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Bulma
Dragon Ball character
Sketch of Bulma by Akira Toriyama
First appearanceDragon Ball chapter #1 Bulma and Son Goku, 19 June 1984 (Weekly Shōnen Jump 1984 #51)
Created byAkira Toriyama
Portrayed by
Other:
  • Lee Joo-hee (Fight Son Goku, Win Son Goku)
  • Jeannie Hsieh (The Magic Begins)
Voiced by (Japanese)Hiromi Tsuru (1986–2017)
Aya Hisakawa (2018–present)[1]
Mai Nakahara (Mini; Dragon Ball Daima)[2]
Voiced by (English)
Other:
In-universe information
SpeciesHuman
GenderFemale
OccupationInventor, engineer, and CEO of Capsule Corporation
FamilyDr. Brief (father)
Bulma's mom [ブルマの母] (mother)
Tights (older sister)
SpouseVegeta
ChildrenTrunks
Bulla
RelativesKing Vegeta (father-in-law, deceased)
Tarble (brother-in-law)
Tights (sister)
Vegeta Jr. (descendant; Dragon Ball GT)

Bulma (Japanese: ブルマ, Hepburn: Buruma) is a fictional character in the Dragon Ball franchise, first appearing in the original manga series created by Akira Toriyama. She made her appearance in the first chapter "Bulma and Son Goku", published in Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine on 19 June 1984, issue 51,[3] meeting Goku and befriending him and traveling together to find the wish-granting Dragon Balls.

Bulma is the daughter of Dr. Brief, the founder of Capsule Corporation, a company that creates special small capsules that shrink and hold objects of various sizes for easy storage. Being the daughter of a brilliant scientist, Bulma is also a scientific genius, as well as an inventor and engineer. Along with creating the Dragon Radar, a device that detects the energy signal emitted by a Dragon Ball, Bulma's role as an inventor becomes important at several points in the series; including the time machine that brings her future son Trunks to the past.

Creation and design

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The relationship between Bulma and Goku is analogous to Wu Cheng'en's depiction of the dynamic between Sun Wukong and Tang Sanzang.[4]

Bulma is loosely based on the character Tang Sanzang from the Chinese classic novel Journey to the West.[4] Bulma and Goku were the first pair of characters which were introduced in the manga and Toriyama stated that he subsequently introduced other characters in pairs because "that way, I'm able to explain the characters and their relationship to each other through their interactions. In my case, I feel that it isn't good to insert too much narration. I suppose Goku and Bulma are representative of that." He further added that "as a child, Goku doesn't know anything [of the world], so without Bulma, he'd be a character who didn't say anything."[5] The author also claimed that when the series started, his editor at the time, Kazuhiko Torishima, wanted Bulma and Goku to form a romantic relationship.[6]

Bulma's appearance in the series is not as consistent as the other characters as she often changes her hairstyle and clothing, being fashion-conscious. Her hair is usually depicted in a shade of fuchsia, although in the first chapter and the anime, her hair is turquoise. When asked about the first time Bulma's hairstyle changed, Toriyama said it was to show that three years had passed and because he personally liked girls with short hair.[7] She sometimes wears clothing with either her name on it or the Capsule Corporation logo.[8]

Her name "Buruma" is the Japanese pronunciation of "bloomer", a type of gym shorts worn by Japanese girls at school.[7][9][10][11] As with most characters in the Dragon Ball series, Bulma's name is consistent with those of the rest of her family. All of Bulma's family members are named after underclothing of some sort.[11] Her father's name is Dr. Brief, while her son and daughter are named Trunks and Bra (ブラ, Bura; "Bulla" in the English anime dub) respectively. Her mother is never named in the original series, being referred to only as "Bulma's Mother" (ブルマのママ, Buruma no Mama). However, when asked in 2004 what name he would choose if he were to name her mother, Toriyama suggested Panchy (パンチー, Panchī), a pun on panties.[12] However, in the video game, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, Bulma's mother's name was revealed as Bikini (ビキニ, Bikini). Toriyama stated in an interview that Bulma's family has a "laissez-faire attitude, but Bulma has complete control over things."[13]

Voice actors

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Bulma was voiced by Hiromi Tsuru in all Japanese media until her death in November 2017.[14] As a new voice actress at the time, she had to audition for the part. She also said that all her previous roles were well-behaved characters, but Bulma was easy to play because she is down-to-earth.[15] In February 2018, Aya Hisakawa was announced as the new voice actress for Bulma.[1]

In Funimation's in house English dub, Bulma is voiced by Tiffany Vollmer in the original Dragon Ball series.[16] After Vollmer retired from voice acting, she was replaced by Monica Rial starting from Dragon Ball Z Kai.[17]

Characterization

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Bulma's appearance in the anime is slightly different from the manga. In the manga version, her hair color is violet, while in the anime it is turquoise. Her long hairstyle stays shoulder-length as a teenager. She changes her hairstyle and cuts very often, and rarely wears the same dress for long periods. Many of the dresses that she wears bear her name or the Capsule Corporation logo.

