This page is a guide for newbies to Dragon Ball on what to purchase for consumption of Dragon Ball in its different forms of media.
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Manga
If you're looking for Dragon Ball in its manga form, there are two major ways currently out in America and other countries.
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- Full Colors - The Full Color release still hasn't been fully brought to America with only the Saiyan and Freeza arcs, but is well on its way. A Full Color version was just done of Dragon Ball and will be brought to America if fans continue to buy the Full Colors. They have around 17 chapters each and are divided into arcs with individual chapter numbering. For an American fan just starting off, buying the 16 volumes of the Tankōbon along with the current Full Colors is a way to start. These Full Colors are $20 depending on where you look.
Anime
- Dragon Ball - For Dragon Ball you're going to want to buy the Blue Bricks. These have uncut, dual-language audio and are in 4:3 aspect ratio. These tend to run about $20-$25.
- Dragon Ball Z - If you're reading this, we can assume you're a bit of a newbie. You might have heard of the Dragon Boxes. Those run about $300 dollar a box, so we'll go with the next best thing. The Blu-Rays. Though with their own set of problems, they are well liked. With a 16:9 ratio, it is still the most affordable way to watch Dragon Ball Z. These run about $25 each.
- Dragon Ball GT - Simply but the single series Green Brick. It is 4:3, uncut. This is $24 about.
- Dragon Ball Kai - Get yourself the Blu-Rays. They're 4:3 and uncut. There are two versions of Season 1, but either one will do. These are around $30 - $35 a piece.
- Dragon Ball Movies - Buy the complete 4 pack, which runs for around $20.
- Dragon Ball Z Movies - Grab yourself the Orange and White box sets. They're usually around $15 and include 4 movies each.
- Dragon Ball TV Specials - The Blu-Ray double pack of "History of Trunks" and "Bardock: The Father of Goku" is 16:9, but still really good to watch. They are the newest release of these in some time. You can find that for about $20. The GT special "A Hero's Legacy" comes with the GT box set mentioned above.
Video Games
For any new fan, it might be hard to figure out what Dragon Ball game to buy as there are so many. So here's a list of games that every Dragon Ball fan should play.
- Dragon Ball Budokai HD Collection - If you never played Budokai 1 and 3 but have a PS3 and XBOX 360, you can play the HD remasters. These are 2D fighting games much like Mortal Kombat or Street Fighter. They are games that every Dragon Ball fan should play. Though lacking the original music scores, the soundtrack is still fine as is, just wrongly placed.
- Dragon Ball Raging Blast 2 - Despite being a sequel, it is not necessary to play the first of this duo of games. With a large roster of fun and different characters and a unique way of telling the story, it was definitely something new. Though many characters may feel the same, it is definitely worth your money. It also comes with the special "Plan To Eradicate The Super Saiyans."
- Dragon Ball Budokai Tenkaichi 3 - With an enormous roster yet empty gameplay, one would think that this game wouldn't be necessary to at least try. But with its story missions and What Ifs as well as new game modes, it is definitely worth picking up if you can find it cheap.
- Dragon Ball Xenoverse - Dragon Ball Xenoverse began a new era of Dragon Ball games. Setting the bar somewhat high with its new and original story, different style of gameplay and extensive character creation. It is a necessity for every Dragon Ball fan.