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Dragon Ball [ドラゴンボール] #40
Dragon Ball Z, Vol. 24: Hercule to the Rescue
Breaking from his master Bobbidi, the rampaging Boo turns the entire world into his candy store! To fight back, Goku transforms into his most powerful form yet, but the world's only hope may lie in Trunks and Goten, the world's youngest and most promising fighters. Using an alien fusion technique, they attempt to merge together to form a single, even more powerful hero! Meanwhile, as Boo destroys city after city, the people of Earth call forth their secret weapon...the seemingly invincible (but actually incompetent) Hercule!
192 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 1995
126 people are currently reading
1087 people want to read
About the author
Akira Toriyama
1,905 books1,729 followersAkira Toriyama (鳥山明) was a Japanese manga artist and character designer. He first achieved mainstream recognition for creating the popular manga series Dr. Slump, before going on to create Dragon Ball (his most famous work) and acting as a character designer for several popular video games such as the Dragon Quest series, Chrono Trigger, and Blue Dragon. Toriyama came to be regarded as one of the most important authors in the history of manga with his works highly influential and popular, particularly Dragon Ball, which many manga artists cite as a source of inspiration.
He earned the 1981 Shogakukan Manga Award for best shōnen/shōjo manga with Dr. Slump, and it went on to sell over 35 million copies in Japan. It was adapted into a successful anime series, with a second anime created in 1997, 13 years after the manga ended.
His next series, Dragon Ball, would become one of the most popular and successful manga in the world. Having sold 260 million copies worldwide, it is one of the best-selling manga series of all time and is considered a key work in increasing manga circulation to its peak in the mid-1980s and mid-1990s. Overseas, Dragon Ball's anime adaptations have been more successful than the manga and are credited with boosting anime's popularity in the Western world. In 2019, Toriyama was decorated a Chevalier of the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for his contributions to the arts.
In October 2024, Toriyama was inducted into the Harvey Awards Hall of Fame.
He earned the 1981 Shogakukan Manga Award for best shōnen/shōjo manga with Dr. Slump, and it went on to sell over 35 million copies in Japan. It was adapted into a successful anime series, with a second anime created in 1997, 13 years after the manga ended.
His next series, Dragon Ball, would become one of the most popular and successful manga in the world. Having sold 260 million copies worldwide, it is one of the best-selling manga series of all time and is considered a key work in increasing manga circulation to its peak in the mid-1980s and mid-1990s. Overseas, Dragon Ball's anime adaptations have been more successful than the manga and are credited with boosting anime's popularity in the Western world. In 2019, Toriyama was decorated a Chevalier of the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for his contributions to the arts.
In October 2024, Toriyama was inducted into the Harvey Awards Hall of Fame.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
September 28, 2025
EN Buu is on the loose, spreading destruction across the entire planet.
The only hope now lies with Trunks and Son Goten, who are training hard to master the fusion technique and face this terrifying enemy.
However, unbeknownst to them, Son Gohan is still alive in the Realm of the Gods, preparing to reach a whole new level of power.
And, unexpectedly, Hercule — the false savior of Earth — steps back into the spotlight, this time playing a decisive role in the unfolding events.
--
PT Bubu está à solta, espalhando destruição por todo o planeta.
A única esperança recai sobre Trunks e Son Goten, que treinam arduamente para dominar a técnica da fusão e assim enfrentar o terrível inimigo.
No entanto, sem que eles o saibam, Son Gohan continua vivo no Reino dos Deuses, onde se prepara para alcançar um novo patamar de poder.
E, de forma inesperada, Hércules — o falso salvador da Terra — volta a entrar em cena, desempenhando desta vez um papel decisivo no desenrolar dos acontecimentos.
The only hope now lies with Trunks and Son Goten, who are training hard to master the fusion technique and face this terrifying enemy.
However, unbeknownst to them, Son Gohan is still alive in the Realm of the Gods, preparing to reach a whole new level of power.
And, unexpectedly, Hercule — the false savior of Earth — steps back into the spotlight, this time playing a decisive role in the unfolding events.
--
PT Bubu está à solta, espalhando destruição por todo o planeta.
A única esperança recai sobre Trunks e Son Goten, que treinam arduamente para dominar a técnica da fusão e assim enfrentar o terrível inimigo.
No entanto, sem que eles o saibam, Son Gohan continua vivo no Reino dos Deuses, onde se prepara para alcançar um novo patamar de poder.
E, de forma inesperada, Hércules — o falso salvador da Terra — volta a entrar em cena, desempenhando desta vez um papel decisivo no desenrolar dos acontecimentos.
October 24, 2014
If there’s one thing I didn’t expect towards the end of the Dragon Ball series, it’s all the dancing!
Boo’s going crazy waiting for Trunks and Goten to fight him so he literally destroys 80% of the world’s population. But his big ol’ chub-chub face is so cute, you can’t dislike him! It’s almost comical to read that caption: 80% of the world’s population!? Goku’s training Trunks and Goten to fuse which involves a complex dance sequence before the two literally become an enormously powerful one: Gotenks! Elsewhere on some distant planet, Gohan’s prepping for his battle with Boo but first has to have an old man dance around him for several hours!
Before Goku teaches Trunks and Goten the fusion dance (Safety Dance was playing in my head while I was reading those pages!), he fights Boo single-handedly, revealing what Super Saiyan Level 3 looks like. Super Saiyan Level 1 is the fiery yellow transformation; Level 2 is the same thing but with added lightning; Level 3 is all that plus a giant porcupine hair extension added (and a weird sloping of the brow)! Remember everyone: the bigger the hair, the stronger you get!
