So, you wanna watch Dragon Ball? Awesome! But then you see *Dragon Ball Z* staring back at you. Should you start with the original? Or just jump right into the screaming and power levels?
The Great Debate: Z or Not Z?
Everyone says you HAVE to watch *Dragon Ball* first. It builds character, they say. It sets the stage, they insist. But is it really necessary?
I'm gonna be a bit controversial here. Prepare yourselves. I think you can skip *Dragon Ball*.
Hear Me Out!
Yes, yes, I know. Sacrilege! Blasphemy! But before you unleash your inner Super Saiyan on me, just listen.
*Dragon Ball Z* is where the action really starts. The villains are bigger. The stakes are higher. And the hair? Don't even get me started on the hair.
Think of it this way. *Dragon Ball* is like the appetizer. A fun, light snack. Dragon Ball Z is the main course. A big, juicy, planet-exploding main course.
What You Might Miss
Okay, okay, you'll miss some stuff. You won't see Goku as a kid. You won't understand his relationship with Bulma as deeply. Big deal, right?
Honestly, *Dragon Ball Z* does a pretty good job of filling you in. Flashbacks happen. Characters reminisce. You'll catch on eventually.
And let's be real. Some of *Dragon Ball* can be a bit... slow. Especially compared to the non-stop energy of *Z*.
The Power Level Problem
Power levels are important, right? In Dragon Ball Z, they're everything! Well, almost.
You'll figure them out. Trust me. It's mostly about screaming louder and powering up more. It's not rocket science, or even Dr. Briefs' science.
Plus, power levels are kinda inconsistent anyway. Don't get too hung up on them.
But... What About the Story?
The story in *Dragon Ball Z* is pretty self-contained. Evil aliens want to destroy Earth. Goku and his friends have to stop them.
That's the gist of it. There are variations, of course. But that's the basic formula.
Do you really need to watch hundreds of episodes of *Dragon Ball* to understand that? I think not!
Unpopular Opinion: Embrace the Z!
So, here's my (maybe) unpopular opinion. Skip *Dragon Ball* (for now). Dive headfirst into *Dragon Ball Z*.
If you love it, then go back and watch the original. See Goku's childhood adventures. Learn all the lore.
But if you're just trying to get into the series? *Z* is the way to go. It's more exciting, more epic, and honestly, more memorable.
A Final Word (Maybe Two)
Ultimately, it's up to you. Watch whatever you want. But don't let anyone tell you that you HAVE to watch *Dragon Ball* before *Z*.
It's your viewing experience. Own it. Power up! And enjoy the ride!
Remember, believe in yourself, even when others don't - Piccolo.
Now go forth and watch some anime! And maybe grab some Senzu beans, just in case.
