The Bottom Line
More classic DBZ action in this Season 8 collection as we confront the notorious Babidi and *shiver* Majin Buu. For those of you who have already seen Dragon Ball Z, this obviously needs no introduction... and for those of you that haven't? Well, let me just say that once you start watching, you won't want to stop.
Pros
- Lots of classic DBZ action!
- New bad guys!
- Entire Season 8 on 6 DVDs
- Digitally remastered
Cons
- Can DBZ "jump the shark"?
Description
- Rating: 13+ - Learn more about anime age ratings
- Genres: Action, drama, fantasy, sci-fi
Themes: Aliens, martial arts, superheroes
Learn more about anime genres and themes - Release date: February 10, 2009
- Studios: FUNimation
Guide Review - Dragon Ball Z: Season Eight
Season 8 of Dragon Ball Z includes both the Babidi and Majin Buu sagas. Laid out nicely on six DVDs, this is plenty of quality anime to keep you busy for the weekend (assuming of course, you take a few breaks in between).In case you don't remember, Babidi is that creepy little bug-looking guy that had serious delusions about avenging his father's death (Dad was the evil wizard, Bibidi). To facilitate this revenge, he plans to take up Dad's lifelong project - an evil creation known as Majin Buu.
Now, in case you're wondering what my "jump the shark" comment was all about, here it is:
These particular sagas are just a bit over the top for me. Don't ask me why - I was fine with a crazy scientist building super robots, one of which was constructed with the DNA of multiple people. In fact, I've been fine with (and thoroughly relished) all the aliens and the androids and the planet hopping that goes on during any given episode of DBZ.
But for some reason, Buu just isn't my favorite villain. Again, don't ask me why. Maybe its because he sounds like a high-pitched deflating tire (if deflating tires could talk). Or maybe its because he looks like one of the stuffed animals in my daughter's room. Who knows? He's just not as "imposing" as I wanted him to be and so I have a hard time buying into his "evilness".
Add to that little bug-man Babidi and the death-spit master Dabura and I'm thinking "shark-jumping". Is that possible? Could DBZ ever really jump the shark? Nah....
All that said, in true DBZ fashion, Season 8 rekindles all those exciting emotions that come with watching Goku, Gohan and the rest of the gang punch, kick, fly and *gasp at the horror*... This is by far, my favorite series - shark jumping or not - so if you detect a little prejudice, well then.. you're probably right.
