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Dragon Ball [ドラゴンボール] #11
Dragon Ball, Vol. 11: The Eyes of Tenshinhan
The Tenka'ichi Budôkai is heating up, and there can only be one winner! Last tournament's champion Jackie Chun goes up against three-eyed "Crane School" kung fu master Tenshinhan! Then, it's the long-awaited match between former classmates Goku and Kuririn--and guess who has some tricks up his sleeve! But Tenshinhan isn't just fighting to win, he's carrying out a deadly grudge--to avenge his master, the Crane Hermit, whose brother was killed by Goku. It all comes down to a final round so devastating the battlefield itself might not survive intact--let alone the spectators!
192 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 1988
143 people are currently reading
977 people want to read
About the author
Akira Toriyama
1,920 books1,727 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
August 20, 2025
EN Another fantastic volume of Dragon Ball!
This time, we follow the thrilling progress of the second Tenkaichi Budokai — the Tournament of the Strongest Under Heaven.
New challengers step into the ring, and Son Goku's strength is pushed to its very limits. A must-read for fans of martial arts, comedy, and classic shonen action!
--
PT Mais um volume fantástico de Dragon Ball!
Desta vez, acompanhamos o emocionante desenrolar do segundo Tenkaichi Budokai — o Torneio dos Mais Fortes debaixo do Céu.
Novos desafiantes entram em cena, e a força de Son Goku é levada ao limite. Leitura obrigatória para fãs de artes marciais, comédia e da clássica ação shonen!
This time, we follow the thrilling progress of the second Tenkaichi Budokai — the Tournament of the Strongest Under Heaven.
New challengers step into the ring, and Son Goku's strength is pushed to its very limits. A must-read for fans of martial arts, comedy, and classic shonen action!
--
PT Mais um volume fantástico de Dragon Ball!
Desta vez, acompanhamos o emocionante desenrolar do segundo Tenkaichi Budokai — o Torneio dos Mais Fortes debaixo do Céu.
Novos desafiantes entram em cena, e a força de Son Goku é levada ao limite. Leitura obrigatória para fãs de artes marciais, comédia e da clássica ação shonen!
August 24, 2014
My main complaint of the last book was Akira Toriyama’s repetition of having the gang go through the Strongest Under the Heavens tournament again, but I have to say their second time around is much more super-charged and exciting so I’m glad he went back to the well!
Kuririn and Chaozu’s fight ends unexpectedly and hilariously in a math battle, and that’s what I love Dragon Ball for the most - that playful, imaginative way Toriyama uses at just the right moments to keep things light and different.
Then Jackie Chun (the Turtle Master in disguise) takes on Tenshinhan, the three-eyed champion of the Crane Master, Master Roshi’s rival.
The fights from that point on go the way you think they will in terms of the victor but what happens in the fights are very much surprising, especially in how they end.
For example, Goku’s spent the last three years training - which the reader didn’t see - so there’s lots of cool twists in the new tricks he’s now got in his arsenal to keep the fights fresh.
Toriyama’s the master of weaving story into the action so even if it’s full of superhero fighting for the entire book - and it ends before the final fight concludes so there’s still more to come in the next volume! - it’s never boring or rote to read. And because the action is so good, you absolutely fly through this book to see who’ll win the tournament.
I really liked the way Master Roshi showed a more mature, wise side to his character with Ten and how that rivalry with the Crane Master works itself out was awesome. And of course seeing Goku fight is always terrific - I honestly don’t know how this storyline will play out but I’m cheering for him to walk away with his first championship title!
Volume 11 is overflowing with fantastic martial arts action as we see how still further Goku’s powers have advanced. This is a great addition to the series and lots of fun to read.
Kuririn and Chaozu’s fight ends unexpectedly and hilariously in a math battle, and that’s what I love Dragon Ball for the most - that playful, imaginative way Toriyama uses at just the right moments to keep things light and different.
Then Jackie Chun (the Turtle Master in disguise) takes on Tenshinhan, the three-eyed champion of the Crane Master, Master Roshi’s rival.
The fights from that point on go the way you think they will in terms of the victor but what happens in the fights are very much surprising, especially in how they end.
For example, Goku’s spent the last three years training - which the reader didn’t see - so there’s lots of cool twists in the new tricks he’s now got in his arsenal to keep the fights fresh.
