Dragon Ball, Band 16: Duell der Giganten

Dragon Ball [ドラゴンボール] #16

by Akira Toriyama

Bei dem großen Turnier ist Son-Goku zum zweiten Mal auf seinen Erzfeind Piccolo getroffen, der dort unter dem Decknamen »Beelzebub« teilnimmt. Um Piccolos Sieg zu verhindern hat sich jedoch auch der als Shen getarnte Gott dort angemeldet. Können die beiden gemeinsam den Oberteufel stoppen?

Genres: Manga, Comics, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Fiction, Adventure, Action

192 pages, Paperback

First published February 10, 1989

About the author

Akira 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.

Reviews

[Urbon Adamsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

EN This final battle between Goku and Piccolo was nothing short of epic!

With each tournament, Son Goku grows stronger—a recurring theme throughout his journey. As his opponents become more powerful, he rises to the challenge and surpasses his own limits.

It's a brilliant conclusion to a phenomenal series. A true classic. Akira Toriyama is undeniably a legend, and his work will live on in history as one of the greatest manga ever created.

--

PT Esta batalha final entre o Goku e o Piccolo foi simplesmente épica!

A cada torneio, o Son Goku torna-se mais forte — um tema recorrente ao longo da sua jornada. À medida que os seus adversários se tornam mais poderosos, ele supera-se e ultrapassa os seus próprios limites.

É uma conclusão brilhante para uma série fenomenal. Um verdadeiro clássico. Akira Toriyama é, sem dúvida, uma lenda, e a sua obra viverá para sempre na história como um dos maiores mangas alguma vez criados.

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

And with that, the original Dragon Ball is concluded!

It had a weird start, a fantasy gag comic somewhat based on Chinese mythology with constant perverted jokes that have mostly aged terribly. Then there was the tournament of power, then an adventure story about fighting evil villains, as Goku kept on training and leveling up and finding mystical mentors to teach him yet more ultimate power, until finally Toriyama-sama had basically created an entire genre that is the modern shonen manga.

So many of the tropes started here. In the final volume before we transition to Dragon Ball Z, there's another tournament and the ultimate enemy to save the world from is none other than Piccolo Jr (the reincarnation of the previous demon king, it's a long story). Even if DBZ wasn't such a huge success, if Dragon Ball ended there, it would have been forever remembered as a classic. In many ways, the fun and imagination here was even better than the epic cosmic stories of the later Z era. And at least Goku didn't even win the first two tournaments, so it felt like real stakes.

Like many of my generation, I grew up on the Dragon Ball Z fighting. That may be where my nostalgia lies, but it's been very much worth it going back to the beginning and seeing how it all started. Before the timeskips, and the aliens and afterlife and the intergenerational storytelling, the originals were smaller in scope were still some of the best.

Well, on to the next chapter: In Japan it was volume 17, but in the rest of the world it's time for a new volume 1...

[Sam Quixote · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is it: the final Dragon Ball book (before the 26 volume-long Dragon Ball Z series begins)! It marks the end of Son Goku’s childhood (even though he’s been an adult now for 3 books - but let’s just go with this idea anyway) and his transformation from martial arts supremo into, basically, Superman!

Piccolo’s match against Kami-Sama, the guy who created the Dragon Balls, and a match that was essentially God vs the Devil, ends almost as soon as it begins as Piccolo Jr reveals just how powerful he’s gotten. Which means the final of the third Strongest Under the Heavens tournament is Piccolo Jr vs three-time finalist Son Goku.

The fight quickly casts off any pretense of a martial arts match as these two super-powered beings start throwing fireballs at each other as they fight in the sky! This is where it really looked like a Superman comic with Goku saving innocent bystanders from Piccolo’s attacks while realising that he can’t kill his enemy. And then, like most Superman comics, the battle soon becomes about the fate of the planet - if the hero loses, the villainous monster will kill everyone!

Their fight, like most of Goku’s fights, has lots of little surprises thrown in. They’re never just about two characters punching and kicking one another; magic, trickery, and comedy are all mixed in as well as a few other surprises. It’s a fantastic fight though and thoroughly enjoyable to read.

