What do you think?
Rate this book
Dragon Ball [ドラゴンボール] #37
Dragon Ball Z, Vol. 21: Tournament of the Heavens
Earth's heroes have come out of retirement, and the audience at the Tenka'ichi Budokai - 'Strongest Under the Heavens' martial arts tournament - is about to see what real martial artists can do! While Trunks and Gohan tear up the Junior Division, Videl, the daughter of Earth's 'champion' Hercule, prepares to test her newfound kung fu skills (like flying). Meanwhile, the experienced heroes prepare for their turn to fight Goku, who has come back from the dead just for this one match! But Goku isn't the only otherworldly visitor. Two mysterious contestants have entered the tournament, wielding the power of the heavens...and they have a special mission in this world...
200 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 1994
109 people are currently reading
932 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
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
September 8, 2025
PT Um novo torneio do mais forte debaixo do céu tem início e, como já é tradição, entre os participantes surgem figuras enigmáticas que despertam curiosidade.
É aqui que começa a icónica saga do Bubu.
--
EN A new World Martial Arts Tournament begins and, as tradition dictates, mysterious figures emerge among the participants.
This marks the beginning of the iconic Buu saga.
É aqui que começa a icónica saga do Bubu.
--
EN A new World Martial Arts Tournament begins and, as tradition dictates, mysterious figures emerge among the participants.
This marks the beginning of the iconic Buu saga.
October 14, 2014
In the latest Strongest Under the Heavens tournament, Trunks and Son Goten demolish their opposition in the youth bracket without even trying, and fight one another in the final – but who will get to go up against Hercule? And will he be revealed as the charlatan he is? In the adult tournament, the usual suspects get into the finals as well as some new characters like the mysterious Shin and Kibito. But this tournament becomes truncated as finally Buu (here written as Boo) appears!
It says a lot about his skills as a storyteller and artist that Akira Toriyama can take minor characters like Kuririn and Videl, make them the focus of the book, and still make it as gripping to read as if it were Goku vs Vegeta. Those are the only two who have matches in the tournament – the others qualified but having them fly off to meet a separate, bigger threat shows how much they’ve outgrown this setting. It’s also a notable volume for being the first time a female character – Videl – has had a starring match in the series. She gets the crap beaten out of her but still.
Goten and Trunks are adorable as they try to sneak into the adults’ tournament standing on each other’s shoulders hidden under a costume as Mighty Mask – and yet nobody’s the wiser! The people in the DBZ world are the most gullible, brain-dead people ever. They see characters flying, firing fireballs, and changing their hair colour instantly, right in front of them, but they still insist everything’s “a trick”. It’d be like if the people in the DC or Marvel universes didn’t acknowledge that Superman or Spider-Man were real! At a certain point, you’ve gotta make the surrounding world acknowledge the superheroes in it.
This volume’s (thankfully) a good read after quite a few duds. It’s a classic Dragon Ball-type book with great martial arts action in a tournament setting and I really liked it. That and the Buu storyline kicking off sees the series returning to form. Here’s hoping it keeps getting better and the series ends on a high!
It says a lot about his skills as a storyteller and artist that Akira Toriyama can take minor characters like Kuririn and Videl, make them the focus of the book, and still make it as gripping to read as if it were Goku vs Vegeta. Those are the only two who have matches in the tournament – the others qualified but having them fly off to meet a separate, bigger threat shows how much they’ve outgrown this setting. It’s also a notable volume for being the first time a female character – Videl – has had a starring match in the series. She gets the crap beaten out of her but still.
Goten and Trunks are adorable as they try to sneak into the adults’ tournament standing on each other’s shoulders hidden under a costume as Mighty Mask – and yet nobody’s the wiser! The people in the DBZ world are the most gullible, brain-dead people ever. They see characters flying, firing fireballs, and changing their hair colour instantly, right in front of them, but they still insist everything’s “a trick”. It’d be like if the people in the DC or Marvel universes didn’t acknowledge that Superman or Spider-Man were real! At a certain point, you’ve gotta make the surrounding world acknowledge the superheroes in it.
This volume’s (thankfully) a good read after quite a few duds. It’s a classic Dragon Ball-type book with great martial arts action in a tournament setting and I really liked it. That and the Buu storyline kicking off sees the series returning to form. Here’s hoping it keeps getting better and the series ends on a high!
