4.65

4

Aug 27, 2014

This is shaping up to become a real page-turner! Toriyama is having lots of fun with his silly characters and stream-of-consciousness-style adventure, throwing in the occasional meta-reference for good measure - what's not to like?

5

Aug 07, 2014

Son Goku, Bulma and Oolong are nearing the end of their quest with just a couple of dragon balls left to find. But they have more to worry about than Lord Yamcha and Pu’ar on their tail as Reich Pilaf is after the dragon balls for his own evil plans of world domination!

Dragon Ball is an absolute delight! Thankfully this second volume is a lot less pervy than the first one (though it’s weird seeing a 10 year old, I think, girl in a bikini) but the humour’s still silly – and I love that! It doesn’ Son Goku, Bulma and Oolong are nearing the end of their quest with just a couple of dragon balls left to find. But they have more to worry about than Lord Yamcha and Pu’ar on their tail as Reich Pilaf is after the dragon balls for his own evil plans of world domination!

Dragon Ball is an absolute delight! Thankfully this second volume is a lot less pervy than the first one (though it’s weird seeing a 10 year old, I think, girl in a bikini) but the humour’s still silly – and I love that! It doesn’t take itself too seriously but manages to keep a good balance between drama and comedy.

We learn more about why Kame Senin is such a cool fighter, despite coming off as the biggest perv in the world (the Hawaiian shirts don’t help!), and Son Goku becomes more powerful learning how to hadoken – in fact, we find out just how dangerous this strange little boy is and why he has a tail.

The bad guy Reich Pilaf (a questionable name but then a lot of the characters’ names are questionable. Chi Chi, the name of the 10 year old girl, means both father and breasts in Japanese. Hmm) is probably the cutest bad guy ever. The alien-looking little fella has the gang locked up in his prison, then there’s a panel of him holding his toothbrush and toothpaste as he grins and tells us he’s going to bed early because he wants to be fresh in the morning. Have you ever seen a villain do anything so adorable?

The characters are really fun and Akira Toriyama writes them all so marvellously that they’re a joy to read. His artwork too is outstanding with more and more outlandish characters popping up. Toriyama is clearly enjoying himself, throwing in just about every kind of genre into Dragon Ball: sci-fi, fantasy, action, martial arts, mythology, contemporary culture, comedy, drama, romance – it sounds like a mess but it all gels together so perfectly in a way I can’t explain because I don’t really understand it myself. It just works!

Besides the feeling of perviness that’s unfortunately still in this series, the only aspect of the book I felt was a bit sloppy was how Yamcha and Bulma became a couple. Suddenly Yamcha’s not afraid of girls? It felt a tad contrived.

It’s great how the series so far has built up to this big moment when the Dragon God emerges and how Toriyama totally undermines that with one of the characters – that kind of bait and switch was totally unexpected and brilliant. It also means that the series is now headed in a completely fresh direction full of potential, and I can’t wait to find out where it’ll go next.

Two volumes in and I’m totally hooked. Dragon Ball is aces! ...more

5

Mar 27, 2016

Ok, the first volume was good, but this one's great! The characters get more layers, the stories become more and more imaginative, and the overall universe of the book suddenly gets so much bigger. And all of that works without sacrificing the silliness and the light-hearted feeling at the core of this great series. An absolute joy to read.

4

Apr 08, 2015

Interesting that the gathering of the dragon balls turned out to be less important than one would think. My guess is that Toriyama planned this so it could end quickly if it didn't catch on with readers. So anyway, a wish is made, the dragon balls disperse, and Goku sets out to gain some training. The dragon balls will be sought again. And we get our first kamehameha. Akira Toriyama has a knack for character design, and a gift for spinning serious and silly elements together into an entertaining Interesting that the gathering of the dragon balls turned out to be less important than one would think. My guess is that Toriyama planned this so it could end quickly if it didn't catch on with readers. So anyway, a wish is made, the dragon balls disperse, and Goku sets out to gain some training. The dragon balls will be sought again. And we get our first kamehameha. Akira Toriyama has a knack for character design, and a gift for spinning serious and silly elements together into an entertaining narrative. It's easy to see why this is such a highly regarded classic. ...more

5

Jul 01, 2011

The continuing tale of Son Goku volume 2 concluded the first chapter of the Dragon Ball saga with the first conjuring of the Great Dragon. The story ends with Goku going off to Master Roshi for further training leaving me looking mournfully at online stores and contemplating the cost to get the rest of the series.

