Director: 
Minoru Okazaki
Starring: Stephanie Nadolny, Eric Vale, Elise Baughman, Andrew Chandler, Kyle Hebert
Running Time: 787 Minutes
Certificate: PG
After the incredible and influential cult classic anime series DRAGONBALL Z, finished its 291 episode run with a spectacular ending, it seems impossible for a follow-up show to match the quality of predecessor. And so I think it’s only fair that I start this review by stating that DRAGONBALL GT is not as good as DRAGONBALL Z. However with that being said I should also state that DRAGONBALL GT is by no means a bad show and it’s actually very entertaining. As the third in a trilogy of anime shows that began DRAGONBALL and DRAGONBALL Z, this final entry in the franchise feels like the perfect closing chapter of Goku’s journey. With that in mind, no shame should be felt for not matching the outstanding quality its predecessor, after all film trilogies typically peak in the second entry (THE GODFATHER PART 2, SPIDER-MAN 2, THE DARK KNIGHT).
DRAGONBALL GT continues the story of Goku, the super saiyan warrior originally sent to earth with the purpose of havoc and destruction only to become its most powerful protector. The series opens with an older Goku training his new apprentice Uub in a fierce battle. Shortly after his training has concluded an old enemy returns and makes a wish using the black star Dragon balls, resulting in Goku reverting back to the form of a child. After his transformation, Goku soon realizes that he must travel the galaxy in search of the seven scattered black star Dragon balls or else the planet will explode in one year. Goku then blasts off into the unknown with an old friend Trunks and his teenage granddaughter Pan for an exhilarating alien-filled race against time.
DRAGONBALL GT is easily accessible to both newcomers and fans of the previous two series’, with the majority of the season utilizing self-contained adventures with an overall story-arc that link them together. For fans that have avidly followed Goku and his friends’ journey up to this point, nostalgic references to past adventures and returning characters will easily carry your interest through the entire season, as well as compensate for a slight change in style. Nostalgia plays a huge part within the overall theme of the series through Goku’s newly transformed adolescence and the seemingly rapid aging of the shows mortal characters. This also plays into the larger underlying theme of youth, aging, and growing up that is present throughout the entirety of the season, which gives it a refreshingly relatable, real-world feel. This is conveyed to the audience nicely through the clever contrasting of a wise, battle scared Goku in his younger body travelling with his teenage grand daughter. It’s also incredibly rewarding for DRAGONBALL veterans to see the characters they have watched (in some cases) since birth grow old and build families. Of course such an adult theme will also provoke thought for any viewer which can be pleasant for what will no doubt appear as such a simple anime show.
In terms of characters, the three protagonists are hard not to fall in love with as Goku, Trunks and Pan’s relationship represent’s the heart of GT. As the series progresses you see the three mismatched companions grow and bond together to create a brilliant dynamic that carries the narrative along effortlessly. Goku is once again the physical child that he has always mentally embodied with his heart, energy and kindness that occasionally verges on naivety. Pan is the teenage girl that every parent dreads their daughter becoming which works perfectly as Goku and Trunks act as both friends and mentors. Trunks will almost definitely become a favourite as he soon establishes himself as the quick-witted bad-ass that DRAGONBALL Z fans know him as. The central villain of the thirty four episode season ‘Baby’ is not as interesting as past antagonists such as Freiza or Cell, but his ability to possess others does create some interesting conflict between characters.
DRAGONBALL GT season 1 is a great action adventure anime series that will be thoroughly enjoyable for both fans of the franchise and newcomers. Although the animation is clearly a little bit dated given that its debut was over fifteen years ago, the action and adventure elements of the show more than make up for that. DRAGONBALL GT will also provoke nostalgic memories of childhood through its strong portrayal of age and family which only adds weight to its already excellent storytelling and action sequences.
[usr=4] DRAGONBALL GT SEASON 1 is available on DVD now via Manga Entertainment!
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