Are you ready to go super deep into Dragon Ball Z? As a player of the Dragon Ball Z collectible card game, you’re already a huge fan, and you probably think you know a lot about the series. But aren’t you tired of the same old conversations and discussions of power levels, or who would win in a fight between Goku and Superman? What about the deeper philosophy and spirituality of the series? That’s where I come in.
I’m a huge Dragon Ball fan and have spent the last 9 years writing about the philosophy, culture, and fandom of the Dragon Ball series. Whether it’s explaining Dragon Ball Hoshi, or describing the ancient Chinese concepts behind the Kaio Ken, I’ve discovered many profound principles in the series. Joshman has been a big fan and promoter of Dragon Ball for a long time, and that’s why I was so excited when he helped me launch my first Dragon Ball book, called Dragon Ball Z “It’s Over 9,000!” When Worldviews Collide.
The book features an analysis of Goku and Vegeta’s colliding worldviews and helps the reader better understand why conflict is necessary for profound personal growth and character development. A former colleague of Joshman’s from the industry got me in touch with him, saying he was the best expert around on understanding Dragon Ball fans. Joshman helped refine the press release that was blasted out on PR Newswire and picked up around the country, including Anime News Network. Thanks, Josh!
Everybody knows that “It’s Over 9,000!” was a successful meme, but what most don’t realize is that “It’s Over 9,000!” also represents an extremely pivotal moment in the Dragon Ball Z series. It represents the crescendo of the entire Saiyan Saga symphony, and the physical conflict of two completely opposite worldviews colliding in a violent battle of life and death.
Why does it happen this way? Is it simply because Akira Toriyama thought it would be fun and exciting?
No!
It’s because Goku is a low class country bumpkin with a heart of gold and Vegeta is a super elite warrior with zero tolerance. They’re both full blooded Saiyans that have a similar nature, but their “nurture” is worlds apart. Toriyama is a talented artist, but he’s also a gifted story teller. This scene sets up the rest of the Dragon Ball Z character development that unfolds for over 200 more episodes. I devote more than 40 pages to analyzing Goku and Vegeta’s conflicting psychological frameworks, explaining exactly why they are who they are, and how they change during and after their battle.
Why exactly does Vegeta change and become the man that he is? I explore this with specific details, quotes, and rationale. For example, in the section titled “Vegeta is Multifaceted,” I theorize:
“Vegeta wants happiness just like every man does, and he finds happiness in being the best. But all of his victories and triumphs are short lived because Goku always manages to go one step higher or an opponent appears out of nowhere with more power. His life is poetically bittersweet. Filled with hardship and short lived glory of momentous heights, all in an effort to avoid anguish and find happiness.”
And in DBZ episode 129, Vegeta says:
“My motivation was very different than Kakarot’s. My motivation was to be the best. To be the greatest Saiyan alive, as I always had been, until Kakarot came into the picture, that is.”
So you can see this goes a lot deeper than simply talking about memes and internet jokes.
If you love Dragon Ball Z and are a fan of Goku or Vegeta’s, then you’ll really find a lot to enjoy.
Want to learn more?
My book is available now on Amazon, iTunes, Barnes & Noble or Kobo!
Thanks, Josh! I enjoyed writing the article and welcome any questions from your readers.
That’s, uh… pretty deep. ^^;
So…cool…must…buy
Thanks, Didier! I hope you did / do. 🙂
I never realized DBZ could be so deep. Do they have a part about how the Spirit Bomb represents unity, mankind, with a hint of socialism?
Chippy
Hi Chipmunk. I do mention the Spirit Bomb in this book when I talk about Goku’s spiritual development and his ascension to higher levels, where he is able to communicate not only with mankind, but all beings throughout the universe. I also focus a lot on this concept in The Dao of Dragon Ball book that will be out in the future. I think you’ll be pleased with what’s there if you pick up a copy. Thanks for the question.