Dragon Ball Z 6

Merchandising[edit]

Further information: Dragon Ball Z Collectible Card Game

Dragon Ball Z merchandise was a success prior to its peak American interest, with more than $3 billion in sales from 1986-2000.^[97] Though the merchandising of Dragon Ball Z would be a hit even into the holiday season.^[98]

In 1998, Animage-ine Entertainment, a division of Simitar, announced the sale of Chroma-Cels, mock animation cels to capitalize on the popularity of Dragon Ball Z.^[99] The original sale was forecasted for late 1998, but were pushed back to January 12, 1999.^[100]

In 2000, MGA Entertainment released more than twenty toys, consisting of table-top games and walkie-talkies.^[101] Irwin Toy released more than 72 figures consisting of 2-inch and 5 inch action figures, which became top-selling toys in a market dominated by the Pokémon Trading Card Game.^[102] Irwin Toys would release other unique Dragon Ball Z toys including a battery powered Flying Nimbus Cloud which hovered without touching the ground and a die-cast line of vehicles with collector capsules.^[103] In June 2000, Burger King had a toy promotion which would see 20 million figurines; Burger King bore the cost of the promotion which provided free marketing for Funimation.^[97] The Halloween Association found Dragon Ball Z costumes to be the fourth most popular costumes in their nationwide survey.^[104]

In December 2002, Jakks Pacific signed a three-year deal for licensing Dragon Ball Z toys, which was possible because of the bankruptcy of Irwin Toy.^[105] JAKKS Pacific's Dragon Ball Z 5-inch figures were cited as impressive for their painting and articulation.^[106]

In 2010, Toei closed deals in Central and South American countries which included Algazarra, Richtex, Pil Andina, DTM, Doobalo and Bondy Fiesta.^[107] In 2012, Brazil's Abr-Art Bag Rio Comercio Importacao e Exportacao closed a deal with Toei.^[108]