Dragonball Part 4

(Viz, 2001-2002)
™ and © Viz Communications, Inc.

Dragonball Z gets all the attention, and, while it’s certainly fun, it’s clear that in the latter half of the series, creator Akira Toriyama had worked himself into a corner. Necessity constantly forced him to, not just top, but over-the-top himself, amping up his characters’ power levels and upping the ante of the battles until both became ridiculous. Far better in every respect is the beginning of Dragonball, the adventures of Goku when he was a boy, where Toriyamas’ boundless creativity and supremely clean, lively art style was still focused on his hero.

These more lighthearted adventures are simple and charming, highlighting Goku’s sweet and gentle heart, showing him as a true innocent who can often overwhelm evil by steadfastly refusing to believe in it. Oh, there’s still plenty of fighting, but it’s of a sensible sort where violence is considered a last resort rather than a jolly hobby and opponents don’t necessarily have to become enemies. If only more comics were like this.

— S.A. Bennett

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