May 19, 2023
Strongest Under the Heavens tournament is underway with Hercule being the people's champ. The people of Earth all still think he's the guy that beat Cell. Unforuntaly there's an age minimum for the adult tournament now, so Goten and Trunks beat up a contestant wearing a costume, Trunks stands on Goten's shoulders, and they take his place.
We get introduced to a couple new mysterious characters here.
We get introduced to a couple new mysterious characters here.
September 28, 2022
This was a lot of fun. Who doesn't love Goten and Trunks, and all their shenanigans? What follows is what's really interesting, shaking things up as we move forward and closer to the warlock Bobbidi and the mysterious Majin Boo.
July 15, 2016
I don't think that there is something I don't know about Dragon Ball at this point but reading these volumes is still very enjoyable to me.
July 1, 2018
Por mi parte este será el último tomo que comprare de la historia, lo sé estando tan cerca del final lo abandonó, pero la verdad la saga de Majin-buu es la saga que menos me gusta.
En este tomo vemos el combate infantil y como era de esperar Goten y Trunks son los finalistas.
En el torneo para adultos se han dispuesto los combates y todos están emocionados, no han pasado muchos cuando vemos que estos no son del todo normales, tenemos participantes muy misteriosos . Un peligro está por despertar.
En este tomo vemos el combate infantil y como era de esperar Goten y Trunks son los finalistas.
En el torneo para adultos se han dispuesto los combates y todos están emocionados, no han pasado muchos cuando vemos que estos no son del todo normales, tenemos participantes muy misteriosos . Un peligro está por despertar.
December 31, 2015
To find all my reviews: http://dancinginth3dark.blogspot.com
Previously on Dragon Ball Z
(I) Goku died in the process of destroying Cell but sadly it was all in vain.
(II) Gohan on the other hand found a new level of power and was able to destroy Cell and rid him permanently.
(III) Years have past and everyone is trying to move on and luckily Goku is going to come back to Earth for one full day to compete in the Tenkaichi Budokai tournament.
That is what you missed on Dragon Ball Z!
After that long break of comedic relief with Gohan and Videl, the real action is about to begin. Goku is finally back which I am excited to see him back in action and the tournament is in the early stages. The entire gang have participated in this tournament because they want to have the pleasure to be in the presence of greatness since Goku sacrificed himself and has been training for years now since there is nothing to do when you are dead.
The difference with this tournament is they have included new rules and regulations and one of them which is disappointing is children are not allowed to fight with the adults. Since humans have forgotten about kid Goku and all it is unsafe for children to fight adults and that becomes annoying for Trunks and Goten but they decided that they will disguise themselves and fight against the adults.
It's extremely difficult for two people to be in one costume with flying and attacking but nonetheless they are successful at this disguise and hopefully they make it far. Piccolo notices something strange is going on this tournament especially with these two contestants who work side by side. At first Piccolo is unable to figure it out but makes the connection that this person is Kaio-Shin which is the supreme deity in this universe.
Piccolo cannot believe that Kaio-Shin is in this tournament and quickly learns that Kaio-Shin is here to witness Goku fight but that someone evil is lurking around and will attack Gohan. Goku wants to protect his son and all but Kaio-Shin tells him to leave it up to him by allowing the evil person to escape they can track their location to their base and help prevent the doom of this planet.
Sure enough Videl is attacking her opponent and he does awful tricks that almost kills her and immediately we see that Gohan is in love with her and goes full Saiyan. Gohan essentially gets played by these two evil men named Yamu and Spopovich and they drain all his power to this lamp and escapes.
Goku and the gang must quickly track them down before all hell breaks loose. Will Goku and the gang be successful? Find out until next time on Dragon Ball Z...
I enjoyed this volume except for the mediocre nonsense like the kids not being able to compete because I believe they are worthy opponents to compete but I understand that the tournament wasn't really important just a segment to lead into the next major storyline that will conclude this series.
Previously on Dragon Ball Z
(I) Goku died in the process of destroying Cell but sadly it was all in vain.
(II) Gohan on the other hand found a new level of power and was able to destroy Cell and rid him permanently.