Bulma is presented as an extraordinarily intelligent individual, being able to create technology capable of feats beyond contemporary science. She usually displays strong analytical skills and the ability to recognize design and engineering styles. Although not a martial artist, Bulma occasionally defends herself with the use of firearms and other technological equipment. Like Goku, Bulma does not display the conventional heroic traits of helping others; Her selfishness is highlighted in her wishes with the Dragon Balls and her decision to leave Goku behind from a collapsing sea cave. In contrast, the Bulma of Future Trunks' dimension is characterised as selfless, shown by her decision to sacrifice herself to save Trunks from Goku Black. Bulma is also characterised as being courageous and straightforward, often choosing to accompany Goku into dangerous situations and criticising people for their wrongdoings.

Appearances

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Dragon Ball

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A teenaged Bulma as depicted in the character's first appearance.

Bulma is introduced as the teenage inventor of the Dragon Radar (ドラゴンレーダー, Doragon Rēdā), a device used to detect the Dragon Balls that she is searching for.[8] She was hoping to use the Dragon Balls to wish for the perfect boyfriend. While searching for a nearby Dragon Ball, she runs into Goku and finds out that he inherited the four-star Dragon Ball from his adoptive father Grandpa Son Gohan. Because of Goku's love for the ball and his belief that his Grandpa's spirit lives in the ball, Goku is not willing to give it up. Bulma then asks him to loan it to her in exchange for taking him on her travels. At that point, they team up to find the remainder of the balls and the adventure begins.[18]

As the search progresses, Bulma and Goku meet Master Roshi after finding his pet turtle; Oolong, a shapeshifting pig who is terrorizing a village; and Yamcha, and his shapeshifting cat companion Pu'ar, a desert bandit who Bulma soon finds herself attracted to, and who she eventually starts a romantic relationship with.

After five years of peace, an evil menace comes to the Earth. It is Goku's elder brother, an extraterrestrial Saiyan named Raditz. After Goku and Piccolo kill him, Bulma takes the Scouter (スカウター, Sukautā) from Raditz and fixes it to find the power levels of people in human numbers. During the subsequent battle against Vegeta and Nappa, Yamcha, Tien Shinhan, Chiaotzu and Piccolo are killed, and because Piccolo dies, the Dragon Balls are rendered useless.[19]

After Goku defeats the Saiyans, Bulma volunteers to travel to Piccolo's home planet, Namek, and use the Namekian Dragon Balls to restore Yamcha and the others back to life. In need of a spaceship, Mr. Popo reveals one to Bulma, which had been the ship Kami had used to travel to Earth when he was a boy. She repairs the ship with the help of her father and flies off to Namek with Krillin and Son Gohan.[20] After Goku defeats the tyrant Frieza, Yamcha and the others who were killed are revived by Porunga, the dragon of the Namekian Dragon Balls. Vegeta returns to Earth, staying with Bulma and her family.

Several years before the arrival of the Androids, Bulma ends her relationship with Yamcha and begins a relationship with Vegeta that leads to the birth of their son, Trunks.[21] She used Dr. Gero's stolen blueprints to build a detonator to destroy the Androids, but Krillin broke it after realizing his feelings for Android 18. With her father's help, Bulma later repairs Android 16 before the Tournament of Martial Arts.

In the alternate future timeline, Bulma survives the Androids' onslaught and lives at the former site of Capsule Corp. She spends most of her life devoted to building a time machine, attempting to prevent the devastation brought by the Androids. She is very protective of Trunks and hates the idea of him fighting, but nevertheless allows him to travel to the past to deliver Goku an antidote for a heart virus that claimed his life in the alternate timeline. Once the Androids (or more importantly, Cell) are taken care of in the main timeline, Trunks returns to his original time and defeats the much weaker Androids and Cell with ease, thus restoring peace to the future timeline world.[22]

Seven years after the battle against the Androids, Bulma helps Gohan by making a watch which automatically changes his clothes into a superhero costume so he could fight crime, without his real identity being known.[23] She and the other heroes, except for Goku, Vegeta, Tien, Chiaotzu, and Gohan, hide at Kami's from the monstrous Majin Buu, however, she is killed when Buu turns her into chocolate and eats her. Bulma is revived by the Porunga, along with the rest of the Earth, and gives her energy to Goku to eliminate Majin Buu once and for all.[24] Many years later, she gives birth to her and Vegeta's daughter, Bulla.

