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Dragon Ball [ドラゴンボール] #13
Dragon Ball, Vol. 13: Piccolo Conquers the World
Through a series of adventures with a variety of strange characters, Goku and Bulma have finally gathered all but the seventh Dragon Ball. That ball is in the hands of dictator Pilaf, who wants the other six for his wish: to rule the world. But as Pilaf summons the Eternal Dragon, Goku is exposed to the full moon - with wild results.
187 pages, ebook
First published June 10, 1988
141 people are currently reading
926 people want to read
About the author
Akira Toriyama
1,916 books1,725 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 116 reviews
August 20, 2025
EN This volume keeps the incredible Demon King Piccolo arc going — and it’s far from over.
It’s easily been the most thrilling part of the series so far, packed with intensity and unforgettable moments.
Honestly, if you’ve never read Dragon Ball, you’re seriously missing out!
--
PT Este volume dá continuidade ao incrível arco do Rei Demónio Piccolo — e ainda está longe de terminar.
Tem sido, sem dúvida, a parte mais emocionante da série até agora, cheia de intensidade e momentos inesquecíveis.
Sinceramente, se nunca leste Dragon Ball, estás mesmo a perder algo em grande!
It’s easily been the most thrilling part of the series so far, packed with intensity and unforgettable moments.
Honestly, if you’ve never read Dragon Ball, you’re seriously missing out!
--
PT Este volume dá continuidade ao incrível arco do Rei Demónio Piccolo — e ainda está longe de terminar.
Tem sido, sem dúvida, a parte mais emocionante da série até agora, cheia de intensidade e momentos inesquecíveis.
Sinceramente, se nunca leste Dragon Ball, estás mesmo a perder algo em grande!
August 30, 2014
Guys: there is literally a King of the World in this series! Forget Presidents, Prime Ministers, etc. – there is an actual King of the entire World! And he’s a talking dog! Akira Toriyama can do anything now in Dragon Ball and I don’t think it would faze me.
I shouldn’t be that surprised – this is the series where Master Roshi destroyed the moon in a fight with Son Goku, with absolutely no consequences – but for some reason the King of the World stood out as a completely insane detail. But you know what? There’s a purity in the storytelling here you rarely see anywhere else. This is fiction, so why not go all the way? Simplify, amplify, push further, do whatever, it’s your world – and it works here brilliantly.
So, in this book: after losing decisively to Piccolo, a near-dead Goku is being taken back by Yajirobe to Master Karin (aka the Hermit Meowster, whose face was apparently based on Toriyama’s cat’s sleeping face!) to find a way to defeat the Demon King. Meanwhile, Master Roshi and the gang are on their way for a fateful showdown with Piccolo… but are they just bringing him the Dragon Balls he needs to restore his youth?
After the surprising death of a main character in the last volume, Toriyama keeps going, killing off not one, not two, but three more major characters in this volume! It’s hard to talk about this book without giving away spoilers but it’s essentially the characters throwing everything they have at Piccolo while Son Goku rests and powers up.
I’m not giving this the full five stars though as it’s Goku-light and, because we know it’s ultimately down to him to stop Piccolo, the fighting between the Demon King and the others feels a bit like filler, not to mention predictably one-sided.
That said, the action is very enjoyable with multiple great fight scenes, and, because Toriyama’s shown no compunction with killing off cast members, there’s tension as you don’t know who’s going to eat it next. But without giving away who lives and who dies, I’ll just say that it’s another great seat-of-your-pants episode in the ongoing Piccolo storyline.
I will suggest to not do what I did and read this without having Volume 14 to hand because it’s such a great cliffhanger, I’m dying to find out what happens next!
I shouldn’t be that surprised – this is the series where Master Roshi destroyed the moon in a fight with Son Goku, with absolutely no consequences – but for some reason the King of the World stood out as a completely insane detail. But you know what? There’s a purity in the storytelling here you rarely see anywhere else. This is fiction, so why not go all the way? Simplify, amplify, push further, do whatever, it’s your world – and it works here brilliantly.
So, in this book: after losing decisively to Piccolo, a near-dead Goku is being taken back by Yajirobe to Master Karin (aka the Hermit Meowster, whose face was apparently based on Toriyama’s cat’s sleeping face!) to find a way to defeat the Demon King. Meanwhile, Master Roshi and the gang are on their way for a fateful showdown with Piccolo… but are they just bringing him the Dragon Balls he needs to restore his youth?
After the surprising death of a main character in the last volume, Toriyama keeps going, killing off not one, not two, but three more major characters in this volume! It’s hard to talk about this book without giving away spoilers but it’s essentially the characters throwing everything they have at Piccolo while Son Goku rests and powers up.
I’m not giving this the full five stars though as it’s Goku-light and, because we know it’s ultimately down to him to stop Piccolo, the fighting between the Demon King and the others feels a bit like filler, not to mention predictably one-sided.
That said, the action is very enjoyable with multiple great fight scenes, and, because Toriyama’s shown no compunction with killing off cast members, there’s tension as you don’t know who’s going to eat it next. But without giving away who lives and who dies, I’ll just say that it’s another great seat-of-your-pants episode in the ongoing Piccolo storyline.
I will suggest to not do what I did and read this without having Volume 14 to hand because it’s such a great cliffhanger, I’m dying to find out what happens next!
June 2, 2021
It's not until volume 17 where Dragon Ball officially transitions into Z, with all the focus on fights and action that it entails - but I think it was in this volume where it really shed away the facets of old Dragon Ball and became what it would be forevermore. There's a new enemy that nobody can beat, mostly everyone else gets their asses kicked in a futile effort to fight him, while Goku is out of commission and then gets a power-up. It finally drops all the pretenses of new lessons or philosophy or growth or martial arts - no training or new techniques or skills - just tack a bunch of extra power into him and call it a day. A lot more energy attacks being thrown, too, without them even being named.
And the villain is the first alien, though we won't know that until later.
Truthfully, I feel that this is about where all the best parts of the comic come to an end. There's still plenty to read about in the future, some great fights and tension and emotion, but far too much is gone, left to the past. Alas.
And the villain is the first alien, though we won't know that until later.
