Dragon Ball, Vol. 1

Dragon Ball is a Japanese manga by Akira Toriyama. Released for American audiences by Viz Media, it is a story that does not lose its credit when read by an English audience, or indeed any culture. Its main story, while simple and easily followable, has a hidden message of good morals, strong heart, and determination to achieve beyond the best of your abilities. Whether that was intentional or not, it definitely comes across in the character of Son Goku, main protagonist of the series. The artwork of Akira Toriyama is simple yet beautiful, and very appealing. Dragon Ball volume 1 is just the beginning of what will become an epic journey for Goku and his friends, but it is a fine start to the series. It introduces some of the main characters well, particularly the character of Yamcha, who is at his best at this stage of the manga, and later becomes a bit of a useless character. We are introduced to Goku and Bulma, who are both the main protagonists at this stage of the manga, and the relationship developed between the two is well done. Other main character introductions in volume 1 include Kame-Sen'nin (Master Roshi), Oolong, Pu'ar, the Ox-King and Chi-Chi. Filled with genuinely funny humour and good action, Dragon Ball deserves its place as the most popular manga in the world, and volume 1 is a fine introduction to the series. Chapters included in volume 1 are: 001. Bloomers and the Monkey King 002. No Balls! 003. Sea Monkeys 004. They Call Him... the Turtle Hermit 005. Oo! Oo! Oolong! 006. So Long, Oolong! 007. Yamcha and Pu'ar 008. One, Two, Yamcha-cha! 009. Dragon Balls in Danger!! 010. Onward to Fry-Pan... 011. ... And Into the Fire! Although translated from Japanese to English, Viz Media keep the manga in its original format, meaning it is read from right to left as it would be in the Japanese version, rather than left to right as most English literature would be. Keeping it in a right-to-left format prevents the publisher from having to flip the images, which can ruin carefully chosen artistic angles, and ruin Japanese symbols that may still be present in the artwork, such as on characters' clothing. If you're a fan of the anime, I would definitely recommend this to you. No filler, just the original story that can be viewed at your own leisurely pace. A fantastic story, where the success of the anime originated from.

OH MY GOD!!! This is brilliant! The original adventures of Son Goku and his friends! I couldn't wait when I bought this as I was really excited when I found it and I was able to read Dragon Ball in it's original form (not cut!). The drawings are really nicely done and the translating has been done really well. Anyway, it starts off with Son Goku as a chibi (kid) fishing out in the wilderness when suddenly, he is hit by a car! It turns out it is a sixteen year old Bulma. After some *interesting* meetings Goku takes her back to his house where she finds the Dragon Ball she has been looking for. Bulma explains to Son Goku what they are and he decides to help find the rest of the Dragon Balls as long as she doesn't touch his. It leads up to quiet an adventure filled with fun, humour and excitment! If you buy this, by it as a pair with the second manga as you'll be desperate to find out what happens! *WARNING!* Parents, if you want to buy this for you're kids because they like Dragon Ball/Z/GT on the TV be warned! It has slight nudity of Goku and Bulma and their is some adult references and jokes in it! Just thought I'd point that out...but if you are sixteen, like me! Or really above thirteen and a Dragon Ball fan...buy this now!

This was my first introduction to the original Dragon Ball story having been a fan of Dragon Ball Z Cartoon. I am glad that I chose to delve into the Manga as it is a delight. The wit is irreverent, the stories are compelling and the art is frenetic and drives things forward nicely. Truly a master at work and easy to see why this has become one of the foundations of modern Manga. It is also accessible to gaijin audiences like me who have only a cursory understanding of the form and culture.

Great manga. Just feels like it leaves abruptly. Some pages seem though it's not printed properly though.

Lovely thoughtful gift for db fans

Fantastic beginning to the story, this series combines a number of different themes which entices you to keep reading and before you know it you are after the next book. Its both funny and exciting, presenting its own unique world as the reader follows Goku's adventure. Combining fighting, funny and adventure (with a little nudity). I greatly enjoyed reading the beginning of the series and would recommend it!

The start of an epic tale, happy my son has started the journey with this

I liked this manga as a child and now as a grown up it was great to read it all again on my kindle.