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An eyecatch (アイキャッチ Aikyatchi) is a little animation shown before and after a commercial break generally used to "tell" the viewer what TV show they are watching. This is a list of eyecatches used in the four Dragon Ball series, as well as Dragon Ball Z Kai.

Eyecatches in Dragon Ball[]

Emperor Pilaf Saga through Red Ribbon Army Saga (Episodes 1-42)[]

DB Eyecatch 1

The umbrella eyecatch

Before the commercial break, Goku (in his original blue attire) would be spinning a typical Japanese bamboo umbrella at high speed. Oolong (in his Communist Party of China uniform) would toss each of the Dragon Balls on to the fan and Goku would keep the fan spinning while the Dragon Balls rolled in place. After a moment, Oolong would bow his head in defeat towards the camera.

DB Eyecatch GokuOolong

The umbrella eyecatch

After the commercial break, Oolong would be the one (very) enthusiastically spinning the umbrella, though at a slower rate than Goku, while Goku chucks the Dragon Balls on to the umbrella. The Dragon Balls either roll or bounce off the fan and Goku puts his arms behind his head, smiling at the camera while Oolong brings the umbrella to a stop, gaining a serious, slightly peevish look.

During the episode "The Grand Finals", Funimation added vocalizations such as Goku's laughter and Oolong's disappointment to the eyecatches. This is the only episode in this batch of episodes to have anything but music during the eyecatch.

Red Ribbon Army Saga through Piccolo Jr. Saga (Episodes 43-153)[]

Eyecatchdb2 01-1-

The power pole eyecatch

Before the commercial break, Goku (in his Turtle School uniform) is seen spinning his Power Pole to one side, a determined but happy look on his face as he stares at a relaxed Master Roshi. He swings his staff towards the turtle hermit and Roshi blocks with his staff while jumping into the air with a little grin on his face. The collision between staves happens right on the first clap of the eyecatch tune.

DB Eyecatch GokuRoshi

The power pole eyecatch

After the commercial break, Goku is staring at Roshi in slight confusion as Roshi rapidly whirls his staff over his head, going from one foot to the other as he does so, a ridiculous grin on his face. Goku extends his staff after a moment of this and pokes Roshi in the head right as the Chinese symbol in the eyecatch tune gongs. Roshi's head vibrates (like a gong) and he stumbled off-balance, then grins his toothy grin again.

During the episode "The End, The Beginning", sound was added to the eyecatch intro and outro such as laughter and the sound of staves colliding.

Eyecatches in Dragon Ball Z[]

Raditz Saga through Great Saiyaman Saga (Episodes 1-199)[]

DBZ Eyecatch 1

The father-son eyecatch

Before the commercial break, (adult) Goku is seen sitting with his back to the viewer, legs and arms crossed. After a moment, he turns his head around towards the viewers and grins, then another moment later, little Gohan pops up from his left, holding his arm. They both smile as the Dragon Ball Z logo pops up in the upper left-hand corner.

Goku Gohan 2

Goku and Gohan wave to the viewing audience

After the commercial break, little Gohan is right up against the screen, a big smile on his face. He runs away from the screen and Goku appears, picking him up in one arm. The two then give a casual wave to the viewing audience.

Saban/Ocean dub[]

Before the commercial break, Goku says "Hey kids, don't go away!", then throws a Spirit Bomb, and the words We'll Be Right Back appears, and Goku says "We'll be right back!"

After the commercial break, Goku crosses his arms, and says "And now, back to our show!". And then, the Dragon Ball Z logo flies away.

Gallery

Great Saiyaman Saga through Peaceful World Saga (Episodes 200-291)[]

DBZ Eyecatch 2

The car eyecatch

Before the commercial break, Gohan and Videl drive across the screen inside a little toy car with Satan and 666 written on the side as a reference to Videl's family's satanic names. The car then drives back across from the other side and comes to a stop. Then Goten pops out from under the car, and picks the car up. The background then changes into a grassy meadow with a palm tree.

