Akira Toriyama/Dragon Ball
 

I searched for similar threads and have found none (or mebbe I did something wrong), anyhoo, here you can discuss the accomplishments of the genius that is Akira Toriyama. What do you like and dislike about his works, the impact he has made on all media, and stuff like that. Personally, I fell in love with his stories and art, and I practically worship everything he's created. Yeah, that makes me a fan-boy, but I don't care. The first time I saw Dragon Ball was in '99 and that was the same day I encountered the term "Anime". I used to call every piece of animation a "cartoon" till then. From that moment on Dragon Ball has changed my life for the better. Now, I know there are DB haters on this forum, but I don't have anything against their posting on this thread. Although, I will say that you needn't bother with the put-downs and flame, because in my seven years of internet experience I've heard 'em all. Thanx for understanding.



P.S. Hah, I remember the first time I read 8-bit Theater I was a little disappointed with Brian's choice of using the Hadoken instead of the Kamehame Ha as Black Mage's "desperation" (annihilation?) move, but I've grown to like it eventually, and now I think it suits him better.

I found the original Dragonball quite cool, although I'll admit I haven't seen it in its entirety, nor have I seen anything but the English dub, which I've been told is inferior (I myself reserve judgement.) Dragonball Z was fine, up until after the Frieza saga. Once they started adding levels beyond Super Saiyan (and I know some fanboy is going to correct me and say "IT'S SAIYA-JIN!" It's happened EVERY other time) that's where I lost interest. I didn't even bother with Dragonball GT - from what I've heard, Akira Toriyama wasn't even involved in beyond allowing the Dragonball name to be used.

In summary, Dragonball gives me mixed feelings. I don't quite understand the absolute revulsion some people hold for it, but neither do I find it to be anything special. I also freely admit that my knowledge and experience of it is incomplete, and that may very well be why I don't have a stronger opinion of it. It's a great series if you're tired of piecing together the plot and just want to enjoy some rampant pummelling and the hurling of energy blasts. It's a welcome brain-reliever after dealing with the likes of Ghost in the Shell, Neon Genesis Evangelion, or other Anime which has a plot that takes thinking to follow.

Yeah, Toriyama only did some character designs for GT, and helped with the plot around the Super Android 17 saga. But watching GT had me thinking of the original series, because Gokou got turned into a kid again. And I enjoyed his adventures as a kid, because of that happy-go-lucky attitude which got lost somewhere in the middle of DBZ.

Thanx for your opinion dude, I appreciate it. Oh and, being a purist, I DO use the term "Saiya-Jin" over "Saiyan", but I don't criticise people who use the latter.

Now, has anyone seen Toriyama's other shows? Or read other Mangas like: Dr. Slump, Kajika, SandLand or the spoof the is Neko Majin/Z?

I was really into Dragonball Z for a while, so I can't talk too much shit.

I stopped caring right around when they started making Gohan a lameass.

But blowin' up planets and stuff is still pretty cool.

Gohan kid = Awesome. I mean, he could kill everyone if he tried.

Gohan teen = Equivalent of Chuck Norris/Bruce Lee. He could kill everyone without trying.

Late teens to rest of show Gohan = I could take him out with my big toe.


Goes pretty much like that.

I remember seeing Dragon Ball for the first time around 1995, after returning from a long first day of school. Who would have thinked Master Roshi and his lecherous thoughts would direct the childhood of a bunch of kids in such a way as to actually shape an entire generation?

Aaah, good times. And one other thing: You MUST watch Dr. Slump.

I started watching through friends toward the beginning of the Cell Saga in my 8th grade(Fresh in college now). I loved it. Best saga still IMO. Only for kid Gohan. Jesus I loved him. "Dont make me punch you. Seriously...if I do I'll kill you 6 times over." But ChiChi fucked that up...stupid bitch.

Anyway, I got all the Cell and Buu sagas and World Tournament episodes on my comp. Still watch them. I dont know why but they still get me hooked. I love Goten :D

Also, anybody know which GT saga are in english and/or DVD? Id like to get the first saga if I could. Where it left off after Buu and all that.

Indeed, Chi-Chi's "I don't want my son to be a karate-bum like his father!" attitude pissed me off. After all, her son's father wound up being the most powerful being in the universe. If that doesn't look pretty darn good on a resume, nothing will. Sheesh.

That reminds me that it's actually been ages since I've watched any of DBZ past the Frieza saga, and thus hardly remember anything about the Cell and Buu sagas. For some reason, you folks have gotten me interested again, so I'm probably going to wind up finding a way to watch the entirety of DBZ. As soon as I do, I'll be back with (what I hope will be, anyway) a more informed opinion of it.
Consider it on my to-do list.

Hehe, this reminds me of one scene in vol. 21 of the Dragon Ball Manga:

That is why Yajirobe is one of my fav characters.

Put simply, Chi-Chi needs to stop PMSing long enough to listen to herself. I mean, jeez, talk about not having your priorities straight. She should take her cues from Bulma - From what little I can remember, Bulma's not totally freaking out about her son fighting to save her homeworld (from what's been spoiled of DBGT for me, she even does a lot to help out in the fight right at the end.)