Dragon Ball Z Movie 9: A Nostalgic Dive into Gohan’s Glory
Dragon Ball holds a special place in the hearts of many, evoking cherished childhood memories through comics, on-demand TV, and DVDs. Revisiting this iconic series brings back a wave of nostalgia. For many, Gohan stands out as a favorite character. This review delves into “Dragon Ball Z: Galaxy at the Brink!! The Incredible Strongest Warriors!!,” a movie that showcases Gohan’s shining moment.
“Dragon Ball Z: Galaxy at the Brink!! The Incredible Strongest Warriors” is an animated film directed by Yoshihiro Ueda, featuring the vocal talents of Masako Nozawa and others. Released in Japan on July 10, 1993, this 51-minute film is the ninth installment in the Dragon Ball Z movie series and the twelfth in the entire Dragon Ball franchise. Its story unfolds between the climactic Cell Games and the ominous Majin Buu saga, offering a glimpse into a relatively peaceful interlude.
A Tournament of Twists and Turns
The narrative begins with Earth enjoying a period of tranquility following the Cell Games. Mr. Satan, the self-proclaimed hero, basks in the adoration of humanity. To celebrate his son’s birthday, the wealthy Mr. Money organizes a grand World Martial Arts Tournament, offering a chance for aspiring fighters to challenge the “aliens” he’s invited and, ultimately, Mr. Satan himself. The lure of a 100 million prize and a world tour attracts numerous participants, including Gohan and Trunks.
After a series of preliminary matches, Gohan, Trunks (Future), Krillin, and one other contestant advance to the final round. Instead of a traditional single-elimination tournament, the finalists are sent to individual “planets” to face the “Galaxy Warriors.” Originally intended to be a showcase for Mr. Satan’s hand-picked disciples, the event takes a dangerous turn when genuine Galaxy aliens arrive with plans of Earth domination.
The ensuing battle against the Galaxy invaders (which consumes much of the movie’s runtime) may feel rushed to modern viewers, but the core remains captivating. The transformation of Gohan into Super Saiyan 2 definitely will be the biggest highlight for many fans.
Gohan’s Super Saiyan 2 Transformation
A Pivotal Moment for the Character
“Dragon Ball Z: Galaxy at the Brink!! The Incredible Strongest Warriors!!” holds a unique position as the only movie before 2022 to feature Gohan in the lead role. The film was conceptualized during a period when Akira Toriyama considered having Gohan permanently succeed Goku. Toriyama dedicated significant effort to developing Gohan’s character in Dragon Ball Z, giving his role substantial prominence.
In contrast, Gohan’s depiction in Dragon Ball Super has been a point of contention among fans, who viewed his character as marginalized. The Gohan in Dragon Ball Super is far less impactful, often relegated to the sidelines. Re-watching this movie serves as a reminder of why Gohan remains for some fans. The image of Gohan as a young Super Saiyan 2 still resonates deeply and is amazing.
If you’re looking to relive Gohan’s powerful moments, “Dragon Ball Z: Galaxy at the Brink!! The Incredible Strongest Warriors!!” is a worthwhile revisit. Despite its concise runtime, the Gohan here will easily justify your choice.