Truthfully, I feel that this is about where all the best parts of the comic come to an end. There's still plenty to read about in the future, some great fights and tension and emotion, but far too much is gone, left to the past. Alas.
January 26, 2023
Starting to actually look for ANY faults to change my rating to four stars so it seems that I think hard on my ratings and not just give five stars, but Mr. Toriyama is making it awfully difficult for me.
As most of the time (I have become lazy during this new year, maybe the rabbit will make it better, now where is that hole)...
5 Stars
As most of the time (I have become lazy during this new year, maybe the rabbit will make it better, now where is that hole)...
5 Stars
April 20, 2016
Previously on Dragon Ball, Goku is fighting King Piccolo hoping that he will destroy him as he avenge for his friends but sadly fails. Tenshinhan and the gang are trying to gather all the dragon balls to resurrect Kuririn. Goku shows his true strength and is able to beat up Piccolo but he was still outmatched by this powerful demon. When Piccolo escapes, he sets on the mission to declare that he is King of the World and goes to the castle to become King. We get insight into this fictional Earth and clearly Akira Toriyama was brilliant by not including religion and politics to ruin this fantasy world.
In this world, they do not have Presidents, Prime Ministers, or any other high elective official except a Monarchy who controls the world and better yet the King is a talking dog! I love the humor of this manga and it always surprises me in moments like this when we lose track on how silly this fantasy world is in this parody of our Earth. When Piccolo arrives, he easily penetrates the Kingdom guards and security and forces the King to give up the crown to him. When this is announced in a live broadcast, all hell breaks loose and the world is on the tip of complete destruction. Master Roshi realizes it is Piccolo who is behind all this and is shocked that he is resurrected since his Master is the one who sealed Piccolo in a rice cooker centuries ago.
Instead of resurrecting Kuririn, their new plan is to gather the dragon balls and destroy Piccolo and then later on bring back their friends alive especially since they believe that Goku is dead. They gather all five of the Dragon Balls and plan to trick Piccolo and rob the other two but when Piccolo arrives to destroy them, he swallows the two dragon balls making it impossible for them to retrieve it. Tenshinhan fights Piccolo but gets paralyze through the process, and Master Roshi tries to do the Mafuba which is the move that put Piccolo in the rice cooker but missed something in his martial arts move and failed. By doing that dangerous move, the person who cast it is supposed to die but Piccolo make it personal and killed Master Roshi.
Now that all 7 are together, Piccolo summon the dragon and Chaozu tries to grant the wish of killing Piccolo but wasn't loud enough for the Dragon to hear and Piccolo killed him in the process. Now that everything is set in stone, Piccolo gets eternal youth and kills the dragon so that way the dragon balls could never be summon again. Meanwhile all this is going on, Yajirobe is taking Goku to see Master Karin who will hopefully heal him and make him stronger to destroy Piccolo. Only Tenshinhan and Goku have the only fleeting chance of destroying Piccolo and the world gets darker by the hour. Will Goku or Tenshinhan accomplish this goal? Stay tune until next time on Dragon Ball...
In this world, they do not have Presidents, Prime Ministers, or any other high elective official except a Monarchy who controls the world and better yet the King is a talking dog! I love the humor of this manga and it always surprises me in moments like this when we lose track on how silly this fantasy world is in this parody of our Earth. When Piccolo arrives, he easily penetrates the Kingdom guards and security and forces the King to give up the crown to him. When this is announced in a live broadcast, all hell breaks loose and the world is on the tip of complete destruction. Master Roshi realizes it is Piccolo who is behind all this and is shocked that he is resurrected since his Master is the one who sealed Piccolo in a rice cooker centuries ago.
Instead of resurrecting Kuririn, their new plan is to gather the dragon balls and destroy Piccolo and then later on bring back their friends alive especially since they believe that Goku is dead. They gather all five of the Dragon Balls and plan to trick Piccolo and rob the other two but when Piccolo arrives to destroy them, he swallows the two dragon balls making it impossible for them to retrieve it. Tenshinhan fights Piccolo but gets paralyze through the process, and Master Roshi tries to do the Mafuba which is the move that put Piccolo in the rice cooker but missed something in his martial arts move and failed. By doing that dangerous move, the person who cast it is supposed to die but Piccolo make it personal and killed Master Roshi.
Now that all 7 are together, Piccolo summon the dragon and Chaozu tries to grant the wish of killing Piccolo but wasn't loud enough for the Dragon to hear and Piccolo killed him in the process. Now that everything is set in stone, Piccolo gets eternal youth and kills the dragon so that way the dragon balls could never be summon again. Meanwhile all this is going on, Yajirobe is taking Goku to see Master Karin who will hopefully heal him and make him stronger to destroy Piccolo. Only Tenshinhan and Goku have the only fleeting chance of destroying Piccolo and the world gets darker by the hour. Will Goku or Tenshinhan accomplish this goal? Stay tune until next time on Dragon Ball...
January 24, 2024
3,5⭐/5
Kolejna część, która, niestety, mało co wnosi do całości i jest takim tomem na przeczekanie. Owszem, kilka poruszonych spraw jest niezwykle istotnych dla dalszych historii, ale znowu dochodzimy do tej samej konkluzji. Mianowicie: nikt nie może zastąpić Goku i zawsze należy czekać, aż ten zerwie się z treningu, by ocalić cały świat przed terrorem (w tym wypadku) Szatana Piccolo. Niby bohaterowie próbują coś robić, jakkolwiek pomóc, zniszczyć przeciwnika, jednak zawsze okazuje się, że to za mało, a Goku ma więcej siły i mocy i tylko on w całym wszechświecie jest tak silny, by choć zacząć marzyć o wygranej.
