#I need to watch the Buu arc

[unkownknowledge]

I wish there was a Saiyaman spin off.

I wanna see Gohan dealing with threats to earth that show up in the city, but he figures noone else is available and just deals with it himself.

Cell crawls back out of hell more powerful than before and he still only accepts Piccolo's help because he was helping him and Videl shop at the time and "hey might as well get a Saiyathree!"

And yes Piccolo must wear the fit and do the pose this is mandatory.

[galexibrain]

Something, something ... parallels. When I was 10yo and watching DBZ for the first time, when it was first aired in Germany, this was my favourite scene in the entirety of DBZ, and it still is to this day:

When the people of Earth all give their energy for the final genkidama that's supposed to finish off Buu.

Linking the German version so you can experience the original soundtrack (I'm sorry, the US dub soundtrack (and the Kai soundtrack for the Buu Saga) can NOT measure up the glory of the original one, and I'm so grateful the German dub kept it):

I was (and am to this day) utterly in love with this particular track, so much that I simply needed to have it with me, at all times.

And here's how I got it in ye olden days before Youtube (well, before I had internet access and knew about YT to MP3 converting lmao):

I had this particular episode taped on VHS (I'm That Old)

I took my phone (Nokia that had the luxury of a COLOR display) and recorded the track. You could literally hear the people cheer on the recording

I put this recording on my phone and listened to it

Yes the quality was crappy. I didn't care

Now, I have it on my MP3 player lol. Still randomly listen to it sometimes <3

So, the things about DBZ that were the most formative to me are: this scene, and Vegeta (who started my love for reformed villains and redemption arcs).

Ok, this has nothing to do with the point I'm trying to make, I just needed to clarify just how emotionally invested I am here.

Now, two decades later, Super gives me this:

Moro Arc, DBS chapter 61

Do y'all understand what this did to me?! Do you even have the slightest idea what I am going through here?

They probably thought nothing of it, but back in the Buu Saga it was Vegeta who came up with the genkidama plan: to take the energy of everyone on Earth, and other planets too, to defeat an enemy too strong for any single person to handle.

Vegeta, the guy who's perpetually allergic to ask for help.

Now, it's Vegeta who does the opposite, and yet, the same: he takes energy that was stolen, and returns it to where it belongs, literally giving people their lives back in some cases. (The symbolism of the Namekians being the ones revived by him is CRAZY.)

And the imagery is so similar? I just. ??!?!?!?! HOW AM I TO DEAL.

ALSO:

DB ch. 515 & 516:

Goku receiving the energy from Earth, perfecting the genkidama, and he throws it.

And now:

Super, ch. 66:

That's the god ki Uub sent, and Vegeta is the one to throw it to Goku to give him the power he needs to end Moro.

And that power literally comes from the reincarnation of the very being they destroyed last time? OH WOW.

(Initially I wasn't so sure what to think about this particular point but hey, the D in Dragon Ball stands for Deus Ex Machina, so ... whatever.)

I'm like. Did they do this on purpose? Is this coincidence?

How am I supposed to be normal about any of this?

Also funny how Buu Saga was the whackiest in DBZ while Moro Saga in DBS is a goddamn fucking masterpiece.

[karume-everything-else]

Posso solicitar leitora dbs x feminina? O leitor está participando do torneio de poder com o universo 7, e o leitor luta contra Toppo, mas o hakai não tem efeito sobre o leitor já que um de seus poderes é se adaptar a qualquer poder ou situação de combate, fazendo com que o usuário fique preso. s técnica se adapta. tornar-se nulo? como mahoraga, não sei se você assistiu jujutsu kaisen. (Acho que seria engraçada a reação dos deuses e lutadores ao ver o hakai não surtir efeito no leitor)

Can I request dbs x female reader? The Reader is participating in the power as universe 7, and the reader fights against Toppo, but the hakai does not affect the reader as one of its powers adapts to any power or situation of combat, making the user a prisoner. s technique adapts. become-null? Like Mahoraga, I don't know if you watched jujutsu kaisen. (I think it would be funny the reaction of the gods and fighters when seeing the hakai has no effect on the reader)

Oooh~ sounds fun. I haven't seen Jujutsu Kaisen ~I have a bad magpie habit when it comes to falling for fictional men~ but that does sound like the armor from Akame Ga Kill. The proto-suit of armor the main character uses. I am so sorry it has been so long since I received this request... I am just now catching up on the anime and I started with the tournament arc specifically for this request.

You couldn't help but scratch your head at the Saiyan in front of you. Goku usually had bizarre requests but this was a little out there.

"So a multiverse tournament with a grand prize of 10 million Zeni and a wish on some... Super Dragon Balls?" You repeated hesitantly, "That's uh..."

"C'mon [Name]!" Goku clapped his hands together in a half-bowing motion, "We really need your skills for this. It'll a lot of fun too!"

"Why does that not sound promising."

"B-but!" He stepped forward, "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Besides we don't have much time to debate this!"

"You need 10 people, right?" Goku nodded, but you continued before he could cut you off, "So why not ask the others? I'm sure Yamcha, Yajirobe, or Tien would be more than capable of doing this..."

"Oh right!" Goku smacked his fist into his hand, "With Tien on our side, we'd have someone capable of keeping tabs on everyone during the fight!"

"Did you even--?!"

"But that's all the more reason you gotta join us [Name]! We need all the strong fighters we can get on our side. We already figured that Andriod 17, Andriod 18, Krillen, Vegeta, Gohan, Piccolo, and myself would be a good lineup. With you, Tien, and Buu everything will be great!"

Sighing as you waited for the last-minute change, it still stumped you how Goku could be so stubborn about fighting in a battle royal. Even with the lies he was telling, you didn't feel like there was much choice in the matter. If you stepped out at this point that would just leave Roshi to step up. But he didn't seem that ready to fight, despite training when he heard about the 10 million Zeni. Without that incentive, Roshi dropped out.

Looking around at all the people you'd have to team up with, you wondered why you were even here. The ability to fight was never your strongest suit, the only thing you knew was basic techniques. Though maybe Goku was thinking more about how ki blasts and the like just didn't affect you the way it did everyone else. That and being able to adapt to other's fighting skills on the spot.

"Now then!"

Holding hands with Piccolo and Android 17 wasn't much fun, but if this Whis person insisted...

"Grand Minister, Universe 7 is ready for transport."

You vaguely wondered how this light was able to affect you, but then again even Beerus could damage you, the one time you were even around when he was hostile. So it seemed the higher the being, the less your strange abilities mattered. However, looking around at all the other fighters as they appeared.

It left an odd feeling in the pit of your stomach. All you could do was scout as you struggled to remain in this... giant top. You didn't know what else this thing could be called. Like Tien, you'd be keeping an eye on people and trying to remain a sneaky ace in the hole.

But Goku was just his typical ray of sunshine as he tried greeting all the other universes. At least the ones he knew people from anyway. Unlike your colleagues, you were more interested in the layout. One large spire in the middle seemed a bit much, especially if no one could fly.

Even if it did seem retroactively hypocritical given the kinds of fights Goku made exciting were full of him flying around like a lunatic. But maybe it had something to do with the zone you were in. There was merely a void beyond the ring, which made sense as to why they wouldn't allow everyone to fly. With too many people, someone could get lost in the shuffle and fly too far into the void and no one would be any wiser.

For all of Gohan's attempts at rallying the troops, of course Vegeta and Frieza would be as accepting as a brick wall. Not that Gohan's plan wasn't good, it just wasn't going to work with how everyone seemed to fight. He should have known that. Unless he thought the lot of you would attack like bees, slowly picking one or two fighters and batting them around like a volleyball.

Not a bad strategy, if that's what he was going for. Just not a very sustainable one given the... personalities that he was trying to preach to. Not that you had a chance to speak up on that front, the two Zeno seemed to be rather restless. It made some sense, they both acted like little children.

Which only made the matter-of-fact way that Universe 9 was obliterated that much worse...

You stuck close to Gohan, having blasted a flying, bird-like person out mere moments before the annihilation. The way this battle was going left you unable to use your abilities so far... but worse than that was how suddenly a whole universe was just... gone.

All this fighting wasn't... it couldn't...

"[Name], stay focused." Piccolo reached out to you, "The fight isn't over."

"R-right." You swallowed the lump in your throat, "It's just... harrowing to think about."

"I know, but this isn't the time to think about it." Piccolo nodded, "We went into this knowing all this. Don't let it get to you."

Nodding, you glanced around the battlefield. This whole situation was messed up, but at least this whole tournament would give everyone the fairest chance of survival. That's all this was, a fight for survival. Brute force wouldn't win this, that's for sure. To win, you'd need to fight smartly. That meant sticking close to as many of the others as you could.

Nothing could have prepared you for the overwhelming strength and aura emanating from a far-ish corner of the arena. The insanely loud screeching yell from someone, likely the person who was powering up...

Everything from that one point flew outward, churning the battlefield into a ruble-filled wasteland. Only the massive spire in the middle, the instrument ticking down the fight, remained intact. 48 minutes total... barely ten minutes have passed and yet...

Tapping Gohan on the shoulder, you had to stretch to reach a spot that wouldn't get you reflexively decked, "Hey, we're the largest target like this. If we stick together too much longer we could be backed into a corner with no escape."

"You think so?" Gohan's eyes widened as you nodded solemnly, "I guess, I mean with the field looking like this..."

He turned, raising his voice, "Guys! we need to split into smaller groups! Staying close like this won't help. But try to stay close enough to jump in if one of us is in trouble!"

Dashing off toward the center, your mind churned with the observations. Who had what abilities? What strategies were there? You couldn't hover or fly to quickly tell the others, which meant you simply had to trust them to know... or at least to figure out what was going on.

Trapping in your own mind, you didn't see the insectoid being swooping in, drop-kicking you from the left. The pain barely stung as you recovered from the fall quickly. Sizing up your opponent swiftly, you were able to keep up with the close-quarters blows. Several hits just barely skimming your skin, while you gathered energy discretely. Waiting for the right moment to...

A large ball in the palm of your hand, which you dug right into the insectoid's abdomen and flung him several feet away. Changing the match from melee to energy blasts, one which Tien finished for you.

"You okay [Name]?" His tone was lighter than you expected, "You seem distracted."

"Just thinking." You were looking all around, "Trying to make sense of the other's abilities."