DBZ EyeCatcher 2

The car eyecatch

After the commercial break, King Kai is driving around in his car (which resembles a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air) with Bubbles, with that same background and music used in the before-commercial one. King Kai then hits Goku with the car, and after it hits Goku the car breaks. The background then changes into a grassy field.


Eyecatches in Dragon Ball GT[]

Black Star Dragon Ball Saga through Baby Saga (Episodes 1-26)[]

GiruEyecatch

The Giru eyecatch

Before the commercial break, a star zooms into the left side of the screen. Chibi versions of Goku, Pan, and Trunks are all riding on top of their spaceship towards the star. Goku reaches for the star, and Pan waves her arms in excitement. Giru then pops out of the star with his arms raised and starts laughing while Goku looks disappointed.

DragonBallGTEyeCatch

The star eyecatch

After the commercial break, a star zooms into the right side of the screen with chibi versions of Goku, Pan, and Trunks riding on top of their spaceship towards it. Goku once again reaches for the star, but this time, the star explodes into hundreds of stars. Goku has his arms raised excitedly, while Pan and Trunks look bewildered and a star bonks Pan on her head.


Baby Saga through Shadow Dragon Saga (Episodes 27-64)[]

Before the commercial break, Trunks, Chi-Chi, Videl, Goten, Krillin, Bulma, Pan, Gohan, and Mr. Satan are seen loading and getting into a car. Goku then tries to get in the car while riding atop a dinosaur's head. The car inadvertently gets crushed, and everyone except Chi-Chi looks slightly amused.

After the commercial break, Trunks fixes the car, and everyone gets back inside the car with Goku riding on the hood. The car then drives forward, showing the dinosaur with tears in his eyes waving at the car.

Black Star Dragon Ball to Shadow Dragon Saga (Funimation version)[]

The first part of FUNimation's eyecatch is Goku charging up to full power at Super Saiyan 4.

After the commercial break, Super Saiyan Goku (in child stage with his shirt destroyed) is seen using a Kamehameha.

Eyecatches in Dragon Ball Kai[]

Eyecatch 1: Episodes 1-4[]

Goku fires a Kamehameha that splits the screen diagonally to show Gohan bowing on one side and Goku's "Ossu" greeting on the other.

After the commercial break, Goku throws a Spirit Bomb that splits the screen diagonally to show Piccolo and Goku on one side and Raditz on the other, all ready for battle.

Eyecatch 2: Episodes 5-8[]

Goku fires a Kamehameha that splits the screen diagonally to show Bulma waving and Krillin peaking over the diagonal on one side, while Master Roshi holds a beer and Turtle looks on happily on the other side.

After the commercial break, Goku throws a Spirit Bomb that splits the screen diagonally to show Goku (dead) on one side and King Kai, Bubbles, and Gregory on the other, ready to begin the training.

Eyecatch 3: Episodes 9-12[]

Goku fires a Kamehameha that splits the screen diagonally to show the Dragon Team ready for battle, with Tien Shinhan, Yamcha, and Chiaotzu on one side and Krillin, Gohan, and Piccolo on the other side.

After the commercial break, Goku throws a Spirit Bomb that splits the screen diagonally to show Nappa and the Saibamen on one side and Vegeta on the other, ready for battle with the Earthlings.

Eyecatch 4: Episodes 13-17[]

Goku fires a Kamehameha that splits the screen diagonally to show Goku using the Kaio-ken on one side and Vegeta grinning confidently on the other side.

After the commercial break, Goku throws a Spirit Bomb that splits the screen diagonally to show Goku laying in pain, supported by Gohan, Krillin, and Yajirobe on one side and a severely damaged Vegeta on the other.

Eyecatch 5: Episodes 18-20[]

Goku fires a Kamehameha that splits the screen diagonally to show Bulma and Kami's space ship on one side and Gohan and Krillin on the other side, all ready to head to Planet Namek.

