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Dragon Ball [ドラゴンボール] #38
Dragon Ball Z, Vol. 22: Mark of the Warlock
After years of training and adventure, Goku has become Earth's ultimate warrior. And his son, Gohan, shows even greater promise. But the stakes are increasing as even deadlier enemies threaten the planet.
DRAGON BALL Z
is the ultimate science fiction-martial arts manga.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 1994
99 people are currently reading
831 people want to read
About the author
Akira Toriyama
1,904 books1,731 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 81 reviews
September 11, 2025
EN After the identities of the mysterious figures participating in this new tournament are revealed, and once the heroes learn what is truly at stake, they decide to abandon the competition to confront the latest threat to the planet and the universe.
Meanwhile, the tournament concludes with only five fighters, in an intense free-for-all battle.
Vegeta finally achieves what he had long desired: facing Son Goku in a decisive clash, determined to reclaim his pride.
We are, quite possibly, at one of the best stages of Dragon Ball Z — and something tells me I’m going to devour the next volumes right away.
--
PT Depois de reveladas as identidades das misteriosas figuras que participavam neste novo torneio, e de ficarem a conhecer o que estava em jogo, os nossos heróis decidem abandonar a competição para enfrentar a mais recente ameaça ao planeta e ao universo.
O torneio, entretanto, termina com apenas cinco lutadores, num confronto intenso de todos contra todos.
Vegeta alcança finalmente o que há muito desejava: enfrentar Son Goku numa batalha decisiva, em busca de recuperar o seu orgulho.
Estamos, muito provavelmente, numa das melhores fases de Dragon Ball Z — e algo me diz que vou devorar os próximos volumes de seguida.
Meanwhile, the tournament concludes with only five fighters, in an intense free-for-all battle.
Vegeta finally achieves what he had long desired: facing Son Goku in a decisive clash, determined to reclaim his pride.
We are, quite possibly, at one of the best stages of Dragon Ball Z — and something tells me I’m going to devour the next volumes right away.
--
PT Depois de reveladas as identidades das misteriosas figuras que participavam neste novo torneio, e de ficarem a conhecer o que estava em jogo, os nossos heróis decidem abandonar a competição para enfrentar a mais recente ameaça ao planeta e ao universo.
O torneio, entretanto, termina com apenas cinco lutadores, num confronto intenso de todos contra todos.
Vegeta alcança finalmente o que há muito desejava: enfrentar Son Goku numa batalha decisiva, em busca de recuperar o seu orgulho.
Estamos, muito provavelmente, numa das melhores fases de Dragon Ball Z — e algo me diz que vou devorar os próximos volumes de seguida.
May 19, 2023
So the mysterious dude turns out to be The Lord of Lords! And he needs Goku and co's help to fight the evil wizard Bobbidi and his slave djinn Boo - the most powerful creature ever (move over Cell!).
Goku, Gohan, Piccolo, Vegeta all leave the tournament - but we get to see Goten/Trunks, 18, Hercule all fight it out. Hercule negotiates his way into a victory and continues his legacy.
Goku, Gohan, Piccolo, Vegeta all leave the tournament - but we get to see Goten/Trunks, 18, Hercule all fight it out. Hercule negotiates his way into a victory and continues his legacy.
October 19, 2014
In this, the 38th Dragon Ball book, Son Goku, Buu, and the rest of the cast sit down to calmly and rationally debate the pros and cons of their goals. Buu wants to take over the world, Son Goku (standing in for everyone else on Earth) doesn’t want him to do this. After many chapters of reasoned, thoughtful discussion, a mutual decision is made for the benefit of both parties - all without resorting to physical violence.
JUST KIDDING!
It’s Dragon Ball Z - of course it’s nothing but fighting! Talking’s for boring people! One guy - who looks like Satan - spits at Kuririn and Piccolo and turns them to stone - you don’t want to kiss this dude! Then Vegeta blowed up another guy with a fireball - wicked cool! Son Goku and Vegeta have a rematch - boy, I hope one of them dies again! Fight fight fight and the evil genie Buu returns. The planet’s doomed unless Goku and co. can fight him harder!!