Akira Toriyama spends a lot of time on Boo. We see him build a house out of people (not nearly as scary as it sounds) and then restores a blind boy’s vision. Other times Boo comes across as insecure, constantly asking if he’s cool, and getting upset when a woman won’t kiss him, even when he moulds his pudgy mug into that of a movie star’s. Now why wouldn’t that work, I wonder!?
Even more astounding is Hercule’s role in all this. That fraud almost – almost – saves the world with his toadying by ingeniously giving Boo a puppy. Here’s how you turn any villain good: give them a cute puppy to play with. But of course we can’t have a pacified bad guy with two more volumes still to come, so things go tits up for Boo’s happiness – boo!
It’s great seeing Toriyama so confident in his storytelling that he’s spending so much time on other characters besides the Saiyans. Once upon a time this series was all Goku, all the time, but now the focus is as much on the villains as it is the heroes, and even characters who make one or two scene appearances are compelling to read about. You can see how much he’s grown as an artist in the years he’s spent on this series.
There’s the usual virtuoso fight sequences but Volume 24 is a mostly comedy-based book. When Gohan practices with his magic sword and his dad, Goku, picks up a giant rock to throw at him and slice in two, the visual is just too funny. And everything with Boo – I want to hate this dude but I can’t. That is until the end…
Volume 24’s a really good book 'cause your friends don't dance and if they don't dance, well, they're no friends of mine!
Boo’s going crazy waiting for Trunks and Goten to fight him so he literally destroys 80% of the world’s population. But his big ol’ chub-chub face is so cute, you can’t dislike him! It’s almost comical to read that caption: 80% of the world’s population!? Goku’s training Trunks and Goten to fuse which involves a complex dance sequence before the two literally become an enormously powerful one: Gotenks! Elsewhere on some distant planet, Gohan’s prepping for his battle with Boo but first has to have an old man dance around him for several hours!
Before Goku teaches Trunks and Goten the fusion dance (Safety Dance was playing in my head while I was reading those pages!), he fights Boo single-handedly, revealing what Super Saiyan Level 3 looks like. Super Saiyan Level 1 is the fiery yellow transformation; Level 2 is the same thing but with added lightning; Level 3 is all that plus a giant porcupine hair extension added (and a weird sloping of the brow)! Remember everyone: the bigger the hair, the stronger you get!
Akira Toriyama spends a lot of time on Boo. We see him build a house out of people (not nearly as scary as it sounds) and then restores a blind boy’s vision. Other times Boo comes across as insecure, constantly asking if he’s cool, and getting upset when a woman won’t kiss him, even when he moulds his pudgy mug into that of a movie star’s. Now why wouldn’t that work, I wonder!?
Even more astounding is Hercule’s role in all this. That fraud almost – almost – saves the world with his toadying by ingeniously giving Boo a puppy. Here’s how you turn any villain good: give them a cute puppy to play with. But of course we can’t have a pacified bad guy with two more volumes still to come, so things go tits up for Boo’s happiness – boo!
It’s great seeing Toriyama so confident in his storytelling that he’s spending so much time on other characters besides the Saiyans. Once upon a time this series was all Goku, all the time, but now the focus is as much on the villains as it is the heroes, and even characters who make one or two scene appearances are compelling to read about. You can see how much he’s grown as an artist in the years he’s spent on this series.
There’s the usual virtuoso fight sequences but Volume 24 is a mostly comedy-based book. When Gohan practices with his magic sword and his dad, Goku, picks up a giant rock to throw at him and slice in two, the visual is just too funny. And everything with Boo – I want to hate this dude but I can’t. That is until the end…
Volume 24’s a really good book 'cause your friends don't dance and if they don't dance, well, they're no friends of mine!
May 19, 2023
Boo is just going around destroying cities.
Goku teaches Goten and Trunks a special new move that'll allow them to fuse together to create one super being. The dance they have to do to fuse is pretty hilarious.
Hercule actually is close to becoming a hero in this one. He goes to take down Boo and ends up becoming Boo's friend - giving some humanity to this evil and childish character.
Gohan isn't dead, he gets taken to the Lord of Lord's world and pulls a magical sword from a stone.
Goku teaches Goten and Trunks a special new move that'll allow them to fuse together to create one super being. The dance they have to do to fuse is pretty hilarious.
Hercule actually is close to becoming a hero in this one. He goes to take down Boo and ends up becoming Boo's friend - giving some humanity to this evil and childish character.
Gohan isn't dead, he gets taken to the Lord of Lord's world and pulls a magical sword from a stone.
August 28, 2017
What the hell has this series become?! Some lowlife degenerates with guns shooting puppies and grannies? Jokes about an old geezer telepathically watching women undress AND sexually harassing a 16 year old? All in a kiddie book?! Damn, Toriyama is such a creeper. This was not an enjoyable volume at all.
October 7, 2022
While this volume does a lot of stalling, preparing the terrain for bigger confrontations, you get to see so much being teased: Boo confronted with questions of freedom of choice and morality, Gohan pinning all his hope in a myth, fable, and old people promises, Goku teaching Goten and Trunks a fusion skill that could save them all. While comedy and suspense go hand in hand here, the final chapter leads us to Boo's second form and it means business!
May 31, 2021
10/10
That was an emotional roller-coaster! And I can't believe Hercule gets his redemption arc! I actually started to like this guy! Okay, too many exclamation marks, I need to take a deep breath.
Boo, even after he had freed himself from Bobbidi, still has no concept of morality. So he continues to treat humanity like so much clay, sculpting from it whatever he needs - from food to construction materials. He builds his own little house, with all the comforts, and settles in. When the clueless Hercule comes to save the day and defeat him, he spares his life, seeing Hercule for what he really is - a bumbling idiot with a big heart. They live happily together, with a puppy, and the fate of Earth seems to hang in balance, with Boo's boisterous destruction curbed by loyalty and friendship - until some despicable humans kill his dog (hmm... Have John Wick screenwriters read DBZ?) Boo distills the anger and hurt he can no longer contain into an evil Boo - and that one looks really freakishly nasty... With the sweet Boo consumed, nothing stands in the way of evil Boo's galactic conquest!
