Hoi-poi Capsules

[DaemonCorps]

Well, since I really don't have any reading this summer (for once) I decided to re-read the Dragonball/Z manga from the beginning and have thought of a few questions for discussion.

The main one is: is there an actual numbering system to the capsules? I'm guessing that each "type" (EX: boat type... bike type... plane type...) has a separate numbering system, since Trunks' Time Machine is labeled as number 1. So wat I mean is that there would be a #1 for boats and another #1 for cars or something.

Another thing kinda related to my previous question if the letter types mentioned by Oolong to Yamcha when he was robbing Goku and co. Yamcha says, "A 'size M' Capsule, eh?" Was this really explained? I'm guessing that a size M would be better than a size A...

I'm also guessing the 3 digited capsules are either newer or bigger (since I'm pretty sure that we've only seen them on those big planes.

Anyways... DISCUSS!

[the1payday]

Seein as how hoi-poi capsules were mainly used in VERY early Dragon Ball then pretty much thrown away...i'm guessing the numbering system is completely random and was whatever number popped in Toriyama's head first.

[DaemonCorps]

Well, I figured that it was pretty random, but does anyone have any theories? ugh... so sleepy...

[Ricochet0082]

I think of them like batteries. You have small triple A's and large D's. As you go further down the alphabet, the larger the item inside the capsule.

Hoi-Poi Capsules were not just used early in the Dragon Ball and then disappeared. They are used throughout all 42 volumes of the series. The "Hoi-Poi" was dropped and they were simply called capsules. Trunks uses one when he turns his flying craft into a capsule in volume 42 (DBZ vol. 26). Even Future Trunks' time machine turns into a capsule.

[Adamant]

As for the numbering system, my guess would be that the owners of the capsules simply put numbered stickers on their capsules after purchasing them, and then write the content of each numbered capsule on the chart in the top of their capsule case. It's a lot easier than remembering which number corresponds to which item with all the different crap we see people keep in their capsules.

"Hm, capsule #374537657563756... that would be Dr. Briefs' porn collection."

[Panda]

I remember an early episode with Bulma buying some capsules, I believe it was the "Boss Rabbit" episode. I'll try to find a screenie.

Well, I agree with the letter thing. I'd guess 'A' is the smallest capsules and 'Z' is the largest?

http://www.dragonball-fury.net/images/o ... apsule.gif

As for the numbering... The "Plane 1, Plane 2, Plane 3" theory works but maybe it's ailigned by the year or something? Or, it may just from 1 to whenever. It may just continue going up so that people dont have to be confused about which #1 they're supposed to buy.

[DaemonCorps]

Well, I just finished reading the Boss Rabbit arc in the manga, and when Bulma is buying the capsules in the town, she asks them to be numbered, so I'm guessing that either the numbering system is by your preference, as Adamant mentioned. Though if that were true, then it would really suck if some moron who sold the capsules got them mixed up!

[Panda]

Bulma also knows more about the capsules than most people given her heritage so maybe some reference from other characters would help to. (I wish I could help but I have very limited resources)

[Xyex]

I always figured the numbers were model numbers. Like, 01 would be the first model of whatever is in the capsule. 81 would then, of course, be the 81st model. Course, I don't know how that applies to the empty capsules (like the one Nam used to store the water) so... ya.

And ya, I've figured the letters were sizes, A through Z, and who knows, maybe even A through ZZZ or something. *shrug*