Dragonball Z: Yo! Son Goku and His Friends Return! [Review]

Warning: This post contains spoilers! Read at your own risk!

Review:

After 11 years of waiting, the very first Dragonball Z has been released! As a part of the Shonen Jump 40th Anniversary celebration going on in Japan, Akira Toriyama created this special to commemorate this special occasion! ^_^

The first character to kick off the special is Videl, who–after all this time–is still ashamed of his father, Hercule Mr. Satan, for claiming he defeating Cell and Majin Boo. Videl calls up Gohan to tell him about the Grand Opening of a hotel dedicated to Mr. Satan. At dinner, Gohan tells Goku, Goten and Chi-Chi about the event. At first they had no interest in attending, but once the secret word was mentioned: “Buffet”, Goku couldn’t help but to say yes. :lol:

The day of the hotel Grand Opening, the Z Fighters are reunited…(except for Tien, whose Seiyuu passed away in 2006). They haven’t changed a bit. Vegeta is the last one to show up, who ends up sparring with Goku. As the Z Fighters feast on the food (not to mention Goku and Vegeta who pretty much ate everything in sight), a new presence was detected. It turns out to be Vegeta’s long lost brother, Tarble! A lot of WTFs ensue from the gang.

Tarble, and his odd wife, Gure, found refuge on a planet after being exiled for being weak by King Vegeta. How sad. :( Not long ago, he was forced away from his planet by two of Freezer’s left over henchmen: Abo and Cado (*cough*Dodoria*cough*).


My analysis of Dragonball Z: Yo! Son Goku and His Friends Return!:

I was really impressed! The characters have not changed. One. Bit! Vegeta, on the other hand, has fully adjusted to the ranks of the Z Fighters: making weird facial expressions. The fight, which won’t be spoiled for anyone who hasn’t seen it yet, was a bit exciting, but not as exciting as the fights in the past; it was already expected by many when the special was first announced.

I was hoping for this to be a bit longer like the official movies. Although, it was enough to satisfy my tastes. I also enjoyed that Vegeta got more attention, especially with his brother added, as he didn’t get enough of it in the original series; this makes up for it.

This special may actually be aimed towards Vegeta fans than a general fan, but I think fans of their favorite character would be satisfied by getting the chance to see them again after a decade. :D

The special is available for viewing on Jumpland.com until January 31st, 2009. A DVD has been announced for a Japanese release, but nothing on an English dub at this time.

Rating:

★★★★½

Popularity: 35% [?]

There are 9 comments (Reply?)

  1. Mitch
    Commented on: November 26, 2008 at 4:12 pm
    Website: http://moneyne.ws

    What DBZ is coming back? o_O So is this like a new series where it left off after the GT series?

    Check out Mitch´s recent blog post: Skull Lord Var’Ithrok Down – Order – Warhammer Online

  2. Sanjo-chan
    Commented on: November 26, 2008 at 9:36 pm
    Website: http://centakume.info/

    @Mitch: I wish there was more than just this episode, but it’s just this one movie made for Shonen Jump’s 40th Anniversary festival. It takes place right after the end of the Majin Boo saga and a while before Goku leaves to train Uub.

  3. Mitch
    Commented on: November 26, 2008 at 10:15 pm
    Website: http://moneyne.ws

    Oh so its a special movie. Dang, I was hoping to have another series to watch. Wonder when it’ll be available to pick up in the US. I’ll have to go pick up a copy when I go to Japan next month.

    Check out Mitch´s recent blog post: Skull Lord Var’Ithrok Down – Order – Warhammer Online

  4. pj bellefleur
    Commented on: November 28, 2008 at 12:32 pm
    Website:

    ok cool but when is the engilish dubb gonna be coming?

  5. Sanjo-chan
    Commented on: November 28, 2008 at 3:41 pm
    Website: http://centakume.info/

    @pj bellefleur: Haven’t heard anything on an English dub yet. :/

  6. Mitch
    Commented on: December 1, 2008 at 6:49 pm
    Website: http://moneyne.ws

    I just watched it, and it reminded me more of the DB GT series more than the DBZ series. It had soo many gags, and puns from the previous series that the episode just oozed ’special’. Though it was funny to see this side of Vegeta in this episode. I think its worth watching for sure just for that.

    That end scene with goku/vegeta is hilarious.

    Check out Mitch´s recent blog post: Skull Lord Var’Ithrok Down – Order – Warhammer Online

  7. pj bellefleur
    Commented on: December 23, 2008 at 11:01 am
    Website: http://dontknow

    ok so i found out that the English dub will be in 2009 for yo son goku and his friends return/ goku and friends return.

  8. DroBigFan
    Commented on: December 18, 2009 at 12:07 pm
    Website: http://HAHAHAHAHAHaH

    i hope it was a new series, i got so happy, but dame when are they going to come out with a NEW SERIES of DRAGONBALL Z/GT or waht ever? Its 2009 soon 2010 they need a new series cuz the dragonball movie sucked evey fan balls if you ask me. I think they will sooon 2010

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