I'm only writing this review because DBZ gets a lot of hate, and why is that? I do not know. I suppose it is gatekeepers shitting on the anime because it is the most popular, or it's Shonen haters and DBZ is the biggest target.
I read a few reviews and most of the negative critiques I saw made no sense, it is people hating on the show for the sheer fact of hating on the show. It sucks for them, b/c DBZ is actually fantastic.
DBZ is simple, but what is wrong with having a simple show? Not a damn thing. Goku and friends have to protect their planet and each other. That is basically the whole plot, but there is a lot of fun to be had within that generic overview.
Characters are so compelling and relatable. Their journey's are amazing. Gohan, Piccolo, and Vegeta have great development throughout a few of the arcs. There are more of them, but those three are definitely the best.
Villains are also very fun. Freiza and Cell really do not have motives, but they are so fun that it does not matter. Freiza especially, but his conflict with Goku and Vegeta is really well executed. As for Cell, the guy is so just funny and fun to watch his plan come into fruition.
Buu isn't as good, but I see Buu more as a force rather than a character. Kidd Buu more specifically.
The animation is classic 90's. If you like 90's animation (Like me) then you will like it. Character design is also very good, there is a reason everyone still can identify with most of the cast today.
The animation of the fights does feel a little outdated at times, but it isn't too bad. Altercations are still fun to watch. There is more brute force than tactics, but at least there is some type of variety in general.
Score is different for sub and dub, so...w/e
Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, I don't know what else to talk about this show. I love it so much. It has a lot of deserved admiration and a lot of underserved hate.
Is it perfect? No, but no anime is. BUT, it's great. If you don't like it that is fine, but people giving it hate because of it's popularity is absurd. There is a reason it is the most recognizable anime out there, if it wasn't as good as it was it would not be as prominent as it is today.
I'm giving it a 10 because of personal bias, but I'd probably give it an 8.5-9.
It's just simple and fun, and that is perfectly ok.
