Dragon Ball Highly recommended

Publisher
Viz
Writer
Akira Toriyama
Artist
Akira Toriyama
Country of origin
Japan
Year
1984

Dragon Ball

By Rob Argent
24th May 04

Before I start my review of the Dragonball manga, lets get something straight: the Dragonball series is immensely popular, regardless of what some critics think. Akira Toriyama designed it for kids, including action and humour in equal doses. As the series went on (from Dragonball to Z, to GT) the more serious, action oriented ideas began to take over, but it was still primarily for kids. This is something everyone should remember - it is not a deep, philosophical story, even if it is shown on Cartoon Network alongside Gundam Wing! So, keeping in mind that little aside...

Currently being adapted by Viz, fans can now buy ten or so issues of Dragonball in one compilation. This is perfect for people who have seen the cartoons and want more; for a reasonable price everyone can read the original storylines and discover that Toriyama's early work was his best. That's right, Goku's early adventures are his funniest and most exciting, with real martial arts fights instead of long, drawn-out fireball fights. Another good point is that everyone fights, unlike later Dragonball Z or the entire series of GT, where its Goku versus the world (with friends and family watching helplessly).

In the very beginning, Goku (who at this point is still a child who doesn't realise he's an alien) and Bulma conduct a search for the elusive dragonballs in hope of having their wishes granted. These escapades are at first simply childish fun, but as the plot develops, Goku and Kuririn (known as Krillin in the dubbed cartoons) begin to fight more and more, entering martial arts tournaments along the way. We also get to see all of Goku's old friends like Chazou and Master Roshi when they actually fight.

The designs and page layouts are pure Toriyama, examples of his style that has become well known and loved. Big, dramatic frames of special moves, lots of shouting and slapstick moments that are pure fun. The dialogue is great, consisting of silly comic touches and big, over the top special move names (such as "the fist of four arms" and the classic "kamehameha"). Recommended.

7/10

-- Rob Argent 24th May 04