Toriyama’s the master of weaving story into the action so even if it’s full of superhero fighting for the entire book - and it ends before the final fight concludes so there’s still more to come in the next volume! - it’s never boring or rote to read. And because the action is so good, you absolutely fly through this book to see who’ll win the tournament.
I really liked the way Master Roshi showed a more mature, wise side to his character with Ten and how that rivalry with the Crane Master works itself out was awesome. And of course seeing Goku fight is always terrific - I honestly don’t know how this storyline will play out but I’m cheering for him to walk away with his first championship title!
Volume 11 is overflowing with fantastic martial arts action as we see how still further Goku’s powers have advanced. This is a great addition to the series and lots of fun to read.
November 22, 2022
The tournament is picking up its pace, and Akira Toriyama successfully keeps the volume entertaining throughout the different duels, with amazing fight sequences coupled with great humor.
June 9, 2021
9/10 stars
Kuririn's and Chaozu's fight is just amazing! Starting off as a martial arts duel with the spicy addition of psychic powers, it morphs into a maths duel! Just perfect!
...and to top it off with Jackie Chun vs Tenshinhan was a masterstroke: that duel and what came afterwards was as much an ethical contest as a martial arts one, and Kame Sen'nin's happiness as he discovers the new generation is stronger than his own is genuine and touching.
Goku and Kuririn's friendship/brotherhood is sweet and very realistic in terms of rivalry and loyalty. And the surprises Toriyama hides in these pages are just too fun!
How can this end on such a cliffhanger??!
Kuririn's and Chaozu's fight is just amazing! Starting off as a martial arts duel with the spicy addition of psychic powers, it morphs into a maths duel! Just perfect!
...and to top it off with Jackie Chun vs Tenshinhan was a masterstroke: that duel and what came afterwards was as much an ethical contest as a martial arts one, and Kame Sen'nin's happiness as he discovers the new generation is stronger than his own is genuine and touching.
Goku and Kuririn's friendship/brotherhood is sweet and very realistic in terms of rivalry and loyalty. And the surprises Toriyama hides in these pages are just too fun!
How can this end on such a cliffhanger??!
April 23, 2021
Though in a way a bit of a repetition of the previous tournament's story, there's plenty enough going on in this one in its own right, and this particular volume features some of my favourite fights in the entire franchise. So it's still great.
May 11, 2022
Legitimately SO GOOD! Goku vs. Tenshinsan is the best fighting in the series so far! Edge of your seat epicness!
January 12, 2024
3,5⭐/5
Tak jak sądziłam, jedenasty tom przygód Son Goku dowozi więcej akcji, niżeli jego poprzednik. W tym malutkim zeszyciku Toriyama obrazuje czytelnikom bardziej krwawe i zacięte walki o Tytuł Najlepszego Pod Słońcem. Tym razem do gry wchodzi ośmioro graczy, każdy z nich walczy na swój unikalny sposób chcąc zdobyć nagrodę, jak również wieczną sławę za pokonanie ciężkich zawodników.
Jedenasty tom podobał mi się bardziej, niż dziesiąty z uwagi na to, że działo się w nim więcej. Toriyama starał się wykreować bohaterów w trakcie walki i pokazać, jak ci radzą sobie z mocniejszymi od siebie zawodnikami. Niezwykle podobał mi się pierwszy pojedynek – nie sądziłam, że Kuririn w taki sposób potrafił pokonać podobnego do siebie zawodnika. I choć chłopak nie grzeszy rozumem (jak zresztą większość postaci z tej serii), to zdziwiłam się, że pokonał przeciwnika zagadkami matematycznymi i odwróceniem uwagi od faktycznej walki. Na wielki plus ponownie zasłużył sobie Boski Miszcz. Mężczyzna po raz kolejny nie bał się przyznać, że się starzeje i jego uczniowie już dawno zwyciężyli nad nim: siłą, motywacją, mocą, zawziętością, mądrością. Podobała mi się również motywacja Żółwiego Pustelnika, by założyć zbroję i pod przykrywką walczyć z innymi nie chcąc, by jego uczniowie stali się pyszałkami w razie wygranej. Jego gorzkie wnioski pokazują, że jest mądrą postacią, choć twórca często przedstawia go jako obrzydliwego, zboczonego staruszka. Fajnie też, że Goku nie zostaje w tyle i dalej ćwiczy swoje umiejętności, wie gdzie ma słabe punkty i stara się je niwelować.
