By way of Anime News Network, we have just learned that FUNimation’s English dub of Dragon Ball Kai (coming as Dragon Ball Z Kai) will be airing on Nicktoons. The announcement was made “during its 2010 Upfront Presentation for advertisers on Thursday morning in New York City”.
This is a somewhat fascinating move on many levels, especially since American fandom so closely associates the franchise with Cartoon Network (though the series aired on local TV syndicates for Fox and WB years prior to this arrangement).
We have no word yet on what kind of “uncut” or “edited” version will make its way to Nickelodeon portals and broadcast. It should be noted, however, that the series always was intended for children, and the recent “edits” made during the Japanese broadcast of Kai certainly solidify this fact and the intended audience.
The broadcast will begin in May, seemingly alongside the home release. We will, of course, review the home release when it comes out. Look forward to it!
UPDATE: From the official press release —
Dragon Ball Z Kai, premiering on Nicktoons in May 2010, follows the last descendants of an evil race of warriors, known as the Saiyans, on their collision course with Earth. Goku–the strongest fighter on the planet–is all that stands between humanity and extinction and must face the villainous Saiyan warlord. Dragon Ball Z Kai is developed by Funimation Entertainment.