So Goku finally wins a Strongest Under the Heavens tournament and alls well that ends well. But what I loved most about the ending was that Goku and Chi-Chi were offered godhood in Heaven and Goku’s reaction was basically “no way, Heaven’s too boring!”, pulled a face - at GOD! - then yelled for Kinto’un and he and Chi-Chi flew off. “Now, GO!!”

That’s the most perfect ending to a series I’ve ever read.

Dragon Ball has been an absolutely incredible series from start to finish. There were two or three average volumes in the sixteen but not a single bad one, and that’s a helluva score sheet! Without question it’s been, not just one of the best comics I’ve read all year, but one of the best comics I’ve ever read. It’s easy to see just how influential and popular it became when the quality of Toriyama’s writing, art, and storytelling vision was so unbelievably high. If you’ve never read it and you’re at all curious, I highly recommend checking out the series from the start - it’s well worth the journey.

Now, GO - onto Dragon Ball Z!!

[Subham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was too good! It features the final battle between Goku and Piccolo and the fight is epic, he giganta-maxes, has regenerative abilities, been using different attacks like destroying portions of the world and so much more yet Goku takes it all and continues to fight and rescues Kami-sama and even when things seem down or other interfere with the battle, he keeps the honorary stand and they fight. Its an amazing battle and finally (spoiler) Goku wins and saves the world but despite it saves him, its an epic ending to an amazing series! Next up: Dragon Ball...Z!

[Lashaan Balasingam · Rating 4 out of 5]

An epic battle of determination and self-respect as Goku gives it his all to try and defeat Piccolo in this Tenka'ichi Budokai. An excellent finale to this manga series as mangaka Akira Toriyama then follows it up with Dragon Ball Z.

[Fernanda Martins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw Dragon Ball Z on TV when I was a child and this is my first contact with the classic Dragon Ball Saga when Goku was small.
It was interesting to understand the origins of Goku and after reading this I can understand more about the universe.
The story is good although is very repetitive at times which matches the before 2000's style. Also the perverted jokes are dated and tiring so hence I give 4 instead 5.

[Juho Pohjalainen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piccolo's back and he's even worse than before! Just as mean, just as bent on destruction and subjugation and all that stuff, and even stronger. The battle that takes most of this volume will decide the fate of the world and the mankind.

So why am I not feeling it?

Is it because his design isn't nearly as rough or intimidating as that of the first Piccolo? Is it because he doesn't possess the same background of bloodshed, indeed never managing to take a single life on-screen, talking a lot of shit but in the end failing to deliver? Is it because I know for a fact that he's never going to get his chance, and will turn a good guy pretty much right after this saga? Or is it just that Goku himself doesn't seem to give a shit, mostly set on the tournament itself and finally wanting to prove himself the strongest under the heavens?

I think all of these factors contribute to me not really caring about the world here, about the bigger picture - I just take it as another tournament arc. A great tournament arc, mind, with some good fights and plenty of personal tension. But at the end of the day, it's still a bit of a downgrade after the previous arc, and is definitely going to be left to dust by what comes next.

[Stewart Tame · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very satisfying conclusion to an epic storyline! While I'm looking forward to reading Dragon Ball Z (more Toriyama! Yay!), I can't help but feel that anything that follows this is going to be anticlimactic.

[Himanshu Karmacharya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the final entry in the Dragon Ball series, kicking off Dragon Ball Z from this point onwards. It has been a wonderful ride, so far, with so many memorable characters, epic fights and amazing events.

[Natalie Dunn-Billings · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was all worth it for this

[Drew Canole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The epic battle between Goku and the clone Piccalo. It's as epic as expected and Goku shows even as he ages he's still a pure hearted person. Great stuff! A great way to wrap up the first part of Dragon Ball. I'm excited to read Dragon Ball Z now.

[Tiagoツ · Rating 5 out of 5]

de certa forma chegamos ao fim.
o fim de dragon ball. é uma obra muito divertida e boa de se ver em que vc se perde facilmente a cada capítulo, você percebe o quanto a obra te ensina coisas e a ser uma pessoa melhor com goku. agora vamos ao z!!!!

[Ola G · Rating 5 out of 5]

All stars!!!

Ahh can't believe this is where it ends!