Co do zarzutów odnośnie tej części – takie same jak zawsze, mianowicie: zakończenie clifhangerem, choć wiadomo, że źle nie może się to zakończyć (zwłaszcza, jeśli oglądało się to w formie anime wcześniej – no ale to są typowe schematy mangi), ciągłe niedowierzanie w poprawiającą się moc Goku, jak też zdziwienie, że na świecie są inne, mocne postacie, które czasem mogą malcowi zagrozić (a ostatecznie okazuje się, że nie, bo milusiński zawsze wygrywa) czy chociażby niezwykle drażniący moralizatorski wydźwięk tego tomu. Ponownie bawiłam się wyśmienicie, choć dalej czekam na te dalsze części: walkę z Komórczakiem, Buu, Frizerem (czyli bardziej serię Zet).
Tak jak sądziłam, jedenasty tom przygód Son Goku dowozi więcej akcji, niżeli jego poprzednik. W tym malutkim zeszyciku Toriyama obrazuje czytelnikom bardziej krwawe i zacięte walki o Tytuł Najlepszego Pod Słońcem. Tym razem do gry wchodzi ośmioro graczy, każdy z nich walczy na swój unikalny sposób chcąc zdobyć nagrodę, jak również wieczną sławę za pokonanie ciężkich zawodników.
Jedenasty tom podobał mi się bardziej, niż dziesiąty z uwagi na to, że działo się w nim więcej. Toriyama starał się wykreować bohaterów w trakcie walki i pokazać, jak ci radzą sobie z mocniejszymi od siebie zawodnikami. Niezwykle podobał mi się pierwszy pojedynek – nie sądziłam, że Kuririn w taki sposób potrafił pokonać podobnego do siebie zawodnika. I choć chłopak nie grzeszy rozumem (jak zresztą większość postaci z tej serii), to zdziwiłam się, że pokonał przeciwnika zagadkami matematycznymi i odwróceniem uwagi od faktycznej walki. Na wielki plus ponownie zasłużył sobie Boski Miszcz. Mężczyzna po raz kolejny nie bał się przyznać, że się starzeje i jego uczniowie już dawno zwyciężyli nad nim: siłą, motywacją, mocą, zawziętością, mądrością. Podobała mi się również motywacja Żółwiego Pustelnika, by założyć zbroję i pod przykrywką walczyć z innymi nie chcąc, by jego uczniowie stali się pyszałkami w razie wygranej. Jego gorzkie wnioski pokazują, że jest mądrą postacią, choć twórca często przedstawia go jako obrzydliwego, zboczonego staruszka. Fajnie też, że Goku nie zostaje w tyle i dalej ćwiczy swoje umiejętności, wie gdzie ma słabe punkty i stara się je niwelować.
Co do zarzutów odnośnie tej części – takie same jak zawsze, mianowicie: zakończenie clifhangerem, choć wiadomo, że źle nie może się to zakończyć (zwłaszcza, jeśli oglądało się to w formie anime wcześniej – no ale to są typowe schematy mangi), ciągłe niedowierzanie w poprawiającą się moc Goku, jak też zdziwienie, że na świecie są inne, mocne postacie, które czasem mogą malcowi zagrozić (a ostatecznie okazuje się, że nie, bo milusiński zawsze wygrywa) czy chociażby niezwykle drażniący moralizatorski wydźwięk tego tomu. Ponownie bawiłam się wyśmienicie, choć dalej czekam na te dalsze części: walkę z Komórczakiem, Buu, Frizerem (czyli bardziej serię Zet).
September 7, 2017
Como es usual Toriyama escribe y dibuja las mejores escenas de pelea que puedan haber, y en el camino desarrolla a los personajes que participan en ellas, los hace crecer, cambiar de opinión, mostrar quienes realmente son. Podemos ver lo fuerte que es la amistad entre Krilin y Goku y el destino de los discipulos de Tsuru Sennin. Me encanta este manga.