"I see. Do try to be careful with that." Tien hesitated for a second, "What all have you gathered? What could you share?"

"Not much. But I wouldn't put it past the other female warriors to use their looks to their advantage. Or to have a more assassin move set."

Nodding, Tien went about his way. You knew so little about your opponents and wondered if you shouldn't attempt to scout more. Lowering your energy output should...

The entire field was called to witness something from Universe 2. You paid a little attention, using the opportunity to size up what was left of the competition. It was a surprisingly hefty number of people left, but that didn't matter much in the grand scheme of things.

You were keeping to the outskirts yourself, but when 17 attacked the three women of Universe 2, mid-transformation at that, he was getting scolded. His line of logic was sound, but even you had to admit it was rude. Honestly the three who wanted to transform were also being rude since they were pulling everything to a grinding halt for this. Acting like this was some sort of musical or something.

But you weren't going to complain too much. This was the perfect opportunity to learn what you needed to survive.

Seconds after hearing that Universe 10 was eliminated, having taken full advantage of the ruble to size up as many individuals as you could; you dodged a massive energy hammer.

The girl wielding it was younger than you, or so you thought. You couldn't tell and frankly, your time would be wasted trying to find out. But you knew how to counter her already. The ability to shape energy into weapons was straight forward, and weapons were easy to turn against their wielder. You backed up, leaping away as best you could, escalating what you threw at this girl would be the best way to defeat her... lure her into thinking she had the upper hand...

"What? Trying to run away?" She sneered, "You and that Goku, your whole Universe is just a bunch of cowards!"

Kicking up the small rocks around your feet, you held your tongue. Talking this out wouldn't make a difference, let them think what they will. Everyone had to survive after all.

It didn't surprise you that she was skilled, trading a mallet for a spear as you kept kicking and throwing increasingly larger rocks at her. Sneakily adding just a little ki behind your strikes. Giving her that false sense of security. You weren't exactly one to talk while fighting, that just wasn't how you were. And yet...

"Oh come on!" She yelled, "Don't tell me this is all you can do!?"

You knew what you could do, what you needed to know. Sending a rock right for head, causing it to swerve last second and strike the back of her knee. Right where she wasn't defending. Increasing the pressure, forcing her into the corner. No longer hurling rocks, but small ki blasts as she struggled to keep up with your speed.

Even as you rushed her, closing the distance for the final blow. Her spear went right through you, her ability having no effect on you whatsoever. Seeing that look of wonder and concern in her eyes as the truth dawned on her.

"Yo-You're some kind of monster!"

"And you're out of bounds."

The impact of your blast sent her flying, tumbling right off the edge. With no hope of being caught by a teammate. Catching your breath for a quick second, you stretched. But your back wasn't the only thing that popped as you tumbled into a dark section of the ring; a section created by the dilapidated state of the arena.

Only half paying any attention to what was coming out of the other woman's mouth, you focused on the small glimmers in the air. This one was an illusionist, there were a couple chinks in her disguising techniques but that was about it. Knowing you'd have to be careful with this one as well, careful not to let on what you knew and what you could do. Careful that you didn't just attack the right one on purpose.

Not that her illusions were even that enticing... trying to tempt you with her ideal man. It did make things slightly easier, planting small sleeper ki blasts as you dodged these projections. Waiting once more for the best time to strike.

Standing completely still, it still looked as if you'd stepped just barely out of the way. Earning a scoff and scolding for getting too cocky while she explained her master plan.

"Wanna see a magic trick?"

The first thing you've said to her this whole time... and it did wonders to catch her off guard.

"What? Are you going to disappear?" She laughed at you, "I already knew that!"

"One of us is..."

Covering your eyes as every particle of ki exploded from beneath your feet, it would make you a target sure. But at least this illusionist was out of the ring. Climbing back up to a wider, flatter surface, your eyes fell on a presumably younger man marching toward you. He seemed pissed, leading you to believe that he was from the same Universe as the two women you'd just knocked out.

"I've always been told not to hit a woman." His eyes were burning, "But I have no choice. Never have I wanted to--"

"You won't be able to lay a scratch on me." You dead-panned, "So you might as well give it all you've got. Because you won't survive otherwise."

As you traded blows, simple punches still hurt you just not as much as they would a normal person. Krillen and Beerus' voices reached you like whispers.

"Don't let your wins go to your head [Name], you're not indestructible."

"Curly, explain what she can even do. I've never seen that fighter before."

"[Name]? Well she uh... she has this weird ability. After she gets hit with or manages tot study a technique enough, she becomes immune to it. It's really risky."

"Oh, I see." You were certain that was Whis, "So in a tournament like this she's likely to be the last one standing."

"What!? How can you be so sure Whis?" Yet, you were right

"Well, unless she were to be killed by a technique, she simply counter or adapt to it correct?"

"Uh yeah... she uh... she's used that to her advantage on too many times. The only thing that seems to work against her is Solar Flare."

Then Beerus' voice nearly shattered your eardrum, "THEN SHE HAD BETTER KEEP HERSELF IN THE RING! DO YOU HEAR ME [NAME]!?"

That noise level blurred your vision for a few seconds too long. Giving this transformed, hulking bird man the upper hand as he slapped you into a wall.

"Oh, so I'm not going to survive this?" He sneered, "You don't see the writing on the wall, do you? You're the one going over the edge."

Barely managing to push away from the wall in time, you swept your leg out. A seemingly wild kick instantly blocked, a very cocky birdman just ready to throw you out.

If it wasn't for the excessive ki blast you'd built up to follow your foot. The two of you going flying in your whirlwind gamble. Toppling over the edge, hanging on by your fingertips as you struggled to hold yourself and the seemingly flightless birdman on your ankle. Firing off ki blasts from the bottom of your foot, you managed to rid yourself of the extra weight. But you were still in danger of falling out of bounds yourself.

Feet frantically looking for something, anything to catch. Reaching out for something, anything as you barely managed to keep yourself balanced on the edge of the ring.

"[NAME]!"

Gritting your teeth and expecting the worst, you were more than prepared to fight from your unfavorable position. This was about survival after all. And yet, the hand helping you up was Goku's. Reminding you how short you really were. Fighting had that weird affect on your senses after all, it was disorienting to say the least.

"Oh thank goodness you were able to hold on that long." Gokus smiled widely, "That was close."

"You're telling me." You smirked warmly, "But at least it won't happen again."

"You say that, but we'll see."

A playful punch to the side and you were back on your way. That would be the closest you got to going over. The next person would have one hellacious fight on their hands...

"Well well well, the weakest link of Universe 7."

That cold sneer from behind you was more than a little telling. Frost had caught you lurking again. Your strategy was always interrupted at the worst times. Especially now that so many of the fighters were reaching the top echelons of their capabilities, you were far from their raw levels.

But strategy would win, you were sure of it

"What's the matter? A mute as well as an easy target?" Frost mocked, "Oh well, looks like I'll just have to toss another human over the edge."

Blocking the sudden attack, you knew better than to say much. Giving away too much would prove to be your downfall... if you even let that happen. But even being able to trade blows with this Frieza look-alike wasn't enough. He kept backing you into obvious corners where all you could do was dodge and hope you could knock him back.

Until Frost got cocky in his own right. Firing a shot at Vegeta while you were hardly dodging an excessive volley of energy blasts.

The more you struggled, the worse things seemed to get. Until Vegeta threw his own blindsided attack, connecting a punch when you could hardly do a thing.

"You really need to be more careful."

"I don't need you telling me that Vegeta. I won't waste your time explaining this, but you need to watch out anyways."

"Save your breath." He scoffed, "Just do your job and stay out of my way."

Watching him leap forward, you sighed. "I highly doubt you'll be able to take him on your own..."

"Well, I'm not about to ask you for your help! Now go find somewhere else to lurk!"

"I'm not offering help." You dashed in front of the haughty prince, "This was my fight first!"

Frost smirked, "So, she knows basic English, eh? No matter, it won't make any difference."

Dodging the rocks flying as Frost's 'secret' support made it's entrance, you focused a large ki blast to the magma covering it's ears. Leaping over the metal brute and finding your footing on a much higher platform.

"Oh, so you knew what I was doing?" Frost was at your throat before you could think, "Shame, you seem to be a strategist and scout. But that ends now!"

Catching Frost's arm as you reflexively leaned back, throwing a weak punch in return. But that was only the first. Knowing how Frost moved was the advantage you needed...

"YOU BUCKET OF BOLTS! YOU'RE A DISGRACE TO FIGHTERS EVERYWHERE!"

Frost stopped first, both of you watching Vegeta shove his robotic opponent over the edge. Your guard hadn't dropped, and yet...

"Well, this won't do." Frost readied a ki blast, one that wasn't meant for you, "I'm afraid that this fight will have to wait. If you ever prove to be worth the effort."

You had no choice but to leap away as Frost's blast hit the ground. The smokescreen giving him a chance to slip away. Landing next to Vegeta, you were about to head off for another fight.

"Listen here [Name]." You turned, Vegeta wasn't about to... "Next time you better not interfere with my fight. I won't let you get in my way again."

Frowning as Vegeta ran off to another battle, "You're welcome Vegeta."

It was time to get serious. No more sneaking, no more getting dragged into fights. You would initiate the next one. And nothing would stop you...

Yet old habits died hard, analyzing the remain fighters, thinking about the swiftly dwindling time, the win conditions. Universe 7 was in the lead for fighters if time ran out, but that would only make you and the others a target. But if you could just...

"Ah ha! You're one of the fighters from Universe 7." You at least had the courtesy of stopping to see who was addressing you this time, "Tell me, how does it feel to be on the same team as that villain Goku?"

Sizing up this guy was straightforward at least. Large, likely fast, and almost certainly a melee brawler.

"Can't say I know what you're talking about." The way he talked, the way he seemed to think he was somehow above morals, "Where I'm from, Goku is considered a hero. Fight-happy, stubborn, single-minded, but not a villain. If you were in our Universe, you'd know what I'm talking about."

"Hmph. I see." He steadied himself for a fight, "I suppose you do have a point, but I have no time for senseless perspective-taking. As much as I'd like to abstain from fighting someone such as yourself, I see no way around this. Please accept the mercy of being thrown out of the ring by the second-strongest fighter of Universe 11."

