Your opinion on skipping/not watching Dragon Ball

[Bajosexto]

In the short time I've been on reddit, I've seen more than a few threads where newbies ask whether they should watch DB, if it's okay to skip DB, etc. Personally, I don't understand why someone would skip half of the story. It would be like starting with Naruto Shippuden. But we're all able to watch a show however we want. So if they want to skip/not watch Dragon Ball then I don't "force" them to. Though I feel that a true fan of the franchise would enjoy Dragon Ball. And a newcomer who isn't a fan would also enjoy it. So why skip it? I think there's this idea that Dbz is so much better than DB. And because of that newcomers want to skip the boring, kid Goku adventures, and go straight into the hardcore action pack Dbz.

What are your thoughts? Is it okay to skip DB? Should you watch DB?

[Dragon Ball Ireland]

Even though I, like most other people in the west started with Z watching Dragon Ball first is the way to go. Yes, you do get a sense of who these characters are by watching Z but your missing a lot of their prior development.

[mute_proxy]

DB isn't a separate story, it's the main story, the beginning of it, so yes, watching it is as essential as watching any other show from the beginning.

[Saikyo no Senshi]

I'm not going to force people. If they think skipping half the story is fun and all, well their loss. I think Kai has contributed to this as well. Another reason to hate Kai.

As for is it worth watching? Yes. It's the more consistent product as far as I'm concerned. Toriyama is best when he does silly stuff and early half of DB is a lot of fun. It does change tone later, but it is more silly compared to the later portions of the series. That is a huge plus.

Nishio and Okazaki created a overall fine anime adaptation. The acting by the original cast is outstanding and Kikuchi Shunsuke's musical score is well perfect.

[sintzu]

You'll of course get a better understanding of Z by watching it but it is a bit outdated in comparison and there's a major shift between them unlike Naruto and Shippuden so I understand why someone wouldn't want to. Also the Saiyan arc is a good starting point cause it's not continuing any major plot line and everything important is explined for the viewer.

If starting with Z is what will make a fan out of someone then that's the way to go.

[Soppa Saia People]

Really dumb in my mind. It's like skipping A New Hope and starting with the Empire Strikes Back. Yeah you can do it, but why would you ?

[GreatSaiyaJeff]

Like most fans in the west, I started with Z. Although I personally I think someone should start with Dragonball, it brings a nice spark of magic and wonder that Z sometimes lacks.

[Valerius Dover]

I started with DB when I saw it, and I'm glad I did. I can't imagine not watching it. Skipping it makes about as much sense as just starting at the Buu arc when watching Kai. I wouldn't say there is a major shift, it was more of a gradual change.

[cheddarsword]

Having read the Dragon Ball portion of the manga, I can honestly say that no matter where you start in the series, it shouldn't be missed. I personally am no fan of Bulma's body being shown off and used in the way that it is, but it's part of the series and like it or not, it is what it is.

[Soppa Saia People]

Having read the Dragon Ball portion of the manga, I can honestly say that no matter where you start in the series, it shouldn't be missed. I personally am no fan of Bulma's body being shown off and used in the way that it is, but it's part of the series and like it or not, it is what it is.

Exactly. I get watching Z first. I don't agree with it, but whatever, but flat out not watching a third of the series, is just dumb and I can't really justify it.

[cheddarsword]

Having read the Dragon Ball portion of the manga, I can honestly say that no matter where you start in the series, it shouldn't be missed. I personally am no fan of Bulma's body being shown off and used in the way that it is, but it's part of the series and like it or not, it is what it is.

Exactly. I get watching Z first. I don't agree with it, but whatever, but flat out not watching a third of the series, is just dumb and I can't really justify it.

It's actually good too. Especially if you want a bit of a change up from the whole "GOTTA POWER!" theme that took over starting in the Demon King Piccolo arc.

The comedy is also better too.

Bulma grabs Blue:

Blue: Get off me!

Bulma: That's right, he's gay! Well, I may look like a woman but I'm actually a guy!

Blue: NO MAN HAS BOOBS THAT BIG!

Still cracks me up!

[Cipher]

I just tell everyone to start with the Boo arc.

[precita]

Skipping Dragonball is the dumbest thing anyone can do, especially if these same people watch Super or GT.

Dragonball is one of the best portions of the series.

[Boo Machine]

Hell, I wish I started with Dragonball. Starting with Z didn't exactly keep me lost, but it was a while before realized I was missing some information. Like, what the hell was the red ribbon army and why are they building androids to kill Goku?

But even you don't start with it for whatever reason, it should by no means be skipped. It has so many great moments and a lot of people would argue it's the best part of the franchise, for good reason.

One of my friends refuses to watch the original dragonball because, in his own words, "I don't need to watch the prequel if I already know what happens." I spent a good bit of time trying to explain why it's not just a prequel story. Oh well.

[sintzu]

One of my friends refuses to watch the original dragonball because, in his own words, "I don't need to watch the prequel if I already know what happens." I spent a good bit of time trying to explain why it's not just a prequel story. Oh well.

You can blame the companies behind the franchise for that mindset. For the longest time they've treated it as an unimportant prequel. I'm not against anyone starting with Z but anyone who likes the franchise should watch DB at least once.

[SaiyanGod117]

It's kinda hard to watch, the animation is very dated. It was definitely one of the best anime during its era, a remaster should've already been done.

[coola]

I watched original Dragon Ball first, and beside backstory of earthlings, you will also miss one of biggest WTF in Dragon Ball history, when Piccolo Daimao killed Shenron, for couple epiosde i really thought it was over, Kami wasnt introduced until few episodes later.

[Footlong Shoe]

As someone who started at the very beginning of the manga, I don't understand how anyone could enjoy Dragon Ball Z without seeing Dragon Ball before it (unless they're just in it for the action). In my opinion, its importance to the story is brutally understated.

Hell, outside of the US, there is no "Z" in the manga. Starting with "Z" would literally be starting at Volume 17, do I need to say any more?

[FortuneSSJ]

You don't start reading a book by the middle. It will be just a half-assed experience.

[Baggie_Saiyan]

My only regret as a fan was not experiencing the big Saiyan twist, after watching DB I came to the realisation at how important that twist was and can only imagine how crazy fans must have gone when it happened back then. So yeah I would say skipping DB is pretty big and misses a lot of development and care for the characters, like way before I used to jump on the bandwagon of mocking the likes of Krillin and Yamcha, now I do not at all. The Super Saiyan transformation on Namek is made even more powerful when one has watched/read OG DB, and like the Saiyan twist this is something that is also regrettable.