It sounds like I’m taking the piss (and I kind of am albeit in a good natured way) because Dragon Ball is soooo one note. Of course it is, it’s a martial arts comic, fighting is the whole point, you say. But how can it still be good 38 books down the line? It’s just fun! Lord help me, it’s just fun watching Son Goku, Vegeta, and Son Gohan fight a bunch of alien monsters in a series of fights. For 38 books. It is!
It’s also because the fighting is so well told. Compare DBZ to Marvel/DC and their fights are a handful of pages - maybe 4 or 5 pages per issue max - which are quickly over with. Superman punches a bad guy, Spidey hurls some webs at someone, and it’s done. They're there to keep things from getting too stale, maybe there's been a lot of dialogue, add some excitement, and that sort of thing. On the other hand, DBZ fights take up entire books!
There’s the parry, the joust, one level of power giving way to another, surprises thrown in, faster action, another level of power, one fighter gets the upper hand, then the next, more surprises, an even higher level of power, stakes raised further and further; it takes time to build up to a fight’s finale and it’s really involving for the reader, which is only partly due to the length. Akira Toriyama takes what sounds brainless - a comic full of fights between superheroes - and elevates it as an art form and its own distinct narrative style.
Even the side story of Son Goten and Trunks (posing as the fighter Mighty Mask), #18 and Hercule in a battle royale at the Strongest Under the Heavens tournament is full of tension and its own surprises!
DBZ Volume 22 is Toriyama on his way to cooking at full power once again, perfect timing for the closeout to the title. The series has definitely picked up with this book, it’s full of drive and purpose, and (yeah!) it’s a lot of fun. Buu is back and the guys face their biggest challenge yet - don’t stop fighting, guys!
JUST KIDDING!
It’s Dragon Ball Z - of course it’s nothing but fighting! Talking’s for boring people! One guy - who looks like Satan - spits at Kuririn and Piccolo and turns them to stone - you don’t want to kiss this dude! Then Vegeta blowed up another guy with a fireball - wicked cool! Son Goku and Vegeta have a rematch - boy, I hope one of them dies again! Fight fight fight and the evil genie Buu returns. The planet’s doomed unless Goku and co. can fight him harder!!
It sounds like I’m taking the piss (and I kind of am albeit in a good natured way) because Dragon Ball is soooo one note. Of course it is, it’s a martial arts comic, fighting is the whole point, you say. But how can it still be good 38 books down the line? It’s just fun! Lord help me, it’s just fun watching Son Goku, Vegeta, and Son Gohan fight a bunch of alien monsters in a series of fights. For 38 books. It is!
It’s also because the fighting is so well told. Compare DBZ to Marvel/DC and their fights are a handful of pages - maybe 4 or 5 pages per issue max - which are quickly over with. Superman punches a bad guy, Spidey hurls some webs at someone, and it’s done. They're there to keep things from getting too stale, maybe there's been a lot of dialogue, add some excitement, and that sort of thing. On the other hand, DBZ fights take up entire books!
There’s the parry, the joust, one level of power giving way to another, surprises thrown in, faster action, another level of power, one fighter gets the upper hand, then the next, more surprises, an even higher level of power, stakes raised further and further; it takes time to build up to a fight’s finale and it’s really involving for the reader, which is only partly due to the length. Akira Toriyama takes what sounds brainless - a comic full of fights between superheroes - and elevates it as an art form and its own distinct narrative style.
Even the side story of Son Goten and Trunks (posing as the fighter Mighty Mask), #18 and Hercule in a battle royale at the Strongest Under the Heavens tournament is full of tension and its own surprises!
DBZ Volume 22 is Toriyama on his way to cooking at full power once again, perfect timing for the closeout to the title. The series has definitely picked up with this book, it’s full of drive and purpose, and (yeah!) it’s a lot of fun. Buu is back and the guys face their biggest challenge yet - don’t stop fighting, guys!