Sighing as you took a stance, "I'm getting real tired of being pulled into fights and underestimated..."

"Then show me what you're capable of young Miss!"

You barely even whispered that to yourself, so how this guy heard you was beyond you. But now wasn't the time to think too much, you had to fight. Speed wouldn't help you much, there had to be power behind your punches. If it wasn't for the fact that you don't have any fighting abilities besides insane adaptability, you'd be a little more confident. For now...

Keeping your eyes on this large man, you knew he'd be fast but this was a little too fast. Leaping low to the ground, you barely avoided his massive fist. Knowing an attempt to sweep his... oddly tiny legs would be futile. His physique was bizarre and created the biggest challenge. Skidding to a stop a few feet away, you weighed your options.

Staying in melee wouldn't work and building up energy blasts wasn't viable due to how long it would take. Not to mention how ineffective that would prove long-term. Wasting energy wasn't the play here, and it was clear that your opponent thought the same thing.

Jumping every time he threw a punch, landing small blows here and there just to test how far you could push him before cracking; you had little options for actual attacks. Unless he started doing something more than the basics, you were just David fighting Goliath.

"I got cha back Top!"

Flattening yourself to the ground from under the rabbit-looking guy, you already knew what he was capable of. You couldn't counter his raw speed, but you could lay traps well enough if it came to that.

"Don't interfere Dyspo, she might be a good strategist, but she's not much of a fighter." Glaring at your opponent, again with the insults, "I merely need to bide my time until she tires herself out."

"If ya say so Top." Dyspo smirked, "Now that cha mention it, she does look a little scrappy to be in a tournament this long. Must've been sheer luck so far, huh?"

"Don't be so quick to write off a fellow warrior." Top turned to face you, "Especially if they are from Goku's Universe."

No, it was too soon for you to fully unleash. Save a little power for later. Kaioken could only get you so far... But a little spare energy here and there...

Trading punches with the newly identified Top, you put your foot down so to speak. No more dodging until...

"What's that power!?" Top stopped your fist suddenly, letting go quickly, "Has Jiren finally started fighting?"

Following Top more out of curiosity than the will to fight, you could only stare as Goku was assaulting Jiren. Nothing was getting to the massive brute, and yet...

"Justice Hand!"

Top was firing at Goku, you knew it was useless, even his own teammate called Top off. But you continued to study this Jiren figure. The way he took hits meant he was assessing Goku as much as Goku was assessing him with the volley of attacks. It wasn't just raw strength or power that Jiren had, there was something... else. Something you could counter if only he'd...

Ducking, you were surprised as Top leaped to defend you. Moving you out of the way as Goku and Jiren fought across the arena. Following the pair with your eyes, it clicked. Goku wasn't anywhere near Jiren's level. Not like this anyways. His Blue form plus Kaioken was barely able to keep up.

Stepping back, your gaze kept up effortlessly. Tipping off your opponent to your real power.

"You seem to be keeping up with those two rather easily." While Top wasn't trying to fight you right now, every little thing you did was being analyzed fully, "Am I to assume that's your true power? Shame you can't use it effectively. A scouting warrior is best suited with communication devices after all."

"Duck."

Shoving Top aside as you leapt out of the way, bracing for the impact as Goku and Jiren zipped past again, landing back in the middle of the crater they started in. Things weren't looking good for Goku specifically, Jiren barely looked like he expended himself at all. No heavy breathing, no scuff marks, nothing to suggest that he had been fighting at all. It was unnerving to say the least.

"Wait! There's a technique I still have!" Goku powered down, "But I need a minute to charge it up."

Stopping, Jiren relaxed, "Go ahead. Take all the time you need."

Not this starfish pose... You pinched the bridge of your nose, groaning.

"You're familiar with this attack?" Top wasn't nearly as hostile as he first insinuated, "What does it do?"

"You'll see. Goku is literally about to announce it." You huffed, "As if the people who know don't already..."

"Everyone! I need all the energy you can spare!" Goku yelled, "C'mon guys! Give me your energy to finish this fight!"

"That..." Top stepped back, raising his arm as if a barrier, "That can't be his plan..."

"Yep." You sighed, raising an arm to give as much energy as you could pull from the arena beneath you, "And it may not even work but... Better to try and fail than not try at all."

Knowing that Top was staring, hearing the grunt as he smirked, "Yes, that I can whole-heartedly agree with."

The tension was thick as Goku charged his Spirit Ball. That amount of energy would absolutely pose a threat to anyone who tried to take it head-on. Jiren knew this, pushing the sphere away from himself. Why did it always become a shoving match again? You couldn't even begin to count how many times this happened.

So when Goku was the one caught in the explosion, you couldn't believe it. The numb feeling washing over you was a distant memory as you jumped in to look for your comrade. Knowing that if Goku had died, or was vaporized, it would be his own fault. He fell on his own sword after all.

Even facing Jiren wasn't as bad as possibly losing the best chance at your survival. If Goku went down, only Vegeta and Freiza would be able to fight completely unhindered. The rest of your team would be disheartened, desperate, and fighting in that state wasn't going to help anyone. At least, you thought the rest of your team would be... 17 and 18 were difficult to read.

Your fighting stance against Jiren, guarding where Goku was, had been cut short. The immense power level radiating behind you had you frozen in place. Dropping your guard just to check that you were right...

"I appreciate the attempt [Name]." Goku sounded so different, what was this? "But you'll be in my way. Nothing personal, I just want to face Jiren alone."

"Right."

Jumping back up to the edge of the crater, you could only watch alongside everyone else. Sizing Jiren up as best you could from a distance. Goku's new form wouldn't last long, it was too much power for a first attempt. But what would happen after it fizzled out? Would Goku even survive that?

Sadly, it didn't take long for that to happen. Goku fell, almost completely worn out from the abundance of power. Looking to where Top was standing, further than was wise to seek out another fight; it would be wiser to regroup and strategize again. With all that you knew, the rest of you could corner Jiren and...

Before you could finish your thought, Hit from Universe 6 stepped in to fight Jiren. Knowing what little you did about the assassin, it seemed ill-matching. Jiren knew about the time skipping, and would be more than capable of countering that.

Even so, it was terribly shocking to see how Hit was ineffective, being knocked out of bounds as soon as Jiren was free from the time prison. And yet, despite your willingness to fight Jiren on Goku's behalf not even five minutes ago, he decided that you weren't worth his time. That everyone who could have challenged him was unable to.

Glaring at his meditating form, you jumped. Sensing Freiza close to Goku. Whatever else Freiza might be, trustworthy wasn't one of them. Holding a steady energy ball to his back as he stood over Goku, a similar yet unidentified energy ball in his palm, you knew he wouldn't be able to fight you the way he would others. And Frieza knew this, lowering his hand, just not dispersing the energy.

"I wouldn't dream of attacking this simpering monkey at the moment." Freiza grinned over his shoulder at you, "So you can put that away little girl."

Your eyes never left Frieza's face as the match of wills amid teammates continued. Backing down in this unknown situation, with Goku so weakened...

"Whoops!" Frieza both shot Goku and clutched your wrist, causing you to misfire, "My hand slipped. How clumsy of me."

Goku's cry of pain was short lived, short enough that you didn't have a chance to pay Frieza back for his dirty trick.

"There, see?" He cooed, "The ape is all better. Or, at least as much as I could... scraping the tiniest bit of energy I could spare for him anyways. But you;ll have to watch your back girl. I won't let you go so easily if you stand in my way again."

Rubbing your wrist and glowering at Frieza as he retreated, you knelt next to Goku.

"How are you holding up?" You knew a little about medical energy usage, "Here, let me--"

"Save your energy [Name]. You'll need it to survive the rest of the tournament. Besides, you still have an unfinished match against Top, right?"

"I don't track of those things." You shook Goku's concern off, "Besides, I have energy to spare. One of the good things about extreme adaptability is the constant flow of energy as long as I'm on solid ground."

It was nice to hear Goku chuckle again, "Yeah, surprising that it works when we aren't on Earth. Or is it just any body of land?"

"Any body of land, just nothing man-made. Odd since I know this place was technically man-made... maybe it's just because it was made by a god... er angel."

"Yeah, that sounds about right."

Stepping back so Goku could stand, you looked around, "So, what next? We have the most people available, you can't reach that Ultimate mode again without serious injury, and knocking too many people out spells their erasure."

"I have no clue." Goku frowned, "Thinking isn't exactly my strong suit. The best I can say is try to keep things the way they are. If we have the most people then... we will be the biggest targets huh?"

"Basically, though with you being like this makes you the prime target... just behind..."

You couldn't will yourself to state the obvious. Of course you'd be the weakest left on the field after all this time. Half the tournament has passed and you still stood here. Krillen and Tien were stuck in the stands due to careless error and noble sacrifice and here you were just...

"Just behind who?" Goku tilted his head, "Frieza? Vegeta? They're both pretty strong. Or maybe its 17 and 18... They really don't have many fans in this ring."

"I'm the weak link!" You grit your teeth, "I'm the weakest left on the field so the two of us are the ones they want to gun for."

"Hanh!? You!? Weak? But you're..."

"I have been scraping by the skin of my teeth since you pulled me up. Maybe I should have..."

"No, you're right where you need to be [Name]. There's still a lot of fighters left and you can beat all of them! So don't go thinking like that. Okay? You almost had Top earlier... I could feel it. You just have to push past your limits and let loose."

Watching as Goku turned to the Saiyan girls from Universe 6, you couldn't help but feel that he was only saying something to say it. What little you could do to compete now was...

"Get out of my way Kakkarot." Vegeta sneered, snapping you out of your trance, "These two are mine."

"What!? No way Vegeta! You got to teach Cabba! Kale and Califa are learning from me!"

Knowing better than to get between Saiyans when they want to fight, you took off. They would need all the space they could get after all, and you still had some fight left in you.

"You still have an unfinished fight against Top, right?"

That was at least a starting point. But would it really help?

Time was running out fast and while fighting kept the Zenos entertained, it wasn't as if that was difficult. Big explosions and grand speeches seemed to do the trick. But... you still felt like you had a score to settle... something to prove. To yourself, to the others, and you would start by proving it to

Top.

Leaping off the tall rock, intending to strike Top in the middle of his back; you were intercepted by his rabbit-like companion. Toppling off to one side, rolling for a second before steadying yourself on one knee.

