How Would You Introduce Someone to Dragon Ball ?

[Vegeta th3 4th]

While people can certainly get into even a serialized show starting with a random episode and I'm not averse to people starting with something later, I would hope they'd eventually go back to the beginning armed with the knowledge that it gets good.

The issue I have with starting from the Saiyan arc is that the major plot points hold no weight without prior knowledge of the previous arcs.

While I can completely understand people choosing to start with Z, I do find it surprising how many fans never bother watching DB afterwards. Like they love the world and the characters, but aren't curious to see the beginning.

I blame the companies behind the franchise for completely neglecting DB. They practically act like it doesn't exist.

[Zephyr]

I never could get passed the first season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Albeit, that was, like, fifteen years ago, but oof lol. I thought about giving it another shake, but I'm honestly not hot on the Whedon influence, Xander and...well, all the homophobia. I'm really curious about what might become of the revival series that is in the works. If that's any good, I might hop back on from there.

Oh yeah, that stuff's not great, Xander especially.

The first season of Buffy is definitely a lot cheesier than what came after (the bad guy from I Robot You Jane looks like they stole the costume from the set of Power Rangers for example) and season 2, at least in my opinion, struggled with having a full network season because the story arc episodes are really very good but the filler episodes that weren’t “I Only Have Eyes for You” were almost entirely shit.

Yeah, plenty of cheesy stuff, but I found that more charming than bad. And yeah, the filler episodes weren't as interesting as the story arc ones, but I don't remember finding them that bad.

Like, I've noticed (with both Buffy and Star Trek) that even when the narrative ends up on the weaker side, the character dynamics and chemistry between actors goes a long way.

[JulieYBM]

I never could get passed the first season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Albeit, that was, like, fifteen years ago, but oof lol. I thought about giving it another shake, but I'm honestly not hot on the Whedon influence, Xander and...well, all the homophobia. I'm really curious about what might become of the revival series that is in the works. If that's any good, I might hop back on from there.

Oh yeah, that stuff's not great, Xander especially.

The first season of Buffy is definitely a lot cheesier than what came after (the bad guy from I Robot You Jane looks like they stole the costume from the set of Power Rangers for example) and season 2, at least in my opinion, struggled with having a full network season because the story arc episodes are really very good but the filler episodes that weren’t “I Only Have Eyes for You” were almost entirely shit.

Yeah, plenty of cheesy stuff, but I found that more charming than bad. And yeah, the filler episodes weren't as interesting as the story arc ones, but I don't remember finding them that bad.

Like, I've noticed (with both Buffy and Star Trek) that even when the narrative ends up on the weaker side, the character dynamics and chemistry between actors goes a long way.

Yeah, the Xander stuff is just...insufferable. Especially if you have trauma around men doing that to you lol.

I think the coolest thing about Star Trek is definitely how the cast could basically elevate an episode with their chemistry. When you're producing upwards of twenty-six episodes a year, it makes sense that it's not going to all be homeruns, but that cast dynamic—which is probably something more or less only achievable in live action—really helps sell those types of shows. Writing for your acts is a great tool to have in the back pocket.

[Kendamu]

Dragon Ball is so well-known that I generally run into two kinds of people: people who watched it a long time ago and people who know something about it anyway. The big question is how much they wanna invest into it. Depending on what they already know or remember, I'll just put on a good example of Dragon Ball that they can follow, and usually the details start filling in around what they already know.

[ABED]

For the record, I think those early seasons are great, but the shows (DB included) are good from the jump. They simply hit their stride either by the second season or end of the first.

the filler episodes that weren’t “I Only Have Eyes for You” were almost entirely shit.

Disagree as that's not just a great episode, it's not filler. Filler doesn't apply in this context. We need a talk about filler. Filler exists in the context of an adaptation like DB, but not a network show like Buffy or Supernatural.

To keep this about DB, that first arc is a ton of fun. I hope people don't actually think og DB is a prequel.

[super michael]

It depends if a person is into manga, I would introduce them to Dragon Ball manga and DBS manga.
If a person isn't into reading manga, then I would introduce them to Dragon ball and Dragon Ball Z. If they don't like filler, then I would recommend Dragon Ball Kai instead of Dragon Ball Z.

Then they can watch GT, DBS and Daima

[MasenkoHA]

For the record, I think those early seasons are great, but the shows (DB included) are good from the jump. They simply hit their stride either by the second season or end of the first.

the filler episodes that weren’t “I Only Have Eyes for You” were almost entirely shit.

Disagree as that's not just a great episode, it's not filler. Filler doesn't apply in this context. We need a talk about filler. Filler exists in the context of an adaptation like DB, but not a network show like Buffy or Supernatural.