It's a bitter-sweet ending, marking the end of Goku's childhood/adolescence. It's also a really cool finale, battle- and plot-wise, and I loved both the action and the humor here. Also, Goku finally wins Tenka'ichi Budokai!

Not sure if Dragon Ball Z can actually live up to this manga - will have to check! :D

[megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The conclusion to this original series of young Goku was action-packed (to the BRIM) and I was thriving in it all! I look forward to beginning the next series and following more Goku adventures.

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

So endeth the Dragon Ball era (in American classification anyway) and beginneth the Dragon Ball Z era. Toriyama sticks the landing, somehow making the cycle of Discover Villain, Train in New Way to Level Up, Defeat Villain, Gather Dragon Balls to Summon Shen Long/Ron, Fight in Tournament, Discover Villain, Train in New Way to Level Up (you get it), remain fun and fresh. That is a talent. Like many, I was exposed to dragon Ball Z first through the TV show in America, and for some reason when I discovered the wonder of Manga 2 decades later, I also read DBZ first.

I shouldn't have. Dragon Ball is just so much fun. I should have read these first. For what it's worth, I stopped halfway through the DBZ Manga and completed Dragon Ball.

As fun as the shows are, the Manga is, in my humble opinion, more satisfying and focused. While many filler episodes of the anime are fun, if I had to choose between them, I would have to opt for the Manga.

Even the interlude life updates and fan mail to Toriyama in the collected volumes are so much fun.

And the last thing I'll say is that Toriyama's art is the most clear action art I've ever read in Manga. Even super popular Manga like Naruto occasionally stumps me with regard to what just happened and I find myself back tracking to see if I can figure out what is supposed to have happened. I'll have to pull up a clip of the anime or something to clarify. That never ever happens with Toriyama's art. It's fun and clear and highly entertaining.

Five Star Dragon Ball easily.

[Artemy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't entirely happy with this volume, but still, what a ride! This concludes the regular Dragon Ball series, followed by 26 volumes of Dragon Ball Z. Overall, DB Is an incredible series which just gets better and better with each volume! Insanely imaginative, funny, feel-good and action packed like no other comic I've ever come across. Many thanks to my GR buddy Sam for this awesome recommendation, these 16 volumes have been the highlight of my reading year so far! Can't wait to get my hands on those 26 volumes of DBZ.

[Zachary White · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[✮Octjillery✮ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having grown up with DBZ, I've always wanted to go back and read the manga that started it all. I only ever watched an episode or two of the Dragon Ball anime as a kid, so I didn't really know much of Goku's story BEFORE he grew up, had a kid, and saved Earth and other planets. So, last year, I started collecting the 3-in-1 editions (not the VizBig because, while the paper quality is better in those, they're more censored). I've steadily made my way through the first 16 volumes in the past few months, and it's been a truly enjoyable experience. (Note: The first two chapters in Volume 17 are still the original DB and wrap up the Piccolo arc.)

Goku starts out as a boy who knows next to nothing of the world and the people in it (including how girls are different from boys), and we watch him grow into a young man who just wants to protect his friends and get stronger and stronger. We meet many of the characters who frequent DBZ, of course (Kuririn/Krillin, Bulma, Yamcha, Tien/Tenshinhan, Chaozu, Piccolo, Master Roshi, etc.), as well as a host of other villains and companions.

There's an underlying innocence to just about the whole series. Goku kicks a lot of butt and collects the Dragon Balls as the need arises, but all he really wants is to get his Grandpa's ball back and fight strong people. The last third or so of the original series focuses more on the tournaments and scarier villains who actually threaten the safety of the entire world, and so things therefore get a little more serious. I feel like it was a smooth transition, though I would have liked to see some of Goku's training with Mr. Popo and Kami-sama, or even some of the training he did in the three years before that. The time-skips left me curious sometimes; like, we're seeing the results of the training, sure, but it would be interesting to see how Popo trained him.

It was nice to see how all of the Piccolo stuff went down. He's always been a favorite of mine, but when I first watched DBZ at like 7 years old, I didn't really know why people were freaked when he showed up at the beginning of Z.

