Dragon Ball Z is the second series in the Dragon Ball anime franchise. In Japan it ran from 1989-1996, and was an extremely popular show, spanning a total of 291 episodes. In the original Toei Animation production of the series in Japan, the series was divided into four major plot arcs known as sagas: Saiyan Saga, Frieza Saga, Cell Saga, and Buu Saga. Shenron is a magical Dragon from the Dragon Ball franchise.