Dragon Ball Z (Dragon Ball Z, 1)

Rating:
Summary: Ooops...
Review: Sorry, but this is just an editorial: when I did tha "second" review (the one at the top) of this volume, it was actually supposed to be for volume 2. The coverart was different, and even, I think, said "2" on it, so I got confused into writing two reviews for this.

Rating:
Summary: Avoid this book!
Review: The story, the graphics, none of it matters. The publisher either followed a Japanese format, or screwed up hugely in the printing, because the layout is all backwards! The spine is on the right hand side and you have to read the book backwards. Very frustrating!

Rating:
Summary: Dragonball #17, My Review
Review: This book is sooo cool! I have it and it just cool! It starts where Dragonball ends, and continues the 42 volume Dragonball saga as DBZ #1! Goku is grown up in this one ( wahh! No more cute little monkey! ) Raditz comes and kidnaps Gohan and athen Piccolo Daimao ( Piccolo the great demon king ) teams up with Goku to fight Raditz. This book is for anone who loves 100 page sparring sessions. The drawings are great and I can't complain. The only thing is it kind of gets more boring as you get into the fight. If you like this, you should obtain a copy of Shonen Jump the magazine that publishes DBZ. Hope this has convinced you!

Rating:
Summary: Simply Outlined Work Of Art!
Review: This series is an exqusite work of art, and Viz Communications is doing an excellent job with their production! The nature of this manga is action and adventure. While the framework is rather simple, and the drawings a cartoony style, the expressionism is delivered in a BANG-O! In this story, the main character, Goku discovers his true past when his evil brother, Raditz, arrives from outer space. What secrets shall be revealed in this tale? Purchse this product and read to find out. Whether you are a newcomer or DBZ veteran, this production is a sheer delight!

Rating:
Summary: Like a stuffed crust pizza, these things are better backward
Review: This volume's great, as is pretty much anythihng from Viz. One strange thing though, is that the translation is a bit funky; not quite as on-target as Dragonball (as in before Z). The art is great as always, the story is on the level you'd expect (not very deep, but engrossing, fast-moving, and action-packed): When Raditz comes to earth, he, after telling Goku of his true origins, threatens to kill his son unless Goku himself kills 100 people, and hauls all their bodies to the spot where they met. Mostly Raditz did this because he was peeved that Goku had forgotten his true mission which he was to carry out on Earth, which was to destroy it. But, anyhow, Goku just can't bring himself to slaughter innocents, so he and Piccolo team up to try to defeat Raditz, and get back Gohan...The batlle is well-orchestrated, and is definately the highlight. I'd give this 4.5 stars, more exactly, but I gave it 5 to boost it's overall rating...>:@Bwahaha...........

Rating:
Summary: Like a stuffed crust pizza, these things are better backward
Review: This volume's great, as is pretty much anythihng from Viz. One strange thing though, is that the translation is a bit funky; not quite as on-target as Dragonball (as in before Z). The art is great as always, the story is on the level you'd expect (not very deep, but engrossing, fast-moving, and action-packed): When Raditz comes to earth, he, after telling Goku of his true origins, threatens to kill his son unless Goku himself kills 100 people, and hauls all their bodies to the spot where they met. Mostly Raditz did this because he was peeved that Goku had forgotten his true mission which he was to carry out on Earth, which was to destroy it. But, anyhow, Goku just can't bring himself to slaughter innocents, so he and Piccolo team up to try to defeat Raditz, and get back Gohan...The batlle is well-orchestrated, and is definately the highlight. I'd give this 4.5 stars, more exactly, but I gave it 5 to boost it's overall rating...>:@Bwahaha...........

Rating:
Summary: True Manga
Review: Viz Comics does a good job keeping the original Japanese format. It is unfortunate that anime like dbz is targeted towards kids when it is really for teenagers to adults. Due to this fact some of the funny and controversial humor has been removed as well as what the fighters really say to eachother. The manga by viz however is much better than the rendition produced on television by funimation. This book is for a true fan of dbz. The manga does differ slightly from the tv episodes (even the japanese ones) so that is why it is a good addition. It is a cheap alternative to buying all the dvds and individual manga as well. It also includes at the end all the covers for the manga which was a nice bonus.

Rating:
Summary: Don't Avoid this book if you like Manga
Review: When I read through the reviews I noticed that one of them said to avoid the book because it was backwards. I own manga comic books published by Viz and it states right in the front cover (U.S front that is) that the comic is published with the Japanese format and it even has instructions on how to read the comic. It also states that most Japanese manga comics are flipped for easier reading BUT it involves reversing all of the pages. Many manga artists agree that the reversing process can distort pictures. You have to remember that the artist has probably put a little of their heart and soul into their work and to see it distorted can be painful. If you have trouble reading this type of book but still enjoy such art and stories, simply review the instructions on how to read it, take a pencil and lightly number the pictures before you settle down with your book. Please do not avoid books that use this format, you are missing out on some great artwork. As for this paticular manga, I have been a DBZ fan since I was fourteen years old and I still love the show and the manga. Mr. Toriyama has done a fantasic job of depicting the story of Goku and his many adventures. Don't miss out on this great story!

Personal note: You are never too old for cartoons. This is not really suited for young children either.