4

Aug 05, 2014

Now I believe we are starting to get into the meat and potatoes of the story. The story really picked up. There were some twists that I didn't see coming. Not at all. There were also way more moments of awesome-ness. KAMEHAMEHA!! There were some things I didn't like. I hate it when a Manga or a cartoon or anything talks about the show/book whatever that they are in. I know I'm reading. I don't need you to remind me. And couple of just downright horrible... Seriously, horrible puns. But I did Now I believe we are starting to get into the meat and potatoes of the story. The story really picked up. There were some twists that I didn't see coming. Not at all. There were also way more moments of awesome-ness. KAMEHAMEHA!! There were some things I didn't like. I hate it when a Manga or a cartoon or anything talks about the show/book whatever that they are in. I know I'm reading. I don't need you to remind me. And couple of just downright horrible... Seriously, horrible puns. But I did like this volume quite a bit better. Glad I finally decided to read it. ...more

4

Dec 27, 2015

This one was much more enjoyable than the first. Lots of action and plot progression, new characters, more background knowledge, and less perversion!

5

May 11, 2015

I loved the anime and this is a fun reliving of that experience. It's interesting to see the Fourth Wall being broken in ways that don't appear in the anime, but don't lessen the experience either.

5

Apr 29, 2015

The technology they have are very advanced in the book "Dino capsules." Whoa, a rabbit who touches you turns you into a carrot. The pole extended all the way to the moon.

4

Dec 02, 2014

A really fun Manga, but only when it's focusing on action and story instead of it's shitty sense of humour. At this point I feel pretty close to the characters and I like speculating about what is going to happen to them.

5

Dec 10, 2014

i think its a good book because in this one bulma and goku finally collected all 7 dragon balls and were about to summon the dragon so they can get their wish. Also its kind of my favorite book because its the first time the giant ape appears.

5

Oct 22, 2015

In this volume they will meet yamcha, and find out so many things that happens in the cities that they travel in, and like always bulma offers to help but put Goku to get the job done. Of course you will have lot to laugh about everything that is happening. Also they finally get all the dragon ball awaken, and make their wish, but because the dragon balls were stolen the wish had to be done quick.

4

Jan 07, 2014

The Dragon Balls are found the readers get a little closer to discovering the true nature of Goku's Saiyan heritage. So many important characters are introduced in the first arc, they will be used or seen in the manga for many volumes to come. I love the napoleonic Pilaf and his aspirations of world domination. I am glad that the first arc is contained in two volumes, but when I previously read this series I immediately wanted more. The series is full of laughs and decent battles I highly The Dragon Balls are found the readers get a little closer to discovering the true nature of Goku's Saiyan heritage. So many important characters are introduced in the first arc, they will be used or seen in the manga for many volumes to come. I love the napoleonic Pilaf and his aspirations of world domination. I am glad that the first arc is contained in two volumes, but when I previously read this series I immediately wanted more. The series is full of laughs and decent battles I highly recommend for any manga or anime lover. ...more