September 28, 2022
There's so much happening in this volume and I love it! The level-based hideout with a new "challenger" formula returns but doesn't drag out much as we quickly get to see the ultimate battle between Goku and Vegeta (and Vegeta even gets the chance to spit out the truth while putting aside his pride!!!). The tournament is also continued but is much less exciting compared to all the rest (at least that whole subplot is done). The volume ends with the arrival of these heroes' greatest threat yet.
May 27, 2021
10/10 stars
This was perfect! I wanted to shout "Vegeta, you moron!" and tear my hair out, and whatever book makes me care that much deserves all the stars! :D
In a setup reminiscent of the All-seeing crone arc Kaio-shin, Vegeta and Goku on his one day off from afterlife need to defeat a dangerous warlock and prevent his horrific creation, the djinn Boo, from ever reawakening. But of course, nothing goes as planned. Their antics with choosing the sequence of fighting and their bickering as they watch each other's turn are pure fun, and poor Kaio-shin is totally out of his depth around those knuckleheads.
And, "Oh, Vegeta!" His arc is absolutely riveting here, and very rewarding, after all the buildup of earlier volumes. Can't believe I got there, but Vegeta became one of my favorite characters - he can be equally despicable and wonderful, and he's very much his own person - you gotta respect that ;)
The Tenka'ichi Budokai arc is absolutely thrilling even without any of the major players in the game, which in itself is testament to Toriyama's skill. The final showdown between Hercule and android #18 is hilarious, and Goten and Trunks are being so wonderfully stupid throughout the whole volume that I couldn't help but snort with laughter. Goten is so much like Goku!
This was perfect! I wanted to shout "Vegeta, you moron!" and tear my hair out, and whatever book makes me care that much deserves all the stars! :D
In a setup reminiscent of the All-seeing crone arc Kaio-shin, Vegeta and Goku on his one day off from afterlife need to defeat a dangerous warlock and prevent his horrific creation, the djinn Boo, from ever reawakening. But of course, nothing goes as planned. Their antics with choosing the sequence of fighting and their bickering as they watch each other's turn are pure fun, and poor Kaio-shin is totally out of his depth around those knuckleheads.
And, "Oh, Vegeta!" His arc is absolutely riveting here, and very rewarding, after all the buildup of earlier volumes. Can't believe I got there, but Vegeta became one of my favorite characters - he can be equally despicable and wonderful, and he's very much his own person - you gotta respect that ;)
The Tenka'ichi Budokai arc is absolutely thrilling even without any of the major players in the game, which in itself is testament to Toriyama's skill. The final showdown between Hercule and android #18 is hilarious, and Goten and Trunks are being so wonderfully stupid throughout the whole volume that I couldn't help but snort with laughter. Goten is so much like Goku!
August 26, 2023
3.5 ⭐ overall
This was a surprisingly better turn of events for me. What I thought was going to be another tournament has now turned into another big bad guy that they have to stop 😂 And while it is happening all over again I have found it to be pretty entertaining so I'm happy with it. Couple different things happening at once and switching between those characters keeps it fairly fresh rather than focusing on destroying the big bad. Without getting into spoilers I will say I was pissed at Vegeta, and getting a little irritated at him overall. Everyone has told me he has the best character arc of anyone, and while I find him interesting, he certainly isn't my favorite character. Or even anything with the best story arc. But there's still some time left, so we'll see.
Now, let's go see what happens with Boo.
This was a surprisingly better turn of events for me. What I thought was going to be another tournament has now turned into another big bad guy that they have to stop 😂 And while it is happening all over again I have found it to be pretty entertaining so I'm happy with it. Couple different things happening at once and switching between those characters keeps it fairly fresh rather than focusing on destroying the big bad. Without getting into spoilers I will say I was pissed at Vegeta, and getting a little irritated at him overall. Everyone has told me he has the best character arc of anyone, and while I find him interesting, he certainly isn't my favorite character. Or even anything with the best story arc. But there's still some time left, so we'll see.
Now, let's go see what happens with Boo.