All of that being said, I'm glad I finally got around to reading DB, because DBZ was such a huge part of my childhood. Next, I'll tackle the anime. :)

[LosingHope · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5⭐/5

Kolejny tom, który cieszy z uwagi na to, że jest pełen akcji i walk. Tym razem od samego początku czytelnik może być wciągnięty w kolejny pojedynek i czekać na rozwinięcie technik walk różnych zawodników. Ponownie jest kilka śmiesznych scen, które zawsze mnie bawią, jak chociażby to, że bohaterowie rozmawiają ze sobą cały rozdział, czasem oddają między sobą ciosy, by pod koniec dalszego rozdziału padła deklaracja, że „teraz to tak na poważnie będziemy walczyć, bez żadnych ograniczeń”. Kolejną „śmieszną” akcją jest całe clue serii, czyli, że nieważne co zrobią przyjaciele Goku, zawsze to on musi być ich wybawcą, takim typowym męskim odpowiednikiem Mary Sue.

To, co znowu podobało mi się w całej serii to to, że autor ponownie przedstawił tok rozumowania głównego bohatera. Goku nie grzeszy mądrością, a wręcz jest bardzo dziecinny i głupiutki, ale trzeba mu przyznać, że zna się na swoim fachu. W trakcie walki bardzo szybko analizuje przeciwnika tak, by pozbawić go tchu, znaleźć jego słaby punkt i dość sprawnie go pokonać. Na plus również postać Szatana Piccolo, który pokazał, że potrafi być niezwykle brutalny.

Z wad tego zeszyciku to standardowo: zakończenie, które znowu ma utrzymać czytelnika w napięciu (wiadomo, to tylko rozrywka, więc się troszkę czepiać muszę) oraz pewien aspekt, a mianowicie brak logiki w niektórych akcjach. Bo troszkę nie rozumiem dlaczego smocze kule mają ożywić Wszechmogącego, skoro wcześniej podane było, że ten, kto stworzył te małe cuda musi żyć, by życzenie mogło się spełnić (no chyba, że mieszają mi się informacje). No ale ponownie, mimo wszystko to bardzo pozytywna rozrywka, która pozwala na zanurzenie się w fantastycznym świecie przygód Son Goku i z tego względu chętnie do niej wracam przymykając oko na kilka głupotek.

[Daniel Greear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon Ball Vol 16:

So concludes my read through of Dragon Ball, one of the most popular mangas of all time. It’s a story that captured the zeitgeist of the 1990s and its anime adaptation captured westerners and started a revolution for all things Japanese. I remember Dragon Ball very well from when I was young and huge it was, but I never got into it. I’ve tried to watch the show, but I’d always much rather read a good story than watch one.

I found this to be overall very good. It’s the first manga I’ve ever really read, so I certainly feel like it broadened my horizons and cultural knowledge. I enjoyed the artwork tremendously, and felt that Toriyama not only creates a great piece of work, but also knows how to keep the reader entertained and the story fresh. Clearly, this trend continues in the much longer Dragon Ball Z (don’t worry, I won’t read it for a while so your Goodreads feed is safe, for now).

Goku’s progression from a young, innocent, and sweet boy on an adventure to a serious story of saving the earth was well told. I felt the pacing of the story was fluid and crisp. I also loved the various characters and the world itself, even if it’s all very silly. There’s nothing quite else like Dragon Ball. The jokes were sometimes funny, but usually dated and quite perverted, which makes for awkward reading in the 2020s. Dragon Ball doesn’t know quite what it is at first, it seems like a new take on fantasy (and it’s of course based on Journey to the West, the classic Chinese novel) and then turns into a sci-fi action story. All said, this kept me entertained.

I’m glad I could read these continuously, because I couldn’t stop. If I had had to wait week to week like people did when first published, I would’ve lost my mind.

[S.S. Julian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A suitably epic fight as the conclusion of the tale. I appreciate that Goku never lost sight of the context of the match, that attitude is really what makes his character so enjoyable. He’s just a good-hearted dude.

The action in this whole tournament arc was really another level. Toriyama really put his all into choreographing these fights.

A couple things wrapped up so easily it surprised me. Goku’s immediate marriage to Chi Chi was so sudden I don’t feel endeared to her as a character at all. And then the mercy for Piccolo at the end- while I appreciate that he doesn’t ‘turn good’ all of a sudden, it felt a little easy. On the other hand, it harkened back to the light-hearted origins of the cartoon.