"Thought you was gonna get the jump on Top, huh?" Dyspo sneered, "Well you ain't gettin' anywhere with dirty tactics like that!"

"That's fine." You stood, preparing to fight Dyspo instead, "I didn't expect that to work regardless if he had back up or not."

"Heh, smart girlie." Dyspo smirked, "But it won't be enough when you face true justice!"

Rolling your eyes, you focused on what you knew. Speed was his strong suit, his strength would be more momentum than raw strength, meaning if you just...

Blocking the worst of the kick and skidding back several feet, you latched onto Dyspo's ankle. If you could either get a grip, or trap him in some way... keep him immobile long enough to wear him down.

Or you could use him like a club.

Doubling your grip with both hands on his leg, you lifted the lean rabbit warrior up, much to his surprise. Before you could turn and slam him on the ground, Top was rushing in. Well, better to use this to your advantage.

Swinging Dsypo in a wide arc, you slammed him into Top with as much strength as you could. Knocking the bulky man off his feet as you kept spinning on your heels. Enduring Dyspo's desperate kicks to your hands. Kicks that were having less and less effect on you as you concentrated ki into gauntlets over your lower arms. Even as he tried to match your energy output, it failed to faze you.

Finally stopping, slamming Dyspo on the ground with enough force to create a small dent in the ground. But you didn't let go of his leg, instead dragging him around to swing at Top as he approached again. Another hefty swing of ally against ally, despite Top catching Dyspo this time... it still hit with enough force that gave you enough of an opening to drop the lucky rabbit's foot and land a powerful blow to Top's jaw.

Watching them both stagger back, you knew backing Top specifically into a corner too soon wouldn't be good for you. Dyspo in particular looked worse for your attack, but both men needed to get their bearings.

"And here I thought you were an honorable warrior," Top sounded disappointed, "But to pull such a dirty-!"

"Don't act like you know me." You spat, "I'm a strategist who played the game. Your buddy is a speedster so any chance to get him off his feet is the best chance I have at beating him."

Top paused, glaring at you. He couldn't deny what you were saying, it was a strategy he had warned Dyspo of himself. If it wasn't for the sheer power radiating from the other side of the field...

"Now what in the world is that?" Dyspo shook his head, "Another surge in power so soon?"

"Goku... don't..." You groaned, "Why are Saiyans like this?"

Before they could launch an attack, Jiren stood up from his meditation.

"It's time to retreat." He commanded, "Wait and save our strength for the final matches."

"Yeah but--!"

Jiren was sizing you up under a cold gaze, "She's run her course Dyspo. There's no use in continuing to fight someone like that. Take this act of mercy and throw yourself out for all I care. Just don't follow if you know what's good for you."

Breathing returned as you relaxed your form. You knew you couldn't stand against Jiren very long. His strategy and yours were too similar. But you had to fight Top... you had to prove...

Dodging out of the way of two rampaging Saiyans, you had to find a spot to lay low. There were still too many opponents on the field. It was all you could do to help run down the clock, not that you had much to give.

But you were among the last six standing. Six versus three. You had a score to settle and nothing was going to stop you. Not even the power struggle of wills from Goku and Jiren. With your sights set on Top, you were rudely cut off by Gohan and 17, mostly Gohan.

"I know how this looks, how much you don't want to [Name]," Gohan said, "But you should go help Frieza with Dyspo."

"Fine."

Against your better judgment and desire, you went after Dyspo. Frieza wouldn't be happy with this, but as long as you could get a couple others out of the ring... Anything to keep Frieza from getting a wish to be honest.

Just hanging back and letting whatever happened happen. Having Freiza drug around by the tail and used like a club was funny after all. Even if it didn't work all that much.

"You're just enjoying this aren't you [Name]?" Count on Freiza to give up your hiding spot, "No doubt awaiting the precise moment that you can be the one to defeat me as well."

"Huh?" Dyspo was dumbfounded and ready to run, "You mean this... That's your great play?"

"Not really." You shook your head, "I don't play well with tyrants, even if we are on the same team."

"No wonder you're not fazed being swung around like a bat." Dsypo smirked, "Too bad you won't get that chance again."

"My my, it sure is a shame that he is only capable of running, isn't it?" Both of you watched him zip off, "If only you had hung back a little longer, you might have gotten your big chance [Name]. Not that I would have gone down so easily of course."

"Naturally. Though I have a score to settle myself. Don't get in my way."

"Oh hoh hoh! Do tell."

"Not on your life."

Even as you walked alongside the scourge of your own Universe, your thoughts stressed over your desire to fight Top. He and his team had ignored you long enough.

"Oh well, just leave Dyspo to me then. And do tell the half-Saiyan and Android to stay out of my way."

Heading off to where Top's energy was radiating, you were met with Gohan.

"Freiza is being stubborn with Dyspo. I am going to fight Top." You started, "I ask that neither of you interferes unless absolutely necessary."

"Are... are you sure?" Gohan asked, "You do know--"

"I fought Top earlier, I'm aware what he can do."

"If you insist." 17 raised his arms, "But I will jump in at my best judgment."

"That's what I'm counting on."

"Freiza! Look out! Behind you!"

Turning to where the yell was directed, the three of you hesitated for a moment.

"I knew you should have stayed with Freiza." Gohan growled a little, "Now what?"

"You go." 17 said, "But first, you said you've fought Top [Name]. What do you know about his allies?"

"Dyspo is a speedster. Keep him from controlling his movements and you'll be able to take him out."

"Alright then." Gohan nodded, "You two take care of Top then."

Leaping from where you had stayed hidden, you were met with a volley of energy blasts from Top.

"Oh, if it isn't the strategist from Universe 7, we meet again."

"Don't sound so surprised." You glared, "I'm not just a strategist. I'm the one who counters ALL!"

Rushing in for a melee assault, one you knew that wouldn't work, you hit a green barrier.

"17! What the hell!?" You shouted, "This is my fight!"

"Don't tell me you can't sense it." He answered, "Freiza won't be as easy going as the rest of us. And Gohan was knocked out with that Dyspo guy. You hang back for a minute and let me take care of this."

Shaking with fury as you clenched your fist, you retreated. 17 firing an endless volley of blasts. Kneeling to absorb all the energy you could muster, knowing you would need every ounce. Especially as you watched the beams between Top and 17 collide, staying just beyond the area of effect.

Even with Freiza taking potshots at Top's back, you knew something was coming. The explosion was incredible, with Top undergoing a transformation... one with too much power behind i--

"Wait a second..." Actually listening to the chatter of the stands, you knew how to counter him, "That's it."

Waiting for your opening was easy enough, as Freiza threw his desperate attempt at Top. Being knocked out as soon as Top was up, and thrown over the edge.

"Now!"

Your punch landed, but only just.

"Hah!? What are you doing [Name]! Get out of there! Don't go into a melee match!"

"Wait, she didn't... don't tell me."

"No... she..."

"SHE CAN'T BE SERIOUS!?"

"Wait a second..." Gohan yelled amid all the confusion, "[Name] isn't affected by power ups at all. She can't just see through them, she can counter them completely if she can get close enough."

"WHAT!?"

"You mean to tell me that one little human has been winning through immunity alone?"

Trading blows with Top had its own odd effect on you. Each strike barely hurt, but the energy you were absorbing was pure destruction. Even if you knew why, it made for a weird feeling. You've never actually absorbed pure destruction like this.

"I see you do have a weird ability." Top growled, "How quaint for the scout from the 7th."

"And you've been hiding your true power. Which is what my job as a scout was all about." You glared in return, "So either fight me or step out now. Because I'm not going to back down!"

Pushing the energy you'd absorbed out like a barrier of your own, you made every effort to dodge the blows you could. Turning someone's weapon against them was never an easy feat, but as your attacks got stronger, Top's grew weaker. Punch for punch, kick for kick, Top wasn't even attempting a grapple this time. You were able to root yourself or else fight back whenever he made a pass to toss you aside.

"Standing up to a destroyer god for this long is commendable, but this has been going on long enough. Leave this ring of ruble or else I might not be able to hold back from pure destruction!"

"Shut up!"

Decking Top in the face, you didn't let up. Blow for blow with no opening for him to charge a single move. He couldn't even escape with how much faster you'd begun moving. The destruction energy, the energy of the ground, you could only hope to finish this fight soon.

"I am getting tired of this." Top had you by the foot, throwing you aside like a ragdoll, "You cannot survive this, unless you dodge. Hakai!"

Standing up as the massive purple sphere of energy touched you, this was absolutely pure destruction. And it unlocked the rage you'd been keeping in check for so long.

That first punch felt too good, especially as the stands erupted in chatter. Wondering how far you could feasibly take your ability, and being far more resilient for it. And yet... you knew that this was as far as you could go...

"If I'm going down, I'm taking you with me!"

Bull rushing with every punch, the whole length of the arena... until you felt the ground leaving from under your feet. You knew this would be the last thing you did.

Appearing in the stands, you felt like collapsing. Every fiber of your being shook as you struggled to keep your eyes open.

"I... I--"

"Hey, easy [Name]." Gohan pulled you against his shoulder to keep you from falling to the floor, "Breathe, here. Have a Sensu."

"That... you really are something [Name]." Krillen sighed, "Just being able to stand toe-to-toe like that for so long."

"How in the world did you know you could take that kind of energy?" Beerus asked, "That level of Destroyer energy, even if new and weaker... you shouldn't have been able to shake that off after one time."

"I've always been able to do this." You shrugged as you stretched, "Absorbing energy and being immune to specific types of power ups are why Goku brought me into this crazy tournament."

The unsettling quiet and whispers of the power you had were quickly broken up as Jiren powered up. The tournament was far from over after all...

[ddrqoyote]

How I'd Rewrite DBZ's Fusion Saga

I like the rest of the Buu Arc, but the Fusion Saga's a hot mess (the part with Super Buu). This is how I wish the story had gone.

Buildup

Gotenks is hyped a little less. He's still presented as stronger than Goku and their best chance to beat Buu, but he's not stronger than Super Saiyan 3 as a regular Super Saiyan or anything. Piccolo figures if he can reach Super Saiyan 2, he'll be able to beat Buu. This adds some tension to his training and to the part of the fight where he screws around in weaker forms. Is he really on Buu's level or not? And the emphasis on Super Saiyan 2 makes it more shocking when he blows right past that to 3.