There's also so much fun in this volume: Goten and Trunks transformation attempts are just brilliant, and their brainlessness seems compounded in this form, too!
Gohan and Goku get some quality time in Lord of Lords sanctuary, and this part is just brilliant - especially the fabled sword. I couldn't stop laughing!
Toriyama seems to have pulled all stops in this arc, and his writing and art are just insanely brilliant!
That was an emotional roller-coaster! And I can't believe Hercule gets his redemption arc! I actually started to like this guy! Okay, too many exclamation marks, I need to take a deep breath.
Boo, even after he had freed himself from Bobbidi, still has no concept of morality. So he continues to treat humanity like so much clay, sculpting from it whatever he needs - from food to construction materials. He builds his own little house, with all the comforts, and settles in. When the clueless Hercule comes to save the day and defeat him, he spares his life, seeing Hercule for what he really is - a bumbling idiot with a big heart. They live happily together, with a puppy, and the fate of Earth seems to hang in balance, with Boo's boisterous destruction curbed by loyalty and friendship - until some despicable humans kill his dog (hmm... Have John Wick screenwriters read DBZ?) Boo distills the anger and hurt he can no longer contain into an evil Boo - and that one looks really freakishly nasty... With the sweet Boo consumed, nothing stands in the way of evil Boo's galactic conquest!
There's also so much fun in this volume: Goten and Trunks transformation attempts are just brilliant, and their brainlessness seems compounded in this form, too!
Gohan and Goku get some quality time in Lord of Lords sanctuary, and this part is just brilliant - especially the fabled sword. I couldn't stop laughing!
Toriyama seems to have pulled all stops in this arc, and his writing and art are just insanely brilliant!
October 16, 2017
This volume was purely a set up volume for the last battle between Buu. Goku unleashes Super Saiyan 3, teaches the boys fusion, and Buu destroys 3/4 of Earth. However there is a bit of light in this episode that comes in the form of Hercule, who actually shows compassion to Buu and makes Buu realize the sweeter side to his demeanor. However when some unruly bad guys take matters into their own hands, the sweet and evil sides to Buu split and all hell breaks loose.
April 20, 2016
To find all my reviews: http://dancinginth3dark.blogspot.com
Previously on Dragon Ball Z
(I) Goku is able to come back to Earth for one full day and the entire gang participate at Tenkaichi Budokai tournament.
(II) Gohan fights to avenge Videl after the opponent beats the living daylights out of her. Unfortunately when Gohan turn Saiyan the opponent used a lamp and suck his chi.
(III) Goku and the gang are now racing the clock to destroy these bad guys because a new villain is almost to be awaken and sadly they failed. Vegeta died in the process and now this new evil called Boo will seek to destroy this Earth.
That is what you missed on Dragon Ball Z!
Where we left off in the previous volume practically everything has gone to shit. Vegeta is dead for his ignorance, Boo is awaken and wants to kill everything in sight, and Goku cannot defeat Boo because he has only just a few hours left on Earth. He was able to resurrected for 24 hours and most of that time was wasted both on the tournament and fighting Bobbidi and Vegeta. Now Goku has to train and teach Goten and Trunks this new power called Fusion which allows two powerful fighters uniting in one body with the ability to have superior strength.
Now this volume consists the same plot point in which Goten and Trunks are training nonstop in Kami-Sama's place in order to perform this fusion correctly and become stronger Saiyans. Meanwhile Boo and Bobbidi want to kill Goten, Trunks, and every fighter on the planet and are destroying countless cities, killing millions of individuals just to torture Goku and the gang. Goku makes a deal with Boo to stop fighting for a little while in order for them to get stronger and have an ultimate fight among the greatest which Boo agrees. Bobbidi argues and commands Boo to kill and Boo makes the connection that Bobbidi is not his master and kills him.
When time runs out for Goku, he travels back to "Heaven" and discovers that Gohan is in fact still alive and teleports to where he feels his son chi and learn that Gohan is with Kaio-Shin aka Lord of Lords. He helps his son train to become a better fighter and they discover that the original Lord of Lords is still in fact alive and has the ability to provide hidden inner strength and begins the ritual to make Gohan stronger.
As this drama develops we are shifted back to Goten and Trunks as they successfully accomplished the task of fusion. They call themselves now Gotenks and they look like a miniature version of Vegeta with an attention span of a five year old. Immediately Gotenks are stubborn ignorant kids who believe they are invincible and try to fight Boo but each time they epically fail because they still need more training.
Finally, we see Hercules on Earth trying to avoid Boo's wrath and unfortunately entangles himself when everyone decides he must kill Boo. They believe he is this powerful fighter (which is a lie) and send him to Boo's house. He plans on killing him but immediately becomes like his royal servant. Even though he is following Boo's commands, Boo makes the connection that Hercules treats him with respect and as a friend. Hercules completely makes a 360 for Boo that he stops killing people.
Sadly that doesn't last long because these groups of evil men come and try to kill Boo and Hercules. Obviously they failed miserably but when Boo reaches a level of enrage over this situation, his body starts making this transformation and out of his body comes this evil skinny replica of Boo. They have this weird battle and Boo turns into chocolate bar and this evil Boo eats him up.
Apparently for this new Boo, if he devours you, he gains your strength and your abilities and because he ate the original Boo, he has transformed from being sickly thin to a normal buff fighter. Now the Earth is doomed with this new Boo. Will the gang be able to destroy him? Stay tuned until next time on Dragon Ball Z...