5

Apr 29, 2013

Maybe the ultimate and most popular of shonen mangas, is Dragon Ball. Goku, Bulma, Yamcha, Pilaf are by now Icons of Modern Japanese Culture. An inmense opus of adventure, here more centered around humorous twists in what we may call 'the childhood of Goku' than the epic fights that will be trademarks of the life of Grown Up Goku. I love this manga, Toriyama's artwork is like the rainbow after a rainy day, just glorious. Transformation is the word I would use to describe this tankoubon, oh, and Maybe the ultimate and most popular of shonen mangas, is Dragon Ball. Goku, Bulma, Yamcha, Pilaf are by now Icons of Modern Japanese Culture. An inmense opus of adventure, here more centered around humorous twists in what we may call 'the childhood of Goku' than the epic fights that will be trademarks of the life of Grown Up Goku. I love this manga, Toriyama's artwork is like the rainbow after a rainy day, just glorious. Transformation is the word I would use to describe this tankoubon, oh, and Ka-Me-Ha-Me-Ha. Vital elements that will play a significant part in this Manga in chapters to come. Enjoy it! ...more

3

Nov 04, 2013

This book from japan the author is Akira Toriyama(Wulong). this book story talking about he is 18years old now. and he has a son called Wufan. and he son is shy and scary everything. Him father to teach he Kungfu. but he son don't want to learn Kungfu. and wukong has friend call Beke he has strong super power. Wukong want Beke to teach him son super power. First Wufan was scary that because Beke the face is green look like a monster. but he is nice people. Wufan thing he is monster. But Beke he This book from japan the author is Akira Toriyama(Wulong). this book story talking about he is 18years old now. and he has a son called Wufan. and he son is shy and scary everything. Him father to teach he Kungfu. but he son don't want to learn Kungfu. and wukong has friend call Beke he has strong super power. Wukong want Beke to teach him son super power. First Wufan was scary that because Beke the face is green look like a monster. but he is nice people. Wufan thing he is monster. But Beke he is severe person. he want wufan to kill the monster and Wufan very scary and than he cry he only 6 years old. And Beke everytime tell Wufan never give up.......
...more

3

Sep 27, 2015

3.5
Another entertaining volume.

As a long time fan, it's great seeing how the story of dragon ball starts. Now, I wouldn't say there is anything really special or too big going on here, other than learning more about Master Roshi and we get a little insight to Goku's past and the first time he transforms by looking at the full moon. When they were captured by Pilaf, this is when the volume really started to pick up as we get a glimpse to what Goku is! Not saying in case there any new fans, 3.5
Another entertaining volume.

As a long time fan, it's great seeing how the story of dragon ball starts. Now, I wouldn't say there is anything really special or too big going on here, other than learning more about Master Roshi and we get a little insight to Goku's past and the first time he transforms by looking at the full moon. When they were captured by Pilaf, this is when the volume really started to pick up as we get a glimpse to what Goku is! Not saying in case there any new fans, though it probably is obvious. Lol.

Overall, I felt that this volume was pretty fast paced and just okay. Still a fun enough read. Excited to see how the series will progress. ...more

5

Apr 10, 2011

THis second book talks about Goku goes learning about the world while traveling with Bulma on her mission to find all 7 dragon balls to grant a wish. Finally they found all seven balls. But then suddenly a person/creature named Pilaf comes in and steals all of them. His plan was to take over then world.

In this book I think the lesson is that things wouldn't always do so smoothly. Like how Bulma and Goku thinks that they have gather all seven dragon balls already and nothing will happen, but THis second book talks about Goku goes learning about the world while traveling with Bulma on her mission to find all 7 dragon balls to grant a wish. Finally they found all seven balls. But then suddenly a person/creature named Pilaf comes in and steals all of them. His plan was to take over then world.

In this book I think the lesson is that things wouldn't always do so smoothly. Like how Bulma and Goku thinks that they have gather all seven dragon balls already and nothing will happen, but really other people may know about it also.