Teraz krótko o tym, co mi się podobało, a jest to głównie determinacja Ten Shinhana. Mimo, że w poprzednich częściach dał się poznać jako zdyscyplinowany, silny wojownik, pełny złości i zła, w tej części postanowił stanąć po stronie dobra. Nadal nie cechuje go wystarczająca moc, jego techniki zawodzą, ale ważne, że się starał cokolwiek zrobić. Kolejny plus to dla mnie przedstawienie genezy Szatana Piccolo, jak również ostatniego sposobu na jego pokonanie. Momentami jednak, strach tak silnego przeciwnika przed szybkowarem niezwykle mnie śmieszył (dość absurdalnie to wybrzmiało po prostu). Plus również za pokazywanie realiów i faktycznych śmierci postaci (na jak długo to czas pokaże). Z minusów to dopatrzyłam się dwóch kwestii. Przede wszystkim zawiodłam się na postaci Żarłomira, bo spodziewałam się, że dłużej będzie on w mandze, że dalej pokaże się z dobrej strony, a przy pierwszej nadarzającej się okazji zwinął manatki. No i obowiązkowe czepialstwo – zakończenie, czyli znowu typowy finał, który domyślnie pozostawia czytelnika z niewiedzą w jaki sposób potoczy się dalszy pojedynek i która ze stron wygra. Typowe zagranie, ale zwyczajnie denerwuje, bo też ile można wciąż o tym samym (zakończenie gdzie każdy mówi o tym, jakie techniki mocne zastosuje, by…pojedynek na dobre rozpoczął się gdzieś w połowie kolejnego tomu i koło się zatacza).
Kolejna część, która, niestety, mało co wnosi do całości i jest takim tomem na przeczekanie. Owszem, kilka poruszonych spraw jest niezwykle istotnych dla dalszych historii, ale znowu dochodzimy do tej samej konkluzji. Mianowicie: nikt nie może zastąpić Goku i zawsze należy czekać, aż ten zerwie się z treningu, by ocalić cały świat przed terrorem (w tym wypadku) Szatana Piccolo. Niby bohaterowie próbują coś robić, jakkolwiek pomóc, zniszczyć przeciwnika, jednak zawsze okazuje się, że to za mało, a Goku ma więcej siły i mocy i tylko on w całym wszechświecie jest tak silny, by choć zacząć marzyć o wygranej.
Teraz krótko o tym, co mi się podobało, a jest to głównie determinacja Ten Shinhana. Mimo, że w poprzednich częściach dał się poznać jako zdyscyplinowany, silny wojownik, pełny złości i zła, w tej części postanowił stanąć po stronie dobra. Nadal nie cechuje go wystarczająca moc, jego techniki zawodzą, ale ważne, że się starał cokolwiek zrobić. Kolejny plus to dla mnie przedstawienie genezy Szatana Piccolo, jak również ostatniego sposobu na jego pokonanie. Momentami jednak, strach tak silnego przeciwnika przed szybkowarem niezwykle mnie śmieszył (dość absurdalnie to wybrzmiało po prostu). Plus również za pokazywanie realiów i faktycznych śmierci postaci (na jak długo to czas pokaże). Z minusów to dopatrzyłam się dwóch kwestii. Przede wszystkim zawiodłam się na postaci Żarłomira, bo spodziewałam się, że dłużej będzie on w mandze, że dalej pokaże się z dobrej strony, a przy pierwszej nadarzającej się okazji zwinął manatki. No i obowiązkowe czepialstwo – zakończenie, czyli znowu typowy finał, który domyślnie pozostawia czytelnika z niewiedzą w jaki sposób potoczy się dalszy pojedynek i która ze stron wygra. Typowe zagranie, ale zwyczajnie denerwuje, bo też ile można wciąż o tym samym (zakończenie gdzie każdy mówi o tym, jakie techniki mocne zastosuje, by…pojedynek na dobre rozpoczął się gdzieś w połowie kolejnego tomu i koło się zatacza).
February 22, 2021
I did the opposite technique this time by watching the episodes before reading this volume, I'm not sure which I prefer! I did like hearing their voices in these specific scenes in my head when reading. It was also a bit easier to follow the fight scenes. Still a great story - excited to see Goku's power as he continues to learn and grow.
April 18, 2021
9/10 stars
While this one was maybe a tad less amazing than some other All stars!!! volumes, I loved many things about it - especially the quiet and deeply hidden heroism of Kame Sen'nin, who turned out to be not just some old pervert - and a thoughtful martial arts teacher, which was a facet of him we were able to glimpse only at later stages - but also a selfless hero, willing to give his life and save the lives of others. Pity about that aim, though ;)
Toriyama continues to surprise me with plot twists and crazy imagination. It's just so good!
While this one was maybe a tad less amazing than some other All stars!!! volumes, I loved many things about it - especially the quiet and deeply hidden heroism of Kame Sen'nin, who turned out to be not just some old pervert - and a thoughtful martial arts teacher, which was a facet of him we were able to glimpse only at later stages - but also a selfless hero, willing to give his life and save the lives of others. Pity about that aim, though ;)
Toriyama continues to surprise me with plot twists and crazy imagination. It's just so good!
May 11, 2022
Holy wow. This series is just escalating more and more! The fights have real emotion behind them now and Goku vs. Piccolo is just as intense as promised!
February 27, 2023
This will be a copy and pasted review since I read the last 6 volumes in one sitting.
Instead of going through each plot for each book, I'll summarize. The way the plot advances can become predictable after a while. Goku will face a big bad and will need to get stronger and attempt the fight again. Regardless, the way the characters are written and the comedy in each book made the series really enjoyabl, and I could not put the books down.
Instead of going through each plot for each book, I'll summarize. The way the plot advances can become predictable after a while. Goku will face a big bad and will need to get stronger and attempt the fight again. Regardless, the way the characters are written and the comedy in each book made the series really enjoyabl, and I could not put the books down.
July 22, 2024
Super
November 6, 2025
oh no Goku died oh wait he's alive oh he needs more power. let's drink the water again oh wow he's so powerful rinse and repeat.. was a good twist but then it got all circular again... 😕
January 5, 2024
God I love Piccolo
December 17, 2021
Goku is an eccentric monkey-tailed boy with superhuman strength and boundless energy. His life of peaceful solitude is interrupted one day when he meets Bulma, a feisty young lady on the hunt for mysterious wish-granting orbs known as Dragon Balls. Accompanied by a group of zany companions, the two team up on a grand adventure full of all kinds of intense battles, dangerous villains and whacky hijinks.
