Growing up with Dragon Ball/DragonBall Z/DragonBall GT was a true 90s American kids cultural staple, even if one didn’t indulge in the typical 5 episode long segments of screaming, constipated power-ups, intense violence, and macho golden haired beings going back and forth with the most powerful beings in the universe with cataclysmic battles. It’s influence in all of anime (Japanese cartooning) and even worldwide culture is undeniable.
In July of 2015, after the successful Battle of the Gods Movie that resurrected the main series after Dragon Ball Z (yes, GT was not considered canon aka real by the creator Akira Toroyama), fans across generations cheered. With over 6 arcs of high packed action, here are 5 reasons to get back into the show, either in the American English Dubbed Version on Toonami or the Japanese Subbed Version (my recommendation).
1.) ANIMATION
We loved the animation behind the original Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z, but super has gave meticulous care in creating fluid fighting choreography to deliver some of the greatest fights in anime history. Goku vs. Hit, Goku Black and Zamusu vs. Goku and Vegeta, Vegeta vs. Cabba and the entire last Tournament of Power arc have had beautifully animated fights to gawk over and make new age rap AMVs to.
2.) NOSTALGIC EASTER EGGS:
Dragon Ball Super, as it is the last installment in the entire DB Franchise, has made it its mission to give fan tributes to fans of the series for the past 20-30 years. Old characters from every show have returned, iconic scenes have been recreated(such as the filler with Yamcha being in the crater like the Saiyan Saga in the DBZ series), nostalgic moves for the fans (Galick Gun, Final Flash, Super Kamehameha, Spirit Sword, Big Bang Attack, Kaoiken ), hilarious references to the past series such as Goku referencing seeing Bulma-naked already (Dragon Ball reference), and much more. Watch to see if you can catch them all!.
3.) FULLEST POTENTIAL:
It was jokingly said on Dragon Ball Z Abridged by TeamFourStar that Goku could bench press a planet. During the final Kid Buu fight, Goku and Kid Buu actually had the potential to destroy the entire planet. Dragon Ball Super saw the introduction of actual Gods, Angels and the King of Everything: individuals who could destroy the planet and entire universes at will. Since this is one of the highest power scalings in all of anime/comic book history for multi-verse destruction, the fights have been God level. Dragon Ball Super reminds you that the Dragon Ball franchise is anime with the most powerful anime characters of all time, with their fights reflecting the most gorgeous of power flexes.
4.) MUSIC:
There have been only two theme songs of the show this far, but these two theme songs in addition to the transformation and crisis themes have added to the suspense, drama, suspense and action of the show in the most dynamic orchestrated musical pieces the show has had to date.
5.) STATISTICS:
At a point, after a tie, Dragon Ball Super became the most watched anime in the entire world during it’s run. Imagine being off air for several notable years after influencing every anime to come after, only to come back and stand on top of the game quantitatively and qualitatively. The numbers speak for itself and you should hop on this Kamehameha wave.
My personal suggestion, for the highest quality and enjoyment, is to watch the first two movies in order (Battle of the Gods, then Resurrection of F) then start the series from the Universe 6 vs. Universe 7 saga onwards to the end.
For true Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z and entire DB Franchise lovers in general (manga, video games, cosplay, fan art), Dragon Ball Super is the greatest fitting end for a legacy.
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