(III) Years have past and everyone is trying to move on and luckily Goku is going to come back to Earth for one full day to compete in the Tenkaichi Budokai tournament.
That is what you missed on Dragon Ball Z!
After that long break of comedic relief with Gohan and Videl, the real action is about to begin. Goku is finally back which I am excited to see him back in action and the tournament is in the early stages. The entire gang have participated in this tournament because they want to have the pleasure to be in the presence of greatness since Goku sacrificed himself and has been training for years now since there is nothing to do when you are dead.
The difference with this tournament is they have included new rules and regulations and one of them which is disappointing is children are not allowed to fight with the adults. Since humans have forgotten about kid Goku and all it is unsafe for children to fight adults and that becomes annoying for Trunks and Goten but they decided that they will disguise themselves and fight against the adults.
It's extremely difficult for two people to be in one costume with flying and attacking but nonetheless they are successful at this disguise and hopefully they make it far. Piccolo notices something strange is going on this tournament especially with these two contestants who work side by side. At first Piccolo is unable to figure it out but makes the connection that this person is Kaio-Shin which is the supreme deity in this universe.
Piccolo cannot believe that Kaio-Shin is in this tournament and quickly learns that Kaio-Shin is here to witness Goku fight but that someone evil is lurking around and will attack Gohan. Goku wants to protect his son and all but Kaio-Shin tells him to leave it up to him by allowing the evil person to escape they can track their location to their base and help prevent the doom of this planet.
Sure enough Videl is attacking her opponent and he does awful tricks that almost kills her and immediately we see that Gohan is in love with her and goes full Saiyan. Gohan essentially gets played by these two evil men named Yamu and Spopovich and they drain all his power to this lamp and escapes.
Goku and the gang must quickly track them down before all hell breaks loose. Will Goku and the gang be successful? Find out until next time on Dragon Ball Z...
I enjoyed this volume except for the mediocre nonsense like the kids not being able to compete because I believe they are worthy opponents to compete but I understand that the tournament wasn't really important just a segment to lead into the next major storyline that will conclude this series.
March 19, 2019
This is what I loved about this arc! I do feel the anime did a better job overall, giving more time to show the emotional impact of Goku's reunion. And just gave more time to explore these new characters and not rush the relationships they've established. The Strongest Under the Heavens is here, old friends all reunite at the tournament, even little Trunks and Goten (who have to compete in a Youth Division). The Youth Division was fun to watch the kids both bringing their personalities along with the punches. The matchups have some humor with them with two strange editions. Piccolo is the first one against Shin who reaveals he's the Lord of the Lords (the anime refers to him as Supreme Kai) and Piccolo throws the match. Videl gets beat to a pulp by Spopovich and everyone is surprised because he wasn't that great last year. Kabito tells Gohan to go super saiyan and his energy is zapped by the scary dudes in the back. The crew flies off to follow the bad guys and Supreme Kai reveals they're after a sorcer Bobbidi who is collecting energy to release a powerful djinn.
Videl was crushed in this volume and the manga didn't flesh her out as well as the show had done, but it was still hard to see. But this is the start of a cool arc and it was introduced in an interesting enough way. Ready for the action cause we've had low stakes so far.
Videl was crushed in this volume and the manga didn't flesh her out as well as the show had done, but it was still hard to see. But this is the start of a cool arc and it was introduced in an interesting enough way. Ready for the action cause we've had low stakes so far.
October 14, 2017
The tournament finally kicks off but in good hearted Dragon Ball nature this is where the mystery begins. The tournament lasts only 4 rounds because these 2 strange warriors ambush Gohan and steals hos energy and the rest of the gang are told not help in anyway by none other then the Supreme Kai. The Majin Buu Arc is only just getting started!!
July 15, 2023
Fun and enjoyable, but I just don't have much to say. It was fun watching get the crap beat out of . Not because I don't like that character, I actually really like that character, but it made for some interesting story content.
