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Toriyama may have a habit of forgetting aspects of his own story, but when he remembers it certainly makes for good new stories. Over 20 years since Vegeta promised to take Trunks to an amusement park Dragon Ball Super has finally given the fans just that. The question, which this episode addresses is will that promise mean anything to Vegeta, and moreover does the idea of a break away from training appeal to the saiyan price at all?
As far as humour goes, there was some of it there but not a whole lot as this episode was quite serious. There were humorous moments for example during the dining scene, but during the concert scene it was more an illustration of how Vegeta is as a person, how he, as a saiyan acts in situations considered normal by those living on Earth. And while some fans might be disappointed because this episode wasn’t as action heavy as you would expect from a series following up from Dragon Ball Z, it is the sort of episode the franchise needs as these slice-of-life episodes can help some fans to identify with characters such as Bulma whose roles would be undermined during the big battles.
The introduction of Beerus also receives it’s welcome expansion. Without giving any spoilers this episode did justice to his “God of Destruction” title, which was the only thing missing from Battle of Gods (as good as it was). If certain aspects of that movie to be expanded upon, as this episode suggests there is much potential to develop the drama and sense of the ominous, which require an antagonist to cause some harm. In this respect the episode, through the use of juxtaposition sets up the coming Battle of Gods segment of the series in interesting ways. Old Kai and Kibitoshin’s disturbed tea break informs the viewer of the onset of opposition, while Beerus’ vision gives the other perspective that a worthy opponent may face him.
So as a whole this episode could be somewhat more important to the series as a whole than previously expected, only the remainder of the season will tell.
This weekend at San Diego Comic Con IGN spoke briefly with Justin Cook, dub voice of characters such as Dende, Super Buu and Raditz. In their interview Cook answered some questions about the upcoming Resurrection F, and some popular fan questions.
Initially asked about whether or not the new movie confirms that Dragon Ball GT is no longer canon Cook was sceptical.
“Well you know, I don’t know” he responded “I mean there has been a line of logic that says yes it does, but then on the other hand it takes place so far after the events of GT that perhaps it will stay in, I think only time will tell if GT ends up exiting the canon or not”. This was likely a misstatement on his part considering the fact Resurrection F actually takes place before the end of Z. He was probably saying this movie was made years after GT was produced, so Toriyama and the writers at TOEI likely have new ideas for the pre-GT timeline, which may contradict that series.
Cook was also delighted to see the comedy aspect being brought back to the franchise, but also for Resurrection F to cater to fans who want an action heavy work true to Z.
“It was a great blending of both Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z whereas Resurrection F really kind of hits the Dragon Ball Z audience very much. You’re talking a lot more fighting, a lot more action, the silliness is kind of drawn back. There is comic relief, which is, Beerus and Whis will make a return in this movie”
Naturally, being with Funimation Cook was asked about Dragon Ball Super.
“I can say that I’ve seen the first episode as I’m sure most of the public has, and I can tell you we’re really excited about the show for sure, as to what the future is”. Additionally, asked about a possible dub, Cook was hopeful “I would imagine”.
Cook was also asked about his favourite part of the series.
“To me the beauty of Dragon Ball Z, quite frankly, I know this sounds really cheesy is the lessons that come out of it – the pride before the fall, friends above all else, I mean those kind of themes that run throughout the course of the 500+ episodes the series has run is ultimately the pulsing heart of that series, but, you know these characters have been developed, and continually developed and I think the great thing about these movies is that for the first time we’re getting to see Goku’s character get a little more developed, he’s always been the constant thing throughout the whole Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and so finally here we’re getting to see him grow a little bit as far as the training he’s doing and not wanting to merge with, you know, say Vegeta and make things go a little bit faster as far as the fights”.
Cook was also positive regarding Dragon Ball’s potential to continue from one generation to the next.
“I think that with the movies coming out now it has really made the generation gap, its blended that, so now I think you have parents now who are taking their kids to see these movies and they’re kids are getting involved, especially with Kai having been on for the last few years, it has really helped to introduce a new audience”.
Fans were also teased some explanation for the blue hair in Goku’s Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan transformation.