Previously on Dragon Ball Z
(I) Goku is able to come back to Earth for one full day and the entire gang participate at Tenkaichi Budokai tournament.
(II) Gohan fights to avenge Videl after the opponent beats the living daylights out of her. Unfortunately when Gohan turn Saiyan the opponent used a lamp and suck his chi.
(III) Goku and the gang are now racing the clock to destroy these bad guys because a new villain is almost to be awaken and sadly they failed. Vegeta died in the process and now this new evil called Boo will seek to destroy this Earth.
That is what you missed on Dragon Ball Z!
Where we left off in the previous volume practically everything has gone to shit. Vegeta is dead for his ignorance, Boo is awaken and wants to kill everything in sight, and Goku cannot defeat Boo because he has only just a few hours left on Earth. He was able to resurrected for 24 hours and most of that time was wasted both on the tournament and fighting Bobbidi and Vegeta. Now Goku has to train and teach Goten and Trunks this new power called Fusion which allows two powerful fighters uniting in one body with the ability to have superior strength.
Now this volume consists the same plot point in which Goten and Trunks are training nonstop in Kami-Sama's place in order to perform this fusion correctly and become stronger Saiyans. Meanwhile Boo and Bobbidi want to kill Goten, Trunks, and every fighter on the planet and are destroying countless cities, killing millions of individuals just to torture Goku and the gang. Goku makes a deal with Boo to stop fighting for a little while in order for them to get stronger and have an ultimate fight among the greatest which Boo agrees. Bobbidi argues and commands Boo to kill and Boo makes the connection that Bobbidi is not his master and kills him.
When time runs out for Goku, he travels back to "Heaven" and discovers that Gohan is in fact still alive and teleports to where he feels his son chi and learn that Gohan is with Kaio-Shin aka Lord of Lords. He helps his son train to become a better fighter and they discover that the original Lord of Lords is still in fact alive and has the ability to provide hidden inner strength and begins the ritual to make Gohan stronger.
As this drama develops we are shifted back to Goten and Trunks as they successfully accomplished the task of fusion. They call themselves now Gotenks and they look like a miniature version of Vegeta with an attention span of a five year old. Immediately Gotenks are stubborn ignorant kids who believe they are invincible and try to fight Boo but each time they epically fail because they still need more training.
Finally, we see Hercules on Earth trying to avoid Boo's wrath and unfortunately entangles himself when everyone decides he must kill Boo. They believe he is this powerful fighter (which is a lie) and send him to Boo's house. He plans on killing him but immediately becomes like his royal servant. Even though he is following Boo's commands, Boo makes the connection that Hercules treats him with respect and as a friend. Hercules completely makes a 360 for Boo that he stops killing people.
Sadly that doesn't last long because these groups of evil men come and try to kill Boo and Hercules. Obviously they failed miserably but when Boo reaches a level of enrage over this situation, his body starts making this transformation and out of his body comes this evil skinny replica of Boo. They have this weird battle and Boo turns into chocolate bar and this evil Boo eats him up.
Apparently for this new Boo, if he devours you, he gains your strength and your abilities and because he ate the original Boo, he has transformed from being sickly thin to a normal buff fighter. Now the Earth is doomed with this new Boo. Will the gang be able to destroy him? Stay tuned until next time on Dragon Ball Z...
February 27, 2021
This was another great volume, as boo is destroying everything and to give others time, Goku goes SUPER SAIYAN 3 and then Gotenks fusion and Satan and Boo friendship is explored here, its a fun read and just shows the craziness that is this arc and the no. of people that are dying is astounding and then we have the story where Gotenks fights Boo but its not good. Gohan continues to train and the ancestral lord of lord comes and trains him, Boo gets a dog and helps it and when it dies revives it, and then something happens to Satan and so he splits into two, and the wraith Boo absorbs the sweet Boo and thus forms one of the biggest threats: Majin Boo! It was a great volume and it provides much needed humorous tone to the book which was needed and showcases the training thats going on and the stakes here and then great stuff with Gohan and Gotenks! The art is just flawless!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2024
Mr Satan shenanigans are always welcome.
Read
December 25, 2024I love seeing villians find their humanity. Makes me hopeful for the real life villians.
February 27, 2025
Is this a PERFECT volume? Absolutely not. Super Saiyan 3 has gotta be the most unnecessary and shoehorned transformation in the whole series. Goku runs out of time to be with the living, but he is still allowed on the Kai’s planet indefinitely? “Evil Boo” is confusing and nonsensical, honestly.
But that doesn’t change the fact that I adore every page. Super Saiyan 3 was my favorite as a kid because of its unparalleled AURA. Gotenks was my favorite character for a long time because of his uniquely cocky and immature personality. He’s equal parts annoying, funny, and badass. He barely has any pages in this volume, but what he has is so memorable to me. Flying upside down and spiraling around the globe, taunting anyone who dares talk back. And even when he’s not transformed, the fusion dance and the training itself is just so cute, idk man. What a stupid little dance. I just fuck with it heavy.
I think Gohan’s training on the Kai’s planet is just as cute too. The zeta sword stuff is really funny, why the fuck did they start off by cutting the hardest metal in the universe? So stupid. Why is there some random old god who is obscenely horny and why does he know how to perform an absurd power-up? So stupid! But in this rare instance, I think that all of this is so out there and so comical that it just works. It’s fun to see two earthling Saiyan goofballs fuck around on an uncharted planet. It’s fun to see this old man March around for 25 hours.
But more than anything else in this volume, Boo and Hercule steal the show. Toriyama balances fear and remorse so well. It’s scary when Boo disintegrates Bobbidi. It’s morbid when Boo constructs a house made out of Human clay. It’s fascinating when Boo cures someone’s blindness and brings them milk right after. It’s adorable when Boo plays with a little puppy.