Overall it was pretty fun. Things seem to be kicking in another direction for the next volume. We got our excuse to get away from the tournament for now so we'll see what happens
NEXT TIME ON DRAGONBALL Z! (said in the announcers voice)
Overall it was pretty fun. Things seem to be kicking in another direction for the next volume. We got our excuse to get away from the tournament for now so we'll see what happens
NEXT TIME ON DRAGONBALL Z! (said in the announcers voice)
May 26, 2021
8/10 stars
While Cell arc was ultimately boring, rehashing old tropes, this brings a breath of fresh air to DB franchise - even in the oldest trope of all, The Tournament of the Heavens. This volume was so much fun! A new Tenka'ichi Budokai, with its own Youth Division, where Goten and Trunks have a chance to shine and show their unique personalities. Goten's Kamekameha must be one of the sweetest bungles I've seen in DB, and Goku had a fair share of his own ;). Their antics in the adult division as the Mighty Mask are pure fun!
Piccolo's care for Gohan, breaking all the cameras so that Gohan can fight without fear for being recognized, is really sweet. That big green guy might not seem like that, but he has a heart of gold!
Also, Hercule. I'm still hating that guy, so I really loved to watch him sweat and wanted him to get what he deserved - well, looks like Toriyama likes him, though, so I'll have to wait a bit longer for my sweet revenge ;).
The plot thickens with the appearance of mysterious powerful warriors, both good and bad, who make this Tournament very interesting indeed. Even without Goku and Vegeta fighting things get really intense and all the fights are impeccably drawn and written, as usual. And the best part is that once again, the Tournament is just the beginning to a much greater adventure!
While Cell arc was ultimately boring, rehashing old tropes, this brings a breath of fresh air to DB franchise - even in the oldest trope of all, The Tournament of the Heavens. This volume was so much fun! A new Tenka'ichi Budokai, with its own Youth Division, where Goten and Trunks have a chance to shine and show their unique personalities. Goten's Kamekameha must be one of the sweetest bungles I've seen in DB, and Goku had a fair share of his own ;). Their antics in the adult division as the Mighty Mask are pure fun!
Piccolo's care for Gohan, breaking all the cameras so that Gohan can fight without fear for being recognized, is really sweet. That big green guy might not seem like that, but he has a heart of gold!
Also, Hercule. I'm still hating that guy, so I really loved to watch him sweat and wanted him to get what he deserved - well, looks like Toriyama likes him, though, so I'll have to wait a bit longer for my sweet revenge ;).
The plot thickens with the appearance of mysterious powerful warriors, both good and bad, who make this Tournament very interesting indeed. Even without Goku and Vegeta fighting things get really intense and all the fights are impeccably drawn and written, as usual. And the best part is that once again, the Tournament is just the beginning to a much greater adventure!
September 12, 2013
Dragon Ball by Akira Toriyama (scene the anime came out this volume 36 and 37 are now called "Dragon Ball Z" but I have the volumes before the anime). The story here is that Goku is back on earth and they are commentating in the Budokai. Trunks and Goten fight and destroy the main hut and in the end, Trunks wins the kid branch. Then when the adults branch comes up the first match is krillin and some fat guy. Krillin wins. Then Piccolo battle someone who is reveled to be supreme Kai who is here to stop an evil plan to resurrect Majin Buu. The most powerful being in all the universe. Gohan is force to transform into a Super Saiyan 2, then some people take his energy and leave. Now Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, and others have to follow the people back to find out where Majin Buu is hiding.
What I think of this is that this was the beginning of a lot of fan favorites dying a slow and painful death. This volume is about competition and staying in the fight. There really is no message in this one. Over all a 7/10
What I think of this is that this was the beginning of a lot of fan favorites dying a slow and painful death. This volume is about competition and staying in the fight. There really is no message in this one. Over all a 7/10
December 20, 2016
Actual Rating: 4.60
This was a fantastic read. The story just gets better and better. Also, the characters are amazing and I love reading about the heroes that are in the Dragon Ball franchise. In the volume, the world martial arts tournament is starting. The rules have changed as kids are no longer allowed to fight with the adults. The tournament starts with the kids and the first battle is between Trunks and Goten. i was interested in this fight because they are friends. After that, the adult competition starts. Krillin wins and I want to understand what Piccolo was thinking. I was sad to see how badly beaten up Videl was. I really like her character. Next Saga seems interesting. Can't wait to read it. This was another amazing installment to the series. I can't wait for Volume 22. Overall, an incredible read.
