bulma assumes a prominent supporting role amid the Z Fighters' miniaturization by Demon Realm forces, using her technical prowess to aid their quest for reversal Dragon Balls. Shrunken alongside her allies, she repairs Supreme Kai Shin's damaged in just ten days with Kibito's assistance and Capsule Corporation drones, adapting designs from ally Glorio's vessel to expedite the process and enable travel to the Demon Realm. Once there, Bulma collaborates with Panzy on repairs and , discovering a magical stone embedded in the engine that enhances their capabilities during encounters with Tamagami guardians. Her adventures in the Demon Realm involve acquiring rare treasures, such as strength-amplifying artifacts from local markets and , which bolster the group's survival against demonic threats like Gomah's forces. Comedic arises in her interactions with , including a scene where she threatens to withhold shared baths if he refuses to yield a battle against Gomah, forcing his immediate retreat and highlighting their dynamic partnership. Throughout both series, Bulma's evolving family life centers on raising Trunks, now a teenager assisting in Capsule Corporation operations, and infant , whose care often pulls from training; this balance reflects a maturing household where Bulma's independence complements Vegeta's growth into a devoted father.

Dragon Ball GT

In , a non-canon series that diverges from the main continuity established by Toriyama's , Bulma assumes a primarily supportive , leveraging her technological expertise to aid the protagonists while appearing less prominently than in prior installments. Toriyama himself characterized the series as a "grand side-story" of the original , noting his limited involvement beyond the title and initial concept designs. This setup emphasizes Bulma's behind-the-scenes contributions through Capsule Corporation, contrasting with her more adventurous presence in the core canon narratives. Bulma's most notable involvement occurs early in the Black Star Dragon Ball saga, where she urgently constructs a advanced spaceship after Emperor Pilaf's misuse of the Dragon Balls turns Goku into a child and scatters the Black Star Dragon Balls , imposing a one-year deadline to prevent Earth's explosion. She coordinates with her adult son Trunks, who has taken over as president of Capsule Corporation, to prepare and launch the vessel carrying , Trunks, and on their interstellar quest. These interactions underscore Bulma's ongoing family ties and her pivotal function in enabling the journey, drawing on inventions reminiscent of her earlier Capsule Corp innovations like the time machine from . Throughout the subsequent Baby and Shadow Dragon sagas, Bulma's appearances remain brief and secondary, often tied to family dynamics and crisis response. In the Baby saga, she falls under the parasite villain Baby's control via infectious eggs dispersed across , compelling her to assist in schemes such as refining Blutz Wave technology to enhance Vegeta's power during his temporary possession and fusion-related confrontations. Later, in the Shadow Dragon saga, she reunites with the returning heroes at Capsule Corp, supporting efforts to confront the corrupted dragons born from overused Dragon Balls, though her direct involvement is minimal compared to the combat-focused narrative. Overall, Bulma's reduced prominence in GT highlights a shift toward logistical and familial support, diverging from the more central character development seen in the mainline canon series like .