The scene from the anime where Krillin buys time for everyone and Buu turns them into candy anyway is here, cause that isn't actually in the manga. Goku and Gohan are watching through the crystal ball hoping they can revive them with the Dragon Balls, but Supreme Kai says no. If any power in the universe could bring the Kais or all of Buu's victims back "from the outside", he would have done it millennia ago, but once Buu eats someone they're absorbed into him. Even killing him wouldn't separate anyone.

Goku's horrified and demands to go back to Earth, and Supreme Kai wishes there was a way… then Elder Kai says just give him your life force if you want it that bad. Facepalming at everyone's blank stares, he explains Supreme Kais can trade their life for someone else's. Supreme Kai does it, Goku's returned to life, and we get the gag where Supreme Kai is still there cause this is the afterlife. However, Elder Kai tells Goku not to go back to Earth yet because his Super Saiyan 3 power is limited and he needs to save it for the right moment. (He really wants his champion Gohan to get all the glory, but he doesn't say so till later.)

Once Gotenks goes Super Saiyan 3 he's stronger than Buu, but it's immediately clear it won't last. His ki is erratic, burning up inside. Super Saiyan 3 isn't supposed to exist. There's a reason it looks so ridiculous, shortens fusion time and Goku can't use it right with a living body. It's pushing things too far, past Saiyan limits, past any mortal's limit (and it's Toriyama taking the piss on his own powerscaling, just like Goten and Trunks being Super Saiyans). The point is it wouldn't last a whole episode. Just like canon he defuses just as he's about to land a big blow.

Gohan arrives. Unlike canon, he doesn't play with his food. First, we just saw that with Gotenks. Second, that was the mistake that got his dad killed with Cell. Third, the stakes are even higher: all his friends and family are either killed by Buu or about to be. Lastly, Gohan's supposed to be all grown up in this scene, so why is he acting like a child? It's insulting to his character to have him do the same thing again. The outcome is similar, but the mood is different. Eventually Buu explodes, baits Gotenks into fusing, and absorbs him and Piccolo like in canon.

But this time, it's part of the plan.

The Better Buu Fight

We get a flashback. Piccolo's been talking to everyone telepathically. Gohan told him about Buu's absorption ability, and Piccolo figures he'll try to absorb them if he's losing. Piccolo's absorbed people himself, so he understands how it works, and he has a little of that Dragon Clan magic in him. He can put a spell on Gotenks so he'll be able to move around inside Buu when he gets absorbed, and hopefully get everyone out. Then Gohan and Gotenks can kill him and save the world.

Unfortunately, there are two snags in the plan. First, Buu's magic is more powerful than Piccolo's. Gotenks gets defused and Buu takes most of his power, leaving Goten and Trunks alone inside. Second, Piccolo underestimated Buu's appetite; he's absorbed too. Gohan is all alone to fight a hyper-powered eater of worlds.

Here's where we get into how Buu's absorption works. He doesn't change outfits or faces or personalities, he doesn't get smarter. Erratic, impatient predator Buu is way more interesting than Cell 2.0. What he can do is read memories. He taunts Gohan with these like a deep-sea fish dangling a lure, not fully understanding them but knowing they get a reaction. Stolen techniques, voice impressions, callbacks to previous moments. He's got Chi-Chi, Piccolo, Krillin and Goten in there. There's a LOT to work with.

This is the big centerpiece fight of the Fusion Saga, Gohan's first even fight ever, a grieving son vs a cornered animal, both using every trick in their arsenal. There are no Potaras in this version. Gohan is the world's last hope. Their powers are equal, but combine the emotional warfare with all Buu's broken abilities and Gohan has no chance at winning. He doesn't have to, though. He just has to survive long enough for Goten and Trunks to pull everyone out of him… however long that takes.

The whole time Goku's watching from the Kai world. Now he knows how all his friends feel when he fights. He was sidelined against the androids, sure, but he knew he had a way to get stronger. This time there's nothing he can do but watch. But he's amazed at how strong and brave his son's gotten. Even Goten's doing his part. He regrets not being there to watch them grow. The story doesn't dwell on it but it's there.

Meanwhile Goten and Trunks are inside Buu, having similar adventure hijinks Goku and Vegeta did in canon, complete with Trunks' fear of worms. There's underlying tension in the silliness, though, cause instead of seasoned veteran heroes it's these two little kids in the world's strangest place. Occasionally there's booming noises from the battle outside. They both put on brave faces for each other. Still, this is mostly a break from the Gohan vs Buu nonstop action, and a last bit of adventure before the series ends.

Eventually, just as Gohan uses up the last of his strength, they make it to where all the pods are stored. Before they can blast anyone down, though, Buu appears inside and defends them. There's nothing the boys can do… until Piccolo bursts out of his pod and grabs him from behind. He used his spell on himself to stay conscious and waited for the right moment. Buu shakes him off fast, but not fast enough to stop the boys from freeing everyone. As Buu howls in anger and confusion, they childishly decide to free Good Buu to see what will happen.

As everyone escapes, Buu's roars shake the Earth. Everyone congratulates themselves on saving everybody and their friends… except Buu's reforming. He's weaker, yes, and less intelligent, no match for Gohan or Gotenks at full power… but they're not. Everyone's completely drained. Panting and bent, they stare up at Kid Buu charging up his Planet Burst and know there's nothing they can do about it. As the ball comes down they feel Goku's faint ki. He's back on Earth after Elder Kai finally admitted he was just making things more dramatic, but Super Saiyan 3 would take too long. He only has time to save Dende and Mr. Satan. Gohan thinks to himself, "We softened him up for you, Dad. Do what you do best." The Earth is no more.

Supreme Kai teleports Vegeta to his planet, and the Kid Buu fight plays out like canon, except Goku never says he could've killed Fat Buu at any time in their last fight. That was dumb. He tried his best, he just couldn't do it alone. And yes, the god sacrificing himself to bring the main character back to life does nothing on Earth (Supreme Kai could've gone to Earth to save people like he did in the anime) and makes the Kid Buu fight harder. One last gag for the road.

What's the point of this?

Goku was right to give the next generation a chance and trust them in a real battle. They can't live their whole lives in his shadow. But just because his sons are ready doesn't mean he needs to disappear. Different generations have to live together and work with each other. That's what happens here. The Fusion Saga and Kid Buu Saga feel more like two halves of an extended final battle. With Piccolo's help, Gohan and Gotenks finish the first leg of the fight so Goku and Vegeta can take it home. Neither group can beat Buu alone. It'd also explain why Goku's fine coming back at the end, because he's learned that lesson too.

P.S. I wish I could've put Vegito in somehow, I love the fanservice, but I think it's worth it not having him. I also like the idea that no one actually beats Buu at full power one-on-one. He's the god-killing final villain, he should feel intimidating. And I'm sure the Toei movie makers would've loved being the only ones to have a Goku/Vegeta fusion. They made some good stuff at the end of the Buu Arc, throw them a bone lol.

[tobiasdrake]

Alright, here we go with Dragon Ball Daima, episode 3. Onward, to Daimakai!

Hold up, hold up. The transit space is called Warp-sama? With the -sama honorific, which is meant to show respect to venerable elders and mentors and stuff? XD

...I have to know what the dub calls it. One sec.

...

...

Wait, is Daima not being... I think the word is dualcast? Where they release both the dub and sub alongside each other.

Huh. I just assumed.

*google google*

...they're not releasing the dub on Crunchyroll because they want people to turn out for a theatrical release of the first three episodes.

I. Don't know enough about Western anime releases to know if that's weird or not. But it's definitely one solid

from me. Uh. Have fun at Regal Cinema, I guess?

First portion of this episode is spent making the journey through Warp-sama in order to reach Daimakai. Which would probably be more impactful if we hadn't already spent a bunch of time watching King Gomah make the same trip previously.

Like. This would be really awesome to go through for the very first time right alongside Goku, with the same sense of wonder he has, while Glorio's explaining how it all works.

But now I'm just like, "I don't care. I've seen this. I understand what this is. You're rehashing. Get to the new stuff."

Which only reinforces my opinion that the first episode is bad. After spending half an episode watching a Dragon Ball Z clip show, they then proceeded to shortsightedly ruin the beginning to episode 3. This should have been our first exposure to Warp-sama.

I am too, mainly because the closing credits indicated that Bulma, Vegeta, and Piccolo will make it to Daimakai. But I am curious how the PIN number will play into things.

Hopefully this means Team Bulma will get to explore the bureaucracy of Warp-sama and build that out a bit while Goku's having demon adventures.

Especially since it looks like Goku now has a roadmap for getting to Makai #1 without needing to go through Warp-sama to do it. So if Team Bulma does come through Warp-sama, they can probably just meet up with him in Makai #2 or something.

Much like the offhandedly established Tamagami, these pathways blocked by light barriers that we just happen to be passing by reek of plot-building.

Glorio is ominously evasive about his work. TAKING ALL BETS!!! The true nature of his job is:

1 - Something really questionable, like an assassin or personal minion to King Gomah. He can't say it because then Goku and Kaioshin wouldn't trust him.

2 - Something really embarrassing, like King Gomah's pillow fluffer. He can't say it because he wants these guys to take him seriously as a mysterious shonen badass.

This being Dragon Ball, it could go either way.

That Kaioshin too comes from Makai retroactively adds an interesting layer to how fearful he was of Dabra back in the Buu arc. Like.

Before, the context was just that this guy is the strongest guy in all the known realities. He's the ruler of Makai and he makes the mortal realm's strongest, Frieza, look like weak-ass horseshit by comparison. Kaioshin, a legendary super god whose very existence was considered mythical by gods, knew of him by reputation. And what he knew was that this guy is the most to be feared.

But with the new Daimakai lore, Kaioshin was actually one of Dabra's subjects once upon a time. His fear of Dabra isn't reputational; He grew up under Dabra and knows what he's capable of.

And then, one day, he saw Dabra made a puppet to Babidi and brought to the mortal realm. To revive Majin Buu.

Between "Everyone's turned into children again and can't use their abilities effectively anymore" and "The air in Daimakai is super heavy and makes everything sluggish", there's a lot of nerfs in play right now.