After the commercial break, Goku throws a Spirit Bomb that splits the screen diagonally to show Vegeta all angry on one side and his rival Cui grinning on the other.

Eyecatch 6: Episodes 21-23, 25-26[]

Goku fires a Kamehameha that splits the screen diagonally to show Frieza in his hoverchair on one side and Dodoria and Zarbon on the other side.

After the commercial break, Goku throws a Spirit Bomb that splits the screen diagonally to show himself on one side and his spaceship headed toward Namek on the other.

Eyecatch 7: Episodes 24, 27-28[]

Goku fires a Kamehameha that splits the screen diagonally to show Krillin, Gohan, and Bulma on one side and Dende and Namekians from his village on the other side.

After the commercial break, Goku throws an energy sphere that splits the screen diagonally to show Tien, Piccolo, Yamcha, and Chiaotzu on one side, all of which have arrived to receive special training from King Kai, who is shown on the other side.

Eyecatch 8: Episodes 29-32[]

Goku fires a Kamehameha that splits the screen diagonally to show the Ginyu Force, with Captain Ginyu and Jeice on one side and Recoome, Guldo, and Burter on the other side.

After the commercial break, Goku throws a Spirit Bomb that splits the screen diagonally to show Krillin and Gohan on one side and Vegeta on the other side (all severely damaged from their battle with the Ginyu Force on Planet Namek).

Eyecatch 9: Episodes 33-37[]

Goku fires a Kamehameha that splits the screen to show himself on one side and Ginyu on the other side.

After the commercial break, Goku throws a Spirit Bomb that splits the screen diagonally to show Grand Elder Guru with Nail on one side and Frieza on the other side.

Eyecatch 10: Episodes 38-40[]

Goku fires a Kamehameha that splits the screen to show Second Form Frieza on one side and Gohan, Vegeta and Krillin wearing Battle Armor on the other side. There is an "error" in this eyecatch, as Vegeta is wearing the armor from the Androids Saga.

After the commercial break, Goku throws a Spirit Bomb that splits the screen diagonally to show Piccolo on one side and Porunga on the other side.

Eyecatch 11: Episodes 41-47[]

Goku fires a Kamehameha that splits the screen to show Final Form Frieza on one side and Goku damaged from the battle on the other side.

After the commercial break, Goku throws a Spirit Bomb that splits the screen diagonally to show Piccolo damaged from the battle on one side and Gohan and Krillin on the other side.

Eyecatch 12: Episodes 48-54[]

Goku fires a Kamehameha, and then he appears transformed into a Super Saiyan.

After the commercial break, Goku throws a Spirit Bomb, and then Frieza at 100% Max Power appears on the screen.

Eyecatch 13: Episodes 55-56[]

Goku fires a Kamehameha that splits the screen to show King Cold on one side and Mecha Frieza on the other side.

After the commercial break, Goku throws a Spirit Bomb that splits the screen diagonally to show Vegeta, Piccolo, Gohan and Krillin on the left and Yamcha, Puar, Tien Shinhan, Chiaotzu and Bulma on the right.

Furthermore, from this eyecatch onward, Goku's outift is altered from the uniform with the "Kame"/"Kaio" symbols and knot-styled belt to the uniform without any symbols and with a sash-styled belt.

Eyecatch 14: Episodes 57-58[]

Goku fires a Kamehameha that splits the screen diagonally to show himself getting out of the Ginyu Force Attack Ball on one side and Future Trunks on the other side.

After the commercial break, Goku splits the screen with a Spirit Bomb to show himself as a Super Saiyan on one side and Super Saiyan Future Trunks on the other side.

Eyecatch 15: Episodes 59-63[]

Goku fires a Kamehameha that splits the screen diagonally to show the Z Fighters, with Vegeta, Tien Shinhan and Yamcha on one side, and Krillin, Goku, Gohan and Piccolo on the other side.

After the commercial break, Goku throws a Spirit Bomb that splits the screen diagonally to show Android 19 on the bottom left corner and Android 20 on the top right corner.