Now this was a blast of nostalgia! Dragon Ball was the first anime I ever watched as a dorky little toddler. I remember watching it every week with my big brother. I watched the reruns multiple times and owned all the Budokai and Tenkaichi fighting games. I developed a bit of an unhealthy obsession with Dragon Ball Z throughout my middle school years. While I don't like the series nearly as much as I once did, I'm very thankful toward this series for introducing me to the wonderful world of anime and manga. After Dragon Ball, I watched Ghibli, Naruto, Bleach, One Piece, Inuyasha, Fullmetal Alchemist, Rurouni Kenshin, Yu Yu Hakusho, Sailor Moon, Fruits Basket and dozens of others. I then went on to discover some of my all time favorite series like Berserk, Naoki Urasawa's Monster, Gantz, Battle Royale, Attack on Titan, Vagabond, Blade of the Immortal, Parasyte, Goodnight Punpun and more. Dragon Ball made me a fan of this medium and it felt great to re-experience the series from beginning to end for the first time in twenty years.
The story and characters are simple, but the series is easy to read, hilarious and wholesome in spite of the constant action. The series starts off as a raunchy, self-aware slapstick comedy full of fourth-wall breaking, sexual innuendos and surprisingly dirty jokes. This series was definitely edgy for its time considering it was geared towards a young audience. A lot of the perverted humor and gag comedy wouldn't fly too well with modern sensibilities, but it can be pretty funny for people who don't get offended easily and can handle some outdated mannerisms and attitudes from the past.
While the series does start off as a comedy gag reel, it slowly develops into a more serious streamlined plot with better written characters and villains. The story never really blooms into anything worth writing home about, but it remains consistently entertaining and fun to read. The interactions between Goku and his pals is always funny, even the way he plays around with his enemies is comical. If I remember as well as I think I do, I believe the maturity of the story and characters improve much more in the sequel series which I'll eventually get around to reviewing at some point. The original Dragon Ball ends on a great battle sequence that sets up the more serious tone of Dragon Ball Z.
My only major complaint about the overall story is the Dragon Balls make things way too convenient and removes the stakes and consequences of literally everything. If a major character dies they can just be wished back. This removes any sense of drama or tension from the battles and the consequences of the villains actions becomes moot. The series doesn't take itself too seriously and often pokes fun at itself, but the way the Dragon Balls are utilized are just a little too much in my opinion. Even comedies need a certain amount of suspension and stakes to make me care about what's going on.
***
If you're looking for some dark ambient music for reading horror, dark fantasy and other books like this one, then be sure to check out my YouTube Channel called Nightmarish Compositions: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPPs...
Now this was a blast of nostalgia! Dragon Ball was the first anime I ever watched as a dorky little toddler. I remember watching it every week with my big brother. I watched the reruns multiple times and owned all the Budokai and Tenkaichi fighting games. I developed a bit of an unhealthy obsession with Dragon Ball Z throughout my middle school years. While I don't like the series nearly as much as I once did, I'm very thankful toward this series for introducing me to the wonderful world of anime and manga. After Dragon Ball, I watched Ghibli, Naruto, Bleach, One Piece, Inuyasha, Fullmetal Alchemist, Rurouni Kenshin, Yu Yu Hakusho, Sailor Moon, Fruits Basket and dozens of others. I then went on to discover some of my all time favorite series like Berserk, Naoki Urasawa's Monster, Gantz, Battle Royale, Attack on Titan, Vagabond, Blade of the Immortal, Parasyte, Goodnight Punpun and more. Dragon Ball made me a fan of this medium and it felt great to re-experience the series from beginning to end for the first time in twenty years.
The story and characters are simple, but the series is easy to read, hilarious and wholesome in spite of the constant action. The series starts off as a raunchy, self-aware slapstick comedy full of fourth-wall breaking, sexual innuendos and surprisingly dirty jokes. This series was definitely edgy for its time considering it was geared towards a young audience. A lot of the perverted humor and gag comedy wouldn't fly too well with modern sensibilities, but it can be pretty funny for people who don't get offended easily and can handle some outdated mannerisms and attitudes from the past.
While the series does start off as a comedy gag reel, it slowly develops into a more serious streamlined plot with better written characters and villains. The story never really blooms into anything worth writing home about, but it remains consistently entertaining and fun to read. The interactions between Goku and his pals is always funny, even the way he plays around with his enemies is comical. If I remember as well as I think I do, I believe the maturity of the story and characters improve much more in the sequel series which I'll eventually get around to reviewing at some point. The original Dragon Ball ends on a great battle sequence that sets up the more serious tone of Dragon Ball Z.
My only major complaint about the overall story is the Dragon Balls make things way too convenient and removes the stakes and consequences of literally everything. If a major character dies they can just be wished back. This removes any sense of drama or tension from the battles and the consequences of the villains actions becomes moot. The series doesn't take itself too seriously and often pokes fun at itself, but the way the Dragon Balls are utilized are just a little too much in my opinion. Even comedies need a certain amount of suspension and stakes to make me care about what's going on.
***
If you're looking for some dark ambient music for reading horror, dark fantasy and other books like this one, then be sure to check out my YouTube Channel called Nightmarish Compositions: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPPs...
March 29, 2021
The transformation from silly to serious shonen that was happening on the last few volumes is complete here. This is closer to what we know as Dragon Ball Z than to the start of the series. Not saying that there's no silliness or weirdness anymore - Dragon Ball always has some of that - but... yeah, the focus is on power levels now.
Not that this is bad! This is a good volume, with good battles. Dragon Ball will never be the same after this, but that's fine - it just changed to something else.
Not that this is bad! This is a good volume, with good battles. Dragon Ball will never be the same after this, but that's fine - it just changed to something else.
December 16, 2020
This book just becomes epic, as Piccolo conquers the world everyone is falling, he wants to collect the Dragon ball and regain his youth and people fight, even Muten-Roshi tries the Mafuba but falls as he is unable to defeat this monstrosity called Piccolo. The next part is Goku going to Karin sama who gives him some water that kinda makes him powerful. In other land Piccolo becomes the king and is destroying the world and all and its kinda difficult to beat him. But then Goku comes in and he is battling Piccolo and their fight is just epic! The artwork particularly the fight scenes are so well done by Toriyama!!
