While Xyex first broke it for us over on our forums on the 21st with a link to the strategy guide, we now have “official” word: “Budokai 3” has been announced, is in development by Dimps, and is slated for release “later this year” (as reported on The Magic Box).

We do not know if it will incorporate anything from “Dragon Ball Z 2 V” (the updated version of Budokai 2 in Japan, which includes character costumes such as Kuriza and Coola), but we will be sure to keep you up to date as we find and translate information.

Furthermore, a new GameBoy Advance game entitled “Boo’s Fury” has been announced for a 29 September 2004 release, and is being developed by WebFoot (who did the two “Legacy of Goku” games). While this game is being described as a fighting game, we can not be sure just yet; one would assume it would be the third game in the “Legacy of Goku” action/RPG series.

Just as a reminder, the North American version of “Bukū Tōgeki” (entitled “Super Sonic Warriors”), the GBA fighting game developed by Arc Systems, is due out 27 August 2004.

It seems people simply did not believe Greg when he put up the images on what happened to be April 1st here in the States… but was April 2nd over in Japan:

Hey everyone! Long time no see right? Okay straight to business. I am happy to reveal to the English speaking world that Dragon Ball was just given a new ending by the man himself, Akira Toriyama. I was tipped off to this by my Japanese friend Epuriru Furu who let me know that the last volume of the perfect collection manga contained a new four page ending to this series which was released here in Japan April 2nd or April 1st in the US. Not surprisingly this comes on the heels of what Mike from Daizenshuu EX broke as a continuation of the DB story in the form of the long awaited DBAF! Anyway, I’m sure what you really want to see are the scans! Sorry these are really blurry! I was just too excited to get them to you all! I also omitted all the Japanese dialogue so you can read it in English. Enjoy the NEW ending to DB which will forever be a classic series. Greg Out!

Yes — Akira Toriyama drew a new four-page, full-color ending to the Dragon Ball manga, which appears in the 34th (final) kanzenban.

Another new book is being released entitled “Dragon Ball Forever.” Here is a translation of what you will find over on its respective page:

Announcing the results of the popular vote!
The best bouts, best characters, and best items in DB Kanzenban vols. 1-34 are published!

Toriyama- sensei‘s interview is also completed!
Sensei tells in super-detail the secret stories of his work. The characters’ roots will become clear, as well!!

There’s also a full load of detailed data!
With an illustrated book of all the characters and items, you’ll be able to enjoy every little corner of DB!

Deluxe stickers are also going to be included!
Reappearance of the covers to kanzenban vols. 1-34, on stickers!

It is assumed there will also be a story guide for kanzenban volumes 23-34, with the other (final) seven “Dragon Ball Children” images drawn by other artists.

Shueshia also has a contest going on (bottom right of the page) where you can win one of 500 boxes to hold all 36 books in the series (34 volumes + “Landmark” and “Forever” books). You will need to cut out one of the application forms from the wraparound ads that come with volumes 33, 34, and “Forever” — stick it onto a postcard with your name, address, age, phone number, and the words “Dragon Ball” (since they are also doing a “Slam Dunk” promotion), and mail it off to the address at the bottom of the ad.

Colin from San Diego, California is starting up an indie-rock band called The Red Ribbon Army. Check out his PureVolume page; he has a song up called “The Four Agreements” that you can listen to.

Special thanks to Sean Foster for the following check-in from the FUNimation panel at MegaCon this past weekend. Some interesting news:

• (At least the FUNimation representative on hand) did not know when KidMark’s sub-license for the home distribution of Dragon Ball episodes 1-13 would expire. This is of note to fans who understand that FUNimation cannot release the bilingual, uncut DVDs of this arc until KidMark’s sub-license from distributing the original “Saga of Goku” box set has run up.
• The re-dub of seasons 1 + 2 (named the “Saiyan” and “Namek” sagas; approximately 67 episodes in the original Japanese, which was cut down to 53 for original syndicated broadcast) has been completed. It is slated to be released after all of Dragon Ball GT has been completed and released. Their format will be in the “box + 1” disc style.

Special thanks to Joseph Bautista for passing along a link to a thread on IGN with tons of images from “Dragon Ball Z 2” and some promo stuff from “Dragon Ball Z 2 V” (the upcoming expansion/bonus version of the game in conjunction with V-Jump), with images of the new “Dragon World” stage (featuring Onio and Neko Majin Z), some new outfits, Kuriza, Coola / Metal Coola, etc. Awesome stuff.

The Magic Box has released some images from the upcoming “Dragon Ball Z 2 V” expansion disc (remember, “Dragon Ball Z 2” is the Japanese version of “Budokai 2”; the “V” comes from V-Jump, Shueisha’s Japanese video game magazine under the “Jump” brand).

Bandai announced DragonBall Z 2 V (the “V” stands for V-Jump, a Japanese manga magazine) for PlayStation 2, an upgrade to DragonBall Z 2 (DragonBall Z Budokai 2). The game will feature brand new fighters from the DragonBall Z movies, plus several new fusion characters, such as Kuura, Cubit, Gokutan (Goku + Satan) and Potana. DragonBall Z 2 V is scheduled to release in Japan in April.

The upgrade looks to have at least Coola (and Metal Coola) as a playable character, plus some of the bonus fusions (Yamhan / Tiencha, Gotan / Gokule, Kibitoshin). The screens also seem to confirm a special “V-Jump” version of the Tenka-ichi Budōkai ring, as well.

Included with my latest batch of kanzenban stuff were some images of the upcoming Japanese Dragon Ball DVD “Dragon Box”. Take a look below at how the box and discs will look, as well as a shot of the Tenka-ichi Budōkai Diorama Set that will come with it (including more figures in addition to Goku and Kuririn).

Looks cool. Too bad I don’t have a spare ¥100,000 to fork over.