PREMISE: King Piccolo is dead, but he left a son to avenge him. Goku and Piccolo Jr. will fight each other in the next World Martial Arts Tournament. But before that Goku will face the creator of Dragon Balls himself. (Introduces: Piccolo Jr., Kami, Mr. Popo)
THOUGHTS: Final fight with Piccolo takes 6 episodes. It's epic undoubtedly, but it did drag a little and I worry for the DBZ. 3rd Tournament this quickly is a little jarring as well, but most fights were still pretty fun. Overall I found this a satisfying conclusion to the show.
Also I already miss Krillin and Goku child voices.
ANIME FILLER: First time in ages filler is somewhat low, only major one being some scenes of baby Piccolo, which are good enough.
(But I must say that Goku’s talk with Mystery Female Fighter has some weird translation choices. This is the only time I noticed an important scene being changed in dub, rather than a small joke or dirty moment).
But that was about episode padding. There are 11 'pure filler’ episodes. 127-132 shows Goku training with Mr. Popo. And it’s actually pretty good. It’s low key, creative, and (racist or not) I really like Mr. Popo, who gets very little time in manga. My only problem is that 1) training doesn’t feel finished, the show just skips forward. 2) Tien & rest have a boring 2-part story.
As for 149-153 (last episodes of the show), it’s a cool idea for an epilogue, with pretty boring, sometimes dumb and languid execution. If you really want to see Goku’s wedding, just watch the last three minutes of 153.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Is OG Dragon Ball best anime of all time? Not really, but it still stands test of time, which is all we can ask for. It's fun lighthearted adventure with cool battles and likeable protagonist.
It's main flaw is that as with each chapter, all supporting characters become more and more useless, only being there for character interactions and cheering for Goku. This isn't manga with much character development or intellectual problem solving, just fighting and training to fight. Keep that in mind and you'll have a good time.
Manga or Recut Anime are superior experience to watching all filler, but I understand if you're curious. In my reviews I listed my favorite filler moments and there is always wiki to help you out. Dub Vs Sub is always matter of preference, personally I prefer dub and looking at animation that focusing on the bottom of the screen. Most voices are really good, but there is occasional weird translation here and there.
DB Arc 9: Piccolo Jr. and Final Thoughs
(manga chap. 162-194, anime ep. 123-153)
PREMISE: King Piccolo is dead, but he left a son to avenge him. Goku and Piccolo Jr. will fight each other in the next World Martial Arts Tournament. But before that Goku will face the creator of Dragon Balls himself. (Introduces: Piccolo Jr., Kami, Mr. Popo)
THOUGHTS: Final fight with Piccolo takes 6 episodes. It's epic undoubtedly, but it did drag a little and I worry for the DBZ. 3rd Tournament this quickly is a little jarring as well, but most fights were still pretty fun. Overall I found this a satisfying conclusion to the show. Also I already miss Krillin and Goku child voices.
ANIME FILLER: First time in ages filler is somewhat low, only major one being some scenes of baby Piccolo, which are good enough. (But I must say that Goku’s talk with Mystery Female Fighter has some weird translation choices. This is the only time I noticed an important scene being changed in dub, rather than a small joke or dirty moment). But that was about episode padding. There are 11 'pure filler’ episodes. 127-132 shows Goku training with Mr. Popo. And it’s actually pretty good. It’s low key, creative, and (racist or not) I really like Mr. Popo, who gets very little time in manga. My only problem is that 1) training doesn’t feel finished, the show just skips forward. 2) Tien & rest have a boring 2-part story. As for 149-153 (last episodes of the show), it’s a cool idea for an epilogue, with pretty boring, sometimes dumb and languid execution. If you really want to see Goku’s wedding, just watch the last three minutes of 153.
FINAL THOUGHTS Is OG Dragon Ball best anime of all time? Not really, but it still stands test of time, which is all we can ask for. It's fun lighthearted adventure with cool battles and likeable protagonist. It's main flaw is that as with each chapter, all supporting characters become more and more useless, only being there for character interactions and cheering for Goku. This isn't manga with much character development or intellectual problem solving, just fighting and training to fight. Keep that in mind and you'll have a good time. Manga or Recut Anime are superior experience to watching all filler, but I understand if you're curious. In my reviews I listed my favorite filler moments and there is always wiki to help you out. Dub Vs Sub is always matter of preference, personally I prefer dub and looking at animation that focusing on the bottom of the screen. Most voices are really good, but there is occasional weird translation here and there.