Like I said in the first book by reading this summary wouldn't be much fun unless you actually see it. Combat and others happen. You wouldn't belive what others think about Goku. Funny books and with a lesson is what makes it addicting. ...more

5

Feb 09, 2016

Dragon Ball Manga was inked very much good, the story of course the best one. Its fantasy meeting Shonen and Goku is a the most imaginably cool and cute and funny charachter. Charachter reminds me that there's just about a hundred charachters here, distributed in thirty one volumes some frail, weak, some strong like hell and some just wierd and funny and humbug. The story goes:- Goku is the main protagonist of the series and he is approached by a girl named Bulma who's in search for the dragon Dragon Ball Manga was inked very much good, the story of course the best one. Its fantasy meeting Shonen and Goku is a the most imaginably cool and cute and funny charachter. Charachter reminds me that there's just about a hundred charachters here, distributed in thirty one volumes some frail, weak, some strong like hell and some just wierd and funny and humbug. The story goes:- Goku is the main protagonist of the series and he is approached by a girl named Bulma who's in search for the dragon balls on their way they meet an old man who tries to gets seduced, Kame Sama. And theres Krulin, a young monk fighter and also oolong and yamcha. The villian for the first half of the volumes is the blue empereor and the Red Ribbon Gang. Along the way, the droagon is summoned and can grant you any wish. Any at all. But what happens when the power falls in dark hands? Then theres goku and the gang coming in! For the rescue of course. They difeat the coloured rangers and ninjas and robotic machines, giant snakes and all is well in the end. Piccolo also appears later at the Bodukai Tournament. It is held about seven times in the whole series and it just amazes me. Truly great stuff. Piccolo somehow is defeated and sealed away while he also sends down his son Kid Picollo to get his revenge upon Goku. There's a great fight but in the end Picollo is just defeated by Goku and gets mad. The second half of the volumes namely Dragon Ball Z portrayes a race of saiyans who want to capture the earth. These volumes go deep in the history of planets around the earth, Namek especially and in Goku's history and his past. Here are the worlds greatest villians like Frieza and Vegeta and also Buu and The ANDROids. Each one anothers boss. Then theres the plo where Goku and Vegeta have kids and they can transform themselves into super saiyans form and get the whole power. Just a great series that i have admired and read. Truly readable. Recommended to this whole GALAXYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY.

...more

5

Aug 27, 2015

This manga leaves off right where the first volume left off which is Goku and Bulma are trying to capture the 6th dragon ball but unfortunately a new problem has arrived for these adventurers. The 6th dragon ball is located inside a castle in Fry-Pan Mountain that is surrounded by fire. Everyone who knows about the famous mountain avoids it at all cost because the Ox King who rules the mountain has been known for killing those who trespassed his land. Goku and Bulma meets this Ox King named This manga leaves off right where the first volume left off which is Goku and Bulma are trying to capture the 6th dragon ball but unfortunately a new problem has arrived for these adventurers. The 6th dragon ball is located inside a castle in Fry-Pan Mountain that is surrounded by fire. Everyone who knows about the famous mountain avoids it at all cost because the Ox King who rules the mountain has been known for killing those who trespassed his land. Goku and Bulma meets this Ox King named Gyū-Maō who unfortunately hasn't been able to enter his castle since he is not able to put out the flames. He was about to kill them but then found out that Goku has met Kame Sen'nin who is the Ox King master. He tells them that if they could find his master, he will be able to put out the fire and give them the dragon ball.

At first you may think how does this old man strong enough to put out the fire? Well you see apparently he has drink the immortality elixir and when he wants to fight or use super strength he changes from a fat little old man to super buff macho old man and we get to see the first Kamehameha which is an energy beam created by ones who hands and strength and you are able to project it and destroy whatever is in front of you. Only the most dedicated and trained masters can accomplish this power. Fortunately for Goku, he is able to create a small one by watching Kame Sen'nin and wants to train with him so that one day he can be more powerful. At first Kame Sen'nin laughs at Goku until he realizes that his grandfather was Kame Sen'nin #1 apprentice.

After they solve that problem, Goku, Bulma and Oolong are off towards the west to find the final dragon ball and we get to see the encounters of different cities and villains that come their way and luckily with Goku they are able to kick ass and more on. Unfortunately while they were getting closer to the final dragon ball, Emperor Pilaf has been waiting for them to arrive and steals all the dragon balls. The gang track his location but fall into a trap and now they need to find a way to break out and retrieve the dragon ball before he summons the dragon.