Eyecatch 16: Episode 64[]

Goku fires a Kamehameha that splits the screen diagonally to show Android 16 on the top left corner and Goku sick and sleeping on the bottom right corner.

After the commercial break, Goku splits the screen with a Spirit Bomb to show Android 18 on one side and Android 17 on the other side.

Eyecatch 17: Episode 65[]

Goku splits the screen with a Kamehameha to show Super Saiyan Vegeta on the top left corner and Krillin, Tien Shinhan and Piccolo on the bottom right corner.

Like in the previous episode, the second eyecatch shows Androids 18 and 17.

Eyecatch 18: Episodes 66-68[]

Goku splits the screen diagonally with a Kamehameha to show Piccolo on one side and Goku sleeping on the other side.

After the commercial break, Goku throws a Spirit Bomb that splits the screen diagonally to show Android 16 on one side, and Androids 18 and 17 on the other side.

Eyecatch 19: Episode 69[]

Goku splits the screen diagonally with a Kamehameha to show Piccolo on one side and Goku sleeping on the other side like in the previous eyecatches.

After the commercial break, Goku splits the screen diagonally with a Spirit Bomb to show Imperfect Cell (his face on one side and his tail on the other).

Eyecatch 20: Episodes 70-71[]

Goku throws a Kamehameha that splits the screen to show 16 and Goku sleeping, like in episode 64.

The second eyecatch shows Imperfect Cell like in episode 69.

Eyecatch 21: Episode 72[]

The first eyecatch shows the Z Fighters like in episodes 59-63 but without Vegeta.

The second eyecatch shows Androids 18 and 17 like in episodes 64 and 65.

Eyecatch 22: Episode 73[]

Goku fires a Kamehameha that splits the screen diagonally to show Android 17 on one side and Piccolo on the other side.

After the commercial break, Goku throws a Spirit Bomb, and then Cell appears on the bottom left corner while Androids 16 and 18 appears on the top right corner.

Eyecatch 23: Episode 74[]

Goku fires a Kamehameha that splits the screen diagonally to show Android 17 on one side and Android 18 on the other side.

After the commercial break, Goku throws a Spirit Bomb that splits the screen diagonally to show Imperfect Cell on one side and Android 16 on the other side.

Eyecatch 24: Episode 75[]

The first eyecatch shows Androids 18 and 17 like in the previous episode.

After the commercial break, Goku throws a Spirit Bomb that splits the screen diagonally to show Android 16 on one side and Semi-Perfect Cell on the other side.

Eyecatch 25: Episodes 76-79[]

Goku fires a Kamehameha that splits the screen diagonally to show Future Trunks who has just emerged from the Hyperbolic Time Chamber on one side and Super Saiyan Vegeta on the other side.

After the commercial break, Goku splits the screen diagonally with a Spirit Bomb to show a damaged Androids 16 with Android 18 on one side, and Semi-Perfect Cell on the other side.

Eyecatch 26: Episodes 80-82[]

The first eyecatch shows Future Trunks and Super Saiyan Vegeta like in the previous episodes.

After the commercial break, Goku throws a Spirit Bomb that splits the screen to show Perfect Cell on the left bottom corner and Semi-Perfect Cell on the top right corner.

Eyecatch 27: Episode 83[]

Goku fires a Kamehameha that splits the screen diagonally to show the Z Fighters, with Vegeta, Tien Shinhan and Yamcha on one side, and Krillin, Future Trunks and Piccolo on the other side.

After the commercial break, Goku throws a Spirit Bomb that splits the screen diagonally to show Perfect Cell one side and the Cell Games Arena on the other side.

Eyecatch 28: Episodes 84-91[]

Goku splits the screen diagonally with a Kamehameha to show himself as a Super Saiyan Full Power on one side and Full-Power Super Saiyan Gohan on the other side, both on The Lookout.

Like in episode 83, the second eyecatch shows Perfect Cell and the Cell Games Arena.