To keep this about DB, that first arc is a ton of fun. I hope people don't actually think og DB is a prequel.

Idk I feel hair is being split. For shows with overarching storyline there’s a difference between an episode like Go Fish, which has fuck all to do with the Angelus/Vampire Triumvirate plotline of season 2, and Passions. You can skip I Only Have Eyes For You and not miss anything but it’s a great episode. Easily in my Top 10.

I know filler when referring to stuff like anime adaptations means “not from the source material” but I also kind of hate the definition? The Dreamland episode of Dragon Ball is filler but its weird to skip since the Hasky stuff is baked into the prior episode that you have to watch and despite the meat and potatoes of the Dream Land episode being anime exclusive if you skip the episode you’re going to go from Bulma and the others heading toward a theme park (episode 44) to Bulma and Goku looking for a dragon ball nowhere near a theme park and far away from Yamcha and the others. So you’re gonna feel like you missed something. Or Dragon Ball Z. 99 percent of episode 18 is pure filler but the last part is Goku reaching the end of Serpentine Road and meeting Kaio


Or Sailor Moon. The Demon World Tree arc is filler because its not from the manga but it also explains how the girls and Mamoru got their memories back after the end of the first series and how Usagi got a new transformation brooch and wand. Skip it and it’s like “huh? Didn’t they all have amnesia?” “When did the silver crystal merge with Usagi’s transformation brooch?” “Where did she get that scepter what happened to the Crescent Moon Stick?”

[JulieYBM]

'Filler' really is such a loaded word. I don't even think it's particularly that big a deal if something is 'filler', either. I really enjoyed the anime-original stuff in Dragon Ball, and even long-form arms like those in BLEACH and NARUTO Shippuuden wound up being really fun. Series that produce twenty-six hour long episodes a year, like Star Trek, might have lower-priority 'filler' episodes meant to spin the wheels a little bit for later episodes, but even then, episodes aren't necessarily meant to be made to be dogshit.

Unfortunately, those first two seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation have a lot of dogshit episodes lol.

[MCDaveG]

'Filler' really is such a loaded word. I don't even think it's particularly that big a deal if something is 'filler', either. I really enjoyed the anime-original stuff in Dragon Ball, and even long-form arms like those in BLEACH and NARUTO Shippuuden wound up being really fun. Series that produce twenty-six hour long episodes a year, like Star Trek, might have lower-priority 'filler' episodes meant to spin the wheels a little bit for later episodes, but even then, episodes aren't necessarily meant to be made to be dogshit.

Unfortunately, those first two seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation have a lot of dogshit episodes lol.

Filler in DB is actually pretty great, expanding on time-skips. My favorite is after Uranai Baba arc when Goku trains in Shu's uniform and we get Demon Realm with Prince Shura.
In DBZ tho, some of the filler combined with slower pace is a killer. I have trouble to sit through the Garlic Jr. arc on rewatch everytime, often skipping it.
DB to me has a lot fresher and steadier pace, with better written filler that fits nicely into the overall East-asian myth fantasy.

[Saiya6Cit]

The way I do it is by telling them to watch Daima.

In Mexico Goku is like family. Most people are at least familiar with his looks and name and they have an idea of the dragon balls too. It is almost national culture (I am not kidding). Let's say it is as famous as Mickey Mouse and Speedy Gonzalez.

My point is, even though many have not watched any of the DB anime before, they might be willing to watch a series that looks as current anime looks. Adding Daima to Netflix was brilliant because in my country they give it away for free, or maybe I should better say 'included' with the TV Cable and Internet Package, so almost every one has Netflix at home and if they are bored enough, I know they might start to watch Daima.

Recommending Daima to introduce Dragon Ball seemed accurate to me because as I said, general public tends to like pretty bright colors and Daima has very well done animation. When I tell someone to watch Daima I feel safe about recommending something of good quality and something that captures the DB feeling. If after watching Daima people want more DB, then I would recommend the DBZ, but I know that it is very slowly paced and that is the main reason why the 'general audience' is not appealed by it. If the person is willing to read I would recommend the manga for sure.

[Dragon Ball Ireland]

In theory I'd agree with a modern anime with pretty colours and animation being a good starting point, especially if the person your introducing Dragon Ball too hasn't seen a lot of old shows. For this reason I'd be in favour of a remake. It would lower the barrier for entry to the original story and likely bring in more fans than any of the midquels (Daima, Super) sequels (GT) would on their own. It would also be more rewarding to watch those follow-ups after seeing everything from Pilaf to Boo.

