Bulma makes her first anime debut in the film, Remember My Love in the Urusei Yatsura series, albeit in a cameo role. This event marks Bulma's initial foray into the anime adaptation of the Dragon Ball franchise, albeit in a minor capacity within another series.

Bulma's first appearance in Dragon Ball chapter #1 'Bulma and Son Goku', published in Weekly Shōnen Jump 1984 #51. This marks the beginning of the Dragon Ball series and introduces Bulma as a key character. Bulma meets Goku for the first time and their journey to find the Dragon Balls begins.