What I really love about this volume is it answers tons of the questions I had about these characters like Goku's tail, the Kamehameha, and countless others that popped up during the series. Since I never saw the show from the beginning I simply accepted these confusing questions and move on. Luckily now I am able to understand this series and relieving a tiny part of my childhood. I am excited what is going to happen now and Goku's training with Master Roshi.

P.S. If you have only seen Dragon Ball Z, this specific volume provides you info on who becomes Goku's wife and countless others who will become important later on. ...more

5

Jun 20, 2018

Goku met Kamesennin. He was Goku’s grandfather’s master. He looks like turtle because he carry turtle shell. He is slim and short and old, so i think he is not strong but he is stronger than anyone. He gave ‘Kintouun” to Goku. It’s a cloud which can fly the air. But only the person who has pure heart can ride above the clouds. I can’t ride the cloud maybe...

4

Dec 13, 2019

There are moments where I find myself thinking "no, I must have imagined it to an exaggerated degree. There's no way the original Dragon Ball was as perverted as I'm remembering it," but then I read volumes like this one and I find myself going "ohp. No. Somehow it was even worse than I was remembering it." There were definitely some things that I must have forgotten or blocked out entirely. In all fairness, re-reading this as an adult, I feel like a lot of the perverse elements and humor do get There are moments where I find myself thinking "no, I must have imagined it to an exaggerated degree. There's no way the original Dragon Ball was as perverted as I'm remembering it," but then I read volumes like this one and I find myself going "ohp. No. Somehow it was even worse than I was remembering it." There were definitely some things that I must have forgotten or blocked out entirely. In all fairness, re-reading this as an adult, I feel like a lot of the perverse elements and humor do get subverted more than one might expect from an older series (especially this one,) but it's still a little shocking to see.

That aside, the first minor arc of the series gets wrapped up in this volume, with the final chapter or so starting up the new arc. We get introduced to antagonist Emperor Pilaf and his two lieutenant henchpeople in this volume, and I'd honestly forgotten how much they broke the Fourth Wall, let alone helped to subvert some of the aspects of the story with their own humorous spin on things.

(view spoiler)[Considering this is also the first time we see Great Ape form Goku, I must say I find it interesting that after Goku reverts due to his tail getting cut off, Oolong poses the question "is he some kind of space alien?" Toriyama decided that Goku would be an alien as a retcon move, so I'm wondering how early into the creation of the world he decided that, if this line is in volume 2. Additionally, I do find it funny that there have been so many parallels drawn between the Saiyans having their Great Ape transformation be a result of looking at a full moon and the way that werewolves also change during a full moon, and that that is even pointed out by Bulma in this volume prior to Goku's transformation. To say nothing of the little werewolf-esque howl Great Ape!Goku even makes upon completing his transformation. It's fun to see how self-aware this series is, because I don't think I ever picked up on that when I was younger. (hide spoiler)]

I'm already started on volume 3, so expect that review to follow soon as well! ...more

3

Aug 31, 2018

In my heart this is five-stars, but realistically it's still trying to find its feet. Volume 2 begins with Goku flying on Kinto'un to see Kami Sama and retrieve a powerful fan to quell the flames of fry pan mountain. We are introduced to Chi-Chi and the seeds are planted for her and Son Goku's future romance. There's the briefest of flings with the Rabbit Mafia and finally Pilaf. The Dragon God is summoned and Oolong makes a rash decision to save the day. Oh yeah, and Son Goku transforms into a In my heart this is five-stars, but realistically it's still trying to find its feet. Volume 2 begins with Goku flying on Kinto'un to see Kami Sama and retrieve a powerful fan to quell the flames of fry pan mountain. We are introduced to Chi-Chi and the seeds are planted for her and Son Goku's future romance. There's the briefest of flings with the Rabbit Mafia and finally Pilaf. The Dragon God is summoned and Oolong makes a rash decision to save the day. Oh yeah, and Son Goku transforms into a gigantic ape and reveals he accidentally killed his grandpa. The volume ends with the gang splitting up and Goku in pursuit of a "hotty" for Kami Sama to become his disciple.
Don't get me wrong, this is still a fun series. The characters are goofy and starting to grow on you with their personalities. It's just that the pacing is so off in the manga. This was hardly an arc as they quickly introduced characters. Once Toriyama breaks free of the Monkey King legend, I think the story truly flourishes. It breaks the fourth wall and makes some Dr. Slump jokes that were over my head but mostly it was typical silly humor that was present in the first volume. Again, their was a lot of inappropriate references that make me caution letting younger audiences read this. I'm still going to continue this series cause I know the stories just get better! ...more

