Summary
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Dragon Ball Z Kai offers a trimmed version of the series, improving pacing and modernizing the show without losing charm.
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Filler episodes like “Power of the Spirit” and “Celebrations with Majin Buu” add depth to the characters in unique ways.
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Non-canon additions, such as “Goku vs. Pickon” and “A Girl Named Clay,” provide entertaining and insightful perspectives.
Dragon Ball p is among the most iconic, recognizable and enduring anime series of all time. However, 25 years ago, with the ongoing manga, the show is filled with filler that often disrupts the pacing. A solution to this issue was presented in Dragon Ball Z KaiA shortened version of the original series that trims the fat, along with adding re-recorded dialogue and a clean soundtrack.
In this latest version of Dragon Ball pDespite probably being the best way to experience the anime, It is undeniable that a certain charm has been lost to modernization. None of the original filler sections belong to the canon of the story, but they often give a glimpse into the more personal aspects of the characters who share the most screen time. By no means are they all of the highest quality, But many of the non-canon additions add greatly to the original series, and are absolutely worth seeing.
10
“Power of the Spirit” lets some secondary characters shine
Episode #94
While not entirely non-canon, this episode gives some rare shine to characters that were largely left out of focus in the transition from Dragon Ball to Dragon Ball p. As Piccolo struggles to buy time for Goku’s Spirit Bomb on Namek, a sequence adapted from the manga, The remaining Z-Fighters on King Kai’s planet have a run-in with the Ginyu Force, following their defeat at the hands of Vegeta.
This section of anime-original action is spliced ​​between Piccolo receiving the beatdown of a lifetime from Frieza, before Goku’s spirit bomb connects with the space tyrant, seemingly giving him the victory. The Z-Fighter scenes serve to communicate two things to the audience: How greatly improved were Imha, Tien and Chiatzu Since beginning training with King Ki, and also how far behind the main characters in strength they remain. The improvements made by Goku, Piccolo, Gohan, and Vegeta on Namek are almost incomprehensible compared to when they all first landed on the planet, and episode #94 displays that growth well.
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9
“Celebrations with Majin Buu” adds depth to a beloved character
Episode #287
While the Dragon Ball Manga quickly undergoes a time jump after the conclusion of the Majin Buu Saga, the anime leaves some breathing room for the characters to celebrate their victory. And as the series winds down, It treats viewers to a more intimate look into the lives of the main cast Outside of defending the Earth against whatever new threat appears. A wish is made for everyone except the Z-fighters and friends to forget about BW’s existence, who then continue to try and integrate into society.
Humorous chaos ensues when Buu fights a boxer for prize money to use on ice cream, and is then taken shopping by Bulma where once again, he comes across the boxer trying to steal from the store. In his own innocent way, he commits an act of theft. Later, Goku, Goten and Trunks start playfully fighting, until they take it too far and get scolded by Chi-Chi. The brief peeks into the calm, everyday lives of the main characters are rare in Dragon Ball, and bring a light-hearted experience as the series approaches its finale.
8
“He’s always late” reminds viewers of Goku’s best qualities
Episode #288
Adding to the happy nature of episode #287, “Celebrations with Majin Buu”, Episode #288 is another look at the characters beyond their fighting prowess. Another party is held, this time a barbecue at Bulma’s house, when Goku wanders off while the rest of the family gets ready. It turns out he went to check in some pterodactyl eggs that are ready to hatch.
The gang all enjoy themselves at the party, while Goku is still gone to protect the eggs. He eventually arrives after the festivities end, but knowing that Goku will always be Goku, Bulma decides to bring the food back and continue the fun. Another light-hearted episode, packed with flashbacks and fights with dinosaurs, acts as a celebration of just how far the cast has come.
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7
“Princess Snake” became a classic
Episode #14
“Princess Snake” is an episode entirely made up of filler, taking place during Goku’s long trip to King Kai’s planet down Snake Road. Coming across a palace, the charming Princess Snake and her attendants lure Goku inside and attempt to ply him with food, dancing which leads to a humorous misunderstanding of the tango, and finally a sleeping potion.
Eventually, the princess becomes fed up with her inability to make Goku fall for her, and reveals her true, monstrous form. As he always does, Goku defeats his opponent and continues down the snake path An episode that is classic, entertaining Dragon Ball.
6
“Z Warriors Prepare” focuses on the development of Vegeta
Episode #124
The Androids/Cell saga is just like an arc that focuses on Vegeta as in Gohan. Although the latter is the undeniable star of the show, Vegeta undergoes major character changes for the first time during this section of the series. Episode #124 sees Vegeta training under harsh 300x gravity in a spaceship at Bulma’s home.