Hercule’s relationship with Boo is heartwarming and tense at the same time. It’s interesting that Boo only kills because that’s how his creator’s view fun. Even though Hercule’s motives are violent, he learns to truly enjoy Boo’s friendship. It’s warped, but incredibly entertaining and tender. The fact that Hercule is the one to fight off the attackers shows what kind of a person he really is. In this moment, he’s no laughing stock and it’s pretty intense.
I just love the ups and downs of this volume, and it’s a great precursor to what was at one time my favorite fight in the series.
But that doesn’t change the fact that I adore every page. Super Saiyan 3 was my favorite as a kid because of its unparalleled AURA. Gotenks was my favorite character for a long time because of his uniquely cocky and immature personality. He’s equal parts annoying, funny, and badass. He barely has any pages in this volume, but what he has is so memorable to me. Flying upside down and spiraling around the globe, taunting anyone who dares talk back. And even when he’s not transformed, the fusion dance and the training itself is just so cute, idk man. What a stupid little dance. I just fuck with it heavy.
I think Gohan’s training on the Kai’s planet is just as cute too. The zeta sword stuff is really funny, why the fuck did they start off by cutting the hardest metal in the universe? So stupid. Why is there some random old god who is obscenely horny and why does he know how to perform an absurd power-up? So stupid! But in this rare instance, I think that all of this is so out there and so comical that it just works. It’s fun to see two earthling Saiyan goofballs fuck around on an uncharted planet. It’s fun to see this old man March around for 25 hours.
But more than anything else in this volume, Boo and Hercule steal the show. Toriyama balances fear and remorse so well. It’s scary when Boo disintegrates Bobbidi. It’s morbid when Boo constructs a house made out of Human clay. It’s fascinating when Boo cures someone’s blindness and brings them milk right after. It’s adorable when Boo plays with a little puppy.
Hercule’s relationship with Boo is heartwarming and tense at the same time. It’s interesting that Boo only kills because that’s how his creator’s view fun. Even though Hercule’s motives are violent, he learns to truly enjoy Boo’s friendship. It’s warped, but incredibly entertaining and tender. The fact that Hercule is the one to fight off the attackers shows what kind of a person he really is. In this moment, he’s no laughing stock and it’s pretty intense.
I just love the ups and downs of this volume, and it’s a great precursor to what was at one time my favorite fight in the series.
May 10, 2025
Lots of ups and downs this volume. The "fusion dance" is very silly and wonderful, I love them trying to sync up and how woefully it all works! Unfortunately, Gotenks is kind of boring with all that attitude. Sure, I like seeing young Trunks, I think it's cool he's such good friends with Goten and has a friendly rivalry (compared to how angry Vegeta is in his rivalry with Goku)... it's a bit weird how they instantly got Super Saiyan but I can buy it. No one honestly thinks these two children comic relief characters are going to actually do anything to Buu, they're just wasting time.
And then we got Hercule and Buu! Classic goofs, here. Hercule trying to kill Buu using stuff that wouldn't have even been deadly to Goku in early Dragon Ball, but gosh darn he tries! And then when he actually starts to talk with Buu and you see what Buu could be like if there weren't pure evil warlocks whispering in his ear all the time... the stuff with the kid, and the puppy... it's so sweet. So many Dragon Ball villains end up becoming allies somewhere down the line. Tenshinhan was an 'enemy' who was won over by his desire to better himself, fighting with Goku to prove his own self-worth. Piccolo going from some evil monster, to getting his comeuppance from Goku, to becoming a father-figure to Gohan and growing into one of Earth's greatest protectors. The androids going from world-ending threats to 18 being a woman in a Dragon Ball story (stay at home, make babies, yadda yadda yadda). Even Vegeta, eventually, found a family he wanted to fight for and was willing to sacrifice himself. So here's Buu, learning... but not in any big fight that matters, no. Just a normal dude giving him candy and video games and making him smile.
But then we get the big transformation at the end, yawn. No thanks. Much less fun. And a new old man Kai who does Roshi's sexual harassment shtick. Truly, a volume of ups and downs.
And then we got Hercule and Buu! Classic goofs, here. Hercule trying to kill Buu using stuff that wouldn't have even been deadly to Goku in early Dragon Ball, but gosh darn he tries! And then when he actually starts to talk with Buu and you see what Buu could be like if there weren't pure evil warlocks whispering in his ear all the time... the stuff with the kid, and the puppy... it's so sweet. So many Dragon Ball villains end up becoming allies somewhere down the line. Tenshinhan was an 'enemy' who was won over by his desire to better himself, fighting with Goku to prove his own self-worth. Piccolo going from some evil monster, to getting his comeuppance from Goku, to becoming a father-figure to Gohan and growing into one of Earth's greatest protectors. The androids going from world-ending threats to 18 being a woman in a Dragon Ball story (stay at home, make babies, yadda yadda yadda). Even Vegeta, eventually, found a family he wanted to fight for and was willing to sacrifice himself. So here's Buu, learning... but not in any big fight that matters, no. Just a normal dude giving him candy and video games and making him smile.
But then we get the big transformation at the end, yawn. No thanks. Much less fun. And a new old man Kai who does Roshi's sexual harassment shtick. Truly, a volume of ups and downs.
