Well, I've finally managed to watch DBZ in its entirety for the first time ever. Man, what rollercoaster ride. Where to start...
I had previously seen the show back in 2000 in Cartoon Network dub form, but only up to the start of the Majin Buu saga. Now, fast forward seven years later, after having bought the whole series on dvd, I was able able to watch it from beginning to end and FINALLY see those Buu episodes I've been waiting to see for ages.
I can honestly declare, that DBZ is now my favorite anime series EVER!!! Even dethroning Macross which previously held the crown. This is the KING of fighting anime! I can't honestly see how Naruto, YuYu Hakusho, Hajime No Ippo, etc can top it. I can really understand why the series is as popular as it is, now. I feel I can now identify with the truly hardcore DBZ fans.
Upon watching the Babidi/Buu saga for the first time, I did not expect the series to take the turn it did with the introduction of these characters. Majin Buu has to be THE most disturbing villain in the whole series bar none! The fact that he turns humans into food and eats them is just downright twisted and plain wrong. But you know what? I loved every minute of it
Having not seen the Buu saga before, I was really taken by surprise once he changed into Evil Buu. First thing I thought was "Oh shit, this is gonna get goooood!
"You could actually feel the danger and evil this guy possessed. He makes Freeza look like Mr Rogers
I honestly thought Goten, Trunks and Piccolo were done for, once they got out the Spirit Room(fusion or no fusion). There was no way they were any match for Evil Buu. Once Kid Buu was formed, I said to myself "Well, this is the end of the line for everyone. No way Goku beats this guy". And indeed it looked that way for a while. But thanks to Vegeta's plan Goku brought out his trump card and saved the day with his Genki Dama or whatever it's called
Upon reflection, I think my favorite part of the series is still the Android/Cell sagas. There's just something sinister and mysterious about the way the plot moves along that attracts me. Anyone watching that particular section of the series can't help but sit and watch in suspense, wondering what's really going on. The way things unfold during the android and imperfect cell sagas, coupled with the whole time traveling aspect of it, and how they're all tied together is nothing short of brilliant.
Well it's late and I really can't think of anything else to add, other than it was a great ride. The length of the show does not bother me at all, neither does the long, drawn out nature in which the series progresses. I think the character development is one of DBZ's greatest strengths, as well as the way in which everything ties together in the Dragon Ball Universe.
I expect to re-watch the whole series from start to finish at least once a year. That way everything remains fresh and it keeps it from getting too old and redundant.
How often do you guys watch DBZ in it's entirety?