Swearing to capture not only Goku at this point in the story, but Trunks as well, the Saiyan prince pushes himself to near destruction, eventually collapsing and having to be tended to by Bulma. While he’s passed out, he dreams of Goku and Trunks mocking him, Before he wakes up to find Bulma asleep by his side. When he wakes up, he vows to surpass the two Super Saiyans and begins to train again.
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5
“A Girl Named Lime” shows the calm before the storm
Episode #170
An entire episode dedicated to filler content, “A Girl Named Clay”, Turning the focus to Gohan in the few days of peace preceding the Cell Games. This episode not only exemplifies the innate bravery found in Goku’s family, but is also an encapsulation of everything that makes Gohan’s character. Upon rescuing a young girl named Clay from a river, the young Super Saiyan follows her to the village where she lives.
Lime delivers a line that will continue to hold a lot of weight in the upcoming battle with Cell, telling Gohan that he is far too gentle to fight. Despite this pacifist nature, Gohan goes on to save the village from the returning mercenary Tau, before being told that the shelter they built would be no match for Cell. The brief reprieve before the showdown against Perfect Cell offered the opportunity for Great insight into how the characters spent their uncertain timeAnd the episodes after Gohan are perfect setup for the upcoming events.
4
“The Strangest Robot” shows more of Gohan’s early training
Episode #9
much of Dragon Ball pThe best filler is centered around GohanAnd this rarely poignant episode, which took place during Gohan’s training before the arrival of the Saiyans, fits comfortably in the upper echelon. After waking up to find his tail missing, and wearing a new outfit similar to his father’s, the child is alone for the first time in his young life. Animals start chasing Gohan, and he takes refuge in a cave near a half-buried excavation robot.
At first, the robot wants nothing to do with Gohan, but as the two get to know each other, it ends up sacrificing itself to save the young half-Saiyan. walk away from the ruins with tears in his eyes, Gohan finds a new determination to survive on his own in the wild. This episode displays the change in Gohan that was not seen in Dragon Balls manga.
3
“Goku vs. Pikkon” introduced a favorite non-canon character
Episode #199
While the majority of Dragon Ball pThe best filler is often quiet and introspective, Some episodes also offer the high-octane action the franchise is known for. The Otherworld Filler section, following a tournament between the strongest fighters in the afterlife, introduced The fan-favorite non-canon piccon. He and Goku battle intensely, and eventually the Saiyan comes out victorious, after using his high fighting intelligence to find a weakness in Pickon’s attacks.
Their fight also boasts Goku’s non-canon Super Saiyan Kaioken form, which never appeared in the main series again. Despite appearing in future films and Dragon Ball GTPiccon remains relegated to filler content. Regardless, his fight with Goku provides one of the best animated fights in the franchise.
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2
“Goku’s Ordeal” is so ridiculous that it has become iconic
Episode #125
Probably the most iconic, instantly recognizable filler episode in dragon ball z, “Goku’s Ordeal” follows the titular character trying to get his driver’s license with Piccolo. When Chi-Chi orders two of the strongest fighters in the universe to take their driving test, Goku obliges and hilarity ensues.
30 years after the premiere of the episode, the two warriors eventually turn their exams into a competition, wearing casual streetwear still featured in social media posts. As it turns out, driving a car is more difficult than protecting the earth. Episode #125 offers the comedy that has been largely discarded in between Dragon Ball And Dragon Ball p.
1
“Memories of Gohan” is the perfect retrospective on the character
Episode #171
The best non-canon episode of Dragon Ball p Takes place during the ten days of peace before the final showdown with Cell. After the emotional, “A Girl Named Clay”, the episode turns inward to the Sun family, Explore Gohan’s life from the time he was a newborn. On his birthday, the master Super Saiyan son and father break plates, angering Chi-Chi, who then finds a photo album, depicting Gohan.
The following are flashbacks of the Hybrid Saiyan’s best moments, along with an original anime sequence in which his carriage runs wild. Eventually, the infant Gohan smashes into the tree, causing a few apples to fall onto Goku who seems puzzled by his son’s safety. The glimpse into Gohan’s young life Functions only to reinforce what is already known about the character, that despite his gentle nature, he has all the tools to become the strongest fighter in the universe. Eventually, Gohan becomes Earth’s savior in the fight against Cell, culminating in one of the Dragon Balls greatest arcs.