Dragon Ball Z - No plot or character development?

[Wibbs]

Claiming that DBZ has no plot or character development isn't an uncommon thing on the internet. Chances are, you've come across a comment accusing DBZ of having no plot or character development.

Thats because a lot of western fans refuse to let go of the meme that says that. DBZ has a plot but even when you try to explain it to these knuckle-heads they won't accept it. They seem to only accept convoluted, overmelodramatic and overall messy storylines as plots because after Naruto, that became the standard for what people think of as a "plot." Simple, linear and easy to follow storylines = no plot to modern anime communities. People actually think Clannad has more plot than DBZ just because everyone is always crying.

That's something I can really get behind, after all I have to live with someone who shares those views. It really is irritating to constantly hammer in what exactly the plot of DragonBall is when all they hear is "baddie shows up, good guys win move on to the next saga". Another pet peeve is the ignorance towards characters dying in DragonBall, I hate it when people brush it off saying "oh well, they can come back with the DragonBalls" when that's simply not the case.

[Cipher]

Is Dragon Ball (Z included) a silly shonen series that focuses on action and humor? Of course.

Does it sometimes, in its later arcs, fall prey to action runs that last a bit too long and strength one upsmanship? Sure; that's a pretty well-known fault.

Is the story so built on contrivances that changing almost any element results in everyone's death to the hands of a later threat? If you think about it, yeah.

But I think people tend to sell its plot short. It's actually quite cleverly structured. There are tons of little twists, subversions and clever send-offs. Its character growth is surprisingly steady and its world-building, for something so silly, is also excellent. Never taking itself too seriously is its biggest strength, even in comparison to something like One Piece, which, at least from what I remember and the impressions I get, is more prone to moralizing and melodrama. Dragon Ball works because it ensures a few key things: You'll have fun, you'll be surprised, and by the end you'll care about all its characters.

[foxfang4]

Just wanted to add my 2 cents here. I'm 27. I love this show. And I try to just enjoy it and not overthink it.

Plot vs. Narrative:
Now: as a story, it's pretty "out there". Sometimes there are patterns to be noticed, and it may get (at times) a bit repetitive.

But, in terms of "plot", it's genius. The things Toriyama does to get us hooked are things I've never seen done in most shonen. The twist and turns. The unexpected idea of having Goku be late 1 day to the biggest fight in the show's history just opens up dozens of scenarios. It's exhilarating to experience. Even border line genius. It's the way Toriyama presents the story that's so damn intriguing. He knows how to get you hooked at the right time. Example: He knew exactly when to introduce the Ginyu Force to enhance the story. He doesn't mention their existence too early or too late. It's just perfect how he (unexpectedly) give the story a heavy dose of humour with these new characters. Even in Battle of Gods, I felt this.

A lot of people will tell you that some shows have amazing stories. But the "plot" (when and how story is developed) is usually very repetitive and predictable. Toriyama had (and has) a special instinct to change the story on a whim in order to improve/enhance it. And it's very well balanced. Even the most "shoe-horned" moments are justified because it leads to something great. IE: King Kai forgetting to send Goku back in time is convenient, but it leads to an A+ writing scenario. It's very similar to the reasons why the writers of "Breaking Bad" were so heavily praised. They improvised a lot in the moment and focused on what worked while writing the show.

The Dragon Ball story is masterfully written. You don't see many stories have the impact this one did on such a worldwide scale over so many years and generations. It just doesn't happen.

Been readings posts on this site for years. This is one of the best ones I've ever read.

[ChiChiFan]

DragonBall Z does have a plot and character development. Why do some fans think the show doesn't. I don't know. The show does suffer from repetition and filler but the action, humor and characters DBZ worth watching. It may not have been the greatest story written but it's a good story. I think some hate to give DBZ the credit it deserves.

[ChiChiFan]

Claiming that DBZ has no plot or character development isn't an uncommon thing on the internet. Chances are, you've come across a comment accusing DBZ of having no plot or character development.

Thats because a lot of western fans refuse to let go of the meme that says that or they only know DBZ from vague nostalgic memory. First off, kids cant comprehend plot thats why Barney has no plot. People only say it has no plot because it was of the kid shows they used to watch. That and the fact that the dub dumbed down most of the real plotlines with the goofy dialogue and characterization rewries. DBZ has a plot but even when you try to explain it to these knuckle-heads they won't accept it. They seem to only accept convoluted, overmelodramatic and overall messy storylines as plots because after Naruto, that became the standard for what people think of as a "plot." Simple, linear and easy to follow storylines = no plot to modern anime communities. People actually think Clannad has more plot than DBZ just because everyone is always crying.

I totally agree.