5

Oct 13, 2017

Re-Read (of course I have read Dragonball before). Did not review book 1 as did not have goodreads at that point so this will cover for both, as book one and two cover the first arc (apart from final chapter of book2). If you are interested in DB/DBZ I always the original is the place to start, though it followed DBZ in coming over here. Not too hard to see why really. DB has lot more humour than DBZ and really starts out as a gag manga than moves onto to the fighting and bug battle arcs that Re-Read (of course I have read Dragonball before). Did not review book 1 as did not have goodreads at that point so this will cover for both, as book one and two cover the first arc (apart from final chapter of book2). If you are interested in DB/DBZ I always the original is the place to start, though it followed DBZ in coming over here. Not too hard to see why really. DB has lot more humour than DBZ and really starts out as a gag manga than moves onto to the fighting and bug battle arcs that have come to more define the series and Shonen Manga following onwards. The first arc is simple, a quest to find the Dragonballs, which will grant one ‘any’ wish. U get to see what the first wish upon them is in this volume. & well, you’ll get why is one did not appear on western TV first. Even imaging the uproar over here if DB was shown uncut on CN or sold to the target age bracket would have been hilarious. I have seen this arc so many times, read it a few too, the manga/anime cover it, plus a couple of the movies. Yet I still love it every time. For me DB never gets boring & grips from the start (although not in same way as later volumes). It’s hard not to be blown away by the charm of it and what really is essential reading for any manga fan. ...more

3

Jun 28, 2019

The second volume of the Dragon Ball series introduces Pilaf, one of the main antagonists in the series. After Goku and his friends help save a castle from burning down, they are granted the sixth Dragon Ball. Pilaf has the seventh one and locks the gang in his prison after stealing the other six, allowing him to be granted a wish. Without spoiling anything, the whole thing is foiled and the gang escapes with Goku leaving them to train with Master Roshi at his island home.

I didn't enjoy this The second volume of the Dragon Ball series introduces Pilaf, one of the main antagonists in the series. After Goku and his friends help save a castle from burning down, they are granted the sixth Dragon Ball. Pilaf has the seventh one and locks the gang in his prison after stealing the other six, allowing him to be granted a wish. Without spoiling anything, the whole thing is foiled and the gang escapes with Goku leaving them to train with Master Roshi at his island home.

I didn't enjoy this volume as much as the first, I felt like the uniting of the seven balls was done much too quickly and kind of pointless considering the final outcome. It's great to see the Dragon though and like the first volume the pacing is excellent, so none of it is ever really that boring. ...more

4

Aug 26, 2019

I am going to give this a 4/5. The story is still very entertaining and the way new characters some in is flawless. Characters come and go and they don't feel forced at all. Just like the first book this one also has some sexual scenes and hints at that type of subject. It doesn't bother me as much because it doesn't show Kame trying to get with someone under 18.

Since it didn't have that scene this book was pretty hilarious. The main reason I'm giving it 4 out of 5 stars is because of how I am going to give this a 4/5. The story is still very entertaining and the way new characters some in is flawless. Characters come and go and they don't feel forced at all. Just like the first book this one also has some sexual scenes and hints at that type of subject. It doesn't bother me as much because it doesn't show Kame trying to get with someone under 18.

Since it didn't have that scene this book was pretty hilarious. The main reason I'm giving it 4 out of 5 stars is because of how annoying Kame is towards women. There is a difference between being attracted to something and then being a creepy perverted individual. ...more