February 25, 2024
Questa parte di storia è una sorpresa perché ricordo veramente poco, però molto bella. Goku one of the best character ever ma adoro anche Maestro Muten come persona e come mentore. Finale assurdo, non vedo l’ora di andare avanti.
July 24, 2025
Dragon Ball Vol 11:
Great entry to the series. The second tournament ends with a major twist in that Krillin is killed and the demon king Piccolo returns. I enjoyed the tournament, but the twists were welcome at the end as I feel like the story needed to raise the stakes.
Great entry to the series. The second tournament ends with a major twist in that Krillin is killed and the demon king Piccolo returns. I enjoyed the tournament, but the twists were welcome at the end as I feel like the story needed to raise the stakes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2018
De pokkers cliffhangers! Den næste bog ligger heldigvis og venter på mig på biblioteket, men så kan jeg ikke læse videre lige nu ugh.
February 6, 2023
Ten Shin Han forsaking the Crane Hermit was the best part of this volume.
July 18, 2018
Goku fight with Kuririn. He is a best friend of Goku. I’m looking forward to reading this scene. They are friend but don’t give any special treatment. It is so cool. If you like male friendship story, you have to read this manga.
July 27, 2022
A fun Tenka'ichi Budôkai sequence that Goku and Kuririn finally get the chance to properly dish it out against each other while Tenshinhan continues to build his grudge and fighting spirit for what's sure to be an exciting final battle!
July 1, 2024
Super
October 26, 2012
I've never read Dragon Ball before, only watched it...and I have to say it's pretty charming. DBZ influenced a lot of popular mangaka, including Oddachi, Kishimoto and Kubo and it's easy to see why and actually easy to see how. There are lots of "shonen tropes" here but I think, at least in this volume, Toriyama-sensei executes them with skill. This may be because he, in a sense, developed these tropes. In any case, great volume and Goku is adorbs.
July 14, 2021
I love new characters 😍 I hope they'll stay for longer.
October 3, 2014
i thought that it has amazing storyline in it, and had awesome illustrations in the book.
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...
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.
November 27, 2020
Son Goku und Kuririn haben es geschafft und sich beim großen Turnier in der westlichen Hauptstadt für die Finalrunden qualifiziert. Die kleinen Kämpfer sind guter Dinge, doch bald müssen sie feststellen, dass ihre Gegner alles andere als nette Zeitgenossen sind. Die Schüler des Herren der Kraniche sind ihrem Meister hörig und verfolgen das Ziel nach ihrer Ausbildung Killer wie der Bruder des Meisters Tao Baibai zu werden. Muten Roshi erkennt die perfiden Absichten der Gegner seiner Schüler und versucht ihnen ins Gewissen zu reden. Dabei scheint er nicht ganz auf taube Ohren zu stoßen und trotzdem haben seine Schüler mächtig an den Gegnern zu knabbern. Als es zum großen Finale kommt scheinen sich die Fronten zwischen den Kampfschülern immer mehr zu verhärten.
Dieser Band dreht sich vor allem um das Kämpfen im großen Turnier. Bildgewaltig legen die Charaktere eine Kampfszene nach der anderen hin, sodass dem Leser durchaus einmal der Kopf schwirren kann. Zwischen den Kämpfen erfährt der Leser immer mehr, welche Ansichten die Schüler des Herrn der Kraniche haben und wie die Freunde wirklich zueinander stehen. In diesem Band rückt also der Kampf stark in den Vordergrund. Außerdem konzentriert sich Toriyama wieder auf die Tugenden wie Ehre und Gerechtigkeitssinn. Während Son Goku sehr unbedarft an seinen Gegner heran geht, scheint dieser vor Wut überzuschäumen. Warum, erfährt der Leser im Laufe der Story. Muten Roshi mit seinen weisen Worten scheint bei den Schülern des Herrn der Kraniche einen Schalter umzulegen, sodass diese ihr bisheriges Dasein in Frage stellen, was dem Herrn der Kraniche natürlich ganz und gar nicht gefällt. Außerdem scheint ab diesem Band die Ära des Jackie Chun - dem Pseudonym des Herrn der Schildkröten - zu Ende zu gehen, da seine Schüler nun durchaus stärker sind als er selbst. Das ist ein bisschen schade, schafft aber Freiraum für neue Herausforderungen, auf die sich der Leser freuen kann.