“Well there is nothing in the film that states exactly why that happens, but I can assume that he just discovered it in Battle of Gods, that power, so I’m thinking that’s his stable form, and I think what we’re seeing in Resurrection F is a well-trained finalized form of this Super Saiyan God”.
Fans were also promised an explanation for the symbol on Goku and Vegeta’s Resurrection F gi.
“That’s going to be explained in the movie but that’s actually an autograph, so it turns out that the cast of Dragon Ball Z likes getting autographs as much as giving them”.
And of course Cook was asked about Jaco The Galactic Patrolman.
“Well this is a guy who polices the galaxy, ands makes sure that the races don’t necessarily intermingle, that there’s no saiyans on Earth, he hasn’t been doing a great job [LAUGHS]. But, he’s a fantastic new character in this new series, and this movie, really adds a lot, and I guess, you know, this is not really a spoiler because people have seen the opening for Super as well so I guess he’s here to stay”.
In the last day RobotUnderdog has updated fans about the current status of the next two episodes of the upcoming live action Dragon Ball Z : Light of Hope series.
In the latest Youtube video (which you can view below) the team talk about the process of making the upcoming episodes, the fan support, and some surprises too.
Director Donnie McMiIllin added the following “The next two episodes are going to be at least fifteen minutes each, and we’re going to be taking it to the next level, everything including acting, fighting and the effects”.
Moreover, the crew stated episode two will be similar to The History of Trunks anime special, episode three will have a time jump for the inclusion of older Trunks (not fighting Cell) and a surprise character will make a brief appearance.
In non-Dragon Ball related news the crew revealed news about their own original hero – Vigilantes, which Youtube provided them with all the gear and studio space to create content for, and the trailer can also be seen below.
At the world dub premiere for the latest Dragon Ball Z film Resurrection F held at Regal LA Live Stadium last Thursday (July 2nd), Robotunderdog spoke to Chris Sabat and Sean Schemmel.
In the interview, both Sabat and Schemmel gave their thoughts on a number of interesting topics related to the film, the dub voice acting industry, and indeed, Dragon Ball Super.
Interestingly, Sabat when asked what he would like to see in the new series, which hasn’t yet happened in any installment of the Dragon Ball anime said:
I would like to see where this whole Super Saiyan God thing ends up, because we don’t know a whole lot about what this is. They have an interesting hint in the feature, if you recall, where Beerus leans down to Whis… I mean Whis leans down to Beerus and makes a comment about something that Beerus might have done that is instrumental in the whole storyline regarding Planet Vegeta, and that is very telling, it will be interesting to see what Beerus’ involvement in this whole universe has been throughout this time because it’s very possible that they could say he was there all along calling the shots and doing a bunch of weird interesting things
He also claimed to have seen a hint of what could happen from the Japanese to English translations for Ressurection F:
This movie also strongly hints, and it was very difficult reading the translation to know what exactly they meant, because I studied this translation to find out what he, what they were trying to say, but they might have been hinting at a possible fusion in the future but we don’t know that
Schemmel, who was first asked how it felt to have a second major theatrical release, specifically for an anime such as Dragon Ball Z added:
I can say that it helps legitimize that the stigma that somehow a dub or dub acting is not theatre-worthy, or not good acting, which you know, anime gets that bad rep sometimes. And so the fact that we had such a huge success with Battle of Gods, and you know, my experience of watching the Japanese version makes me think this will do twice as well because it’s not just a sequel, which everyone would go see for the hell of it, it’s a sequel that is actually as good or better than Battle of Gods
Moreover, he was asked about how he felt about fans, who often disassociate the quality of voice acting with the dubbing process:
Well what I meant within the context of anime and dubbed anime, that actors who worked on those shows typically don’t get as much recognition or belief that they are as good as people who record shows in America as, you know original shows that are not dubbed from other countries. And I think that Dragon Ball Z, Battle of Gods, and Resurrection F affect that it has a huge turnout proves that that is a load of shit [LAUGHS]
Finally, while asked what it’s like to play a hero as iconic as Goku, Schemmel stated:
Goku is an important iconic hero but he doesn’t have a wide spectrum of emotions, so you know, happy, angry or hungry is pretty much what you got. And a lot of actors will tell you this but playing heroes aren’t as fun as playing villains with the exception of a couple, and so comedy or villains are usually more fun than the hero. But Goku has, I get the gratification from not the acting aspect of it but how the character affects all the fans
See Robotunderdog’s video for the interview segments, and subscribe to their channel for more news on their upcoming Dragon Ball fan products.