March 30, 2019
Once again, Toriyama throws some game-changers in the mix here! And while I definitely enjoyed the fun power-ups, with there being only 2 volumes left of the series they did seem pointless for this stage of the story. Goku teaches Trunks and Goten to fuse and they become the mega-being Gotenks, super strong but super arrogant. Goku unveils the latest Super Saiyan 3 mode which is bad ass but sucks up the last of the energy that keeps him on Earth. Back in Other World, he discovers Gohan is alive and training on the Lord of Lords Sacred Planet. Gohan is the only being able to wield the Zeta sword and has been training with it. Lord of Lords wishes to prove to Goku the sword's strength and throws a cube of heavy metal at the sword...only to shatter it. The spirit of the former Lord of Lords emerges and promises to unleash Gohan's potential...after a five hour ritual. Back on Earth, Hercule appeases to Buu to have him stop killing people and essentially becomes the djinn's servant. When two evil men kill Buu's friend, a puppy, his evil half and his good half split apart and the evil part turns good Buu into a cookie and eats him. Now we have a tall, skinny, evil Buu!
It was neat to see the new transformations and I enjoyed Goku's speech on leaving the Earth to the next generation...if only Toriyama remembered that plan. Frustrating to see all this ground work being laid and then knowing where the story goes...the complete opposite. But an enjoyable volume nonetheless.
It was neat to see the new transformations and I enjoyed Goku's speech on leaving the Earth to the next generation...if only Toriyama remembered that plan. Frustrating to see all this ground work being laid and then knowing where the story goes...the complete opposite. But an enjoyable volume nonetheless.
January 10, 2025
Volume 40: Chapter 473-485
Arc 24: Majin Buu Saga
Arc 25: Fusion Saga
Bobbidi and Buu target Capsule Corp. Goten went to the Capsule Corp to take the dragon radar while Goku stop Bobbidi and Buu to buy some time. Goku fights Buu and he use Super Saiyan 3. The form shorten his time on Earth. Goku continue trains Goten and Trunks the fusion. He then left to the afterlife. He meet Gohan in Shin's realm. Goku helps Gohan train with the Zeta Sword. Suddenly, the sword broken and released an old Lord of Lords from 15 generations before who been sealed in the sword.
In one day, 80% of human population were killed. After several times of trials, Goten and Trunks managed to do the fusion. They known as Gotenks (Trunten) but because if their playful and unseriousness, they were beaten by Buu. Mr. Satan arrived to Buu's house to kill Buu but he ended up befriended Buu. Mr. Satan managed to not let Buu kill and destroy again. One day, Buu found a dog and the dog was kill by a shooter. Mr. Satan beat the shooters and the dog still can be saved. Then, Mr. Satan being attacked and Buu being in rage but he still hold it. A smoke appears from his head and changed into the second Buu made from a pure wrath. The sweet Buu was changed into chocolate by the second Buu and he eat it. He then changed into the third Buu known as Kid Buu.
Arc 24: Majin Buu Saga
Arc 25: Fusion Saga
Bobbidi and Buu target Capsule Corp. Goten went to the Capsule Corp to take the dragon radar while Goku stop Bobbidi and Buu to buy some time. Goku fights Buu and he use Super Saiyan 3. The form shorten his time on Earth. Goku continue trains Goten and Trunks the fusion. He then left to the afterlife. He meet Gohan in Shin's realm. Goku helps Gohan train with the Zeta Sword. Suddenly, the sword broken and released an old Lord of Lords from 15 generations before who been sealed in the sword.
In one day, 80% of human population were killed. After several times of trials, Goten and Trunks managed to do the fusion. They known as Gotenks (Trunten) but because if their playful and unseriousness, they were beaten by Buu. Mr. Satan arrived to Buu's house to kill Buu but he ended up befriended Buu. Mr. Satan managed to not let Buu kill and destroy again. One day, Buu found a dog and the dog was kill by a shooter. Mr. Satan beat the shooters and the dog still can be saved. Then, Mr. Satan being attacked and Buu being in rage but he still hold it. A smoke appears from his head and changed into the second Buu made from a pure wrath. The sweet Buu was changed into chocolate by the second Buu and he eat it. He then changed into the third Buu known as Kid Buu.
not-gonna-read
August 6, 2025Despite myself not interested in Dragon Ball Z I do have a large amount of respect for the franchise.
As I said before in my review of Dragon Ball, this kickstarted the trends for later Shonen manga and that's something to admire about the entire Dragon Ball series. Shonen manga series have taken elements from the Dragon Ball series and use it for inspiration for their own work like battles, art, character design, and plot. I feel like I was a bit too old when I was first introduced to the starters of Shounen and Shojo. Dragon Ball and Sailor Moon were introduced to me a bit too late after I had started reading & watching series like InuYasha, Ouran High School Host Club, Death Note, Fullmetal Alchemist, and Code Geass.
Again, I still think it's an admirable franchise despite my personal feelings towards it. (I don't hate it but I didn't love it either) It's extremely popular worldwide and for the anime to still be watched and loved to this very day I think that says a lot about it. There are many things to like and admire about it because of the legacy that it brought with its creation.
While I don't love Dragon Ball Z, it has done a lot for a very popular art form and will continue to be great and loved for years to come.
As I said before in my review of Dragon Ball, this kickstarted the trends for later Shonen manga and that's something to admire about the entire Dragon Ball series. Shonen manga series have taken elements from the Dragon Ball series and use it for inspiration for their own work like battles, art, character design, and plot. I feel like I was a bit too old when I was first introduced to the starters of Shounen and Shojo. Dragon Ball and Sailor Moon were introduced to me a bit too late after I had started reading & watching series like InuYasha, Ouran High School Host Club, Death Note, Fullmetal Alchemist, and Code Geass.
Again, I still think it's an admirable franchise despite my personal feelings towards it. (I don't hate it but I didn't love it either) It's extremely popular worldwide and for the anime to still be watched and loved to this very day I think that says a lot about it. There are many things to like and admire about it because of the legacy that it brought with its creation.
While I don't love Dragon Ball Z, it has done a lot for a very popular art form and will continue to be great and loved for years to come.