Eyecatch 29: Episodes 92 & 93[]

Goku fires a Kamehameha that splits the screen diagonally to show Full-Power Super Saiyan Gohan (during his fight against Cell) on one side, and Goku, Krillin, Piccolo and Future Trunks on the other side.

After the commercial break, Goku splits the screen diagonally with a Spirit Bomb to show Cell Juniors on one side and Perfect Cell on the other side.

Eyecatch 30: Episode 94-97[]

Goku fires a Kamehameha, and then Gohan appears transformed into a Super Saiyan 2.

After the commercial break, Goku throws a Spirit Bomb, and then Cell appears in Super Perfect Form.

Eyecatch 31: Episode 98[]

Goku fires a Kamehameha that splits the screen diagonally to show the Z Fighters like in episode 83.

The second eyecatch shows Androids 18 and 17 like in episodes 64, 65, and 72.

Eyecatch 32: Episodes 99–101[]

Goten and Trunks perform the Fusion Dance to reveal Videl.

Goku and Vegeta fuse with the Potara earrings, splitting the screen diagonally to show the Z-Fighters consisting of Krillin, Android 18, Piccolo, Trunks, Goku, Goten, Gohan and Vegeta.

Eyecatch 33: Episodes 102–116[]

Goten and Trunks perform the Fusion Dance to reveal Mr. Satan and Videl.

Like in the previous episodes, Goku and Vegeta fuse with the Potara earrings, splitting the screen diagonally to show the Z-Fighters.

Eyecatch 34: Episodes 117–126[]

Goten and Trunks perform the Fusion Dance to reveal Majin Buu and Babidi.

Like in the previous episodes, Goku and Vegeta fuse with the Potara earrings, splitting the screen diagonally to show the Z-Fighters.

Eyecatch 35: Episodes 127–131[]

Goten and Trunks perform the Fusion Dance to reveal Super Saiyan 3 Goku.

Like in the previous episodes, Goku and Vegeta fuse with the Potara earrings, splitting the screen diagonally to show the Z-Fighters.

Eyecatch 36: Episodes 132–134[]

Goten and Trunks perform the Fusion Dance to reveal Gotenks.

Like in the previous episodes, Goku and Vegeta fuse with the Potara earrings, splitting the screen diagonally to show the Z-Fighters.

Eyecatch 37: Episodes 135–145[]

Like in the previous eyecatches, Goten and Trunks perform the Fusion Dance to reveal Gotenks.

Goku and Vegeta fuse with the Potara earrings, splitting the screen diagonally to reveal Super Buu.

Eyecatch 38: Episodes 146–149[]

Like in the previous eyecatches, Goten and Trunks perform the Fusion Dance to reveal Gotenks.

Goku and Vegeta fuse with the Potara earrings, splitting the screen diagonally to show Vegito.

Eyecatch 39: Episodes 150–152, 155-157[]

Like in the previous eyecatches, Goten and Trunks perform the Fusion Dance to reveal Gotenks.

Goku and Vegeta fuse with the Potara earrings, splitting the screen to show Super Saiyan Goku, Kid Buu and Super Saiyan Vegeta.

Eyecatch 40: Episodes 153–154[]

Goten and Trunks perform the Fusion Dance to reveal Super Saiyan 3 Goku like in episodes 127–131.

Like in the previous eyecatches, Goku and Vegeta fuse with the Potara earrings, splitting the screen to show Super Saiyan Goku, Kid Buu and Super Saiyan Vegeta.

Eyecatch 41: Episodes 158–159[]

Goten and Trunks perform the Fusion Dance to reveal the main Z-cast 10 years after the battle with Majin Buu.

Goku and Vegeta fuse with the Potara earrings, splitting the screen to show the Z-Fighters like in episodes 99–134.