Appearances in films and other media

Feature films

Bulma's appearances in the Dragon Ball feature films highlight her as a resourceful inventor and bold ally, often providing technological aid or direct confrontations in high-stakes scenarios. These roles differ from her primary support functions in the anime, featuring more dynamic cameos amid action-driven plots. In the canon films directly scripted by Akira Toriyama, Bulma serves as a central facilitator and family anchor. In Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013), she hosts an extravagant birthday party at Capsule Corporation, gathering the Z Fighters and inadvertently drawing Beerus to Earth in his search for the Super Saiyan God; her impulsive slap against Beerus escalates tensions and underscores Vegeta's protective instincts toward her. In Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F' (2015), Bulma receives warning of Frieza's resurrection from Jaco and rallies the Z Fighters via communication devices, later defiantly taunting Frieza during his invasion of Earth to buy time for Goku and Vegeta's arrival through instant transmission. Her tech expertise shines in Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018), where she deploys the Dragon Radar to track the Dragon Balls and supplies aircraft for transport to the arctic battle site against Broly, while offering emotional support to Vegeta and Trunks amid the family-oriented conflict. In Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022), Bulma attends a celebratory event at Capsule Corporation, accidentally loses the Dragon Radar leading to the use of the Dragon Balls for her rejuvenation, and provides analytical support and gadgets to aid Gohan and Piccolo against the Red Ribbon Army's threats. The non-canon films, produced independently of the main continuity, portray Bulma in varied supporting capacities, frequently involving peril or invention to advance the isolated stories. Early entries like Dead Zone (1989) place her in a kidnapping subplot, where Garlic Jr.'s forces target , prompting Bulma to equip with the Dragon Radar for rescue efforts. In The Tree of Might (1990), she joins , , and on a trip disrupted by Turles' arrival and the parasitic Tree of Might, contributing observational support as the group witnesses the environmental devastation and ensuing battles. She makes a brief appearance in the ending of Bio-Broly (1994), joining the in post-battle reflection without active involvement. In Wrath of the Dragon (1995), Bulma's inventive prowess is prominent: she constructs a containment barrier around the rampaging Hirudegarn and fabricates a melody-emitting to secure , enabling the to seal the monster. These film depictions emphasize action-integrated cameos for Bulma, contrasting her more consistent background advisory roles in the television series. Additionally, Future Bulma appears in the 1993 TV special The History of Trunks, tied to non-canon Android-era narratives, where she engineers the that allows Trunks to alter the timeline against the Androids.

Video games and additional media

Bulma has appeared in numerous Dragon Ball video games, primarily in supporting roles that highlight her inventive prowess and connections to the main cast. In the series, developed by and published by , she functions as a key NPC in the Time Nest hub, assisting the player character with technological inventions and guidance on time travel mechanics. In (2018), also by and , Bulma features prominently in the story mode as a non-playable ally, providing gadget-based assists such as capsules and devices to aid fighters against the android threat. The Budokai series, including titles like : Budokai 3 (2004), includes Bulma in supporting capacities, such as NPC interactions related to Capsule Corporation. In spin-off media, Bulma plays notable roles that expand her character beyond the core narrative. The Super Dragon Ball Heroes arcade game and its promotional manga, produced by Bandai Namco, feature Bulma as a playable character in select missions, often deploying her scientific skills to support multiverse battles against villains like Fu. Dragon Ball Super side stories in the manga, such as those serialized in V-Jump, depict Bulma hosting Future Trunks and Mai at Capsule Corporation, showcasing her maternal and resourceful side in post-tournament scenarios. Merchandise tied to Bulma emphasizes her association with Capsule Corporation, including apparel and collectibles that capture her fashionable persona. Official lines from retailers like BoxLunch offer Capsule Corp-branded t-shirts and jerseys modeled after Bulma's iconic outfits, such as her bunny girl attire or lab coats, appealing to fans of her stylish designs. Figurines from Bandai's S.H.Figuarts series portray Bulma in dynamic poses with accessories like the Dragon Radar, highlighting her adventurous inventor archetype. Real-world collaborations, such as Graniph's apparel drops, include Bulma-inspired items like capsule-motif hoodies that blend her tech-savvy aesthetic with modern streetwear. In mobile gaming, Bulma receives unique treatment with that brings her personality to life. : Dokkan Battle, developed by Akatsuki and published by , makes Bulma a playable support unit in various forms, including her youth version, where she provides buffs via inventions and features full Japanese voice lines by . Bulma's live-action portrayal occurs in the 2009 film , directed by James Wong, where she is played by as a brilliant archaeologist wielding high-tech gadgets in the quest for the Dragon Balls. Promotional tie-ins for the franchise have included Capsule Corp-themed real-world events, such as pop-up shops in featuring Bulma-branded tech replicas to promote game releases.