February 27, 2021
This was such a great volume and shows whats going on with the warriors as they fight Bobbidi, first its Vegeta vs Pocus, then Goku vs the light eating Yakon and then its Gohan vs Dabra but before that they find a way to control Vegeta and this is where we get Majin Vegeta and its a fight thats dangerous but it was done purposefully by Vegeta to activate his latent powers and his battle with Goku is amazing and then somewhere else Book is waking up. Great volume and like just showcases how far we have come and the level of these fighters is rising by the second, great pacing and next up: Boo!
October 14, 2017
Vegeta makes another grave mistake by letting the evil warlock Bobbidi take control of him just so that he can gain enough power to fight Goku. With so much overflowing power of pure evil and good coming from the two saiyans, Buu is finally ready to awaken.
December 25, 2023
Bibbidi! Bobbidi! Boo!!
July 17, 2016
Oh, how I love this story!
January 10, 2025
Volume 38: Chapter 446-459
Arc 23: Babidi Saga
Bobbidi can manipulate evil in someone. He managed to control Dabra, the King of the Demon Plane. Bobbidi got the device that contain Gohan's energy. Dabra attacks Kibito and instantly kill him then he turned Krillin and Piccolo into stone. Goku, Gohan, Vegeta and Shin went into Bobbidi's spaceship. In stage one, Vegeta faced Pocus and easily kills him. In stage two, Goku faced Yakon. Yakon blew up after sucked in too much light energy from Goku's Super Saiyan. In stage three, Gohan will face Dabra.
The Tenkaichi Budokai resume. As many competitors left the ring, the tournament resume with battle royale format of five contestants, Mr. Satan, Killa, Jewel, Mighty Mask and #18. Killa and Jewel instantly defeated. Mighty Mask fights #18 but he was disqualified after Goten and Trunks disguises blew up. #18 let Mr. Satan win but in return she wants 20 million zeni.
Goten and Trunks meet Videl and she tells everything. Goten and Trunks then rush to the Bobbidi's spaceship. Gohan faced hardship in beating Dabra. Dabra discovered a perfect ally for them as Vegeta have a wicked soul. Bobbidi turned Vegeta to his side and fight Goku. He transported all of them back to the Tenkaichi Budokai ring. Vegeta is rampaging and starts to kill many people. Goku agrees to fight Vegeta and they transported to another place. Both of them already unlocked Super Saiyan 2. Gohan and Shin proceed to face Bobbidi and Dabra. Suddenly, Boo's shell already at its full power.
Arc 23: Babidi Saga
Bobbidi can manipulate evil in someone. He managed to control Dabra, the King of the Demon Plane. Bobbidi got the device that contain Gohan's energy. Dabra attacks Kibito and instantly kill him then he turned Krillin and Piccolo into stone. Goku, Gohan, Vegeta and Shin went into Bobbidi's spaceship. In stage one, Vegeta faced Pocus and easily kills him. In stage two, Goku faced Yakon. Yakon blew up after sucked in too much light energy from Goku's Super Saiyan. In stage three, Gohan will face Dabra.
The Tenkaichi Budokai resume. As many competitors left the ring, the tournament resume with battle royale format of five contestants, Mr. Satan, Killa, Jewel, Mighty Mask and #18. Killa and Jewel instantly defeated. Mighty Mask fights #18 but he was disqualified after Goten and Trunks disguises blew up. #18 let Mr. Satan win but in return she wants 20 million zeni.
Goten and Trunks meet Videl and she tells everything. Goten and Trunks then rush to the Bobbidi's spaceship. Gohan faced hardship in beating Dabra. Dabra discovered a perfect ally for them as Vegeta have a wicked soul. Bobbidi turned Vegeta to his side and fight Goku. He transported all of them back to the Tenkaichi Budokai ring. Vegeta is rampaging and starts to kill many people. Goku agrees to fight Vegeta and they transported to another place. Both of them already unlocked Super Saiyan 2. Gohan and Shin proceed to face Bobbidi and Dabra. Suddenly, Boo's shell already at its full power.
