Bibliographic Information:
Toriyama, A. (2003). Dragon Ball Z. VIZ Media, LLC. ISBN-10: 1591163617
Book Awards:
None
Plot Summary:
Five years after Son Goku defeats the demon king, he has settled down, gotten married, and has a son. Imagine his surprise, then, when his alien brother arrives on Earth with the news that not only is Son Goku not human, he is a member of a space-faring warrior race that wipes out planetary populations for a living! Powerful beyond belief, Son Goku's brother Raditz seems impossible to defeat. Perhaps an unlikely alliance with the demon king will offer Earth's only chance of salvation.
Critical Evaluation:
A younger audience will enjoy this series' simple graphics, unique sound-effect words, and uncomplicated storyline. Most of the violence is drawn vaguely, behind spiky "splat" bubbles, with a couple of exceptions (one character loses an arm in a fight) Parents may find the Dragon Balls' ability to bring the dead back to life objectionable. Otherwise the standard themes of good versus evil, loyalty, and sacrifice apply.
Reader's Annotation:
Just when Earth was seeming peaceful again, Son Goku discovers that he is actually an evil alien. Who better to bring this news than his all-powerful older brother, who is intent on wiping out the human race?
About the Author:
Akira Toriyama was born in 1955, in Kiyosu, Aichi, Japan. His manga was first published in Japan in 1979. Dragon Ball is by far his most famous work, and comprises 42 volumes. Toriyama has also worked on the anime movies based on his characters.
Genre:
Manga
Curriculum Ties:
Art
Booktalking Ideas:
Brother shows up and says you're evil.
Interest Age:
9-14
Challenge Issues:
Some comic book style violence
Dragon Balls bring dead back to life.
How to deal: Read the book! Urge parent to do the same. Cite reviews. Refer to collection development policy. If dispute continues, parents' wishes regarding their own children will be respected.
Reason Included:
Very popular manga with the younger tween set.
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