by Robert Smith

Created on: August 02, 2008

Perhaps the most famous anime ever.

Dragon ball Z first graced the screens in the east nearly 20 years ago. It's the sequel to the popular anime and manga series "dragon ball" and has increased on what was already a huge cult following. When we finally received it over here in the UK it wasn't known what the reception would be. It has however proved to be the platform on which all other anime stands. It is very different to anything we had over here and was welcomed as something refreshing and exciting.

The story follows Goku who is our main hero. He is blessed with a tremendous amount of energy and strength. He can also manipulate his energy giving him the power of flight, super speed and the ability to shoot blasts of pure energy out of his hands when he focuses. Our hero has grown up since dragon ball. He now has a son called Gohan! It is when Gohan is kidnapped that the story starts. An evil mysterious man named Raditz takes Gohan and easily incapacitates Goku. Even stranger is that he claims to be from another planet and refers to Goku as his brother.

After recovering Goku travels to where his brother is and fights him with the help on an old rival Piccolo. This is just a taster of what proves to be a fascinating plot and some truly awesome fights. Throughout the series Goku and his friends gain more and more power, learning new techniques and encountering unimaginably strong enemies. You are going to be taken on a journey that reaches nearly 300 episodes!

WAIT! How silly of me. I haven't even told you what the dragon balls are! There are seven of these mysterious orbs that are scattered across the globe. If someone collects them all they can summon the dragon Shenlong who will grant them any one wish.

You may be thinking all this sounds a bit on the childish side and I admit it is. There is enough depth to it however to give adults enjoyment too. It gives you a taste of another culture and you can see how art differs between countries!

I love Dragon ball. The whole franchise was my introduction to a world I am glad to be apart of. There is nothing like immersing yourself into a good book but the same is true for this world of anime and manga.

Recently it has been announced that dragon ball z will grace the silver screen. You will be seeing actors such as chou-yun-fatand james masters bring together a live action take on this famous anime. It should generate quite a bit of hype but unfortunately #i do not think it will live up to the anime

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