This was a fantastic read. The story just gets better and better. Also, the characters are amazing and I love reading about the heroes that are in the Dragon Ball franchise. In the volume, the world martial arts tournament is starting. The rules have changed as kids are no longer allowed to fight with the adults. The tournament starts with the kids and the first battle is between Trunks and Goten. i was interested in this fight because they are friends. After that, the adult competition starts. Krillin wins and I want to understand what Piccolo was thinking. I was sad to see how badly beaten up Videl was. I really like her character. Next Saga seems interesting. Can't wait to read it. This was another amazing installment to the series. I can't wait for Volume 22. Overall, an incredible read.
August 20, 2022
This was another fantastic volume. I was impressed by how much comedy landed for me in this volume. Dragon Ball had originated as a more comedic series back before Z started, and took a turn for the battle Shonen when the Piccolo Saga started. I didn't really enjoy the comedy back then, but this volume felt like a proof of concept for what a fun Dragon Ball could look like. Getting a true and honest Tenkaichi Budokai in Z was a much needed refresh on the tone. Very good volume.
June 19, 2016
3.25 stars
February 16, 2025
I love being back at the Budokai, but the shadow of Bobbidi squanders some of the magic for me. My highlight was the entire youth division, it’s great seeing Goten and Trunks go at it, and it’s even better seeing Hercule “throw” his fight. When Trunks wins, Vegeta pats Goku on the back to console him. It’s the small moments like this that help us appreciate where we came from.
This is the first time we’re introduced to Kaio-Shin, the Lord of Lords. He’s on a whole new tier on the godly totem pole, and even Kaio-Sama, the Lord of Worlds has never heard about him. Even when I was younger, I rolled my eyes at this revelation. As the stakes get higher, the pecking order does too. But why? Do we really need another set of Gods? Gods with mysterious jobs that don’t really seem to matter, other than to push the story forward. Normally I wouldn’t mind, a sacrifice for the story. But in this volume, the superficial hierarchy completely gets in the way of the drama.
Piccolo refuses to fight Kaio-Shin. He acts solely as an exposition dump in this volume. And we still don’t really find anything out. By the end of the volume, the tournament is almost completely sacrificed for something else, chasing a new Big Bad. And that’s fine. But the last few panels of dialogue are so devoid of life to me. Big talk in the sky about wizards and warlocks. Not too promising.
Quick side note: I’ve always loved how Toriyama draws spectators. There’s hundreds in the stadium stands, and they’re all so silly. Giraffes and cat people. I love it.
This is the first time we’re introduced to Kaio-Shin, the Lord of Lords. He’s on a whole new tier on the godly totem pole, and even Kaio-Sama, the Lord of Worlds has never heard about him. Even when I was younger, I rolled my eyes at this revelation. As the stakes get higher, the pecking order does too. But why? Do we really need another set of Gods? Gods with mysterious jobs that don’t really seem to matter, other than to push the story forward. Normally I wouldn’t mind, a sacrifice for the story. But in this volume, the superficial hierarchy completely gets in the way of the drama.
Piccolo refuses to fight Kaio-Shin. He acts solely as an exposition dump in this volume. And we still don’t really find anything out. By the end of the volume, the tournament is almost completely sacrificed for something else, chasing a new Big Bad. And that’s fine. But the last few panels of dialogue are so devoid of life to me. Big talk in the sky about wizards and warlocks. Not too promising.
Quick side note: I’ve always loved how Toriyama draws spectators. There’s hundreds in the stadium stands, and they’re all so silly. Giraffes and cat people. I love it.
January 9, 2025
Volume 37: Chapter 433-445
Arc 22: World Tournament Saga
Goten fights Trunks in the final and Trunks win the match. He crowned as the champion of kids division. Goten and Trunks disguised as masked man to enter the adult division tournament under a name Mighty Mask. The adult division will begin soon. Goku meets two mysterious men; Shin and Kibito, who are not from Earth.