October 10, 2023
1. Waktu untuk Goku berada di Bumi sudah habis lebih cepat dari yang ditentukan karena sebagian besar kekuatannya ia pakai untuk menahan Boo supaya Boo tidak menghancurkan kota. Meskipun begitu, dengan sisa waktu sedikit, ia bisa mengajari Goten dan Trunks untuk bisa menguasai jurus fusion. Selebihnya, mereka berdua akan dilatih oleh Piccolo.
2. Gohan berada di tempat keramat bersama Shin dan Kibito. Di sana, Gohan sedang berlatih untuk menguasai jurus baru sehingga ia bisa mengalahkan Boo.
3. Hercule yang awalnya ingin mengalahkan Boo, secara perlahan ia malah terbawa perasaan ketika Boo memiliki hati yang baik karena telah menolong anak anjing yang terluka. Namun, tiba-tiba ada dua orang brengsek yang suka menembak secara brutal dan ternyata dengan sengaja menembak anak anjing yang Boo pelihara. Boo yang awalnya sudah tidak ingin membunuh manusia, jadi sangat marah sehingga ia mengeluarkan sosok baru dari dirinya. Sosok ini ternyata adalah sisi jahat Boo dan mengubah Boo Chubby--yang sudah menjadi baik--menjadi cokelat untuk dimakan. Akhirnya, Boo dengan penampilan baru sepertinya akan melanjutkan untuk menghancurkan dunia.
2. Gohan berada di tempat keramat bersama Shin dan Kibito. Di sana, Gohan sedang berlatih untuk menguasai jurus baru sehingga ia bisa mengalahkan Boo.
3. Hercule yang awalnya ingin mengalahkan Boo, secara perlahan ia malah terbawa perasaan ketika Boo memiliki hati yang baik karena telah menolong anak anjing yang terluka. Namun, tiba-tiba ada dua orang brengsek yang suka menembak secara brutal dan ternyata dengan sengaja menembak anak anjing yang Boo pelihara. Boo yang awalnya sudah tidak ingin membunuh manusia, jadi sangat marah sehingga ia mengeluarkan sosok baru dari dirinya. Sosok ini ternyata adalah sisi jahat Boo dan mengubah Boo Chubby--yang sudah menjadi baik--menjadi cokelat untuk dimakan. Akhirnya, Boo dengan penampilan baru sepertinya akan melanjutkan untuk menghancurkan dunia.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2023
Vegeta is gone, Goku is going, even Gohan is out of commission. The only hope for Earth seems to be a couple kids that are absolutely not ready for it - even if they have the power, they lack the maturity. But that's how it should be: they have a lot of growth to do and we look forward to seeing them do that growth.
...Right?
If I were coming here straight from the Cell Saga and knew nothing of what's going to happen later, I might even be excited. It would continue the theme of generational shift - just like Gohan saved the day last time, now it's the turn of the little brothers, and if they can't pull it off, Gohan has a way to come back for another go soon after. It could've been great. If only the comic would not drop the ball and make all their efforts come to naught.
It's a little funny that the only one to make a true and lasting contribution, here, is the Fake Ultimate Hero to end all Fake Ultimate Heroes, Hercule Satan. Hail Satan. It's a shame this is a battle manga and love and kindness cannot win the day... but they can at least help, so that's something.
...Right?
If I were coming here straight from the Cell Saga and knew nothing of what's going to happen later, I might even be excited. It would continue the theme of generational shift - just like Gohan saved the day last time, now it's the turn of the little brothers, and if they can't pull it off, Gohan has a way to come back for another go soon after. It could've been great. If only the comic would not drop the ball and make all their efforts come to naught.
It's a little funny that the only one to make a true and lasting contribution, here, is the Fake Ultimate Hero to end all Fake Ultimate Heroes, Hercule Satan. Hail Satan. It's a shame this is a battle manga and love and kindness cannot win the day... but they can at least help, so that's something.
October 13, 2017
Un gran mérito de Toriyama en Dragon Ball es lograr balancear una cantidad gigante de personajes en distintas lineas argumentales y que la mayoría de las historias sean fáciles de seguir e interesantes.
Incluso cuando algunas cosas de este tomo no tienen mucho sentido (Mandar a Trunks a buscar el radar cuando Gokú se puede teletransportar al instante y Gokú y su nueva transformación salida medio de la nada, por poner dos ejemplos puntuales), y otras sigan siendo viejos éxitos recauchutados (el entrenamiento de la espada me resultó sospechosamente similar al del Maestro Karin y el agua sagrada), todos los momentos tienen algo divertido y la química de los personajes es muy buena. El tiempo que pasa Mr. Satan con Boo y la forma en la que progresa este personaje, siguen siendo al día de hoy de mis partes favoritas de la serie.
Incluso cuando algunas cosas de este tomo no tienen mucho sentido (Mandar a Trunks a buscar el radar cuando Gokú se puede teletransportar al instante y Gokú y su nueva transformación salida medio de la nada, por poner dos ejemplos puntuales), y otras sigan siendo viejos éxitos recauchutados (el entrenamiento de la espada me resultó sospechosamente similar al del Maestro Karin y el agua sagrada), todos los momentos tienen algo divertido y la química de los personajes es muy buena. El tiempo que pasa Mr. Satan con Boo y la forma en la que progresa este personaje, siguen siendo al día de hoy de mis partes favoritas de la serie.
September 9, 2023
Well that took a turn that I wasn't expecting at the end! Although maybe I should have.
Trunks and Goten are working on fusion. Hercule is distracting Boo. Boo loves dogs. Gohan trains with the Zeta.
Once again we are just building up to fight the next big bad guy. And while I'm having fun and being entertained, there is nothing that is keeping me at the edge of my seat.