The problem with Daima as an introduction to the series is that it assumes you are familiar with the Boo arc, it also builds intrigue to hear about things like Dabura being the Demon King and knowing the Namekians as more than just "the green characters" before diving into Daima as they have development in the Freeza arc.

As for Netflix? Perhaps putting all the Dragon Ball series on it? That way fans have the choice of both old and new content and more freedom to watch what they want in whatever order. Apparently The Simpsons has seen a resurgence on Disney+, so major streaming services can help give classic shows a boost, particularly really iconic ones.

[Zinnia]

Recommended viewing:
Dragon Ball Daima

Optional viewing:
Dragon Ball GT, minus episodes 6-15

Extremely fanboyish behavior, considering how much Daima relies on GT pandering. And yes, episodes 6-15 included, considering the giant planet was straight off traced amongst other things. That's like recommending only episodes 18-20 of Daima because that's where the main action is. GT's adventure is a core part of the series.

[Vegeta th3 4th]

Extremely fanboyish behavior, considering how much Daima relies on GT pandering.

Your comment implies I said not to watch GT, which in fact I didn't. Although I do prioritize Daima, I'd still recommend GT if someone wanted more DB to consume.

[MasenkoHA]

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As for Netflix? Perhaps putting all the Dragon Ball series on it? That way fans have the choice of both old and new content and more freedom to watch what they want in whatever order. Apparently The Simpsons has seen a resurgence on Disney+, so major streaming services can help give classic shows a boost, particularly really iconic ones.

It would certainly make more sense to throw the shows on one of the more mainstream streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney Plus then putting them all on Crunchyroll.

Hulu at least has Kai and Super dubbed for fans who only care about the more “contemporary” content I guess.

[Kamiccolo9]

Honestly, assuming a random person with no connection to Dragon Ball at all, I'd just show them Battle of Gods. It's a solid, self-contained film, it's easy to follow, you get a good view of who these characters are, and it's fun. Best of all, it's, what, 90 minutes?

Most of us didn't get started on Episode 1, so it's not like that's an issue. And DB isn't complicated; you can generally jump in almost anywhere in the story and have a rough idea of what's going on.

[Yuji]

Honestly, assuming a random person with no connection to Dragon Ball at all, I'd just show them Battle of Gods. It's a solid, self-contained film, it's easy to follow, you get a good view of who these characters are, and it's fun. Best of all, it's, what, 90 minutes?

Most of us didn't get started on Episode 1, so it's not like that's an issue. And DB isn't complicated; you can generally jump in almost anywhere in the story and have a rough idea of what's going on.

I think Broly or Superhero probably do a better job of being a standalone film. Broly comes with its own backstory and has a small cast, so less characters to remember or think about. The fighting also reflects what Dragon Ball is about a bit better than BoG.

[Kamiccolo9]

Honestly, assuming a random person with no connection to Dragon Ball at all, I'd just show them Battle of Gods. It's a solid, self-contained film, it's easy to follow, you get a good view of who these characters are, and it's fun. Best of all, it's, what, 90 minutes?

Most of us didn't get started on Episode 1, so it's not like that's an issue. And DB isn't complicated; you can generally jump in almost anywhere in the story and have a rough idea of what's going on.

I think Broly or Superhero probably do a better job of being a standalone film. Broly comes with its own backstory and has a small cast, so less characters to remember or think about. The fighting also reflects what Dragon Ball is about a bit better than BoG.

Could be, I haven't seen anything since the ToP, so I can't speak for Broly. BoG does have the advantage of being the beginning of the current era of DB too, though.

[MasenkoHA]

Honestly, assuming a random person with no connection to Dragon Ball at all, I'd just show them Battle of Gods. It's a solid, self-contained film, it's easy to follow, you get a good view of who these characters are, and it's fun. Best of all, it's, what, 90 minutes?

Most of us didn't get started on Episode 1, so it's not like that's an issue. And DB isn't complicated; you can generally jump in almost anywhere in the story and have a rough idea of what's going on.

I think Broly or Superhero probably do a better job of being a standalone film. Broly comes with its own backstory and has a small cast, so less characters to remember or think about. The fighting also reflects what Dragon Ball is about a bit better than BoG.

Broly also conveniently throws in an origin story for its 3 leads. And you can figure out most of what’s going on through broad strokes

[Peach]

Honestly? I've had success just bringing friends to the movies like Resurrection F, Broly, Super Super Hero. I kind of explain what Goku is, what ki is, some villains they've fought, and the Super Saiyan forms, and they're good to go. I had one friend who had seen nothing but Battle of Gods and they loved it, saw the other movies with me, and watched a few episodes of Super with me when we were hanging out.

[Gashaponista]

"Do what you want, but never watch Dragon Ball Heroes nor read Toyotaro's manga."