The matches for the first round are:
Battle #1: Krillin vs Punta
Battle #2: Shin vs Piccolo
Battle #3: Videl vs Spopovich
Battle #4: Kibito vs Gohan
Battle #5: #18 vs Mr. Satan
Battle #6: Goku vs Vegeta
Battle #7: Mighty Mask vs Killa
Battle #8: Yamu vs Jewel
Krillin win his first match with ease. Piccolo forfeited from the match after he knows something about Shin. Shin is the Lord of Lords, who is above the four Lord of the Worlds and the Great Lords. The next match, Gohan faced Kibito. Kibito wants Gohan to use Super Saiyan mode. Gohan go into Super Saiyan 2 mode and suddenly Yamu and Spopovich come at Gohan and stab him with a device and suck out all of Gohan's energy. Shin let them to it and Kibito heal Gohan. Shin asked all of them to follow him.
Shin tells that they will face a foe named Bibbidi, a warlock. Long ago, the evil warlock created a djinn named Buu. Buu is so powerful that he can destroy hundred of planets in a few years. Before this, there are five Lord of Lords and Buu killed four of them. Bibbidi then sealed Buu in a shell. Shin realized that Bibbidi have a son, Bobbidi.
Arc 22: World Tournament Saga
Goten fights Trunks in the final and Trunks win the match. He crowned as the champion of kids division. Goten and Trunks disguised as masked man to enter the adult division tournament under a name Mighty Mask. The adult division will begin soon. Goku meets two mysterious men; Shin and Kibito, who are not from Earth.
The matches for the first round are:
Battle #1: Krillin vs Punta
Battle #2: Shin vs Piccolo
Battle #3: Videl vs Spopovich
Battle #4: Kibito vs Gohan
Battle #5: #18 vs Mr. Satan
Battle #6: Goku vs Vegeta
Battle #7: Mighty Mask vs Killa
Battle #8: Yamu vs Jewel
Krillin win his first match with ease. Piccolo forfeited from the match after he knows something about Shin. Shin is the Lord of Lords, who is above the four Lord of the Worlds and the Great Lords. The next match, Gohan faced Kibito. Kibito wants Gohan to use Super Saiyan mode. Gohan go into Super Saiyan 2 mode and suddenly Yamu and Spopovich come at Gohan and stab him with a device and suck out all of Gohan's energy. Shin let them to it and Kibito heal Gohan. Shin asked all of them to follow him.
Shin tells that they will face a foe named Bibbidi, a warlock. Long ago, the evil warlock created a djinn named Buu. Buu is so powerful that he can destroy hundred of planets in a few years. Before this, there are five Lord of Lords and Buu killed four of them. Bibbidi then sealed Buu in a shell. Shin realized that Bibbidi have a son, Bobbidi.
not-gonna-read
August 6, 2025Despite myself not interested in Dragon Ball Z I do have a large amount of respect for the franchise.
As I said before in my review of Dragon Ball, this kickstarted the trends for later Shonen manga and that's something to admire about the entire Dragon Ball series. Shonen manga series have taken elements from the Dragon Ball series and use it for inspiration for their own work like battles, art, character design, and plot. I feel like I was a bit too old when I was first introduced to the starters of Shounen and Shojo. Dragon Ball and Sailor Moon were introduced to me a bit too late after I had started reading & watching series like InuYasha, Ouran High School Host Club, Death Note, Fullmetal Alchemist, and Code Geass.
Again, I still think it's an admirable franchise despite my personal feelings towards it. (I don't hate it but I didn't love it either) It's extremely popular worldwide and for the anime to still be watched and loved to this very day I think that says a lot about it. There are many things to like and admire about it because of the legacy that it brought with its creation.
While I don't love Dragon Ball Z, it has done a lot for a very popular art form and will continue to be great and loved for years to come.
As I said before in my review of Dragon Ball, this kickstarted the trends for later Shonen manga and that's something to admire about the entire Dragon Ball series. Shonen manga series have taken elements from the Dragon Ball series and use it for inspiration for their own work like battles, art, character design, and plot. I feel like I was a bit too old when I was first introduced to the starters of Shounen and Shojo. Dragon Ball and Sailor Moon were introduced to me a bit too late after I had started reading & watching series like InuYasha, Ouran High School Host Club, Death Note, Fullmetal Alchemist, and Code Geass.
Again, I still think it's an admirable franchise despite my personal feelings towards it. (I don't hate it but I didn't love it either) It's extremely popular worldwide and for the anime to still be watched and loved to this very day I think that says a lot about it. There are many things to like and admire about it because of the legacy that it brought with its creation.
