Newbie to Dragon Ball! My experience...

[Aether]

Hey Daizex! Not only am I new to the forum, but I'm new to the Dragon Ball series as a whole. I thought you guys just might be interested in hearing about how I came across the inspirational series so much later than my peers. Bear with me as it is a little long. But I think most of you will appreciate the view of someone who got into Dragon Ball a little differently to most people.

Dragon Ball in its animé form was on TV at the time in my life when I would've enjoyed it the most. Somehow, even though my friends all watched it, I missed out. Not sure why. Could be something to do with the amount of video games I played instead of watching actual TV...Yes, I'm a geek.

Anyway, it never really appealed to me. I heard my friends all talking about those blonde dudes that shot lazors at each other and caused awesome explosions and thought “meh”. I never dreamed there was an actual story involved.

So now, years later, I come to University. Taking a Computer Games Design course, I was bound to meet up with some fellow geeks. And I did. I met 3 guys on my course whom I seemed to get on really well with (2 of which I'm moving in with for the 2nd year). Now, as you must know, meeting new friends comes with new opportunities to discover new interests. All three of them knew Dragon Ball. They'd all grown up watching the animé, and, even though they did have different grades of interest in the series (one being a HUGE fan), they all still had lengthy conversations about Dragon Ball which I couldn't participate in.

The aforementioned “HUGE fan” is a member of this forum, and the guy who really got me into Dragon Ball. His name is Rory. See, I walked into his room and couldn't help but notice the amount of Dragon Ball merchandise (and it's not all he owns either). But the items that piqued my interest the most was the entire collection of Dragon Ball manga. “It's the best way to get into the series” he told me. I nodded and borrowed the first couple of Dragon Ball manga. See, I'll read it and be able to understand the conversations these guys have. The other two attempted to get me to watch the animé, claiming it to be much more interesting or whatever. But Rory insisted for me to read the manga first, which I happily agreed to. I enjoy reading after all.

I read the first few volumes over a few weeks. I enjoyed the naivety of Goku and the adventures him and Bulma found themselves in. No blonde people with lazors in sight, this was good. I must admit, it took me a while to get into it. I enjoyed reading it, sure, don't get me wrong. But was I hooked? No. It was a pleasant experience.

Then came the first Tenkaichi Budokai. I'd already grown a fondness for the characters at this point. It was fun. Goku was silly, but strong. Kuririn was a nice rival. The antics of Bulma and Kame Sen'nin amused me to no end. But the tournament started and those feelings went out of the window, and not in a bad way. I loved it. The fights were getting good. Goku was getting amazing. Kuririn was close at his heel. I was genuinely excited to see the fights now. This was no longer simply a pleasant read, it was exciting and filled with plot twists. Red Ribbon Army came and went, then the real trouble started. Piccolo, the Demon King.

I was hooked. I started to burn through the manga. I was borrowing 4 at a time. Rory made sure no one ruined the story for me (thanks so much) and I was beginning to understand the appeal of the Dragon Ball phenomenon. I'd made my way through the Dragon Ball arcs with a funny feeling in my stomach. I loved it. Then the colour of the books changed...Z was beginning.

I was worried, I'm not gonna lie to you. Z was what everyone seemed to talk about. The blonde dudes with lazors. I didn't want Dragon Ball to go through such an extreme change (I know there were “lazors” before. But it was done so WELL). Rory was saying nothing, he left it to me to form my own opinions. By this point we were having lengthy discussions about the latest bits I'd read. So I started reading...

Goku is an alien from the Saiyan race, and there are people SO strong, they put him to shame. Wow...Really? I know it makes sense for him to be an alien, but wow. The first “chapter” of the Saiyan arc blew me away...but not necessarily in a good way. I dreaded the change, but the change came full force. Wait! Before you start your reply slating my opinion, read on...

I got used to it. I got used to it FAST. This WAS still DragonBall. Sure, it had took different route now. But this is where Akira Toriyama wanted to take it. And by this point, I trusted his decisions. So I kept on reading. And I kept on loving. New characters were introduced (Oh! I've not told you my favourite yet! Whilst it's not in my nature to pick favourites (I actually find it hard!) I do indeed have a Dragon Ball favourite...Kuririn! He's just so awesome. He's a TRUE friend, and not completely useless (mentioning no names Yamcha, none at all...)), and with new friends come new enemies. Vegeta...He's really cool. I loved him throughout the Namek arc. But my absolute FAVOURITE villain of the ENTIRE series was Freeza. No contest. Annnnnyway...

Super Saiyans came along...and it was actually done SO much better than I imagined. My favourite moment in Dragon Ball was when Kuririn died and Freeza turned his hand on Gohan. Goku fumes. “Are you talking about Kuririn? ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT KURIRIN?!” That whole scene of Goku turning Super Saiyan...and THAT quote...actually made me cry. Yeah...I'm not afraid to admit it. Dragon Ball threw me on an emotional rollercoaster.

The Cell arc came, and it was just as good as the Freeza arc IMO. But I just liked Freeza better than Cell 'tis all. Boo arc...Uhrm. Yeah. Cool character! Not so cool story bro. Hey, just my opinion. It's still Dragon Ball and I was both happy and depressed to see it come to an end. This is getting a little long, so I'll not go into detail about my opinions on every important scene. But Cell arc made me love Gohan. Kuririn and Goku still win, though.

