Episode #0298 (13 May 2012)

[VegettoEX]

Episode #0298 (download MP3) (rss feed) (subscribe in iTunes)
50:13; 96 kbps, mono; 34.7 MB

Episode #0298! VegettoEX and Meri discuss whether the TV adaptation of "Dragon Ball" needs or benefits from a narrator. What does Jōji Yanami add to the collective package of an episode, and how does it affect the overall structure and perception of said episode? Could the recap be taken away and everything else still work? Two weeks worth of international news, releases, and your home video questions round out the episode! Referenced sites:

• "Ultimate Tenkaichi" Review @ Kanzenshuu
• Lyrics @ Kanzenshuu
• Dutch Kanzenban Release Canceled? @ Kanzenshuu
• Latin America Broadcasts & Renewals @ Kanzenshuu
• Namco-Bandai Fiscal 2012 Figures @ Kanzenshuu
• "HD Collection" Video Game Updates @ Kanzenshuu
• "Is a narrator really needed?" Discussion @ Kanzenshuu
• Home Video Guide @ Kanzenshuu

[K.O. Ken]

So about that GT Review of Awesomeness...

[JulieYBM]

Actually Mike, episode #187 comes three episodes after episode #184, where Gohan's new power first appears.

Anyhow, I like Yanami. I think he plays an important role in setting up a tone for the series and a familiar voice. "Oh, it's the Narrator! An old friend!!" It's a book frame.

I also really like the recaps. Those older shows required the actors to re-perform the dialogue for the recap because they didn't have the audio for the previous episodes.

[VegettoEX]

Well, I didn't literally mean the very next episode after Gohan transforms... I obviously know the episode numbers for those things :/

[JulieYBM]

Well, I didn't literally mean the very next episode after Gohan transforms... I obviously know the episode numbers for those things :/

Jus' bustin' your chops.

[Super Vejito]

I honestly wasn't even aware there was a Dutch Kanzenban release. Over the course of 7 years I bought all 85 Glénat booklets in Dutch (one every month), which were really just translations of the French version and not very great quality. That publication ended, hm... about four years ago? Besides awkward translations, the paper was rather crappy and I'd consider buying a more proper version. I have some French tankoubons that are pretty sexy.

The Dutch market in general doesn't seem too great for anime/manga. To my knowledge DBZ doesn't even air anymore and we mostly get anime directed at children (Pokémon etc.). Dutch manga releases seem to do well enough to justify putting them out, as at least they can also hit Belgium with those, but at the same time most Dutchies can speak English and read their manga elsewhere.

As for the narrator, I like having him. Not essential, but the narration adds to setting the mood and provides closure to episodes that otherwise often end on a cliffhanger. I think the recap in general is unnecessary, but it's part of the nostalgia now.

[Codarik]

After reading what everyone had to say in the thread and listening to the podcast, I'm still not convinced a narrator is important to have in the series. But I completely understand why people like having a narrator. I just think the series could have lived without one.

[fps_anth]

I've never really thought about the importance of a narrator for Dragon Ball. But I loved that clip that was played during the podcast episode. Besides the pristine quality (so good!), the narrator definitely adds to the scene.

One moment that definitely stands out is the conclusion of DBZ episode 184. Cell in shock, Gohan in tears, Unmei no Hi in the background... Yanami's delivery is perfect.

[Jackal puFF]

In kai man.. I really wish there were no next episode previews or a narrator or a recap. Its like a waste of time, wish they had some marathon mode and skip the nonsense.

[Codarik]

In kai man.. I really wish there were no next episode previews or a narrator or a recap. Its like a waste of time, wish they had some marathon mode and skip the nonsense.

I've been saying this since day 1. Glad to see someone else thinks this.

[Akumaito Beam]

I have nothing to add really but did that Vegeta yell sound like Brian Drummond or what? I almost thought you were going to play that "YOU WON'T ESCAPE MY WRATH!" clip as a joke for a second.

[TrunksTrevelyan0064]

About Dutch Dragonball fans, they do exist. I'm one of the more geeky ones

I guess it's a shame the Dutch kanzenban has been canceled, but honestly I didn't even know it existed. I do have the tankobon release - but in English. That's simply my preferred language.

[Ringworm128]

One line from the narrator I felt really added to the moment was after Goku declares that he is a Super Saiyan. The way the narrator says "Super Saiya-jin" with the BGM playing really ads to the scene IMO.

[Jawdrahb]

I'm ashamed to say I've only just caught up. Nonetheless, another fine episode folks! That episode audio prologue enforced unavoidable giggles. Kudos to the prime postulator of this topic, wouldn't have ever crossed my mind; perhaps suggesting I couldn't fathom the series without it.

Doubtlessly support Mike's reasoning for pro-narration. Despite the decision for this matter purely being rooted with personal preference and context, Dragon Ball may not require narration but certainly benefits from it.

In regards to the contact form providing some categoric organisation, why not include a drop-down subject field, including potentially popular choices such as 'Podcast Inquiries'?