Weiterhin möchte ich diesen Manga allen Anime- und Mangafans empfehlen, die eine wirklich starke Story und detailreiche Zeichnungen und Charaktere suchen. Der Klassiker gehört einfach in jedes Regal und macht mit seinen witzigen und spannenden Szenen einfach nur Spaß.
Taschenbuch: 192 Seiten
Verlag: Carlsen (15. Februar 2001)
Sprache: Deutsch
ISBN-10: 3551733031
ISBN-13: 978-3551733030
Vom Hersteller empfohlenes Alter: 10 - 12 Jahre
Größe und/oder Gewicht: 11,6 x 2 x 17,7 cm
Dieser Band dreht sich vor allem um das Kämpfen im großen Turnier. Bildgewaltig legen die Charaktere eine Kampfszene nach der anderen hin, sodass dem Leser durchaus einmal der Kopf schwirren kann. Zwischen den Kämpfen erfährt der Leser immer mehr, welche Ansichten die Schüler des Herrn der Kraniche haben und wie die Freunde wirklich zueinander stehen. In diesem Band rückt also der Kampf stark in den Vordergrund. Außerdem konzentriert sich Toriyama wieder auf die Tugenden wie Ehre und Gerechtigkeitssinn. Während Son Goku sehr unbedarft an seinen Gegner heran geht, scheint dieser vor Wut überzuschäumen. Warum, erfährt der Leser im Laufe der Story. Muten Roshi mit seinen weisen Worten scheint bei den Schülern des Herrn der Kraniche einen Schalter umzulegen, sodass diese ihr bisheriges Dasein in Frage stellen, was dem Herrn der Kraniche natürlich ganz und gar nicht gefällt. Außerdem scheint ab diesem Band die Ära des Jackie Chun - dem Pseudonym des Herrn der Schildkröten - zu Ende zu gehen, da seine Schüler nun durchaus stärker sind als er selbst. Das ist ein bisschen schade, schafft aber Freiraum für neue Herausforderungen, auf die sich der Leser freuen kann.
Weiterhin möchte ich diesen Manga allen Anime- und Mangafans empfehlen, die eine wirklich starke Story und detailreiche Zeichnungen und Charaktere suchen. Der Klassiker gehört einfach in jedes Regal und macht mit seinen witzigen und spannenden Szenen einfach nur Spaß.
Taschenbuch: 192 Seiten
Verlag: Carlsen (15. Februar 2001)
Sprache: Deutsch
ISBN-10: 3551733031
ISBN-13: 978-3551733030
Vom Hersteller empfohlenes Alter: 10 - 12 Jahre
Größe und/oder Gewicht: 11,6 x 2 x 17,7 cm
December 19, 2021
The tournament goes through some matches and then we get to the big one, Goku and Kuririn finally squaring off! Two friends promising to go all out, Kuririn knowing he's outmatched but thinking he can find a way to defeat Goku strategically. I'm glad they finally got to have a true 1v1 after spending the series as training partners and best friends for so long, and although it's short there's some great elements to their fight.
Roshi, as Jackie Chun, gets some fantastic moments this volume. It's his beef with the crane school teacher that starts this whole feud, with Roshi as the "good" against the crane school's selfish "evil" assassin training. We first had him enter this tournament on a selfish whim to prove himself against his disciples but in seeing how Goku, Kuririn, and Tenshinhan have progressed he suddenly feels like he's been outdone. It's not a blow to his pride, or a move of hopeless desperation, but a moment of humble clarity that the responsibilities of this world are no longer his to hold. People like Goku are the future, and people like Tenshinhan need to make their own decisions instead of Roshi lecturing them on the nature of good and evil.
Speaking of Tenshinhan he's such a treat. He's busted out maybe the most new techniques out of any character. Sure the Goku vs Jackie Chun fight has a bunch of new styles thrown out, but Tenshinhan shows a mastery of multiple new energy attacks and a confidence to learn ones being thrown around by others. Every chapter he's in it's like he pulls out a new technique and it's up to his opponents to quickly think of a new way to stop him. His fights are fast-paced, varied, and his character arc of starting to live for his own ideals instead of the ones his crane school master forced on him is compelling enough reason to cheer for him instead of even our own heroes like Goku.