It makes sense. They want to do a big RPG fantasy adventure starting from level 1 but with a cast who can sneeze too hard and accidentally break seven universes. There's an effort on display here to try and avoid the "Goten and Trunks are menaced by the STRONGEST SNAKE IN THE UNIVEEEEEEEEERSE" problem that DBS (and GT and often the Z anime, for that matter) had.

Characters don't need to constantly forget that they can fly and teleport and shoot galaxy-crushing super-beams if you bake in a reason why they can't do those things right now.

That said....

Kaioshin ain't kidding. This is moving slow. We're fifteen minutes into a twenty-three minute episode. Apart from the briefest possible altercation with bandits we didn't even get to fight, all we've done is sit in the plane while Glorio reads off entries from the Daimakai Fandom Wiki to us.

Toei, I said this in episode 1 and I'll reiterate: You don't need to write like you're giving the manga space to get ahead.

Riveting stuff. I am on the edge of my seat for Glorio staring into the camera and monotonously explaining Makai #3's geology.

I'm sure this is being established so that it can come up in an interesting way later down the road. I'm just saying, there are better ways to convey information to your audience than by having a character emotionlessly read worldbuilding entries from the Story Bible for 3/4 of an episode.

Robbing the hotel manager that was trying to extort them is the first interesting thing we've seen Glorio do so far. Particularly interesting is his holstered gun, which he used to abruptly cut the bandit attack short a moment ago so he could resume explaining the lore.

It's easy to overlook as an American, given that everyone and their dog seems to have seven different firearms stored under their pillow, on the kitchen table, in the baby's crib, wherever. But having a gun in Japan is a Big Fucking Deal.

So that is certainly interesting.

But at this point, this character certainly has me waiting for the other shoe to drop. He is so deadly serious. There has to be a punchline coming. The ending credits seem to imply that he's got like a little sister or something that will be joining us and I can't wait to meet her because I bet she's going to take the wind out of his sails hard.

Right now, he feels like a straight man in search of an absurd counterpart to bounce jokes off him. Goku and Kaioshin are too busy bouncing jokes off each other to do that.

Ahhh, Toei loves "Big Eater Goku" jokes.

Fortunately, we're far enough removed from everyone constantly popping a Senzu that Goku having his huge appetite back won't constitute a plot hole.

That was a big deal in the Z anime, which pretty much abandoned the "Eating a Senzu means Goku won't need to eat a truckload of food for a full week" rule immediately so they could keep doing Truckload of Food jokes.

But as long as we keep Goku an entire reality away from Senzu, Toei can do as many Truckload of Food gags as they want without adversely affecting the show's consistency.

...I want a Makai hamburger now.

What is the beef made of? Do they have cows in Makai? I bet they have demon cows. Fire-breathing demon cows.

Hey, Exposition Guy, tell me about the fire-breathing demon cows. Can we go fight one?

Oh, Goku had the same question.

...shit, it's probably people. Aww.

That won't bother Goku, though. He is entirely comfortable with cooking and eating sapient beings. I mean, he didn't eat Cymbal, but he was party to it.

YOU, SIR, ARE A WOLF

I know we've established that having pointy ears means you're from Makai. But that man is a wolf. His ear pointiness is entirely incidental and a product of being animal people.

I don't think he's from here. I think he's a fake Majin. I think Earthling animal people are sneaking over here and pretending to be locals.

Goku barfighting local thugs while trying to enjoy his demonburgers is the best part of the episode. Especially for how few fucks Glorio gives about this.

He did a little bit of the fighting to get the action scene started. But then he was just like:

"Ehh, naptime. You guys are on your own."

It's a super fun action sequence, though. Again, the nerfs really help with making a "Goku gets attacked by ruffians" not feel out-of-place. The groundwork has been laid for why Goku can't just punch the air and shockwave them all unconscious in 0.5 seconds flat.

It also helps that Goku doesn't really seem threatened at all by these guys. Instead, he treats this as a training exercise to help him acclimate his body to the thick Makai #3 atmosphere.

So this isn't just a Random Encounter. There's a legitimate narrative reason for him to be fighting them that's in keeping with Goku's personality and character - and also consequences that the episode promises for next episode, too.

But the stakes and the tension are nonetheless kept at a level that seems appropriate for a fight between Goku and some bar thugs.

This is good. More of this, please.

[dragonballwish]

Here's my Dragon Ball hot take, Future Trunks should have been the protagonist of his own series because he is the "Goku" of his world. I don't think he should've been in the Buu Saga but Super could've of if not should've been about him becoming Xeno Trunks instead of what we got

honestly youre so right for this, its absolutely ridiculous how they handled the whole future timeline,,,, it could have definitely been its own thing and benefitted way more as that instead of..... yeah. sobs. i think super didn't need a future timeline at all? honestly, because I think even the xenoverse games did it so much better and so much more interesting than super's canon. well.

also, i think trunks is a really good character for being a main protagonist. I'm sure a lot of people would enjoy watching him as a main character, too. a spinoff with this instead of the entire arc we got in super, and I think a lot of people would have been more happy lol. like,, dragon ball fans clearly eat all the extra content up anyways djfhkdfg

im not too sure about Super being all about him as a protagonist, but at the very least they should have left his blueberry self out of it

[ ooo you wanna send me your thoughts and feelings on dragon ball so bad oooo you wanna send me some hot takes and complaints and grievances ooo ]

[gaiuskamilah]

wait rephrasing the previous ask, what do you think of gohan as a character from buu saga to Z and after.

obsessed with this AND gohan ive loved him since i was 9 i love him so fucking much hes my boy hes my baby hes my favorite db character on anyday when future trunks isnt fighting him for that spot. son gohan my fucking beloved. i think the thing with gohan is that he both likes to fight and doesn't and this fucks up db fans so much. gohan likes to fight casually, he likes martial arts just fine. he just doesn't like it when he's forced to do it because of evil or if causes major death and suffering, and he isn't as obsessed with it as goku and vegeta are (especially goku who he specifically says that he doesn't like fighting the way goku does).

he enjoyed being saiyaman and training goten for the world tournament, both of which were pretty low-stakes for someone like him vs goku who constantly looks for big opponents because he craves that fight to get stronger. his priority isn't to fight for the hell of it, which is totally fine. what i love about him is that even though he doesn't like to fight as much as goku does he WILL step up when needed and that showed in the cell fight and buu saga.

SPEAKING OF BUU SAGA. well mostly saiyaman and world tournament saga. i love gohan during these arcs please it was so much fun to watch him do silly things like be saiyaman and go to high school😭 he and videl are sooo cute and i just love the hilarity that videl falls in love with the kid whose win her dad took credit for HDHDJSJJS hes so silly. i love him.

i do think he was severely underutilized in buu saga especially when he went ultimate vs buu and got his ass kicked. but in hindsight it is kind of funny. in db super he's sidelined again which is sad (i really do not care for goku and vegeta in super anymore JDJDJDHDHDH I WANT MY HALF SAIYANS) but i LOVE what the last movie (dbs super hero) did with him!! with goku and vegeta of course gohan doesn't feel the need to train so rigorously anymore and he can just be a nerd (affectionate) but i like how dbs gives him a reason to keep up, i.e. protecting pan. dbs super hero is def my favorite db movie so far i just 🥺 gohan and his baby girl....

anyway tldr i love gohan and how kind and nerdy he is and even though he doesnt like fighting because of conflict he does step up when needed especially to protect the people he loves. i adore him. one of my forever boys fr. RIP toriyama you will be missed.

[antibioware]

Majin Buu arc is quite bad still (stakes so high they become pseudo ridiculous, the constant alternating between comedy skits clashes against the tone the arc set initially) but nostalgia hits hard in watching all these guys I watched as little kids be grown up married with kids and dying intermittently

That, and also does the final arc of DBZ need to be good? Isn't it enough to see Piccolo get tortured by preteens for 50 straight chapters

[dbzebra]

Alright this might be a bit spicy, but I don’t like when people say Vegeta is the main main character of Z.

Because first of all, you just know the people who say that haven’t read/watched OG. Z is not the whole story, it’s a continuation. Of Goku’s story. But some people just can’t handle that fact.

And additionally, I feel a lot of people say this because “he got all this character development in Z!” which, not really (I don’t think). Vegeta’s whole schedule consists of manic pixie dream girl, receive an ass-kicking, copium, rinse, repeat. Until the Buu Arc where he has a midlife crisis over having feelings.

Plus, character development does not a main main character make. That’d be like me saying “Zuko got all this character development in ATLA; that makes him the very main character!” See, it’s dumb.

IDK why I even felt the need to write/send this in. It’s not like I see this take much, since I don’t interact with that side of the fandom.

people actually say that?? tbh it's not surprising considering some of the totally out of pocket shit that Vegeta fans say LOL. But yeah, it really is just people who dont watch DB. It blows my mind how people can watch that show and see Vegeta is THE main character. He's literally a villain for half of it lmao.

I dont know what manic pixie dream girl means lmao but Vegeta's cycle of "Im the strongest" -> gets bodied -> whines is so funny to me lmao. The majority of his development is off screen. He says he grew to care for Bulma and Trunks but we really dont see that slow growth, outside of him losing his shit when Trunks died

Overall yeah I agree. Im glad you sent one!! Thanks for this :)

[duhragonball]

I found the zamazu saga easier to watch then gt because I could at least not think and just go: oooohhh pretty light show. Like a moth. Unfortunately that's how I've gotten around most of the bad writing, is ooohhh pretty light show, or growing to like a character. (I.e: Buu) but I get it, it's like watching the live action atla at times.

I mean, yeah, a lot of people seem to enjoy Zamasu/Goku Black as a character, or the arc as a whole. I don't get it, and I feel like a jerk if I accuse them of not paying attention while they watched it. There's a Tumblr Sexyman vibe to Zamasu, and Goncharov has shown us that fans can derive enjoyment out of things that may not even exist. So even a bad run of a show can still get people on board.

For my part, it's a lot easier for me to just roll with it when it's something like Super Dragon Ball Heroes, where they're not even trying to pretend this is a coherent story with continuity or stakes. I still don't understand how Zamasu is even in SDBH, and the character even refuses to explain it when asked, but somehow that makes him a lot easier to take.