While I don't love Dragon Ball Z, it has done a lot for a very popular art form and will continue to be great and loved for years to come.
February 27, 2021
This one was awesome, it starts off with the same old Goten and Trunks vs others and its funny the way they defeat their opponents but when they face each others its something and its funny for the most part but when the adult tournament starts, we see the real fights, good moment for Krillin but then some weird guys with M on their heads come and the way they defeat Videl was brutal. At the same time Piccolo meets some Shin and seeing him forfeits but what we learn when Gohan fights these M-guys they take his energy or something in lamp and learn that this Shin is Kaio-shin aka Lord of lords and he tells him their next enemy they will be facing about, Bobbidi and Boo aka Majin Boo!! This is gonna get even crazy, this arc was good and a good breather and a good Segway to the next epic arc and the art was pretty good here!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2024
The Z Soldiers (and others) have gathered for the Tenka'ichi Budokai tournament! No longer is it simply the elite 8...but now 16 individuals in the tournament. There is also a kids division in which Trunks and Gotan compete in. In this volume the winner of the kids tournament is announced. Also, lots of hilarious Mr. Satan moments which make me laugh out loud with joy! In the main tournament we see Match #1 Kuririn vs. Punta in the first match. The second match is Piccolo vs. Shin. The third match is Videl (Mr. Satan's daughter) vs. Spopovich. The fourth match is Kibito vs. the Great Saiyaman (Gohan). Can you believe all these matches take place in a singular volume!?!? Action and a lot of twists, turns and reveals in this opening chapter of the next exciting story arc of Dragon Ball Z!
May 9, 2025
By golly do I love tournament arcs. Trunks and Goten wiping the floor with all the other kids, Krillin... doing Krillin things (being the strongest human, even if he's woefully behind the others), women getting the shit kicked out of them- okay not really a fan of that, I wish Videl got to do something other than get the shit beat out of her. She's fun! Her dynamic with Gohan is cute! But no she's fodder for the big plot twist evil villain thing.
Still a pretty fun volume. The fights are mostly one-sided but with some good setup for each. And after aliens, androids, and a weird bio-creature... we have mystical warlocks and djinn! Get rid of sci-fi we're going through gods and gods of gods now.
Still a pretty fun volume. The fights are mostly one-sided but with some good setup for each. And after aliens, androids, and a weird bio-creature... we have mystical warlocks and djinn! Get rid of sci-fi we're going through gods and gods of gods now.
November 13, 2025
This very much feels like a return of the classic Dragon Ball. Not just because we are back to tournaments, but also just the general comedy that seems to be a large driving force again.
While the tournament itself is unfortunately cut short for story reasons, the fights we do get are all amazing! Trunks vs Goten was entertaining the whole way through and Videl’s fight was genuinely stressful. I was worried I wouldn’t like her at the start of this arc but she is quickly becoming a favourite and I still love her chemistry with Gohan.
And now the real story starts with the near introduction of Buu. I hear that this is by far the weakest saga of Z, but so far I’m actually really enjoying it so we shall see how it goes.
While the tournament itself is unfortunately cut short for story reasons, the fights we do get are all amazing! Trunks vs Goten was entertaining the whole way through and Videl’s fight was genuinely stressful. I was worried I wouldn’t like her at the start of this arc but she is quickly becoming a favourite and I still love her chemistry with Gohan.
And now the real story starts with the near introduction of Buu. I hear that this is by far the weakest saga of Z, but so far I’m actually really enjoying it so we shall see how it goes.
October 4, 2023
Trunks dan Goten menjadi finalis di Tenkaichi Budokai level junior. Setelah sebelumnya mereka dengan mudah mengalahkan bocah-bocah yang meremehkan fisik mereka. Lalu, dari pertarungan yang sengit, pemenangnya adalah Trunks.
Di sisi lain, di level senior muncul sosok peserta yang dirasa mencurigakan. Ia adalah lawan Piccolo dan Piccolo langsung menyerah ketika duel baru dimulai. Tak disangka, ternyata sosok tersebut bernama Shin yang adalah dewa dari segala dewa. Ia turun ke Bumi untuk menyelidiki makhluk bernama Boo. Ia juga meminta bantuan kepada Goku dkk. supaya mereka bisa menghentikan makhluk berbahaya tersebut.
