The Bottom Line
Blue Dragon is an easy and fun watch that's family friendly so everyone in the house can enjoy. The character design is brilliant (kudos once again to Toriyama) and the storyline moves fairly quickly so you won't be bored. Nothing intense but definitely likable.
Pros
- Original character design by Akira Toriyama
- Rated A for All Ages so even the little ones can watch
Cons
- Shu and Jiro possess awesome powers but not awesome maturity
Description
- Rating: A for All Ages - Learn more about anime age ratings
- Genres: Adventure, comedy, fantasy - Learn more about anime genres and themes
- Release date: September 16, 2008
- Studios: Viz Media, Studio Pierrot
Guide Review - Blue Dragon Volume 1 DVD
Blue Dragon finally makes its way to DVD after broadcasting on Toonami Jetstream for the past several months. I have to admit I was excited about this one if for no other reason that Akira Toryiama of DBZ fame did the original character design.The overall series is pretty well done and I found the plot enjoyable, even if it is basically another good vs. evil with martial arts kind of anime.
It works nonetheless.
The story centers around Shu, a young, spunky boy who's just dying to become a Knight Master's apprentice and travel the world while training in martial arts. That plan is interrupted when his village is attacked and backed into a corner, Shu discovers that he has an ancient power inside of him - the power of Shadows - and Shu unleashes a doozy Blue Dragon shadow that is legendary in its own right.
He joins up with Jiro and Zola to learn to control his shadow and fight the everpowerful Nene, overlord of the evil Grankingdom who hopes to take over the world.
Read the Blue Dragon Series Profile here
See all the Blue Dragon DVDs
While the characters bear some resemblance to DBZ favorites (tell me Shu doesn't look just a little like a young Goku!), its easy to get past as the story immediately stands on its own and provides enough action to peak your interest.
Judging from this first DVD, this series won't just leave you breathless, especially if you're older but I still highly recommend watching it. While its not a punch-you-in-the-face kind of anime, it is a light-hearted action/adventure series that makes for quite an enjoyable anime reprieve. Plus, how can you resist Toriyama's art???