Today, Youtube Dragon Ball critic Blackenfist has offered his own review on the first episode of Dragon Ball Super. First of all, I would like to inform all readers I am a huge fist of Blackenfist’s work, I think he does great work making sense of some of the great complexities in the Dragon Ball universe. That said I am writing this response to credit him for his work, and to provide my own critique.
Blackenfist has stated the only problem he had with the first episode was the use of Dragon Ball Z footage from 1995 to give a back story before delving into the new story. Personally I have no problem with this. Granted some might see the usage of previous footage instead of reanimating old scenes as lazy I do think using the original film was a good choice because it provides a link between the that time in the franchise’s history (Dragon Ball Z) and the current (Dragon Ball Super) in their respective broadcast eras.
However, I’ve said I am giving Blackenfist the benefit of the doubt, and he deserves that for bringing up a point I didn’t note in my review. While watching the first episode I initially missed Cha-la Head Cha-la, played by Norihito Sumitomo, and Blackenfist noted it gave the impression that the series was coming back for old and new fans alike. This was a good argument, and one I could have included in my review.
But otherwise, Blackenfist has said he’s unsure about whether or not he will do a Review/Thoughts video every Sunday. It’s up to him, but I’ll have no problem if he does, because as I said his videos are great, definitely the best Youtube Dragon Ball critic alongside Qaaman’s Land and Geekdom101.
In short, I won’t be doing these critiques regularly, only if I have something to add to what another Dragon Ball fan has added.
This first episode was very consistent with the first manga chapter by Toyotaro, albeit a longer, expanded version, so most who have read that segment will know what to expect. Of course there are slight differences, such as reintroducing some of the characters we know and love (Gohan, Videl, Chi-Chi, Majin Buu, amongst others) and the removal of dream sequences.
The graphics were a treat for the eye. All of the characters and backgrounds are clear and sharp, as they should in 2015 animation. The vibrant colours both make the series feel contemporary and add consistency to the comedic and light-hearted tone. For frame elements such as Goku’s tractor and the river which Goten and Trunks used to fetch water the careful combination of 2D and 3D animation give greater clarity and perspective for the images which wouldn’t have been as easy in the past.
The best part of this episode, of course was the humour, it was humane, natural and lively. From Goku’s appetite for both lunch and training, to Majin Buu’s juvenile antics, and Goten and Trunks’ naivety there is something for everyone. And the humour is not just in character dynamics, but also carried by subtle hints, such as Gohan’s book titled “Muzukashii Hon” (which translates to “difficult book”) whilst indulging in his early scholarly pursuits. Nothing felt forced or overdone, everything was true to the characters, and reminiscent of Dragon Ball’s roots.
Keep in mind this series will be written by Toriyama, and as a result there is greater potential for the comedic side of Dragon Ball to return. Since the series is currently taking place during the 10-year gap between Kid Buu’s defeat and the 28th Tenkaichi Budokai there is ample opportunity to explore characters such as Goku and Vegeta and how they act in times of peace (having saiyan blood and thirst for battle). This is seen with Goku due to his training urges, and the brief glimpses of Vegeta in the second episode preview.
The pacing was also well done. Every character, with the exception of Piccolo was given just enough screen time for both new and old viewers to become comfortable with the characters, and what their purpose is in the series. For example Master Roshi was only seen when he heard news that was appealing to him, and viewers learn why, because of who he is it can be for the wrong reasons.
In short, a super (pun intended) comeback episode for the franchise, ending with an intriguing preview for next week’s episode.
The next instalment of the Derek Padula’s Dragon Ball fandom books has just been released. In Dragon Soul : 30 Years of Fandom, fans can look forward to stories from 27 Dragon Ball professionals, including Sean Schemmel (Goku) and Chris Sabat (Vegeta) where they talk about how Dragon Ball changed their lives and why it’s such an important series internationally.