Di sisi lain, di level senior muncul sosok peserta yang dirasa mencurigakan. Ia adalah lawan Piccolo dan Piccolo langsung menyerah ketika duel baru dimulai. Tak disangka, ternyata sosok tersebut bernama Shin yang adalah dewa dari segala dewa. Ia turun ke Bumi untuk menyelidiki makhluk bernama Boo. Ia juga meminta bantuan kepada Goku dkk. supaya mereka bisa menghentikan makhluk berbahaya tersebut.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2023
I take back what I said about the evolution of some characters. You’d think after all these years, they’d want something other than being the strongest… but no.
The cycle also always repeats itself. After the Red Ribbon Army, the bad Saiyens, Freeza, the cyborgs and Cell, there’s a new big bad in town, more powerful than anyone they’ve have ever encountered. Or they will be, if they don’t manage to stop the process. And we already know they’ll fail, and there will be a new fight, won by either Goku or Gohan, with a side of Goten and his pal Trunks. It’s getting predictable.
The cycle also always repeats itself. After the Red Ribbon Army, the bad Saiyens, Freeza, the cyborgs and Cell, there’s a new big bad in town, more powerful than anyone they’ve have ever encountered. Or they will be, if they don’t manage to stop the process. And we already know they’ll fail, and there will be a new fight, won by either Goku or Gohan, with a side of Goten and his pal Trunks. It’s getting predictable.
September 13, 2023
Poor Gohan, poor Videl - oh dear, poor Videl - so ends their story, and it's right back to Goku and stuff dealing with another otherworldly threat. No more superheroes, no more tournaments (well, there's still the B-plot but it won't do much). Such a shame.
I think they could have afforded to keep Goku dead and let Gohan solve this whole thing. If he'd kept on training he probably could have handled the whole bunch solo. Maybe Vegeta could have popped up from time to time these past few years to fight him, help him keep his edge. A new fight-buddy after Goku died. No?
I think they could have afforded to keep Goku dead and let Gohan solve this whole thing. If he'd kept on training he probably could have handled the whole bunch solo. Maybe Vegeta could have popped up from time to time these past few years to fight him, help him keep his edge. A new fight-buddy after Goku died. No?
June 12, 2017
Really fun volume. Though there are only a handful of volumes left, it feels at this point like Dragon Ball could go on forever (and in hindsight, with Dragon Ball Super releasing weekly, I suppose that feeling is still valid) because of Toriyama's ability to expand his world in interesting ways when the need arises. In this volume we are introduced to the Lord of Lords, Kaio-Shin, and are made aware of Bobbidi, a warlock whose father created an evil djinn named.. Boo.
May 15, 2025
This gets an extra star because I always love a "kids stacked in a trenchcoat" gag.
The uniform they stole kinda looks like a klan getup, which did make me laugh because then I imagined like three little kids getting in one of those robes, and THEN I imagined, hey, maybe every single one of those rallies is nothing but stacked kids who all think they're laughing at these dumbass adults.
It would explain a lot, honestly.
The uniform they stole kinda looks like a klan getup, which did make me laugh because then I imagined like three little kids getting in one of those robes, and THEN I imagined, hey, maybe every single one of those rallies is nothing but stacked kids who all think they're laughing at these dumbass adults.
It would explain a lot, honestly.
October 11, 2017
Hace varios días que no actualizo esto, así que me disculparán si se me mezclan un poco los detalles de algunos tomos. En este volumen continúa el Tenkaichi Budokai, y la verdad es que me gusta todo lo que pasa... Me encanta Videl (aunque su pelea con Spopovich fue bastante brutal), y los personajes nuevos, básicamente me parece un tomo muy bueno, con peleas excelentes y mucho humor.
September 6, 2021
Ini salah satu nomor yang paling saya suka. Pertarungan antara Goten dan Trunks menjadi pembuka yang asyik. Trunks mengalahkan Mr. Satan. Lalu cara mereka mencoba menyusup ke pertarungan orang dewasa. Kemunculan dua orang misterius dan bahkan pertarungan antara Videl dengan Spopovitch memperlihatkan adanya ancaman besar (lagi).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews