Dragonball Z: BATTLE OF GODS is the eighteenth animated feature based on theDragonball franchise. It does hold the status of being the only feature that directly connects toDragonball Z‘s 291 original episodes, taking place during the end of Dragonball Z‘s animated series run. That’s probably because original series creator, Akira Toriyama (we bow and thank you), has been deeply involved inBattle of Gods creation. Akira originally published Dragonball as a manga back in 1984-1995 and then saw the original Japanese animated broadcasts work their magic from 1986-1996. Since 2009 his creation has been seen on United States television, albeit in edited form, with Dragonball Z Kai on such networks asNicktoons or The CW. Needless to say, with a viewership which spans 30 years, Dragonball and its star Goku have plenty of fans eager for a new animated canonical film like BATTLE OF GODS.
This new film is precisely what the fans of the series ordered — a return visit with old friends for some fun and hard-hitting Super Saiyan action. It’s not that Battle of Gods isn’t for the new fan of Dragonball Z, but it is loaded with references to characters who, while they are in the film, the joke and/or plot line lands a more solid blow having already been a DBZ fan. What I will say for those uninitiated with Dragonball — just start watching. As someone who has been a lifelong anime and manga fan, I have known of Dragonball but have only really delved into the series in the last five years, and after having seen everything I can easily recommend something that is this much pure fun. Battle of Gods simply follows in the Dragonball vein of the fantastic so it satisfies DBZ hardcore fan or newcomer.
The story brings us to a birthday celebration for Bulma — new head of Capsule Corp., rich lady, wife to Vegeta, and mom to Trunks — as she entertains a big bash with notable series regulars in attendance – Gohan, Videl, Hercule Satan, Master Roshi, Krillin, Piccolo, and Vegeta to name a few. The main attraction, Goku, is off training with King Kai trying to surpass the Super Saiyan 3 level when they get a visit from Lord Beerus who happens to be the god of destruction, and his partner Whis (pronounced Whyss and there’s much more to that guy’s story). Beerus learns that Freeza has been killed by a Super Saiyan (its was Goku of course) and the information connects to Beerus’ vision and his being told by Oracle Fish that he would one day battle a Super Saiyan God. (You can see where this is going.) From here Beerus simply must meet and confront this legendary Super Saiyan God, and Goku, in a never-ending effort to increase his abilities, wants to know how he can achieve such a level.
Original creator Akira Toriyama’s influence is felt greatly here. Battle of Gods just feels right and the viewer feels right at home. In fact, the viewer becomes an additional guest at Bulma’s party trying to guess her age, witnessing the action, mayhem, and hilarity first hand while waiting for their time to crack a joke (some die-hard DBZ fan at my screening did) or throw a Kamehameha at someone (maybe that guy that cracked the joke). It’s what Dragonball and Dragonball Z have always done (left out Dragonball GT for a reason). DBZ andDragonball Z: Battle of Gods make you feel at home as you gather round the campfire for a new adventure while simultaneously involving you in the action making you want to train harder and watch more. Whether it be Dragonball, Dragonball Z, Battle of Gods, or one of the other DBZ related films my advice would simply be — give it a watch and enjoy!