"Dragon Ball SD" is a condensed and simplified retelling of the original "Dragon Ball" series, created by Naho Ōishi under the supervision of Akira Toriyama. The manga reimagines the classic story of Goku’s early adventures, focusing on his journey from a naive, monkey-tailed boy to a powerful martial artist. The narrative begins with Goku living alone in the wilderness until he encounters Bulma, a teenage inventor searching for the mystical Dragon Balls. Together, they embark on a quest to gather all seven Dragon Balls, which, when united, summon the dragon Shenron to grant a single wish.

Throughout their journey, Goku and Bulma meet a variety of characters, including the shape-shifting pig Oolong, the desert bandit Yamcha, and the wise martial arts master Kame-Sen’nin (Muten Roshi). Goku’s strength and fighting skills are tested in battles against adversaries such as the Pilaf Gang, who also seek the Dragon Balls for their own selfish desires. The story progresses through key arcs, including Goku’s training under Kame-Sen’nin, his participation in the World Martial Arts Tournament, and his confrontation with the Red Ribbon Army, a powerful military organization aiming to conquer the world.

Goku’s character evolves as he faces increasingly formidable opponents, including the assassin Taopaipai and the demon king Piccolo Daimaō. The manga retains the core elements of the original series, such as Goku’s Saiyan heritage, his use of the Power Pole and Flying Nimbus, and his signature techniques like the Kamehameha wave. However, "Dragon Ball SD" streamlines the narrative, making it more accessible to younger readers or those new to the franchise. The humor, action, and themes of friendship and perseverance remain central to the story, preserving the spirit of the original while presenting it in a more concise format.