February 18, 2025
I really like the pace of this volume. We have two plots going on: the ending of the Budokai, and the chase for Bobbidi/Boo. The real focus is on Goku, Gohan, and Vegeta as they go deeper and deeper into Bobbidi’s ship, and it makes for some classic moments. Vegeta and Goku effortlessly dispose of two goons, which is oddly refreshing and reminiscent of early Dragon Ball. Toriyama at least understands how cracked they should be. Gohan has some trouble, but it emphasizes the character differences between him and his dad/uncle, and I think it works.
No. 18 and the young super Saiyans duke it out at the Budokai, and it’s pretty entertaining. I still don’t love how overpowered the boys are, considering it wasn’t too long ago that 18 was truly terrifying. But seeing the three of them brawl in the sky as spectators gape in awe is fun nonetheless. And as 18 goes to defeat Hercule, we get some of my favorite illustrations of him. His desperation and terror is captured in such a comical way, and I love that 18 blackmails him. This way, we can have more obnoxious moments from him.
Majin Vegeta steals this volume though, as I’m sure everyone agrees. He does not hesitate in slaughtering innocents, just as long as he can get his hands dirty with the saiyan that saved his life. Vegeta really was a motherfucker for so long, and we immediately forget that at the top of this arc. He seems to have assimilated into human culture. But not anymore. His rage boils and leads to the second fight with Goku at long last. I still feel like their duel is a bit anti-climactic, and it’s insulting that Goku would hold back the way he does. But they’re fighting nonetheless, so I’m thankful.
No. 18 and the young super Saiyans duke it out at the Budokai, and it’s pretty entertaining. I still don’t love how overpowered the boys are, considering it wasn’t too long ago that 18 was truly terrifying. But seeing the three of them brawl in the sky as spectators gape in awe is fun nonetheless. And as 18 goes to defeat Hercule, we get some of my favorite illustrations of him. His desperation and terror is captured in such a comical way, and I love that 18 blackmails him. This way, we can have more obnoxious moments from him.
Majin Vegeta steals this volume though, as I’m sure everyone agrees. He does not hesitate in slaughtering innocents, just as long as he can get his hands dirty with the saiyan that saved his life. Vegeta really was a motherfucker for so long, and we immediately forget that at the top of this arc. He seems to have assimilated into human culture. But not anymore. His rage boils and leads to the second fight with Goku at long last. I still feel like their duel is a bit anti-climactic, and it’s insulting that Goku would hold back the way he does. But they’re fighting nonetheless, so I’m thankful.
March 23, 2019
And we're in season 8! The gang is chasing down Yamu and Spopovich who's bringing a tank of energy to their master, a wizard named Bobbodi who's trying to resurrect the djinn Buu. Videl decided to go back to the tournament and let the others know what's up since she was much slower than Kibito and Gohan and she wouldn't be much help against wizards and magic. Their arrival brings lots of surprises. Like how Bobbodi had possessed his minions and exploited the evil in them to amp their power and make them do his bidding...and he blew the guys up. Dabra, the King of Demons, is also possessed and his spit turns Kuririn and Piccolo to stone. He also insta-kills Kabito. They have to battle three beasts to reach Bobbodi; the first being Pocus that Vegeta quickly decimates. Next is a light-eating monster that easily falls to Goku. Than Gohan has to face Dabra and faces difficulty. Bobbodi exposes the evil in Vegeta's heart and possesses him and it's so heart-breaking. He demands his fight with Goku and even kills hundreds of innocents to get Goku to agree. :(
This is a great introduction to the arc by pulling out all the stops and changing up the pattern Toriyama had established so much. It's moving at a real decent pace too. I thought the anime did a better job of exploring Vegeta's motivation but was nice to see the manga illustrate his struggles to completely fall prey to his possession with his immense pride. I love this arc. :p
This is a great introduction to the arc by pulling out all the stops and changing up the pattern Toriyama had established so much. It's moving at a real decent pace too. I thought the anime did a better job of exploring Vegeta's motivation but was nice to see the manga illustrate his struggles to completely fall prey to his possession with his immense pride. I love this arc. :p
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.