Additional professionals include the following:
Voice Actors
Chris Ayres (Freeza)
Chris Rager (Mister Satan)
Mike McFarland (Master Roshi)
Chuck Huber (Android 17)
Kyle Herbert (Son Gohan)
Jason Douglas (Beerus)
Chris Cason (Tien Shinhan)
Canadian Voice Actors
Peter Kelamis (Goku)
Brian Drummond (Vegeta)
Latin American Voice Actors
Mario Castaneda (Goku)
Rene Garcia (Vegeta)
Eduardo Garza (Krillin)
Other Voice Actors
Caspar Phillipson (Goku – Danish version)
Wendel Bezerra (Goku – Brazillian version)
Jose Antonio Gavira (Goku – Spanish version)
Eric Legrand (Vegeta – French version)
Julia Olivia (Chi-Chi – Spanish version)
Peter Secher Schmidt (Freeza – Danish version)
Funimation Employees
Justin Rojas
Adam Sheehan
Rick Villa
Other Professionals
Bruce Faulconer (Funimation Inhouse Dub composer)
David Hernando (manga editor)
Olivier Richard (French journalist)
In addition, the book contains stories from 81 fans in 25 countries, such as the following:
Lawrence Simpson (MasakoX) from Team Four Star
RobotUnderdog (creators of Dragon Ball Z : Light of Hope)
Twitter star Goku
Malik (Dragon Ball New Age)
Salagir from Dragon Ball Multiverse
Marcus Brimage (MMA fighter)
Youtube celebrities : Nelson Junior (Casa do Kame), SSJGoshin4
Chris Stuckmann (Film critic)
Famous cosplayers : “living Ichigo”, Atara Collis, and Jah’lon Escudero
Patrick Galbraith, Nestor Rubio, and Vicente Ramirez (authors)
The book is written by Derek Padula, author of The Dao of Dragon Ball, writer and co-creator of Dragon Ball Z : Light of Hope.
Over the next few months there are a few new Dragon Ball products that European and particularly Irish and UK fans can look forward to.
Just over a month from now, fans of Dragon Ball Z Kai in the UK and Ireland can expect a DVD and Blu-ray release for the series. The first season, which spans the Saiyan Saga will be released on 03 August 2015. The second season, which spans the Namek and Frieza Saga will follow on 08 September 2015. Expect details on the other two seasons soon.
The Kai dub released will be the same version KIX TV have been broadcasting for the past few years. The difference is that the DVD and Blu-ray will have all the blood, swearing and decapitation intact – in addition to the option to change between English and Japanese audio, and in its original 4:3 aspect ratio.
On 16 October 2015 the next instalment of the Dragon Ball games – Dragon Ball Z : Extreme Butodenwill be released in Europe. Regarding the game and its mobility, Eric Hartness, the Vice President of Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. added:
Dragon Ball Z : Extreme Butoden lets players take Dragon Ball on the road while delivering a tight and engrossing fighting game experience developed by one of the most respected 2D fighting game developers in Japan.
The recent movie Resurrection F is also expected to receive a UK and Irish release in some form. Manga UK previously announced they have secured the rights to the film, but it is unsure whether this will be a theatrical release(s) or home release.
UK Filmmakers K&K Productions also said the following on 20 April 2015 on their Facebook account:
LIVE ACTION DBZ UPDATE!
We know we are quiet at the moment guys, but we do have a BIG live action DragonBall Z project in the pipeline that we are working hard on.
We cant say to much right now, but we are really stepping things up a notch and we cant wait to start sharing more info with you all.
Thank you all for being patient and more updates to come!
While this comment did not reveal anything about the date(s) of the project, it is still worthwhile to keep updated through their Youtube channel.
That’s all the latest products for these shores soon to be released, but when there’s more they will also be revealed here.
V-Jump recently hosted a “Dragon Ball Super Complete Showcase Event” on 01 July 2015 at 1:00PM in Tokyo.