Eyecatches in Dragon Ball Super[]

God of Destruction Beerus Saga through Copy-Vegeta Saga (Episodes 1~46)[]

The eyecatches vary depending on the episode. One shot has Goku and Goten smiling and Chi-Chi and Ox-King are running in the background. The second is Mr. Satan hugging Gohan while Videl and Majin Buu play with Bee and Piccolo standing with his arms folded. The third is Vegeta standing firm while Trunks and Bulma hop out an aircraft and Trunks takes Bulma on a flight.

"Future" Trunks Saga (Episodes 47~76)[]

The eyecatches vary depending on the episode. The fourth eyecatch shows Future Trunks with Future Mai pointing a gun in the background. The fifth eyecatch shows Future Trunks raising his sword and Goku Black smiling evilly. The sixth eyecatch shows Vegeta teaching Future Trunks the Galick Gun technique. The seventh eyecatch shows Goku and Vegeta charging in for an attack. The eighth eyecatch shows Zamasu and Goku Black charging in for an attack.

Universe Survival Saga (Episodes 77~131)[]

The ninth eyecatch shows Team Universe 7 and the tenth shows Goku on the right with his teammates. Majin Buu has been replaced with Frieza in eyecatch 9 and 10. The eleventh eyecatch shows the remaining fighters of Team Universe 11. The twelfth eyecatch shows the remaining fighters of Teams Universe 7 and Universe 6. The thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth eyecatches shows Ultra Instinct Sign Goku. The seventeenth and eighteenth eyecatches show Perfected Ultra Instinct Goku. However, in the English dub, eyecatches 11–14 and 17 aren't used.

Eyecatches in TV specials[]

Dragon Ball Z: Bardock - The Father of Goku[]

In the first eyecatch, Bardock is seen in profile on a blue background, facing down. The "Z" in Dragon Ball Z then flickers slowly. After the commercial break, the members of Team Bardock then appear beside Bardock, while also seen in profile on the same blue background facing down.

In the second eyecatch, Bardock is seen in profile facing down on a blue background that has the shadows of Team Dodoria. The "Z" in Dragon Ball Z then flickers slowly. After the commercial break, Bardock is shown facing down on a blue background that has Dodoria's face on it.

In the third eyecatch, Bardock is seen in profile facing down, with a background of Planet Vegeta beside him. The "Z" in Dragon Ball Z then flickers slowly. After the commercial break, Bardock is seen in profile facing down in a blue background that has Frieza in his hoverchair.

In the final eyecatch, Bardock is shown holding his son Goku in his arms, in a blue background.

Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks[]

The same eyecatch is used three times in this TV special. The first part shows baby Trunks crying and Kid Gohan looking at him surprised. The word Supesharu ("Special") appears between the two faces. All on white background. After the commercial break, the second part shows a content baby Trunks and a happy Kid Gohan. The word Supesharu ("Special") appears between the two faces. All on a blue background.

Dragon Ball GT: A Hero's Legacy[]

The eyecatches are all animated scenes from the TV special itself. The first part is generally as scene already seen, and second is a seen from later in the movie that has not been shown yet when the eyecatch is seen.

In the first eyecatch, Goku Jr. cries while hugging his pillow. It then moves on to a close up of the scene from the first part of the movie where he stands in front of the photo of his grandmother Pan, young, with the Four-Star Dragon Ball in her hands. After the commercial break, Goku Jr. is shown lying under a tree, smiling.

The first part of the second eyecatch shows the scene where Mamba turns for the first time in her true form, in the hallway of her house. Not shown yet when it is discovered, the second part shows that Goku Jr. stops and turns suddenly to run in the direction of the viewer (it is revealed later that he runs to rescue the bears).

The first part of the third eyecatch is the scene where Goku Jr. takes care of the wounded bear. After the commercial break, the last scene of the TV special, which is Goku Jr. leaving Mount Paozu in a helicopter and turning back to thank his ancestor Goku, is shown in this second part with the addition of petals floating in the wind.

Dragon Ball × One Piece eyecatches[]

As Dragon Ball Kai was followed by One Piece in the "Dream 9" time slots when it first aired on Fuji TV, special eyecatches featuring the characters from both series were made and shown between the two series.

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