Dragon Ball Super

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Before Bulla's birth, during the events of Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods and the first half of the first season of Dragon Ball Super, Bulma hosts a party with the prize being the Dragon Balls and unknowingly provoked the Destroyer God Beerus into nearly destroying Earth when she slapped him for ruining the event.[25] She would soon learn of the resurrected Frieza's advance on Earth from her old friend Jaco (ティリメンテンピボッシ • ジャコ, Tirimentenpibosshi Jako) during the second half of the first season and Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F', narrowly escapes being when Frieza destroys Earth thanks to Whis rewinding the event so he can quickly be killed.[26]

After Frieza's defeat, she creates the Super Dragon Radar to find the Super Dragon Balls in Universe 7 first to prevent Beerus from using them to wish for the total annihilation of the entire universe.[27] The alternate timeline version of Bulma is killed by Goku Black. After Bulma reunites with Trunks,[28] Bulma works on a time machine to send him back to his timeline to defeat Goku Black. After an unsuccessful attempt, Bulma travels with them to the timeline, showing Trunks a recording of Piccolo performing the Evil Containment Wave and fighting with and being injured by Zamasu.[29] Bulma tries creating a time machine, only for Beerus to destroy it[30] and she later summons Beerus to quell a perceived threat from Arale and then satisfies his taste by using Senbei's Reality Machine and viewers of the award ceremony she was attending to imagine the most tasteful food they could think of.[31]

In the Universe Survival Saga, Bulma agreed to pay 100 million Zeni to every member of Team Universe 7 who participated in the Tournament of Power if their team wins. It is also revealed that Bulla's birth is the result of Whis using his divine powers to hasten her conception, allowing Vegeta to participate in the tournament without worry.[32] She later accompanies Goku and Vegeta during the events of Dragon Ball Super: Broly when Frieza is trying to use Earth's Dragon Balls, revealed to have been using the wishes as a form of cosmetic surgery to maintain her youthful appearance. Following the event, as revealed in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, Bulma established a branch of Capsule Corp to acquire the Dragon Balls for her so they would not fall into evil hands.

In Toriyama's films

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Bulma appears in eight Dragon Ball Z films; in the first movie, Bulma makes a brief appearance when using the Dragon Radar to find Gohan after his abduction by Garlic Jr.'s henchman;[33] in the second, she is used as leverage by Kochin to get Master Roshi to come back to the lair of Dr. Wheelo, where she is forced to accompany him as well;[34] in the third, she is seen camping with Oolong and Krillin before the Tree of Might is planted and later appears at Goku's home;[35] in the fourth, Bulma's mind is probed by Lord Slug to aid in his quest to secure the Dragon Balls, her losing consciousness thereafter;[36] in the eighth, she makes a small appearance at the beginning, attending a picnic with the other characters;[37] in the ninth, Bulma watches a fighting tournament with Chi-Chi and Trunks while baring her midriff in a yellow tank crop top with short-shorts, a yellow headband, and a pearl necklace; arguing with Chi-Chi during the shared viewing;[38] in the twelfth, Bulma gathers the Dragon Balls to send the souls of the deceased back to Other World;[39] in the thirteenth, Bulma creates a room for Tapion who she confronts over the friendship he has established with her son.[40]

In other media

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Before the debut of the Dragon Ball anime, Bulma made her first anime debut in the film, Remember My Love in the Urusei Yatsura series, released on 26 January 1985, albeit in a cameo role.[41]

In filler episodes of Dragon Ball Z, during the Namek arc, Bulma travels to a fake Namek. While on Namek, she meets Captain Ginyu after his defeat by Goku, which results in him switching bodies with a frog. Because she does not know the frog's true identity, she bonds with him, leading her to create a machine for him to communicate with her. Ginyu uses the machine to utter the name of his technique Body Change, allowing him to switch bodies with Bulma and leave her trapped in the frog's body. Bulma manages to stay around him as he looks for Frieza, and the two encounter Gohan, Krillin, and Piccolo while they are watching Goku and Frieza fight. Gohan realizes the change just as Ginyu attempts to switch bodies with Piccolo, and Bulma receives her body back when Gohan throws her in the way of the technique. Bulma is then blown away from the battlefield and later uses Ginyu to try to find out how the battle is progressing. During the Garlic Jr. arc, Bulma falls under the control of the Black Water Mist, leading her to attack her unaffected friends, being freed of the condition later on.