Overall a really fun story. I’m quite glad I took the time to read through the whole thing. If you can look past the pervy grandpa (and I’d understand if you couldn’t) it’s a really creative and kind-hearted story. I can see why it appealed to boys back in the 80/90’s.

[Nick Craven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What an immortal and legendary series. I’m so pleased to have finally read the Dragon Ball saga. I look forward to returning to Z now but these childlike adventures will stick with me for a long time.

I’ve always considered Goku a good character in the Dragon Ball Z series but here in the end on the series that started it all, Goku is a great character. He’s not an Alien of a warrior race, he’s not the legendary Super Saiyan, he’s just a boy with raw natural talent and the bottomless willpower to mold it into martial arts perfection. By the end of Dragon Ball Goku and his friends have reached the highest points that they ever will as characters. While the story continues on In the equally phenomenal Z a part of me knows that this series will be the most I’ll ever care about Son Goku and his adventures.

What a series. What a story. Dragon Ball is adventure personified. There were certainly some low points but they’re easily drowned out by peaks so high they’re in the clouds.

[Nikhil Math]

Wow.

One of my closest friends showed me Dragon Ball Z in high school. That show changed a lot about me. I thought and still think about the deep values the show teaches. Although, I wish it still had the same hard impact that it did when I was 16.

I decided to start the series from the beginning (I never finished Z) and see how the full story goes.

What a beautiful story. I love seeing the main character make friends. Enemies to friends is the best trope. I hope I am strong enough to turn my enemies into friends.

It is explained that Goku's youth is everything he has done before he got married. I guess I am still in my youth with that definition.

I am blessed to have been taught this story and excited to read Dragon Ball Z!

[Hafeez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume 16: Chapter 181-194
Arc 10: 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament Saga - Piccolo Jr. Arc

Shen used Mafuba on Piccolo but Piccolo countered it with Reverse Mafuba. Kami's spirit forced out from Shen body and he was sealed in a bottle. Shen was defeated and Piccolo advanced to the final.

The final battle begins; Goku vs Piccolo. During the battle, Goku managed to retrieve the bottle and get Kami out from it. The battle goes on, the ring and the town destroyed by Piccolo. Goku gives a final blow and defeats Piccolo. Piccolo retreat and will come back again.

[Lenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

LAST VOLUME OF DRAGON BALL! I'm so glad I read this. Toriyama's storytelling is phenomenal, his artistry is next level, and frankly, it's better than the anime - some chapters weren't meant to be 20-minute episodes. (There were also some filler episodes at the end with Goku and Chi-Chi that were just awful.) I can now understand how Toriyama's influence is unmatched and forever changed the genre of manga.

Roshi says of Goku, "My little dolt became a genius," which nicely encapsulates Goku's full-circle development over 16 volumes. His tenacity, creativity, and morals, but also his weakness of martial-artist pride and letting his guard down, all come to a head in this final chapter, and will carry through into the future. This was a perfect ending to Dragon Ball, and I can't wait to get started on DBZ and fully return to childhood nostalgia.

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

We pick up right where we left off with Kami and Piccolo facing each other in the next match however that is short lived and ends in the blink of an eye. Afterwards the ultimate showdown between Goku and Piccolo commences and it is intense. Both warriors are gambling with all their powers to bring an end to each other. Of course this volume ends on a cliffhanger but in the next volume the Great Demon Piccolo Arc comes to a close and with that so does Dragon Ball.

[Nessa [October Tune] · Rating 4 out of 5]

You hear that? That is the sound of my muffled screaming because of ANOTHER. CLIFFHANGER.

[Blake the Book Eater · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing end to Goku’s youth arc! An action packed martial battle between demons and gods and wow! So fun. Absolutely loved it!

[Xander Paras · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was GOAT material. I’m glad I finished the OG Dragon Ball, and I’m excited to start Dragon Ball Z.

[Rutger Gerrits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally got to finish the series that had a big impact on my childhood. Goku's everlasting carefree attitude is so much more fun on paper. Now onwards to Dragon Ball Z..