While I agree that some of these stereotypes are trite and nonsensical, I find that I share the sentiments of the haters on this one; the anime is so drawn out that it is almost unwatchable at times. Most of the retorts against that point that I've seen are fairly weak. Regarding VegetoEX's (among other members' points on this matter), it's not just western audience's perception of episodes and continuity, because, while Japanese syndicated cartoons focus on a linear and continuous serialization compared to western cartoons, that still doesn't change the fact that Dragon Ball Z is absurdly padded
even when it is compared to other Japanese cartoons. For instance, the final acts (I.E the most important moments) of Elfen Lied and Death Note were all in the span of one and half to two episodes (depends on your point of view). A fight in Elfen Lied also would last for more than half an episode, even though they were much more tactical than those of Dragon Ball Z (where it very quickly turned into "I'm STRONGER THAN U SO I WIN," this is only applicable to Dragon Ball Z). However, Elfen Lied isn't a fighting series, so it might not serve as the best comparison. So, lets instead use Rurouni Kenshin (although that is more of a story about redemption rather than a fighting anime, but whatever), as an example. Most fights in that anime last about an episode, maybe a little more (the 3 episode long fight between Kenshin and Sojiro is an exception, because the episodes have a very long and detailed flashback that is longer than the fight itself). The biggest and most important fight in the series is five episodes long, and half of the story was building up to it. Compare that to Dragon Ball Z, the Raditz fight spans over 4 episodes, the Vegeta vs Goku fight spans 6 episodes, the Goku vs Cell fights spans for 4 episodes and the Gotenks vs Buu fight spans for 5 episodes. These are just the minor fights, the Gohan vs Cell fight is 11 episodes long and the Kid Buu fight is 10 episodes long. The "true form" Freeza fight is really bad in this case; it's 37 episodes long. That's just atrocious.
These are the fights, which are supposed to be adrenaline-filled, intense and quick. I don't want to even talk about the non-fight filler, besides, I've made my point. Telling others to watch Dragon Ball Kai is invalid because, two years ago, Dragon Ball Kai didn't exist. Also, all the episodes haven't been formated, yet. In other words, if I want to watch the Buu Arc, I'll have to do it with the crap regular anime.
@Feminine-sound characters; I think that Masako Nozawa is an amazing voice actor, but she doesn't sound anything at all like I'd imagine Goku to sound like. Toei seems to have missed the point; Goku's supposed to have the
mentality of a child. Physically, he's a big, strong man. His childish naïvety and personality should be behaviorally linked rather than physically linked. I think it'd be hilarious to hear a adult, manly voice(although his voice shouldn't be too deep, don't get me wrong) say the things that Goku says, though it'd be situational.
But yeah, people who say that the entirety of the Dragon Ball cast sounds like females are shortsighted, retarded or just desperately looking for things to hate (though that'd be weird, since there are plenty of things to hate about Dragon Ball if you'd really want to).
EDIT: Before people say anything, Bleach, Naruto, and One Piece can shove it, I know nothing about these animes because they've never appealed to me.