In Dragon Ball GT, she becomes possessed by Baby, who takes her as his apparent queen (or second in command), as possessing Vegeta gave him all of his memories and emotions. During this time, she organizes the migration to Planet Vegeta (renamed Planet Tuffle), and creates the Super Bruits Wave Generator (超ブルーツ波発生装置, Chō Burūtsuha Hassei Sōchi) that helps Baby become the Saiyan's Golden Great Ape transformation. However, the Holy Water hidden in Dende's Lookout is used to free her and the rest of Earth from Baby's enslavement. Later, she helps Vegeta reach Super Saiyan 4 by exposing him to a new Super Bruits Wave Generator, and witnesses Omega Shenron's defeat at the hands of Goku.[42]

Bulma usually appears as a non-playable character in cut scenes for most Dragon Ball video games, such as Advanced Adventure, Budokai and Budokai 3. However, she is a playable character in Dragon Ball: Origins and its sequel. In Dragon Power, the North American version of Dragon Ball: Shenlong no Nazo that removes all references to Dragon Ball, her character was named "Nora". In Budokai 2, Bulma sells capsules in the Skill Shop. In Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi, Bulma appears in the Options Mode explaining how the various game settings work. In Budokai Tenkaichi 2, she appears in the data center, explaining about custom characters and in practice mode. Bulma is a Help Koma in Jump Ultimate Stars; giving more SP for collected coins to the Battle Koma she is attached to. Though she does not appear in Dragon Ball: Xenoverse, she is mentioned during the story mode fight against Beerus as having slapped him, as the fight is based on the film Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods.[43] Bulma is an assist character in Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butōden, firing a gun.[44]

Bulma has been portrayed by Jeannie Hsieh in the unofficial live-action Dragon Ball movie Dragon Ball: The Magic Begins. She was also featured in the 1990 unofficial Korean adaptation, where she was played by Lee Ju Hee. Bulma appeared in the live-action film Dragonball Evolution, portrayed by Emmy Rossum.[45] Rossum described her portrayal of Bulma in Dragonball Evolution as "pretty bad-ass, but still quirky and fun, and kind of ridiculous in the way she is in the anime."[45]

Bulma has a cameo in the 2006 Dragon Ball and One Piece crossover, Cross Epoch. She is partnered up with the character Nami and the two act as a pair of space pirates. In the final chapter of Toriyama's 2013 manga series Jaco the Galactic Patrolman, it is revealed that the series is set before Dragon Ball, and Bulma makes an appearance as a child, as do her father and mother. The character Tights (タイツ, Taitsu), is actually revealed to be Bulma's older sister.[46] To promote the 2015 Resurrection 'F' movie, a blog run by Bulma was launched on the website Ameblo.[47]

Reception

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Cosplay of an older Bulma as the mother of Trunks

Brian Camp and Julie Davis, the authors of Anime Classics Zettai!: 100 Must-See Japanese Animation Masterpieces, noted that Bulma's character went through the greatest number of changes in the series, and praised the evolution of her character from a "brass, boy-crazy teen girl" in the earliest episodes of Dragon Ball to winding up as one of the matriarchs of the group. They further added that while Goku is the heart and soul of the group, Bulma is its body, the one who gives it structure and cohesion.[48]

Bulma's voice actress, Hiromi Tsuru, said she liked Bulma, describing the character as "energetic" and "cheeky." She also joked that it was difficult for her to love Vegeta, having thought Bulma would end up with Yamcha.[15] In a top ten list for IGN, David Smith ranked Bulma forming a relationship with Vegeta as the top plot twist of Dragon Ball Z.[49]

See also

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Explanatory notes

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References

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Further reading

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Bulma

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
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 Bulla—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 Son Goku," 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 Dragon Ball Z Kai 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 Dragon Ball Daima, 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 spaceship 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 time machine she constructs—Bulma repairs and refines the device, enabling temporal interventions against the androids and Cell. 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 luxury , inadvertently drawing the attention of the God of Destruction , 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 Bulla 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 spaceship 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 tension 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 Bulla, 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 Akira 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 Pan 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 heroes 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 agency 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 partner to Vegeta, balancing Capsule Corporation leadership with family responsibilities, such as raising Trunks and Bulla amid cosmic threats, which highlights themes of domestic resilience and mutual in their unconventional union. 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 Japanese and Western 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 West, 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 Amazon, 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.

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