I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I think the best part of this volume has been watching Hercule interact with Boo. That whole situation is absolutely ridiculous and yet it somehow makes sense.
I figured there would be a little more wrap up going on though. With 2 volumes left I just feel like the ending is gonna fall flat. Just like any other volume would. But I hope to be proven wrong.
Trunks and Goten are working on fusion. Hercule is distracting Boo. Boo loves dogs. Gohan trains with the Zeta.
Once again we are just building up to fight the next big bad guy. And while I'm having fun and being entertained, there is nothing that is keeping me at the edge of my seat.
I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I think the best part of this volume has been watching Hercule interact with Boo. That whole situation is absolutely ridiculous and yet it somehow makes sense.
I figured there would be a little more wrap up going on though. With 2 volumes left I just feel like the ending is gonna fall flat. Just like any other volume would. But I hope to be proven wrong.
May 22, 2020
This volume comes to the funny side of the story with Goten and Trunks trying the fusion with disastrous effects before getting the right formula and Boo continuing his rampage but getting a glimpse of humanity with the surprising help of Mr Satan but this is a short peace as a new situation showed itself with the enemy ..great drawings again where the story is told with the emotions drawn on the characters design (something where Toriyama is the king) this volume serves more as an interlude for the more serious things to come in the next volumes. .Entertaining read as usual in the Dragon Ball series
May 21, 2024
Boo is unleashed! Goku is gone! The stakes cannot seem to grow any higher and Earth's mighiest hero is unable to assist. Gohan is working hard to get to a point in which he can get a rematch with Boo..and meanwhile Earth's greatest hope now lies with Goten and Trunks!?! What a wild volume and you can feel the story gearing up for a climactic conclusion. Meanwhile we get to witness something I never ever thought possible (well the first time I read this)...Super Saiyan 3!!!! And who is the unlikely hero of this volume? I'll give you one hint...it's in the title. Such a great book by the ultimate manga man Akira Toriyama!
September 7, 2021
Selalu ada pengacau. Ketika harapan mulai muncul, selalu ada orang-orang yang bikin kacau. Cerita yang bagus biasanya punya twist semacam itu dan di nomor ini Toriyama juga memunculkannya. Ketika Buu bahkan sudah berjanji untuk tidak membunuh dan merusak lagi (berkat Mr. Satan), dua orang pengacau muncul dan malah membuat Buu menjadi lebih jahat. Siapa yang bisa mengalahkan Buu baru yang lebih jahat ini? Gotenk yang merupakan gabungan antara Goten dan Trunks ataukah Son Gohan yang saat ini sedang dibangkitkan kekuatannya oleh Kaioshin tua?
May 6, 2022
Interesting how polarizing this volume seems. I personally liked it more than quite a few of the ones before, because it really amped up the humor while maintaining the stuff that distinguished Z from the first 16 volumes. It was actually a bit jarring, though—Goku's deal with the older Kaioshin is dirty in the same way things were in the very early days, with characters like Master Roshi and Oolong, and the Mr. Satan and boo scenes feel like the closest Toriyama made to Dr. Slump since, well, Dr. Slump—but with more murder.
February 7, 2023
So all it took for the big bad Boo to soften up was one ridiculous, weak human with a misplaced pride (a quack at that) and a very cute dog. Funny how that works out.
Now, that second Boo is actually something else. The original Boo got rid of his vice and therefore split himself in two, like the original God and Piccolo had done so many years before. Except this time, there will be no redemption for the bad Boo.
Now, that second Boo is actually something else. The original Boo got rid of his vice and therefore split himself in two, like the original God and Piccolo had done so many years before. Except this time, there will be no redemption for the bad Boo.
July 24, 2024
On prend le temps d’expliquer certaines incompréhension du dernier tome. C’est plus clair et ça rattrape presque le tome précédent. Il reste qu’on dirait que l’auteur écrit sans nécessairement savoir où il s’en va. Il met les héros dans une situation difficile sans savoir comment les en sortir. Il va un peu dans tous les sens et il invente de nouveaux éléments à toutes les 5 pages. Ça donne l’impression que l’histoire n’a pas été assez travaillée.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2021
Even the manga hasn't changed my mind yet about this arc, I wasn't a massive fan of the anime adaptation. It's not bad but compared to in previous it doesn't seem to hold up.
The villain lacks something for me, the only up sides so far have been videl and some of the development of fringe characters.
The villain lacks something for me, the only up sides so far have been videl and some of the development of fringe characters.
May 1, 2021
Buu rounds out into a more likeable character before transforming into a cooler looking and fuller villain, Super Saiyan 3 shows up, Gotenks appears, and Hercule is actually not so annoying for a change. I still like this story line the least, maybe because it all feels rushed or maybe just because I have seen similar before.
August 6, 2022
9/10:
“You are truly remarkable. Do you know that?” - Piccolo to Goku
Watching Piccolo train Goten and Trunks in the ways of fusion was super cool and I love the final product we see in Gotenks.
I also love how much purity we see in Buu as it’s drawn out by Hercule. The fact that he was created my monsters truly shaped what he had become, not what he wanted to be.
“You are truly remarkable. Do you know that?” - Piccolo to Goku
Watching Piccolo train Goten and Trunks in the ways of fusion was super cool and I love the final product we see in Gotenks.
I also love how much purity we see in Buu as it’s drawn out by Hercule. The fact that he was created my monsters truly shaped what he had become, not what he wanted to be.
July 18, 2023
Hercule makes a friend and we see our first fusion. I had always heard this arc was kind of where DBZ gets bad, but so far that's not my experience. Boo is an entertaining for, and I like that we have more rambunctious kid characters again. I think it makes sense for this to be the last big arc of the series, but I'm loving the ride.
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