Maybe the problem here is that DBS presented itself as this official continuation of DB continuity, which means it has a lot more to prove than it would if it were a silly side story. One of the weaker movies can get a pass because it's kind of a standalone side-story, but a genuine sequel has to measure up to the original. It doesn't just have to be well-made; it has to justify its own claim to be a continuation worth telling.

The Star Wars sequel trilogy has that problem. Movies like Rogue One and Solo can kind of get a free pass, but when you name your movie "Episode VII" you're asking the audience for a lot of their trust. In this case the Zamasu arc was presented as the direct continuation of Future Trunks' storyline in DBZ, and people had a lot of strong feelings about what that needs to be. I know I wanted to see Trunks acknowledge his career in the Time Patrol, because I like that version of events better. Other fans surely had their own ideas for what should happen to him next, and other fans probably wondered what the point was with even continuing his story at all. So you're almost guaranteed to tick someone off no matter what you do with the character in that arc.

[jacquelinemerritt]

Dragon Ball Z: Abridged Episode 27 Review

Originally posted December 4th, 2015

The chaos before the storm.

This is a very good episode of Dragonball Z: Abridged, but I’m beginning to question how much of the credit for that should be given to Team Four Star versus how much should be given to the strength of the source material. Having never watched that much of the original show, I’m curious how much better the story tends to get once it approaches the final fight of the arc, because it’s definitely been the case that Dragonball Z: Abridged gets significantly better when they get to that point in the story.

Last episode, of course, clearly benefited from the hand of Team Four Star, since it sped through material that I imagine the show took multiple episodes to get through, but in regards to earlier reviews, I may have criticized Team Four Star too much for their pacing when the blame lay on Toriyama for dragging out the story for far too long.1

Of course, Team Four Star’s hand is pretty clearly present in the acting and writing of this episode, both of which are at the best they’ve been in the series so far. “The Saiyan Formerly Known as Prince” is on par with “A Lovely Bunch of Dragonballs” in both camps.

The standout performances here are obviously LittleKuriboh and Lanipator as Freeza and Vegeta, with Freeza being more fun and brutal than we’ve seen him yet and Vegeta’s arrogance pushing him into uncharted realms of stupidity.

The writing also works incredibly well, swiftly establishing the power of Freeza’s final form (and simultaneously how much fun it’s gonna be to see him get his ass kicked). The rest of the episode is then spent tormenting Vegeta as Freeza slowly pushes him to his emotional edge.

It is only when Vegeta has been knocked down a peg that we get the arrival of (Deus ex) Goku, who naturally shows up to taunt Freeza by simply being himself. And then, because it wouldn’t be an episode during the final fight without it, we see Vegeta die, properly setting the stage for Goku’s fight and thrusting us into the second act of the fight.

Rating: 5/5

If you liked this review, please consider supporting me on Patreon.

Stray Observations

1I’m probably gonna watch all of Dragonball Z: Kai over the break so I can get a better sense of Toriyama’s pacing (that or read through the Freeza, Cell, and Buu sagas).

Goku: “Oh come on, King Kai, I’m sure they’re doing just fine!” Vegeta: “Healer’s down!” Krillin: “Need a res!” Gohan: “Out of mana!” All: “AAAHHH!!!”

Vegeta: “You know, all of you better duck, because I’m about to turn left, and I don’t want to smack you with my dick.” Never change, Vegeta. Never change.

Krillin, I too am confused as to how “Old Space Yeller” is a thing.

Goku: “So, are you that freezer guy?” Freeza: “I am Lord Freeza, yes.” Goku: “Awesome. Imma deck you in the schnoz!”

Goku: “I’m Goku! I’m insane! From Earth!”

Freeza: “Between you and the Namekian, I think I’ve lost my touch at genocide.”

[turboacek-blog]

Dragon Ball Super, potential arcs

If the anime ever comes back, people already assume they would cover the manga arcs of Moro and Granolah

And probably adapt the movies Broly and Super Hero

But that’s two main arcs and two smaller arcs (the movies wouldn’t be that long even when broken into episodes and the anime fleshing out certain moments)

And don’t know if that would be enough for a return imo

So I’m going to brainstorm ideas to help justify a return as well as just have fun

Android 21 arc

Yeah adapting the Dragon Ball FighterZ story

Mostly the Android 18 version

I don’t think the reviving of the villains will go over as well but the general premise can work

Android 21 makes this wave ray thing that nullifies most of the energy in the world making Goku and co nearly powerless

And without doing the player's soul thing maybe Bulma makes a device like a bracelet that allows them to use some of their ki but it takes a while to make each one so they do need to solve the problem

Along the way the team consists of all the z fighters

Android 21 has a similar story with 18, 17, and a new 16 then her body splits into the good half and bad half and goes from there

Can be a fun arc to level the playing field as now Yamcha could hypothetically beat Vegeta now

Plus depending on how they handle the ending Android 21 could join the Z fighters as she is a fan favorite

Edit: watched DBS: Super Hero

Since she is now officially the wife of Gero and 16 would be her son and Hedo her great? Grandson

Could have some connection with Hedo and Gamma 1 depending on the placement of this arc as before 21 could meet Hedo her grandson

After Hedo can help against 21

Xenoverse arc

This can be handled in a lot of ways

But I’m mainly focusing on the Trunks, SKOT (Supreme Kai of Time), and Fuu aspect from Xenoverse 2 bonus content

In my ideal version, this would be the Trunks that left to join the duplicate of him and Mai in their timeline and through time shenanigans the timelines are fine and Trunks can ask Goku and co to help against Fuu

Can be the repeat of the Future Trunks/Zamasu/Goku Black arc as it’s incorporating Trunks again but this time has a god/Kai approval

Don’t know the details as it would need to be altered a bit to fit the anime as they didn’t do the multiverse stuff the games do

Maybe incorporate the other universes like Jirens 11 or the unknown ones like 1

Edit: realized this is a lot of the Heroes plot so maybe just find a way to connect them somewhat officially

Dragon Ball Online stuff

I don’t know too much about the game but I know it had a lot of stuff that Toriyama helped add that could make its way into canon in some version

Like Tien already has his dojo which was the idea that was first in the game

Some ideas I had without going into detail as these can be one episode “fillers”

Krillin’s dojo, has a dojo similar to Tien for the new turtle and crane schools to exist

Ms. Buu, Buu wants a companion and creates his wife Ms. Buu so can see that happening as even in Xenoverse he just creates kids so some form of Buu having a Major family can work

Gohans book, Gohan writes a book about Ki control that spreads and has many people learn about ki including Mr. Satan, probably more of a post-Z time but can at least get started here plus it ties into his Scholar profession and how he taught Videl in Z

Goten and Trunk different paths, Trunk takes up the sword and is a swords master and Goten with martial arts so they grow in those aspects, in Online they eventually teach so maybe build that idea for the future

Namek on earth, for whatever reason namekians are on earth in DB online and they’re not just descendants of Piccolo and Dende

This could work as Namekians are friendly with the Z fighters and they just need water to live but don’t know what impact it would have

So that was the adaption stuff

Now for my original off-the-wall ideas

Android 8 upgrade, somehow Android 8 gets an upgrade and can compete against the z fighters but is used for evil or something, if Hedo can make androids capable to fight Gohan and Piccolo then anything is possible lol

Adapting some Z movie villains:

Turles and the tree of might, another Saiyan that survived kinda like Tarble but his fruit of the tree of light gives him a power boost capable of actually fighting the Z fighters

Lord Slug, evil namekian can be old yet super powerful like Moro and gets his youth back

Cool Cooler, instead of just Freiza again, I think Cooler could be what Frost was acting as but being a good guy but he has a villain he needs help defeating or something

Janemba is just a pretty strong alien with a good power set, Janemba could take a lot of hits in the bigger form and had the teleport portal blade attacks in his more iconic form

Lastly, the one people are mixed on but for the most part, want

Redo GT

This would have to be after the Z of Dragon ball so it's not likely but if they do go past the end of Z

Black star dragon balls

Just needs fine-tuning, as its main problem was that it was too long leaving it to have a lot of bad episodes,

Plus it can give Universe 7 more world building

Baby saga

Can mostly be the same but obviously more modernized and fix the issues it had

The body-snatching idea was good alone and then adding the backstory was solid on its own

Super Android 17

This would need the most workaround as maybe it isn’t 17 this time but Gamma 1 and someone rebuilt Gamma 2 and they do the fused idea people thought Super Hero would have before release

Shenron/Dragon saga

This can again be mostly the same just modernized

Having there be a drawback for all the wishes they have made is good

The dragons would need some work as outside of Nova Eis and Shin the others can be changed

And the ending can be virtually the same again

And I’m not writing it out but this is again the opportunity to not make GT Goku time

[galexibrain]

I can see how Vegeta was so intensely pissed about Gohan not keeping up with his training during the 7-year skip.

He's grudgingly respecting this ridiculously strong brat who, at the time, was one of only three saiyan fighters.

And I think he kind of accepted that? That Gohan was the benchmark now that Goku was gone.

After seven years Vegeta is undoubtedly stronger than Gohan was during Cell games, Gohan's rage-triggered power bursts aside. Maybe he would even have liked to fight Gohan at some point, to see whether he could surpass him.

But then Gohan just ... throws it away, at least he does in Vegeta's eyes. Vegeta can't fathom a saiyan who doesn't want to be the strongest fighter in the universe.

And then he's already tense bc his rematch with Goku is at risk bc of Babidi, and now he has to watch Gohan struggle against Dabura, an enemy he could have defeated with one hand seven years ago. And Vegeta knows he could do it now! Because he trained for this!

And that drives him so mad.

Can't say I enjoy Majin Vegeta arc but he probably needed that. He never officially became one of the "good guys". And he tried to go back to who he once was - and for a moment it was fun! Inhibitions gone, not having to care about anyone anymore, all that must have felt nice.

Going from prince of the saiyans to Freezer's henchman to second-best who's defeated by numerous enemies so many times must have meant a lot oif resentment, frustration and indignation. He'd bottled that all up for years, never actually processing any of it, and now he could finally get it out of his system! Yeah!

But then the rage blew away, and what remained? A family to protect, and after that fight with Goku - which wasn't even as satisfying as he'd thought it'd be! - being a proud warrior and the prince of the saiyans suddenly meant something else.