So that's it. I had finished my Dragon Ball journey. But I feel it has only just begun... I did love every second of it though. There were ups and downs, smiles and tears. But it had to end somewhere. I never watched the animé, and I've been told that's both a blessing and a shame. Maybe I should delve deeper into the Dragon Ball universe? Maybe I should leave it as the beautiful experience it was? Only time will tell what happens now. But, wow..

That. Was. Awesome.

[Rory]

Gee, I'm not a huge fan, surely.
Really enjoyed seeing your reactions and predictions going through the series (it was like my own personal manga review of awesomeness!), and fondness of certain characters grow. It's especially fun to read these reactions in retrospect.
I totally agree on the weakness of the final arc, but apart from that, the manga's all great stuff!

That's right people, you too can have your own Dragon Ball fan as a friend/Guinea pig, just start lending your manga out today!
Welcome to the forums dude, glad to finally see you on here... Now, let's get you into them video games, huh?

[Michsi]

A fun read

I really do love it when people who did not grow up with DB end up loving it all the same. Shows that nostagia isn't the only thing that makes Dragon Ball the phenomen that it is.

Glad you enjoyed and welcome to the forum and the fandom

And yes, Krillin is awesome.

[StarRot]

That was really interesting. I always like reading what new fans feel about the series.
Welcome to the forum.

[Aether]

Thanks for the warm welcome guys
I'm looking forward to getting to know the fan base DB has. Perhaps I may even learn something!

[StarRot]

I've been a fan for 10 or so years, and I still learn something new. =p

[Piccolo Daimao]

It's just great when I hear new fans' experiences coming into Dragon Ball. It reminds of my younger self, and growing up with the series and learning more about it.

But you were lucky you were introduced to the series at the beginning. A lot of us were thrown in to Z without actually watching the characters mature, seeing how Goku destroyed the RRA and Piccolo tried to take over the world.

But Rory, you're a good friend, and Aether, welcome to the fandom and the forum.

[kaialone]

I've been a fan for 10 or so years, and I still learn something new. =p

^^
I wholly agree


Anyway Welcome Aether , I just recently got into Dragonball like you,and I really enjoyed reading about your first Dragonball experences since they're similar to mine.I hope you´ll enjoy being a Dragonball Fan ^^

[Ahiru77]

*great story bro*

That. Was. Awesome.

Yes. It. Was.

I say watch the anime, it really adds to the greatness.

[SonEric84]

I say watch the anime, it really adds to the greatness.

I would agree with this, especially if Kuririn is your favorite. There's some good filler in there that helps add to his already cool character.

[Goku100xKamehameha]

I say watch the anime, it really adds to the greatness.

I would agree with this, especially if Kuririn is your favorite. There's some good filler in there that helps add to his already cool character.

Kuririn was.... cool?!

[Michsi]

I'm torn between recommending to watch the original series and Kai.

Kai is far more faithfull to the manga but there were some great filler scenes in DBZ. There where some bad one too though

[Aether]

Michsi - Yes, I was wondering whether it would be best to watch DBZ or Kai...what do people think?

Goku100xKamehameha - Kuririn IS cool! Always has been, always will be!

I'm interesed in seeing these Kuririn fillers...So tempted...

[SonEric84]

I'm torn between recommending to watch the original series and Kai.

Kai is far more faithfull to the manga but there were some great filler scenes in DBZ. There where some bad one too though

Most people consider the Garlic Jr. arc "bad filler", but I think if you're a fan of Kuririn it's enjoyable because it gives him more time to shine.

Kuririn was.... cool?!

To be honest, Kuririn was one of the most heroic of all the characters. He stood his ground even though he was afraid, and most of the time had no chance of winning against his opponents. He may not have been cool in the "RAWR I'm overflowing with power" and kicking guys around like soccer balls kind of way, but he was a loyal friend and a true hero. It doesn't get much cooler than that.

[Rory]

Kuririn was.... cool?!

Kuririn no Kotoka...?
KURIRIN NO KOTOKAAAAAAA!!

[He may not have been cool in the "RAWR I'm overflowing with power" and kicking guys around like soccer balls kind of way....

It's a shame 99% of the Dragon Ball fan base judge characters based on this.
Even the 2 friends Aether referenced in his original post are somewhat like this.

[Goku100xKamehameha]

Kuririn was.... cool?!

Kuririn no Kotoka...?
KURIRIN NO KOTOKAAAAAAA!!

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You know... I think that line has become a Japanese meme...

[Rory]

You know... I think that line has become a Japanese meme...

Beats 9000.

[Adamant]

The Dragonbook two-page spread of memorable lines had that line in the biggest font in the entire book.

[kaialone]

I cant say if I should recomment watching Dragonball Z or Dragonball Kai (though I'm leaning towards Z)

But I can say that I definitly recomment reading through Herms guides at some point : http://daizex.fanboyreview.net/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=9633

[Cipher]

That's right people, you too can have your own Dragon Ball fan as a friend/Guinea pig, just start lending your manga out today!

Been doing the same thing with my girlfriend, only we're using the anime. We're in the Piccolo Daimao arc and she's really hooked now. There is seriously nothing as exciting as turning someone new onto something you're a fan of, and watching their reactions. I always like seeing these threads about new fans' experiences.

As for the anime, watch Z. Since you already know the story and don't need to rush through the material, it'll be worth it just to see the differences and additions. It also transitions into the anime-only sequel GT, which you should give a watch.