With the original Dragon Ball nearing its 40th anniversary, is it time for a modern revamp, or should Toei Animation concentrate solely on new ventures?
The anticipation surrounding Dragon Ball's New York Comic Con panel on October 12th has sparked a fresh wave of speculation within the fanbase. With several official Dragon Ball licensees building up excitement for the event, fans are hopeful that the teaser to be unveiled might signal the end of Dragon Ball's half-decade hiatus in the anime realm, possibly announcing a new series. While many are eagerly awaiting news of a televised continuation of Dragon Ball Super, there is also growing interest in the prospect of a remake of the original Dragon Ball anime. As the manga celebrates its fortieth anniversary in 2024, some believe that now is the perfect time for Toei Animation to revisit the source material.
Dragon Ball Z Kai's Unresolved Omission
The concept of a modernized version of Dragon Ball has been a topic of discussion among fans for years. However, the release of Dragon Ball Z Kai in 2009 brought these discussions to the forefront. Kai, a re-edit of the original Dragon Ball Z series featuring a new remaster, soundtrack, and the removal of filler content, aimed to make Z more accessible to new audiences. While the decision to reuse Z footage instead of creating new animation was divisive, Kai achieved moderate success and marked the beginning of Dragon Ball's revival in the 21st century. A key point of contention was Kai's choice to skip directly to the "Saiyan" arc, leaving out the six arcs that comprised the original Dragon Ball series. This division between Z and its predecessor disappointed many fans who saw the entirety of Goku's journey, including these early arcs, as essential. Some held out hope that Kai would eventually cover these arcs, but the subsequent release of Dragon Ball Super and related movies, like Battle of Gods and Resurrection 'F', shifted fan focus to new content, leaving the prospect of revisiting the original material behind.
Super Hero Rekindles the Desire for a Remake
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero revitalized discussions about a remake, thanks to its two-minute 2D-animated prologue. Created by Super Hero's character designer Chikashi Kubota, this prologue recaps the "Red Ribbon Army" and "Cell" arcs in a visually distinct style compared to the film's 3D CGI look. The prologue received acclaim for its fluid and dynamic animation, prompting many fans to express a desire to see an entire Dragon Ball series in Kubota's style – a desire Kubota himself shares. During a recent "Japan Expo" convention, Kubota expressed interest in working on a remake of the original series and even discussed it with Super Hero producer Norihiro Hayashida. The 2D-animated prologue could be seen as a test to gauge interest in a potential modern Dragon Ball adaptation, and its positive reception suggests that such a project could be successful. The question now is what steps Toei Animation will take next.
The Case for a Modern Remake
While the idea of a modern Dragon Ball remake excites some fans, others view it with skepticism, considering the original anime's enduring quality and significance in anime history. They argue that the original series remains accessible and enjoyable, and the idea of updating it might undervalue the efforts of the original production team. However, it's crucial to remember that the anime is an adaptation of the manga, and a new adaptation would not diminish the value of the original any more than the original anime diminishes the manga. For Dragon Ball to remain relevant over time, it's natural for the source material to be reinterpreted, much like other iconic works, including Sherlock Holmes and Superman. Dragon Ball would join the ranks of classics like Space Battleship Yamato, Urusei Yatsura, and Devilman, all of which have received modern remakes. Toei Animation has shown a willingness to revisit old titles, such as Digimon Adventure, Sailor Moon, and Gegege no Kitaro, without erasing or invalidating the original works.
A Chance to Bring the Manga's Pace to Television
Dragon Ball's influence has led to a dedicated fanbase now working in the industry, including Kubota, who could offer fresh perspectives on a modern adaptation. Additionally, the original Dragon Ball anime faced production challenges, resulting in pacing issues as the team tried to avoid catching up to the manga. A new adaptation could faithfully capture the manga's pacing, delivering a more streamlined viewing experience. As demonstrated in Super Hero's prologue, earlier material could serve as the basis for well-animated action sequences. Moreover, if a new adaptation were to cover the entire manga, including the "23rd World Martial Arts Tournament" arc, it could present the complete story in a cohesive series. While Dragon Ball Z Kai offered a condensed, modernized version of the Z series, it was still bound by the limitations of existing footage and continuity. Covering the material in a new adaptation without constraints could significantly reduce the episode count. For instance, David Production's JoJo's Bizarre Adventure covered its source material's first 597 chapters in just 153 episodes, which serves as a compelling example of how efficiently the material could be adapted.
Preserving the Legacy
While the first Dragon Ball anime faced challenges during its production, it remains an iconic part of anime history with enduring contributions, such as Shunsuke Kikuchi's score and the voice talents of Masako Nozawa and Hiromi Tsuru. These elements hold a special place in the hearts of fans, and the thought of a new anime without the involvement of these veterans concerns many. Toei Animation's track record with the original Dragon Ball series has been mixed, and fans worry that a new version might overshadow or erase the original. However, it's possible for future adaptations to coexist alongside the original, ensuring that the legacy of Goku and his friends endures. Dragon Ball's story will likely continue to be retold for generations, and each version can contribute to the rich tapestry of the franchise, providing fans with various interpretations of the beloved characters and their adventures.
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