Why Like Dragon Ball Z?

[thatdbzguy]

I think that most of us can admit that DBZ isn't exactly a perfect form of literature. Compared to other literary/televised works, DBZ isn't as strongly written, complex, or thought-provoking as a lot of other series. It's a simple story with very inconsistent writing that would likely be seen as pure garbage to most people who have a very firm knowledge of quality literature and entertainment.

But even with this in mind, I still love DBZ. I don't know why, and it's not because of nostalgia. Ever since I got back into DBZ a few years ago, I've seen countless amounts of complaints about it's quality as an overall story, even from the most dedicated of fans.

So, taking this all into consideration, why like and defend Dragon Ball Z? I'm not asking this in hopes to get you all to stop liking and defending it, not by a long shot. I'm asking because I've been wondering about this myself for a long time.

[Linnom]

Because Dragon Ball is really fun, unlike the modern shonen mangas.

[Gonstead]

- It's simple enough to get into
- The fights can tend to get quite fun to watch
- It's odd presentation of character designs, technology, story and character interactions gives it a certain charm
- It's good for a quick watch if you're bored.

[Wobbuffet]

Because Dragon Ball is really fun, unlike the modern shonen mangas.

Gotta disagree with you. There are lots of fun ongoing manga series, you just have to look for them.
Bad manga series always existed. But we will never hear about the old ones, because everybody stopped talking about them.

On topic: yeah, I love Dragon Ball because it's fun, and that's enough for me.

[Bardo117]

Because we were all little kids when we first started watching it, so we didn't care much for story, or detail. Just action. Now that we're all grown up, it holds a special place in our heart.

[Unicorn_Bazooka]

I occasionally think about how DBZ is a very primitive anime compared to the anime nowadays. Nobody wants superhero-animes anymore, and the plots of the newer animes are complex as heck, which is one reason why i don't watch much anime at all.

I love Dragon Ball because of the sole reason how it's so addicting and thrilling, especially compared to the animes of it's time.

[theoriginalbilis]

I came for the action, designs, and serialized story. I stay for the characters, the charm of the anime & manga, and the fan community.

[The Time Traveller]

There's plenty of reasons, it's colourful, got awesome characters and designs, it's cute, funny and action packed.

[Blade]

It doesn't have to pose deep and philosophical questions for it to be good. Dragonball is a vivid, imaginative work that has captured the hearts and minds of millions around the world, effortlessly crossing the expanses of language and culture.

There's clearly something very special about Dragonball for it engender such widespread and lasting appeal, even if there is sometimes a struggle to quantify what is 'good' about it using the terminology and metering normally used to judge works of fiction.

[jjgp1112]

It's fun, has enough action to keep me engaged, and has enjoyable characters. It doesn't need to be complex for me to enjoy it. If I want something that's deep or will make me think in a great degree, I'll get that out of Breaking Bad or similar shows.

[Dalesy]

The characters. The sheer length of Dragon Ball creates an attachment to the characters. I want to see them succeed. I've sort of grown out of the fighting aspect of the show, but the character moments will keep me hooked forever.

It's also a very heartwarming story, which is worth a lot, at least to me. I still get tears in my eyes when Upa and his father recognize Goku's voice at the end of Z and give him energy for the Genki Dama. I guess that also ties into the character aspects.

It's not a franchise that I will rave up and down about, proclaiming its greatness from the rooftops, but it's a fun, entertaining series that does what it attempts to do.

[dprez]

It would've been hard not to like it when I first saw it. Dragon Ball Z just seamed so cool! Now, knowing where it came from and what it truly is, I love it even more.

It's been said many times why the series is so great. It's flaws and faults accounted for, it is to this day beloved by millions around the world, and partially due to the nostalgia factor, will never be forgotten.

[Vijay]

I came for the action, designs, and serialized story. I stay for the characters, the charm of the anime & manga, and the fan community.

This.
Fabulous characters, eye-grabbing designs by Toriyama, the scope & scales of the battle's, cleverly infused with Chinese mythology.
Beyond words...

[Piccolo Daimaoh]

I get the feeling this thread is more about self-affirmation than anything else. If you like DBZ for a stupid or insubstantial reason, who cares. It gives you pleasure and that's the main thing. You don't need anyone to confirm your feelings on anything.

[DBZ Mick]

Characters, artwork, voice work, story. Simplisticity. Comedy.

I really detest this kind of statement.

I think that most of us can admit that DBZ isn't exactly a perfect form of literature. Compared to other literary/televised works, DBZ isn't as strongly written, complex, or thought-provoking as a lot of other series. It's a simple story with very inconsistent writing that would likely be seen as pure garbage to most people who have a very firm knowledge of quality literature and entertainment.

Why does something need to be 'complex' or 'thought provoking' to be 'quality'. It's all subjective. Quality and depth are subjective. Even some things that have 'depth', 'quality' or are 'well written' 'complex' and 'thought provoking'. I love David Lynch's 'Inland Empire' and probably a causal viewer would find it mindless, gibberish, bullshit.

[Piccolo Daimaoh]

Depth isn't subjective (to an extent, anyway), but quality is. If you enjoy something, then it's quality.

[DBZ Mick]

I think depth can be.

Like I mentioned Lynch's Inland Empire, I know a lot on IMDB who analyse it's themes, use of colours, motifs etc. While others like I said would just say it's all mindless bullshit.

[Ajay]

I know a lot on IMDB who analyse it's themes, use of colours, motifs etc. While others like I said would just say it's all mindless bullshit.

Yeah, absolutely. That's the difference between those who appreciate the medium as at artform with all its intricacies and those who see it as just another form of entertainment.

I think it's important to determinate where your subject fits in between those two categories before speaking scholarly on the subject.

With something like Dragon Ball, it's never aimed to be full of symbology, imagery, metaphors and every other tool of complex narrative so there's little point in talking like it is.

However, that certainly doesn't mean it lacks quality nor does it mean we can't talk about its plot in an extremely positive manner. It is pretty fantastic at it what it tries to be and damn, don't get me started on just how fantastic and memorable each and every character is.

The whole concept of a Super Saiyan and the design aspect is just beautiful...and yet, I believe they're only blonde because Toriyama was too lazy to ink black hair anymore. Doesn't negate the positives that came because of it!

[Kakarot88]

For me it's 3 simple things:
1.) Originality
2.) Fighting / Training
3.) Speeches

The show, although repetitive at times, is incredibly unique with the villains the heroes encounter and the obstacles to be overcome...not to mention the dragon balls themselves! Also, the battle choreography still runs laps around much of the fighting animes and cartoons we have today. Lastly, the speeches are lasting especially from Vegeta. Whether a fan of the Japanese or funimation dub you are guaranteed to enjoy the Prince of Saiyans one liners!

[DoomieDoomie911]

I love Dragon Ball for the interesting characters and concepts, as well as the fun the series has. All of these things give Dragon Ball a charm that no other series that I've ever seen has come close to having. Dragon Ball might not have the best writing in the world, but it certainly has a charm about it that keeps me, as well as other fans, hooked.