Reception and legacy

Critical analysis

Early critiques of Bulma's character development highlight her transformation from a stereotypical in the original series to an empowered female lead, as analyzed in companion literature to the . In her initial appearances, Bulma relies on Goku for protection during perilous quests, embodying the classic trope of a vulnerable urban girl thrust into adventure, yet her ingenuity in inventing the Dragon Radar demonstrates emerging that propels the narrative forward. Discussions on representation in Dragon Ball often contrast Bulma's intellectual prowess with pervasive fanservice elements, positioning her as a complex figure among shōnen heroines. While her scientific genius—evident in creations like and scouters—establishes her as a vital strategist, the series frequently sexualizes her through nudity gags and voyeuristic humor, such as incidents involving , which critics argue undermines her autonomy in a male-dominated genre. Compared to other shōnen protagonists like those in or , Bulma stands out for her non-combat but shares the trope of being objectified to appeal to young male audiences, as noted in scholarly examinations of manga's intercultural dynamics where her name (meaning "") reinforces connotations in shōnen narratives. Bulma's thematic role serves as a bridge between the human and superhuman worlds, grounding the series' escalating fantastical elements in relatable perspective. As the archetypal "western girl" contrasting Goku's primal, origins, she facilitates alliances and innovations that connect ordinary humanity to Saiyan and divine realms, though critiques note her frequent sidelining during high-stakes action arcs in favor of male fighters. Recent post-Dragon Ball Super analyses emphasize her evolution into a multifaceted and to Vegeta, balancing Capsule Corporation leadership with family responsibilities, such as raising Trunks and Bulla amid cosmic threats, which highlights themes of domestic and mutual in their unconventional . Academic explorations of technological innovation in further underscore Bulma's contributions, portraying her inventions as symbolic of human ingenuity driving conflicts, though her role remains underemphasized in broader power fantasies.

Popularity and cultural impact

Bulma has garnered significant popularity among fans, frequently ranking as one of the franchise's top female characters in various assessments. In a ranking by , she was named the best female character in the series due to her , resourcefulness, and enduring presence across decades of . Similarly, a 2024 Game Rant article highlighted her as a standout genius scientist among shonen anime's smartest female leads, emphasizing her inventions that support the protagonists without relying on prowess. These rankings underscore her appeal as a multifaceted figure who combines brains, boldness, and humor, resonating particularly with audiences who value non-fighter roles in action-oriented narratives. Her prominence extends to fan culture, where Bulma cosplays are highly prevalent at conventions worldwide. Cosplay enthusiasts often recreate her iconic outfits, from the pink dress of her early adventures to her Capsule Corporation lab attire, as showcased in a 2019 feature on ten exceptional Bulma cosplays that capture her adventurous spirit. This popularity reflects her versatile design and relatable personality, making her a staple at events like Comic-Con, where attendees draw inspiration from her tech-savvy to create detailed, character-driven interpretations. Bulma's influence on pop culture is evident in her role as a pioneering tech-savvy female character in , inspiring subsequent archetypes of intelligent women in science fiction and genres. A 2015 analysis on Women Write About Comics noted that her legacy at Capsule Corporation has paved the way for leading ladies who blend innovation with agency, influencing portrayals in later series by establishing a model for non-supernatural heroines who drive plots through intellect. Beyond , Dragon Ball elements, including Bulma's gadgeteering style, have appeared in parodies; for instance, a 2018 fan-edited mash-up on reimagined in the style of episodes, incorporating high-energy tech and tropes reminiscent of her inventions. The character's global reach spans and fandoms, with Bulma maintaining strong appeal in both regions through her consistent appearances and relatable traits. In , her status as the series' longest-running female lead has cemented her as a , while in the , she enjoys widespread recognition via dubs and adaptations that highlight her wit and family dynamics. Capsule Corporation has become a lucrative merchandise brand, with products like apparel and accessories generating extensive lines sold through retailers such as and , capitalizing on her inventive persona. Real-world discussions of her capsule technology further amplify this impact; a 2023 interview on the official website featured scientists debating the feasibility of Hoipoi Capsules, exploring concepts like compact storage that echo modern advancements in and portable tech. Following the 2024–2025 release of Daima, Bulma's expanded role reignited fan interest, contributing to the series' trending status on platforms and highlighting her enduring legacy in tributes to the franchise's voice actors.