Not just in Mexico, my friend, but all across Latin America, Dragon Ball was a huge part of our childhoods. It's rare to find someone here who hasn't been swept up in the adventures of Goku and the Z fighters. When DBZ was airing, it was such a big deal that schools would actually pause classes because everyone, teachers included, was glued to the latest episode.
Every single intro to DB, DBZ, and even DBGT is iconic here; so many of us know the lyrics by heart. The voice actors have become legends in their own right, thanks to their roles in the Latin American dub. When Battle of Gods hit the theaters, everyone was scrambling to get tickets. And during the Tournament of Power, especially the Goku vs. Jiren showdown, it was like the whole country was watching. In Mexico, the government even showed it in public parks, copyright concerns be damned, and those places were packed like it was a major sporting event or a concert. Bars and even strip clubs got in on the action, offering specials tied to Goku's fate (free beers and lap dances).
As someone who's seen a few more years, I can say that Dragon Ball has been with me through every stage of my life. Watching reruns of DBZ doesn't make me feel like a grumpy old-timer; it takes me back to being a kid, sitting in front of the TV, rooting for Goku with all my heart.
Dragon Ball is more than just a show for us; it's a piece of our childhood. And Toriyama? He was like the cool babysitter we all shared, bringing these incredible stories into our lives