Themes and Content:
* Violence and intense action: Dragon Ball Z features intense battles, explosions, and characters getting injured. While stylized, it's not the typical "kid-friendly" violence.
* Complex themes: The series explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, responsibility, and the pursuit of strength. These themes can resonate with older viewers as well.
* Mature storylines: The series tackles mature topics like loss, betrayal, and existential questions.
Characters and Tone:
* Anti-heroes and flawed characters: Many characters in Dragon Ball Z are not perfect and make mistakes. This can be a more nuanced portrayal than what is often seen in children's shows.
* Darker moments: While mostly lighthearted, Dragon Ball Z has moments of serious tension and tragedy.
Target Audience:
* Originally, the target audience was young boys, but the show's popularity has expanded to include people of all ages.
* Many adults find the series nostalgic and continue to enjoy it for its action, humor, and compelling characters.
Conclusion:
While Dragon Ball Z might have elements that appeal to children, it's generally considered an anime for a broader audience. It's action-packed, entertaining, and has complex themes that can resonate with viewers of all ages.