September 8, 2017
Continúa el arco de Piccolo Daimaoh, Goku vuelve a la carga y se enfrenta a un Piccolo más fuerte que nunca. En este tomo Toriyama reemplaza ya casi totalmente el humor característico de la primera parte para entregar una historia bastante oscura, llena de violencia, muerte y desesperación. Suena un poco ominoso, pero por suerte el autor lo lleva muy bien y pone a Gokú como un bastión de esperanza, el héroe perfecto con una capacidad infinita de autosuperarse y superar los obstáculos. Este es el primer enemigo que parece realmente amenazante, ahora la cosa si se puso seria.
November 30, 2020
Son Goku ist vom Oberteufel Piccolo besiegt worden und befindet sich nun mit Hilfe des Waldkämpfers Yajirobi auf dem Weg zum heiligen Quittenturm, wo er hofft vom heiligen Wasser trinken zu können, um seine Kräfte noch mehr zu steigern. Er hat es sich in den Sinn gesetzt noch einmal gegen den Finsterling anzutreten, doch bis dahin scheint es für den verletzten Goku noch ein weiter Weg zu sein. Unterdessen versuchen Muten Roshi, Chao-Zu und Tenshinhan gegen den Teufel anzukommen, doch scheint alle Hoffnung verloren, besonders, nachdem Roshi Tenshinhan außer Gefecht setzt, um selbst das Mafuba einzusetzen, durch das er sich opfert. Jedoch geht das Mafuba daneben und der Teufel kann nicht gebannt werden. Hilflos muss Tenshinhan aus seinem Versteck mit ansehen, wie Roshi sein Leben verwirkt hat und schließlich auch Chao-Zu Opfer des Oberteufels wird. Schließlich gelingt es Piccolo die Dragon Ball zusammen zu bringen und sich seine Jugend zurück zu wünschen. Nachdem dies geschehen ist, tötet er den Drachen Shenlong und alle Hoffnung, die Freunde wieder ins Leben zurück zu holen sind somit für immer verloren. Tenshinshan schwört Rache für seine Freunde und macht sich auf den Weg, um gegen den Teufel das Mafuba anzuwenden, welches er sich bei Roshi abgeguckt hat. Und auch Goku scheint den langen Weg mit Yajirobi in den Quittenturm endlich geschafft zu haben.
Wieder einmal beweist Akira Toriyama mit seiner Zeichenkunst, dass er wirklich was auf dem Kasten hat. Es macht Spaß die vielschichtigen Figuren zu sehen und auch zu erleben. Die dazu wirklich ausgeklügelte Geschichte ist der absolute Wahnsinn und wartet immer wieder mit überraschenden Wendungen auf. Toriyama spielt mit den Emotionen des Lesers und das wirklich gekonnt. Während man hofft, dass Goku ganz schnell wieder zu Kräften kommt, leidet man auf der anderen Seite, wenn man sehen muss, wie lieb gewonnene Charaktere ihr Leben lassen müssen. Und schließlich ist man sogar ein bisschen verzweifelt, weil man sich fragt, ob es das für die Charaktere gewesen sein soll, besonders nachdem Shenlong vom Oberteufel ebenfalls getötet wird, denn damit verschwinden alle Hoffnungen - wer soll nur die Wünsche erfüllen? Es bleibt wirklich absolut spannend. Empfehlen möchte ich diesen Manga weiterhin allen, die gern Mangas lesen und auch die auch die Animesserie gemocht haben bzw. den Manga als Grundlage zur Animeserie lesen wollen. Ihr werdet absolut begeistert sein, das verspreche ich euch.
Taschenbuch: 192 Seiten
Verlag: Carlsen (15. Februar 2001)
Sprache: Deutsch
ISBN-10: 3551733058
ISBN-13: 978-3551733054
Vom Hersteller empfohlenes Alter: 10 - 12 Jahre
Größe und/oder Gewicht: 11,5 x 1,5 x 17,7 cm
Wieder einmal beweist Akira Toriyama mit seiner Zeichenkunst, dass er wirklich was auf dem Kasten hat. Es macht Spaß die vielschichtigen Figuren zu sehen und auch zu erleben. Die dazu wirklich ausgeklügelte Geschichte ist der absolute Wahnsinn und wartet immer wieder mit überraschenden Wendungen auf. Toriyama spielt mit den Emotionen des Lesers und das wirklich gekonnt. Während man hofft, dass Goku ganz schnell wieder zu Kräften kommt, leidet man auf der anderen Seite, wenn man sehen muss, wie lieb gewonnene Charaktere ihr Leben lassen müssen. Und schließlich ist man sogar ein bisschen verzweifelt, weil man sich fragt, ob es das für die Charaktere gewesen sein soll, besonders nachdem Shenlong vom Oberteufel ebenfalls getötet wird, denn damit verschwinden alle Hoffnungen - wer soll nur die Wünsche erfüllen? Es bleibt wirklich absolut spannend. Empfehlen möchte ich diesen Manga weiterhin allen, die gern Mangas lesen und auch die auch die Animesserie gemocht haben bzw. den Manga als Grundlage zur Animeserie lesen wollen. Ihr werdet absolut begeistert sein, das verspreche ich euch.
Taschenbuch: 192 Seiten
Verlag: Carlsen (15. Februar 2001)
Sprache: Deutsch
ISBN-10: 3551733058
ISBN-13: 978-3551733054
Vom Hersteller empfohlenes Alter: 10 - 12 Jahre
Größe und/oder Gewicht: 11,5 x 1,5 x 17,7 cm
not-gonna-read
August 6, 2025Okay I'm just going to get out there and say this but . . . I don't much care for Dragon Ball or Dragon Ball Z.
Now let me make this perfectly clear. This doesn't mean that I think that the manga or anime of the Dragon Ball franchise is bad. Far from it. I think there's a lot of things to admire about the Dragon Ball franchise. In fact, a lot of famous manga artists have received inspiration from this Shonen manga series. And those artists have written some manga that has increased in popularity all around the world such as Kishimoto's Naruto, Kubo's Bleach, and Oda's One Piece. Which is ironic because those are manga series I really enjoy. Each of these manga take an element from the Dragon Ball series and use it for inspiration for their own work like battles, art, character design, and plot.