Roshi, as Jackie Chun, gets some fantastic moments this volume. It's his beef with the crane school teacher that starts this whole feud, with Roshi as the "good" against the crane school's selfish "evil" assassin training. We first had him enter this tournament on a selfish whim to prove himself against his disciples but in seeing how Goku, Kuririn, and Tenshinhan have progressed he suddenly feels like he's been outdone. It's not a blow to his pride, or a move of hopeless desperation, but a moment of humble clarity that the responsibilities of this world are no longer his to hold. People like Goku are the future, and people like Tenshinhan need to make their own decisions instead of Roshi lecturing them on the nature of good and evil.
Speaking of Tenshinhan he's such a treat. He's busted out maybe the most new techniques out of any character. Sure the Goku vs Jackie Chun fight has a bunch of new styles thrown out, but Tenshinhan shows a mastery of multiple new energy attacks and a confidence to learn ones being thrown around by others. Every chapter he's in it's like he pulls out a new technique and it's up to his opponents to quickly think of a new way to stop him. His fights are fast-paced, varied, and his character arc of starting to live for his own ideals instead of the ones his crane school master forced on him is compelling enough reason to cheer for him instead of even our own heroes like Goku.
May 1, 2020
This volume feels so short compared to some of the others, but that could just be me overthinking things. We go straight from finishing up Krillin's match with Chaozu from the previous volume to ending the volume at a climactic moment in Goku's match with Tenshinhan, not counting all of the wild, breakneck-paced fights in between the two!
I think that, while I'm definitely excited to see the fight between our favorite resident monkey child and the local three-eyed not-monk reach its ultimate conclusion, the match that really makes this volume shine is the one between Goku and Krillin. As pointed out by the Turtle Hermit, both boys have matured supremely as capable fighters, and getting to see how far they've both come and how much they enjoy going head-to-head with their best friend hits me right in the soft spot. While Goku is still a good separate level above Krillin in terms of raw power, it's so nice to see that they're otherwise so evenly matched in a way as martial artists, and how they each play to their individual strengths. It's sweet in its own way, and arguably one of the best parts of this volume.
I think that, while I'm definitely excited to see the fight between our favorite resident monkey child and the local three-eyed not-monk reach its ultimate conclusion, the match that really makes this volume shine is the one between Goku and Krillin. As pointed out by the Turtle Hermit, both boys have matured supremely as capable fighters, and getting to see how far they've both come and how much they enjoy going head-to-head with their best friend hits me right in the soft spot. While Goku is still a good separate level above Krillin in terms of raw power, it's so nice to see that they're otherwise so evenly matched in a way as martial artists, and how they each play to their individual strengths. It's sweet in its own way, and arguably one of the best parts of this volume.
December 15, 2024
Every moment is fun, every fight is exciting, and you never really know what to expect. I love how quickly Tenshinhan is infected with Goku’s generosity and you can see it rub off on him. I feel like the artwork is really beginning to evolve, even though it was always great. The action panels have so much background detail with the extra lines and the fuzzy gradients when someone’s moving fast.
Small nitpicks: I don’t think you should be able to perform a Kamehameha just by watching others do it, it’s a turtle school technique that you need to learn. Seeing Tenshinhan do it is just lame considering he already has so many other moves.
And I also don’t like how Roshi beamed Tsuru Sennin from across the entire arena. It seemed a little too rushed and unserious, why is Roshi allowed to keep standing in the VIP area?
But these nitpicks don’t bring this volume down. There’s too many memorable moments packed in, and even though it’s just another tournament chapter, this is one that stands out with the sheer variety of its characters and events.
Small nitpicks: I don’t think you should be able to perform a Kamehameha just by watching others do it, it’s a turtle school technique that you need to learn. Seeing Tenshinhan do it is just lame considering he already has so many other moves.
And I also don’t like how Roshi beamed Tsuru Sennin from across the entire arena. It seemed a little too rushed and unserious, why is Roshi allowed to keep standing in the VIP area?
But these nitpicks don’t bring this volume down. There’s too many memorable moments packed in, and even though it’s just another tournament chapter, this is one that stands out with the sheer variety of its characters and events.