November 15, 2025
I can’t lie, I found this kind of boring and it’s getting pretty repetitive now in places. I was enjoying the main plot quite a bit, but then at the worst possible time we cut back to the world tournament and by this point frankly I couldn’t care less about that storyline as it’s been completely disregarded by all the characters leaving for the A-Plot.
But anyway we spend a few chapters back at the tournament and those few chapters completely mess up this books pacing so when we return to Goku and Gang I feel weirdly disconnected from the story?
Also, sorry but I’m so tired by now of the repetitiveness of Vegeta’s pride being the central factor of the bad guy awakening. It was fine (but still somewhat annoying) the first time, but goddammit it feels like it’s happening twice an arc now.
Other than that, the volume does start pretty strong and where it leaves off leaves enough intrigue. I also really enjoyed how the heroes completely flyswatted the secondary-evils for once. But unfortunately a lot of the stuff inbetween was begging for better execution.
But anyway we spend a few chapters back at the tournament and those few chapters completely mess up this books pacing so when we return to Goku and Gang I feel weirdly disconnected from the story?
Also, sorry but I’m so tired by now of the repetitiveness of Vegeta’s pride being the central factor of the bad guy awakening. It was fine (but still somewhat annoying) the first time, but goddammit it feels like it’s happening twice an arc now.
Other than that, the volume does start pretty strong and where it leaves off leaves enough intrigue. I also really enjoyed how the heroes completely flyswatted the secondary-evils for once. But unfortunately a lot of the stuff inbetween was begging for better execution.
December 11, 2023
Practically my first Manga.
Borrowed it from a 9 year old
Probably, I should have started with a recommendation, but...
Why is the 38th book called Volume 22?
Goku is dead, but is fighting his living arch-rival. Fans are salivating for one of them to die again. How does one die again? But well, this is basically fantasy, & maybe in DBZ universe, death has very different rules. Read such a thing earlier too, Skullduggery Pleasant, but it did not feel so off. Yes, probably the off feeling is due to starting without knowing the backstories.
Violence, yes. Stadia of people killed off, but that happens in "action" fiction & movies, but what feels truly absurd is how exponentially powerful the protagonists are, compared to the antagonists, or even to one another. What's the point? of a fight, between such unequals, while being told it's a "Martial Arts" comic, even being fantasy?
Borrowed it from a 9 year old
Probably, I should have started with a recommendation, but...
Why is the 38th book called Volume 22?
Goku is dead, but is fighting his living arch-rival. Fans are salivating for one of them to die again. How does one die again? But well, this is basically fantasy, & maybe in DBZ universe, death has very different rules. Read such a thing earlier too, Skullduggery Pleasant, but it did not feel so off. Yes, probably the off feeling is due to starting without knowing the backstories.
Violence, yes. Stadia of people killed off, but that happens in "action" fiction & movies, but what feels truly absurd is how exponentially powerful the protagonists are, compared to the antagonists, or even to one another. What's the point? of a fight, between such unequals, while being told it's a "Martial Arts" comic, even being fantasy?
September 7, 2021
Aw, Vegeta. Harga dirinya membuat dia merelakan diri dikuasai oleh Babidi agar dia bisa mendapatkan tambahan tenaga untuk mengalahkan Goku. Padahal saat itu dunia sedang dalam ancaman besar: bangkitnya Majin Boo, iblis yang konon bisa mengalahkan para Kaio. Pertarungan dua ksatria besar Saiya itu ternyata justru mempercepat kebangkitan Boo. Apa yang harus Gohan dan Kaioshin lakukan?
Sementara itu dengan kepergian para finalis, pertandingan Tenkaichi Boudokai jadi kacau. Mr. Satan memutuskan untuk melanjutkan dengan cara semua finalis tersisa turun berbarengan ke lapangan dan bertarung. Siapa yang kemudian menjadi pemenangnya? Di sana masih ada android No. 18 dan Goten dan Trunks yang menyamar.