In a nutshell, this series was kinda of a bore for me but to be fair I kind of expected that from a late 80's-early 90's manga. It has all the elements that you would expect from a manga published in that time frame. The plot is very simple, the action is very cheesy, the comedy is a bit overdone, the characters are simply designed but memorable, and the art definitely has a 90's art style when it comes to the expression of the characters.
The only character I cared for (and remembered) was the main character Goku. He's innocent and the typical hero whose strong and has a good heart but not very bright. He's willing to help his friends because he has a strong will that brings out his powers. There's a lot of things to like about this character and what's more interesting is that you can see different characters from other manga that resemble a few traits from Goku that basically became a norm for main leads in Shonen manga. The few examples that I can come up with at the top of my head are Luffy from One Piece, Naruto from Naruto, and Kenshiro from Fist of the North Star who mostly portrays the 'manly' appearance and strength that Goku possesses and displays within the series.
With all that's been said, I still think it's an admirable series despite my personal feelings towards it. 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. So there are some things to like and admire about it because of the legacy that it brought with its creation.
So if you're going to take something from this review, just remember the fact that Dragon Ball has done a lot for a very popular art form and will continue to be great and loved for years to come.
Now let me make this perfectly clear. This doesn't mean that I think that the manga or anime of the Dragon Ball franchise is bad. Far from it. I think there's a lot of things to admire about the Dragon Ball franchise. In fact, a lot of famous manga artists have received inspiration from this Shonen manga series. And those artists have written some manga that has increased in popularity all around the world such as Kishimoto's Naruto, Kubo's Bleach, and Oda's One Piece. Which is ironic because those are manga series I really enjoy. Each of these manga take an element from the Dragon Ball series and use it for inspiration for their own work like battles, art, character design, and plot.
In a nutshell, this series was kinda of a bore for me but to be fair I kind of expected that from a late 80's-early 90's manga. It has all the elements that you would expect from a manga published in that time frame. The plot is very simple, the action is very cheesy, the comedy is a bit overdone, the characters are simply designed but memorable, and the art definitely has a 90's art style when it comes to the expression of the characters.
The only character I cared for (and remembered) was the main character Goku. He's innocent and the typical hero whose strong and has a good heart but not very bright. He's willing to help his friends because he has a strong will that brings out his powers. There's a lot of things to like about this character and what's more interesting is that you can see different characters from other manga that resemble a few traits from Goku that basically became a norm for main leads in Shonen manga. The few examples that I can come up with at the top of my head are Luffy from One Piece, Naruto from Naruto, and Kenshiro from Fist of the North Star who mostly portrays the 'manly' appearance and strength that Goku possesses and displays within the series.
With all that's been said, I still think it's an admirable series despite my personal feelings towards it. 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. So there are some things to like and admire about it because of the legacy that it brought with its creation.
So if you're going to take something from this review, just remember the fact that Dragon Ball has done a lot for a very popular art form and will continue to be great and loved for years to come.
December 23, 2021
This volume gets dark as hell, as characters start dropping like flies and Piccolo's power is so great that entire cities vanish in an instant. As the supporting cast does their best to rally and find some way to stop him, Goku goes to Karin to find some deus ex machina to save the day. There's a lot of great stuff this volume but for once the plot is all about tension and dramatic stakes, and once I begin looking at the plot it's hard not to notice the glaring weaknesses.
Piccolo is the most powerful character we've ever met- but the reasons our heroes fail isn't due to his strength but because sometimes they just trip and don't get to attack? Goku's training to defeat Taopaipai involved chasing Karin for the "Super Holy Water" and having that chase be the training instead of the water itself- now we actually have magical poison that grants power-ups if the plot determines you need one? So much of the tension of this arc is immediately dissolved by Toriyama falling back on the gag manga tendencies that built the beginning of the series, making everything look hopeless for our heroes not because the enemy is that powerful but because they keep screwing up even their simplest of plans.
The art is still fantastic, Piccolo is a despicable villain who I love seeing be unrepentant and maniacal in his plans, and the way this arc keeps upping the stakes and proving how dark the story is going to get it great. But I'm baffled by so much of the plot that it brings all the other fun moments down.
Piccolo is the most powerful character we've ever met- but the reasons our heroes fail isn't due to his strength but because sometimes they just trip and don't get to attack? Goku's training to defeat Taopaipai involved chasing Karin for the "Super Holy Water" and having that chase be the training instead of the water itself- now we actually have magical poison that grants power-ups if the plot determines you need one? So much of the tension of this arc is immediately dissolved by Toriyama falling back on the gag manga tendencies that built the beginning of the series, making everything look hopeless for our heroes not because the enemy is that powerful but because they keep screwing up even their simplest of plans.
The art is still fantastic, Piccolo is a despicable villain who I love seeing be unrepentant and maniacal in his plans, and the way this arc keeps upping the stakes and proving how dark the story is going to get it great. But I'm baffled by so much of the plot that it brings all the other fun moments down.
July 7, 2022
Reseña de la saga Piccolo.
Más allá de cuánto me gustó este arc, definitivamente lo sentí como la transición entre lo que se podría considerar "Dragon Ball" y "Dragon Ball Z". Si en las primeras historias el peligro era salvar a un pueblito, ahora es salvar al mundo. Si antes era entrenar con un viejo maestro, ahora se entrena -literalmente- con Dios.
Para mí, esto es un arma de doble filo. Por un lado le agrega una dosis piola de epicidad y una tensión a las peleas que antes no estaba; por otro, hace que el relato se sienta menos íntimo y más lejano. Por más inverosímil que fuera el concepto de un niño mono super fuerte, en los comienzos yo podía empatizar con una historia de dos extraños opuestos (Goku y Bulma) en una búsqueda del tesoro (encontrar las esferas del dragón). En este caso, es un poco más difícil empatizar con SALVAR EL MUNDO, y el personaje de Goku queda relegado a "tener que ser más fuerte para vencer al malo". BTW, Piccolo me parece un villano choto y genérico, así que eso tampoco ayuda.
