What's the Best Part of Dr. Slump

[EZsensei]

Hi,

I'm looking to get one Dr. Slump volume because I really enjoy early Toriyama's art and comedy in all it's glory with it's adult humor, poop jokes, fourth wall breaking, and simple gags. This is primarily based on how much I enjoyed some of the crossovers and references to the series in Dragon Ball, and what little I know about the series. While I don't plan on reading all 18 volumes currently, I would really love to enjoy one without having too much knowledge of the series and hopefully enjoying it's wackiest part.
What is in your opinion the best part of Slump/or the wackiest hopefully easy to understand part? Again I'm probably only looking to get one volume.

Thanks,

[Jord]

Good question. Do you plan on reading it in English or Japanese? I don't know if and how much the English translations are censored/altered though.

[EZsensei]

Good question. Do you plan on reading it in English or Japanese? I don't know if and how much the English translations are censored/altered though.

I don't know Japanese so English is my only option
I really hope it's not censored

[Robo4900]

Good question. Do you plan on reading it in English or Japanese? I don't know if and how much the English translations are censored/altered though.

I don't know Japanese so English is my only option
I really hope it's not censored

The Viz translation of the Dr. Slump manga is considered a very good translation. I don't think there's really much/any censorship, but the translation itself is noteworthy for not being very close to the literal words of the original Japanese; apparently, the writing style of Dr. Slump is laden with wordplay, puns, etc., so the translators went a route of using equivalent writing in English, instead of using the literal original phrasings translated traditionally. So, as I understand it, it's considered a rather good localisation, since it apparently adapts the jokes into English very well, even if what you're reading isn't exactly the original dialogue word-for-word.

So... While I'm unsure about censorship, I'm pretty sure it's a good translation, so you'll be all good reading Dr. Slump in English.

[Emiliow]

I´d say that volume 10 is a rather strong volume. It introduces a couple of new characters and it features a multi chapter story about these characters in a tournament-style setting, so a fairly well-known setting for Dragon Ball fans. Regardless, it's a great series and the entire thing is really enjoyable.

[JohnnyCashKami]

The Viz translation of the Dr. Slump manga is considered a very good translation. I don't think there's really much/any censorship, but the translation itself is noteworthy for not being very close to the literal words of the original Japanese; apparently, the writing style of Dr. Slump is laden with wordplay, puns, etc., so the translators went a route of using equivalent writing in English, instead of using the literal original phrasings translated traditionally. So, as I understand it, it's considered a rather good localisation, since it apparently adapts the jokes into English very well, even if what you're reading isn't exactly the original dialogue word-for-word.

So... While I'm unsure about censorship, I'm pretty sure it's a good translation, so you'll be all good reading Dr. Slump in English.

That's an excellent point. I've seen shows and movies with foreign subs, and while the translators always tried to make their subs as accurate and truthful, it never was.

Knight Rider had episode titles with wordplays and that didn't go too well in other languages as it meant something entirely different.

Still, if someone doesn't know said language the best remains to be subtitles. Otherwise, dubs. Or.. learn the language but learning just for the sake of watching shows or movies is kind of a waste.

[Super Sonic]

There is some censorship which Viz mentions in the beginning of their volumes, with references to underage smoking and drinking. So Taro doesn't have cigs lit, and Akane is mentioned drinking "Super Punch". Another thing is [spoiler]Arale has her body destroyed and her head is on Obatchaman's, they discover Dr. Masharito made Obatchaman anatomically correct. The Viz version put a black censor bar over his junk, though they don't censor babies like Turbo or when Senbei gets turned into a baby. Likely due to being older, and it looking weird with Arale having junk.[/spoiler]Other than that, not too much from what I could tell.

[EZsensei]

I´d say that volume 10 is a rather strong volume. It introduces a couple of new characters and it features a multi chapter story about these characters in a tournament-style setting, so a fairly well-known setting for Dragon Ball fans. Regardless, it's a great series and the entire thing is really enjoyable.

That sounds great, thanks! i'll check it out. I'm open to other suggestions though, so as long as it includes wacky, fun, fourth wall breaking comedy like the first arc of dragon ball with pilaf, I think that's especially what i'm looking for.

[JohnnyCashKami]

If you know French, you could get the series on DVD or Blu-ray as it's been released in France. Not sure if in its entirety.

Dr. Slump Classic series was also released in Spain but canceled after the 4th volume for the sales being absolutely terrible (each DVD set was about €40 ~ $46).