Sementara itu dengan kepergian para finalis, pertandingan Tenkaichi Boudokai jadi kacau. Mr. Satan memutuskan untuk melanjutkan dengan cara semua finalis tersisa turun berbarengan ke lapangan dan bertarung. Siapa yang kemudian menjadi pemenangnya? Di sana masih ada android No. 18 dan Goten dan Trunks yang menyamar.
May 14, 2024
Life rarely goes the way you plan it, and that's exactly what this volume puts at the forefront! the Z Soldiers are off fighting Bobbidi and his crew of baddies, while the Martial Arts tournament continues and the format is changed to a battle royal between Mr. Satan, Goten and Trunks in disguise, No. 18 and a bunch of folks who we all know will not play any part in the outcome. This volume is a fun one which pretty much is setting up the big baddie that will push the Z Soldiers to the brink...because, well that's what this series does. (Refer back to Vegeta, followed by the Andriods, followed by Cell to get us to this point) There are loads of fun moments in this volume and at least to me, it appears that Akira Toriyama is inserting more humor back into the series.
June 5, 2024
At first I thought this volume was a bit slow, it has been a while since the series has had any sort of tension.
But then a bunch of awesome things happened! At first, this whole Warlock and demon king ordeal fits closer to Dragon Ball’s roots than aliens ever did. And also this new tournament allows Akira to make the wacky shenanigans he loves to write about. I can feel him being more at ease in writing this.
Then that Vegeta betrayed! That was great. And suddenly multiple story beats happens simultaneously instead of having all the other characters just standing on the side line! What is this? And even a bit of tension is introduced since Son Goku and Vegeta are dumb enough to fight all out, which releases Boo!
This was a good volume!
But then a bunch of awesome things happened! At first, this whole Warlock and demon king ordeal fits closer to Dragon Ball’s roots than aliens ever did. And also this new tournament allows Akira to make the wacky shenanigans he loves to write about. I can feel him being more at ease in writing this.
Then that Vegeta betrayed! That was great. And suddenly multiple story beats happens simultaneously instead of having all the other characters just standing on the side line! What is this? And even a bit of tension is introduced since Son Goku and Vegeta are dumb enough to fight all out, which releases Boo!
This was a good volume!
May 9, 2025
The evil warlock wants to resurrect Buu... and to do so he needs more power... and the way to gather that power... is having people fight each other. Yeah, why not. That's how everyone else gets stronger, why not get power by watching/sensing others fight (or however the actual mechanic is, idk it's magic who cares exactly how). Watching everyone underestimate Super Saiyan is funny, watching our trio plow through Babidi's minions is funny, but what's funniest is this doom evil end of universe blablabla being interrupted by 18, Goten/Trunks, and Hercule still trying to do their tournament.
And Vegeta doing Vegeta things is pretty fun. Dude almost ends the world... how many times? Multiple times an arc? Attaboy Vegeta, keep that plot interesting.
And Vegeta doing Vegeta things is pretty fun. Dude almost ends the world... how many times? Multiple times an arc? Attaboy Vegeta, keep that plot interesting.
March 19, 2018
Ah, the near start of the Majin Buu saga. Once again Goku and company find themselves fighting for the fate of the universe, but this is bound to be their greatest challenge yet. One thing's for sure, Dragon Ball and all it's renunciations, must be doing something right to have stood the test of time for over 3 decades. My personal favorite character has always been the temperament and arrogant prince of all Saiyans, Vegeta. I just feel there's so much his story as a character, plus he's a redemption character, so added points. Fans of any of the Dragon ball franchise or any other action manga, are sure to enjoy the start of this series.
February 10, 2025
So much to love in this volume. The level-by-level descent into Bobbidi's ship is fun and it reminded me of OG Dragon Ball. I love seeing Supreme Kai react to how strong the boys are, but then underneath it all there's this huge feeling of dread for what's coming. I also enjoyed that we cut back to the World Martial Arts Tournament for a bit for some silliness before things get really serious.
The Majin Vegeta story is obviously the hugest thing this volume - it makes me so emotional and is such an important part of his character arc, this extinction burst of evil when you're just starting to feel like he may be okay. So heartbreaking but such good storytelling.