De todos modos, algo que sí rescato es que cómo los personajes van creciendo a lo largo de este manga. Hace unos días volví a leer el primer tomo y me sorprendió lo distintos que están todos. Si bien el aspecto de Goku no cambia mucho, en este tomo sentí que hubo un crecimiento en él, que pasó a encargarse de temas más grosos y que ya no es el nenito del principio del cuento.
Más allá de cuánto me gustó este arc, definitivamente lo sentí como la transición entre lo que se podría considerar "Dragon Ball" y "Dragon Ball Z". Si en las primeras historias el peligro era salvar a un pueblito, ahora es salvar al mundo. Si antes era entrenar con un viejo maestro, ahora se entrena -literalmente- con Dios.
Para mí, esto es un arma de doble filo. Por un lado le agrega una dosis piola de epicidad y una tensión a las peleas que antes no estaba; por otro, hace que el relato se sienta menos íntimo y más lejano. Por más inverosímil que fuera el concepto de un niño mono super fuerte, en los comienzos yo podía empatizar con una historia de dos extraños opuestos (Goku y Bulma) en una búsqueda del tesoro (encontrar las esferas del dragón). En este caso, es un poco más difícil empatizar con SALVAR EL MUNDO, y el personaje de Goku queda relegado a "tener que ser más fuerte para vencer al malo". BTW, Piccolo me parece un villano choto y genérico, así que eso tampoco ayuda.
De todos modos, algo que sí rescato es que cómo los personajes van creciendo a lo largo de este manga. Hace unos días volví a leer el primer tomo y me sorprendió lo distintos que están todos. Si bien el aspecto de Goku no cambia mucho, en este tomo sentí que hubo un crecimiento en él, que pasó a encargarse de temas más grosos y que ya no es el nenito del principio del cuento.
December 28, 2020
*Read as part of the 25 Days of Manga challenge for December 2020.*
I don't know if I mentioned it in my review of the previous volume, but the Demon King Piccolo arc really has got to be the best arc of the original manga series, at least in my opinion. The stakes are so intense and hit so hard for this series, and I feel like it's the first real glimpse at what Toriyama's storytelling would have to offer as he continued working with this universe.
Everything about this volume was just a delight to read, and I can say without hesitation that I've missed it, and I am annoyed that I paused briefly in my revisitation of the series. I know that the Dragon Ball franchise has received hype for years, especially DBZ, and I know firsthand how off-putting that can be for many people. But I will say that the original Dragon Ball manga really is a treat, and it's a classic for a reason. Even if you never go on to read the Dragon Ball Z volumes, I do highly recommend at least giving the original series a shot. It's just fun, entertaining, and perhaps it takes a while to really become high-quality, but it's worth the journey, it really is.
I don't know if I mentioned it in my review of the previous volume, but the Demon King Piccolo arc really has got to be the best arc of the original manga series, at least in my opinion. The stakes are so intense and hit so hard for this series, and I feel like it's the first real glimpse at what Toriyama's storytelling would have to offer as he continued working with this universe.
Everything about this volume was just a delight to read, and I can say without hesitation that I've missed it, and I am annoyed that I paused briefly in my revisitation of the series. I know that the Dragon Ball franchise has received hype for years, especially DBZ, and I know firsthand how off-putting that can be for many people. But I will say that the original Dragon Ball manga really is a treat, and it's a classic for a reason. Even if you never go on to read the Dragon Ball Z volumes, I do highly recommend at least giving the original series a shot. It's just fun, entertaining, and perhaps it takes a while to really become high-quality, but it's worth the journey, it really is.
December 23, 2024
It really feels like the end-game. Roshi dies, Chaouzu dies, Piccolo wipes out a city and Tenshinhan fails to make a difference. The action choreography and characterization is great.
But the actual plot structure is so dog-water, oh my god. I hate when any character gets a magic power boost in Dragon Ball because their “potential is drawn out”. And it happens so many times…
In this case, it’s the Arrakis Water of Life that completely overpowers Goku to the point of absurdity. Goku acts so differently after he survives the water, and it’s frustrating that Karin attributes Goku’s ability to detect Chi to the Water of Life. It’s frustrating that Toriyama wrote this in at all, since the previous power boost with Karin was so well-earned. There just doesn’t seem to be any subtlety or substance.
I love how quickly Tenshinhan gets established as a mainstay badass, but why did he spend so much time practicing the Mafu-Ba (which looks incredible by the way) if he never uses it?
I just don’t like how secondary every character becomes when Goku saves the day, I don’t like how Tenshinhan, who beat Goku in the tournament just a few days ago, can’t put a dent in Piccolo’s goons. Grrrr
But the actual plot structure is so dog-water, oh my god. I hate when any character gets a magic power boost in Dragon Ball because their “potential is drawn out”. And it happens so many times…
In this case, it’s the Arrakis Water of Life that completely overpowers Goku to the point of absurdity. Goku acts so differently after he survives the water, and it’s frustrating that Karin attributes Goku’s ability to detect Chi to the Water of Life. It’s frustrating that Toriyama wrote this in at all, since the previous power boost with Karin was so well-earned. There just doesn’t seem to be any subtlety or substance.
I love how quickly Tenshinhan gets established as a mainstay badass, but why did he spend so much time practicing the Mafu-Ba (which looks incredible by the way) if he never uses it?
I just don’t like how secondary every character becomes when Goku saves the day, I don’t like how Tenshinhan, who beat Goku in the tournament just a few days ago, can’t put a dent in Piccolo’s goons. Grrrr
December 28, 2024
Volume 13: Chapter 145-156
Arc 9: King Piccolo Saga
Master Roshi faced King Piccolo and he performed Mafuba but he failed. In result, he died instantly. King Piccolo summoned Shenlong, but Chiaotzu trying to interrupt the wish but he was also killed. King Piccolo wish to become young and have unlimited power. He then destroyed Shenlong. King Piccolo dethroned the current king and become the king of the world. He wants evil to prosper across the world.
Yajirobe bring Goku to Karin Tower and climbed it. Once they reach the top, Karin offers Goku to drink Choshinsui, a poison that will open a limit to someone's strength. Goku survived it and head towards King Piccolo. At the same time, Tien Shinhan learns how to do Mafuba. He then heads to King Piccolo. He then realized that the pot is broken, so he will fight King Piccolo. King Piccolo summoned his children, Drum to fight Tien Shinhan.
