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The manga has received a mostly positive reception from critics.Jason Thompson commented that "Dragon Ball" "turns from a gag/adventure manga to a nearly-pure fighting manga".<ref name="ANNJT"></ref> James S. Yadao, author of "The Rough Guide to Manga", explains that the first several chapters "play out much like "Saiyuki" ("Journey to the West") with "Dr. Slump"-like humour built in" and that "Dr. Slump", Toriyama's previous manga, has a clear early influence on the series.He feels the series "established its unique identity" after the first time Goku's group disbands and he trains under Kame-sen'nin.