The event, which promotes the upcoming Dragon Ball Super series was streamed live on Yahoo’s GYAO! website featured guest appearances from Masako Nosawa (Son Goku), rock band Good Morning America and their bass player Tanashin (Golden Freeza cosplayer) and Mando Kobayahi host Kendo Kobayashi (Yajirobe cosplayer). Kazuya Fuji, who is providing the Dragon Ball Super opening theme “Chōzetsu ☆ Dynamic!” made a brief appearance onscreen via a prerecorded message.
After brief introductions by producer Atsushi Kido, a message from Akira Toriyama was displayed onscreen. The latter portion of this message was previously published in V-Jump and added to the series’ official website. The former portion of his comments are more intriguing, as they reveal the overall plot for the series (You may stop reading if you wish to avoid spoilers).
Toriyama was quoted as saying:
“Dragon Ball Super” is a complete continuation of the Majin Buu story arc. It’s got a bit of post-battle aftermath, continues with the “Battle of Gods” arc where the God of Destruction Beerus appears and the “Revival of ‘F’” arc where Freeza comes back to life, and then, I’ve written a strange new story where they finally depart from this universe. They’re fighting against their neighbors, Universe 6! They’ll yell at me if I give away too many spoilers, so I’ll keep the rest a secret, but they’re chasing after giant Super Dragon Balls; I think things will unfold in a bright and simple way, that will be really fun and exciting!
Since it’s another universe, loads of new characters will turn up. I’ll do my best to draw the tons of character designs necessary, so I’m looking forward to this too.
You know, it suddenly occurs to me that somewhere along the line the Dragon Ball anime has become quite a huge story. Since I’m the guy who drew the thing, it’s a bit weird for me to say this, but when I first started out I never dreamed it would have a universe as a setting (laughs). Don’t worry though, it’s still going to be the same sort of easy-to-understand content as always. Please be sure to watch Dragon Ball Super on TV!
Dragon Ball Super, which is the first all-new TV series for the franchise since the ending of Dragon Ball GT in 1997 begins syndication on 05 July 2015. The anime, which has an original story written by series creator Akira Toriyama will star Masako Nozawa and Kimitoshi Chioka has been confirmed to direct. The series will “…follow the aftermath of Goku’s fierce battle with Majin Buu, as he attempts to maintain earth’s fragile peace.” A manga adaptation by Toyataro will be released each month in V-Jump starting with the August 2015 issue.
Argentinian company JPosters has revealed Dragon Ball Super, the first new series for the franchise has been licensed by FOX for distribution in Latin American countries. While no official date has been announced this is the first announcement regarding plans to release the series outside of Japan. In addition, it was also stated that Toei has began offering the show up for distribution internationally.
The announcement was as follows:
#OFICIAL / ¡La esperada DRAGON BALL SUPER llegará a Latinoamérica por Canal FOX!
A pocos días del estreno en Japón, el canal cerro un trato con Toei para así transmitir la serie en nuestro territorio.
Y no sólo eso, ya que también compro los derechos de LOS CABALLEROS DEL ZODIACO: ALMA DE ORO.
Aún no se sabe nada sobre la fecha de lanzamiento por estas pampas, pero lo cierto es que Goku y Aioria estarán en FOX muy pronto, y esperemos que con su doblaje original.
#Official! The highly anticipated DRAGON BALL SUPER will come to Latin America on FOX!
With only few days left before the Japanese premiere, the channel disclosed an agreement with Toei to transmit the series in our territory.
And not only that, it also bought the rights to SAINT SEIYA: SOUL OF GOLD.
We don’t yet know anything about the launch date in our land, but we do know for certain that Goku and Aioria [from Soul of Gold] will be on FOX very soon, and hopefully with their original dub cast. What do you think?
Dragon Ball Super, which is the first all-new TV series for the franchise since the ending of Dragon Ball GT in 1997 begins syndication on 05 July 2015. The anime, which has an original story written by series creator Akira Toriyama will star Masako Nozawa and Kimitoshi Chioka has been confirmed to direct. The series will “…follow the aftermath of Goku’s fierce battle with Majin Buu, as he attempts to maintain earth’s fragile peace.” A manga adaptation by Toyataro will be released each month in V-Jump starting with the August 2015 issue.
Dragon Ball Ireland 