Tien Shinhan was defeated and suddenly Goku appears. Drum was easily killed. Goku then fights King Piccolo.
Arc 9: King Piccolo Saga
Master Roshi faced King Piccolo and he performed Mafuba but he failed. In result, he died instantly. King Piccolo summoned Shenlong, but Chiaotzu trying to interrupt the wish but he was also killed. King Piccolo wish to become young and have unlimited power. He then destroyed Shenlong. King Piccolo dethroned the current king and become the king of the world. He wants evil to prosper across the world.
Yajirobe bring Goku to Karin Tower and climbed it. Once they reach the top, Karin offers Goku to drink Choshinsui, a poison that will open a limit to someone's strength. Goku survived it and head towards King Piccolo. At the same time, Tien Shinhan learns how to do Mafuba. He then heads to King Piccolo. He then realized that the pot is broken, so he will fight King Piccolo. King Piccolo summoned his children, Drum to fight Tien Shinhan.
Tien Shinhan was defeated and suddenly Goku appears. Drum was easily killed. Goku then fights King Piccolo.
October 14, 2018
This is the beginning of the end! I'm so far on reviews so I don't actually recall where this particular volume ends and the next one begins...but basically this is the Piccolo saga. This is where things get real as Kuririn, Muten Roshi, and even Shenlong are all murdered by the Demon King. He usurps the King of the World and declares nowhere safe. Tien tries desperately to master the only technique that will withhold the Demon...and I think that was it for this volume? It's wrapped in the next volume. :p
It was a great shift in tone as we gear up for the end of Dragon Ball and start to transition to DBZ. Piccolo is the first villain that holds any merit and gives the heroes a run for their money.
It was a great shift in tone as we gear up for the end of Dragon Ball and start to transition to DBZ. Piccolo is the first villain that holds any merit and gives the heroes a run for their money.
September 11, 2022
Piccolo does conquer the world in this one, actually, which is pretty crazy, I didn’t really expect that. What’s so impressive about it is that he is genuinely incredibly menacing, and the fucking mass of crazy shit he has done to prove it is just insane. Like, they kill Roshi- Roshi, man! That’s crazy!
So, yeah, Piccolo is single-handedly the greatest villain in the series and it isn’t even close.
But enough about Picollo, that guy’s mean- What about Goku? Well, he gets more powerful.
Uh, his fat friend eats too much food.
Bulma panty shot.
Yeah, when Piccolo isn’t there, the hype dies down a little for me. But when he is there- Oh my god. This is the most hype, insane, shocking, fantastic volume. It’s everything I wanted, and it just keeps getting better.
So, yeah, Piccolo is single-handedly the greatest villain in the series and it isn’t even close.
But enough about Picollo, that guy’s mean- What about Goku? Well, he gets more powerful.
Uh, his fat friend eats too much food.
Bulma panty shot.
Yeah, when Piccolo isn’t there, the hype dies down a little for me. But when he is there- Oh my god. This is the most hype, insane, shocking, fantastic volume. It’s everything I wanted, and it just keeps getting better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2023
Another excellent volume. There are so many amazing twists in this volume – Muten Roshi's death, Piccolo getting his wish, Piccolo killing Shenlong. The action's also incredible. Goku vs Piccolo is easily the series' best fight up to this point in terms of choreography. The story's also great! I love the focus being put on Goku and Tenshinhan stepping up as the next generation. Goku having to endure the poison to get stronger is also a cool way of making him more powerful quickly (while linking back to his ape form).
Piccolo's also just a super fun villain. Very basic in terms of motivation and character, but the story uses him really well and he feels like a legitimate threat.
Piccolo's also just a super fun villain. Very basic in terms of motivation and character, but the story uses him really well and he feels like a legitimate threat.
March 10, 2024
que volume foda.
eu adoro a ideia de um personagem chegando muito mais potente e os heróis desesperados porque não existe ninguém pra combatê-lo. mesmo o goku que é 100% o personagem mais forte desse mangá, até a aparição do próprio piccolo, não estava conseguindo dar um arranhão nele.
é por conta desse tipo de coisa, e também do piccolo ser um grandíssimo arrombado, que todo o processo de busca por mais poder por parte do goku é interessante de ler. ver aquele diabo ser atingido no fim do capítulo me deixa com esperança.
eu quero que a nossa criança de rabo ganhe essa luta, eu quero que o bem vença!!
eu adoro a ideia de um personagem chegando muito mais potente e os heróis desesperados porque não existe ninguém pra combatê-lo. mesmo o goku que é 100% o personagem mais forte desse mangá, até a aparição do próprio piccolo, não estava conseguindo dar um arranhão nele.
é por conta desse tipo de coisa, e também do piccolo ser um grandíssimo arrombado, que todo o processo de busca por mais poder por parte do goku é interessante de ler. ver aquele diabo ser atingido no fim do capítulo me deixa com esperança.
eu quero que a nossa criança de rabo ganhe essa luta, eu quero que o bem vença!!
November 9, 2024
Another great volume. The story keeps moving at a breakneck pace with some more spotlight given to the side characters. I like the higher stakes in the most recent volumes, but I also miss the more lighthearted, comedy-focused early volumes. There's still a comedic element here, but it's definitely less prominent in favor of more battle scenes. Not a bad thing, just a change in style.
I also like how Toriyama's not afraid to kill off characters, even prominent ones. I know death is essentially meaningless in this series, especially later on, but it's still cool to see an author not afraid to get rid of fan-favorite characters, even temporarily.
I also like how Toriyama's not afraid to kill off characters, even prominent ones. I know death is essentially meaningless in this series, especially later on, but it's still cool to see an author not afraid to get rid of fan-favorite characters, even temporarily.
September 20, 2022
A fantastic showcase for how dire the situation is, showing the sheer power of Piccolo alongside the tremendous lengths the heroes will take to stop his horrific reign. A volume that's so dark, even the Turtle Master is fully serious instead of the jokey pervert he's often portrayed as. The Piccolo saga is the peak of Dragon Ball, and this volume may be its masterpiece. Thrilling, emotional, engrossing.
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