The Majin Vegeta story is obviously the hugest thing this volume - it makes me so emotional and is such an important part of his character arc, this extinction burst of evil when you're just starting to feel like he may be okay. So heartbreaking but such good storytelling.
October 11, 2017
Goku, Vegeta y Gohan se enfrentan a los subditos de Babidi, para intentar evitar que despierte Majin Boo. A esta altura, no es ninguna noticia que Toriyama recicla sus ideas una y otra vez, y en este caso vemos la torre de la Patrulla Roja de Dragon Ball, solo que ahora es una nave, y en vez de tener pisos tiene niveles. Como he dicho varias veces ya, al fin y al cabo la repetición no importa porque las peleas y las interacciones entre los tres saiyajines y Kaioh Shin son geniales, y las peleas son interesantes y creativas.
April 17, 2020
Such a joy to read Dragon ball being a long time fan of the anime ... Reading it in Manga form is a joy as Toriyama drawings and cutting in 2d form is gorgeous even if there are better manga out there with the new generation ..Still Dragon Ball is a blast to read full of nostalgia with enough epic battles and witty humour ..this Tome really starts the Boo arc (the one that I had not watch in anime) that some consider as the weak arc (compared to Frieza and Cell) but it is still a fun ride .. bring on the next chapter
November 19, 2022
I was thinking about the surface differences between Super Saiyan forms, and was pretty sure Son Gohan's stray lock of hair over his forehead switched places between forms: over the right eye in Base and SS1, over the left in SS2 and Ultimate. I popped open my VIZBIG DBZ Volume 8 because I couldn't remember if Gohan went SS2 against Dabra in their first fight (he doesn't), and ended up reading the whole volume.... That is, the "Volume 22," and only a little bit into "Volume 23," rather than the entire VIZBIG 3-in-1. This stuff is infinitely readable!
September 16, 2023
If Gohan doesn't like to fight - and slacks off on his training - why does he seem so looking forward to his own battle here? Bit of a mixed messaging here, and all the more reason for me to dislike how he's written in this arc. He could've been so much better. Videl could've had a part to play. Things could have worked out great. Alas.
On the other hand, the tournament had some fun to it, and I look forward to Goten and Trunks's involvement.
On the other hand, the tournament had some fun to it, and I look forward to Goten and Trunks's involvement.
December 20, 2025
It’s kind of sad to me that so much of the battle with Cell is so Gohan-focused, posing him as like the real ultimate Saiyan, and then the next bit is also about him, his friends, his school, his problem, just to fuck it all up with the Boo arc marking him as lame and not as strong as he once was to pivot back to a Goku-Vegeta rivalry. No one should not be allowed to be mean to my son! Goten and Trunks are great comic relief. They’re like the younger generation Krillin.
January 24, 2021
Honestamente este último arco de la historia nunca me ha gustado, y había decidido no comprarlo pero al final termine de comprar la historia.
El brujo Babidi les ha tendido una trampa a los guerreros y pronto Majin Buu despertara.
En serio Vegeta es un idiota por su ego permitió que lo manipularan es muy tonto
El brujo Babidi les ha tendido una trampa a los guerreros y pronto Majin Buu despertara.
En serio Vegeta es un idiota por su ego permitió que lo manipularan es muy tonto
November 10, 2022
This arc is almost like new to me since I barely remember a thing from way back when. I just remember the fusion will happen, and that's pretty much it. I'm excited to see where this story goes in its final arc. Evil Vegeta is brutal and awesome and still true to his character. Props to Toriyama for that.
October 8, 2023
Rencana Babidi dan Dabura untuk membangkitkan Boo semakin mendekati keberhasilan setelah Vegeta menantang Goku untuk berduel. Sebelumnya, Vegeta berhasil dikendalikan oleh Babidi supaya sifat jahatnya mulai muncul lagi. Lantas, dengan begitu dari pertarungan mereka berdua akan menghasilkan energi untuk Boo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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