September 23, 2025
Mówiłam wcześniej o ciekawych walkach? To było nic! Nie wiem, który z pojedynków z tego tomu wybrałabym jako najlepszy… No dobra, Goku kontra Tien trudno przebić! Choć nie miałoby to takiej mocy, gdyby nie wcześniejsze pojedynki - gdzie Tien powoli uświadamia sobie, że jest jeszcze inna droga poza tą wskazaną przez Żurawiego Pustelnika i że jest o wiele więcej wart niż okazywał mu to jego mistrz. W sumie były mistrz. Nie chodzi nawet o docenienie, ale o wiarę - w to, że potrafi coś osiągnąć własnymi siłami. Może naprawdę przyszedł czas, aby Boski Miszcz odsunął się w cień i pozostawił młodych na warcie…
W ogóle Tien jest ciekawym przypadkiem (nie tylko z powodu zamiłowania do obnażania się). Ma wiele wspólnego z Goku - równie szybko uczy się nowych technik i ataków, tak samo jest w nim sporo uporu oraz samozaparcia do doskonalenia i rośnięcia w siłę. Miał tylko pecha trafić pod skrzydła Żurawiego Pustelnika.
W ogóle Tien jest ciekawym przypadkiem (nie tylko z powodu zamiłowania do obnażania się). Ma wiele wspólnego z Goku - równie szybko uczy się nowych technik i ataków, tak samo jest w nim sporo uporu oraz samozaparcia do doskonalenia i rośnięcia w siłę. Miał tylko pecha trafić pod skrzydła Żurawiego Pustelnika.
March 31, 2025
Apparently Tenshinhan is a rice dish in Japan. Also, "gohan" was one of the first Japanese words I learned, and it means "rice." Apparently there are a number of DB characters with food names, which I'm all about because, eh, fuck it. Why not name a kid "Pizza?" Everyone likes pizza, and it's a damn sight better than Bruklynne.
Also, can we make a rule? You cannot name your kid after a state you've never been to or something you've never experienced. A kid growing up in Wisconsin should not be named Brooklyn, and conversely, a kid growing up in Brooklyn should not be named "Dakota" unless their heritage goes back to the Dakota people, in which case an exception is granted by my office. Montana is also the same deal.
Other exceptions I'll make to this list:
Duncan Idaho: I mean, that's real stupid, so who cares?
Also, can we make a rule? You cannot name your kid after a state you've never been to or something you've never experienced. A kid growing up in Wisconsin should not be named Brooklyn, and conversely, a kid growing up in Brooklyn should not be named "Dakota" unless their heritage goes back to the Dakota people, in which case an exception is granted by my office. Montana is also the same deal.
Other exceptions I'll make to this list:
Duncan Idaho: I mean, that's real stupid, so who cares?
September 24, 2018
This volume continues the amazing arc of Tenshinhan! He's tough, with three eyes and the ability to sprout multiple arms to take down an opponent. Jackie Chun realizes that the young'uns will be ok with Ten's strategy to take the old man down and he forfeits the match...leaving young Son Goku to take down the Crane School student. But Ten's master is up to his dirty tricks, having Chaouzou use telepathy to sway the odds.
This volume was mostly fighting, with some character work on Kuririn as he finally gets his match against Son. Jackie keeps urging Ten to join the good guys and it was nice to see his character get fleshed out. To be perfectly honest, the fights aren't quite as thrilling on paper as they are on screen, but it still made for an entertaining read.
This volume was mostly fighting, with some character work on Kuririn as he finally gets his match against Son. Jackie keeps urging Ten to join the good guys and it was nice to see his character get fleshed out. To be perfectly honest, the fights aren't quite as thrilling on paper as they are on screen, but it still made for an entertaining read.
December 13, 2020
Its the Tenkai Budokai and the battles commence, Goku wins his round easily and the semi's start! Its Jackie vs Tian first and you see their battle is epic and a lot of revelations happen but since a new dawn is approaching Jackie steps down and when Tian confronts him later about it, he putts thought of dont follow the path of Tsuru-sennin and then Goku vs Krillin happens which is a bit one sided but fun, then the big finals between Goku and Tian happen and both trying to outdo the another and its fun to watch, the attacks are amazing and that last fight..seems like Tian is gonna use something big! It was a great volume and so much action is there and the art is just gorgeous on all levels!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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