And once he accepted that - maybe when he agreed with Goku to stop the fight, or when he felt Gohan's energy vanish, or when he realized he had zero chance at defeating Buu by himself, or when he hugged Trunks - he could finally accepted that he had changed, and the he was one of the good guys now, and didn't really want to go back to the old days. Because not being fucking lonely all the time? Kinda nice. (Just don't expect him to openly admit it ok.)

[artikgato]

Long post about Dragon Ball ahead!

Today I went to an actual movie theater and watched a screening of the first three episodes of the English dub of Daima. It was a lot of fun! And very nostalgic. Spoilers and reminiscing under the cut.

I was around when Dragon Ball Z was airing on Toonami back in the day. I didn't have regular access to cable so I didn't get to see any of it as it actually aired. I didn't watch the Saiyan or Namek stuff at all until much later, borrowing some friends' DVDs. I did, however, catch reruns of the Trunks - Androids - Cell sagas in the summer of 2001. That summer I was staying with relatives who did have cable. I was enthralled; I don't think I missed a single episode. I was actually pretty bummed when I had to go back to not having cable in the fall, because I knew they were going to be airing the Buu arc (it was very heavily advertised, and was probably the reason they were rerunning the Cell stuff in the first place). After that summer, though, I was hooked. I used chore money to buy some of the movies on VHS (Lord Slug and Cooler's Revenge for sure, kinda wish I still had them) and a substantial amount of the Buu saga either on VHS or DVD when VHS got phased out. So, even though it was not nearly as well written or paced as the earlier parts of DBZ, the Buu arc holds a very special place in my heart. It was what I watched through high school. (I was also the same age as Gohan, so that was fun.)

So, Daima taking place shortly(?) after the end of the Buu arc hit me in the nostalgia in a way I wasn't really expecting. I went into this knowing very little other than everybody got turned into little kids for Reasons, and the animation is very pretty. I assumed it was going to take place during or post-Super, because why wouldn't it? So, seeing that familiar cast of characters and hearing those familiar dub performances sent me straight back to my high school days (which was over 20 years ago now, get off my lawn, etc.), spending lazy Saturday afternoons watching any episodes I could get copies of on my old ass, tiny ass CRT TV. (I watched a lot of anime that way.)

Also within the first ten, fifteen minutes of episode 1 I was slapped (metaphorically) with a reminder that I had an embarrassingly big crush on this little nerd back in the day:

(did I choose the least flattering possible picture of Shin? Yes.)

To be fair (or maybe unfair) to me, I was Weird with a capital W back in high school. I had female friends who also watched DBZ. They all had sensible taste in men: Future Trunks (I mean, yeah, of course), Vegeta, high school age Gohan, Goku, even Android 17. I was the one going "okay but Piccolo is kinda hot, right?" to which they replied "the green slug man??" So I'm in high schooI and watching the Buu arc and this purple-skinned, perpetually anxious loser nerd shows up and I go "Oh??? Sign me the fuck up." And then 20 years later (I'll admit, I did not watch Super. I guess I need to fix that) I'm watching this and then I go "oh, right, Shin is hot, I forgot."

This had been, of course, after staring at his younger brother Degesu for like 10 minutes during the intro of episode 1 and going "oh no he's hot oh no he's hot oh no he's hot". And then also his sister Dr. Arinsu (not sure if she's the eldest sibling or younger than Shin) and going "oh no she's hot too oh no she's hot too" and etc. etc. But I mean, come on, can you blame me? (You can. You should, you should judge me for my weird taste. I'm not going to call it poor taste, because you know I'm right.) I mean, look at them:

(High school me would not have been going "oh no she's hot". I've come a long way.)

But, okay, y'all didn't come here for my apparent bias towards characters from the demon realm (oh, right, it turns out that Shin's people are from the demon realm and are actually demons and not gods. And Namekians are also from the demon realm and are not just alien slug men. Actually everybody with pointy ears is from the demon realm or has an ancestor from the demon realm. Go figure.).

Anyway, I've only watched the first three episodes, but so far it is really good! The action sequences were very well choreographed and animated (the fight with the burgers was SO GOOD THOUGH), the dub voice acting was stellar, and seeing all the main cast turned into kids was phenomenally entertaining. This is what GT should have been. I'll never get over realizing I was looking at a like 12 year old Master Roshi, who continued to speak like an old geezer even with the voice of a 12 year old. 10/10. (Also he has to be related to Krillin, the resemblance is uncanny.) Angery little kid Vegeta was amazing. Teenage-ish Piccolo was great, too, because we got to see him as a little kid in Dragon Ball and as an adult in DBZ, but never in this inbetween teenage stage. I wish we'd gotten to see more of the more secondary and tertiary characters, maybe that'll be in later episodes. Normally I would hate this, but it was hilarious. In GT it was just weird and off-putting to only have Goku as a little kid, but with everyone else as kids he just fits right in.

I'm definitely going to track down episodes 4 and up (I think Japan is up to 6 this week?) and keep watching. I don't think I can patiently wait for the dub like I did for the first three, so subbed it is for now. I don't typically watch DBZ in Japanese because I grew up with the dub, but I'm too interested to see where this plot is going. (And if they're going to give Degesu and Arinsu more screen time. Shin's already getting a lot, which I am very happy about.) I'm also very interested to see if anybody else got turned into a kid. Like Gohan. Are we getting Cell Games age Gohan? I hope so. But also, what other characters were included in that wish? Tien and Chaotzu? Launch? Android 17? Yajirobe? Videl? Ox King was kid-ified, but Korin wasn't. I need answers. Also we were robbed, Korin should have been a kitten.

Also also, I think they should have kept the kids who were already kids the same age they already were. Imagine little kid Vegeta being physically the same age as kid Trunks. Imagine it. I fully get why they just turned them into babies, but imagine.

[meep9898]

Has Meep watched Dragon Ball Daima? It's two episodes in and its great!

Haven't watched it, and it isn't on my list, at least not for now. Being honest, other than the Super Broly movie, I haven't watched or read anything beyond Z. Don't get me wrong, I do like Dragon Ball, but I have no real interest for more of it. I believe the story had no need to go on after the Buu arc.

[gettothestabbing]

What are your top 5 favorite anime?

Princess Tutu - gorgeous in every way, a story that does the concept of a multilayered narrative justice while also using the beauty of ballet and fairy tales to their full emotional advantages, and also the name helps gatekeep, because if you can't get past the name you aren't the sort of person who would enjoy it anyway. I can't recommend it highly enough. Available here

Kill la Kill - amazing and energetic animation, a unique story with a surprising family theme, and probably the coolest modern take on the delinquent girl archetype. I did resist watching it at first because of the lack of under-boob support on Ryuko's outfit, but honestly, it no longer bothers me. There are valid story reasons behind all the costume designs. Again, this has the beneficial side-effect of automatic gatekeeping. Available here

Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters - peak early 2000s character design, tons of merchandising money to fund legitimately good filler arcs and hire high quality animation directors (sometimes), a hero that actually has the worst win-loss record of all the protagonists of his franchise (but still retains the largest fanbase and greatest admiration for his skills and personal character), multiple engaging character arcs, and my personal favorite. This is the one most affected by nostalgia. YGO was my first fandom outside of Disney, the first thing I was really into that neither my parents nor my younger sister cared about, and it remains incredibly important to me. It took me 10 years to be able to watch the final two seasons, as my local channel for some reason decided to only play the first 2.5 seasons over and over. Those final seasons were not at all disappointing either; I loved them entirely, even with all their flaws and animation issues. I'd never claim that YGO is perfect, especially since I prefer the 4Kids dub to the original; yet even the subbed version, which I have also seen, has issues as a story. The original manga is superior to BOTH versions, if we're being honest. But this anime is amazing, fun, wholesome (without being lame, particularly the sub; the dub can be pretty lame) and long without being impossible to finish. The dub is available here (w, x, y, z), but to get the subbed version, you either have to pay through the nose or search the bowels of the Internet. Might as well try the dub: even if you don't like 4Kids, you can have fun laughing at them, and all the changes the dub made were meticulously catalogued here.

Dragon Ball - one of the best shonen ever, with an amazing world, strong characters that stay simple without being simpletons, and a slow, savory pace that makes every fight pop. I binged the entire (subbed) show in March 2020 when I had to stay home during the initial lockdown. It was exactly the cheery, grounded, fun shot in the arm that I needed when things were still uncertain and scary in my world. While I enjoy Z and parts of Super, the original is far better: more consistent in quality, pacing, and relevant themes. It's here and here right now. If you're already a fan, Totally Not Mark has some huge video essays reviewing both the entire franchise arc-by-arc and analyzing the major characters of the franchise. (The Buu arc review features Team Four Star ^_^)

Akage no Anne - one of the best works of World Masterpiece Theater and directed by future Studio Ghibli director Isao Takahata; a picture-perfect adaptation of Anne of Green Gables made for Japanese ESL education that managed to capture the pace, feelings, and gradual growth of its cast. With dreamy sequences to represent Anne's imagination and mirror the long descriptive passages of the book, the series grounds itself with simple and realistic character designs that change slowly over the course of the series to reflect the passing of time. It's from 1979, so it's even less fancy looking than Dragon Ball (1986), and Anne's initial design looks a bit awkward since she's pretty awkward and underfed at the start. But don't be fooled. Not only is this the closest adaptation I've seen to the book, but it manages to reflect Anne's rich, emotional inner world without relying on narration or a diary. It uses silence in a very mature way. Although Akage no Anne was not at all the beginning of Japan's love affair with Anne Shirley, it has become a cornerstone of that fandom in Japan. And if you love Isao Takahata's work like I do, seeing one of his earliest works is a pure joy. It's actually available on YouTube; this version has been up for 7 years straight, but I'd urge anyone interested to watch it sooner rather than later. You never know when a YT anime playlist will disappear.

Honorable Mention: Maison Ikkoku - this is one of my favorite manga, one I liked enough to collect in full and read multiple times. The anime is beautiful, and unlike some adaptations of Rumiko's work, it doesn't delve into alternate characterizations or themes. It's an iconic 1980s anime and I love what I've seen of it. But I can't put it higher because I've never been able to see all of it. Occasionally I've been able to watch episodes on YouTube with French subs, but I'm not fluent in French, so I only know what's going on because I'm so familiar with the manga. I still recommend it as a mature seinen romance/comedy. If anyone knows where I can watch or legally obtain it, I'd be very grateful.