Dragon Ball Zis arguably the most prolific anime in the U.S. market.It has stood the test of time for more than 26 years, mass-producing toys, digital sets of its original Japanese Dub, and its even inspired two spinoffs,Dragon Ball GTandDragon Ball Super. Nevertheless, there is something unique toDragon Ball Zthat none of its continuation series, and even another anime, have been able to achieve: define an entire generation. Making its U.S. crossover in 1996,Dragon Ball Zslowlygarnered the attention of millennials, and thus secured its fan following. But it did much more than maintain this generation’s adoration; it has shaped it in crucial ways. Here is howDragon Ball Zdefined the entire millennial generation.
Cable Television
Dragon Ball Zhad a bumpy road on its television transition into American households. First syndicated on national television, the anime aired its first couple of episodes in 1996 before a two-year delay before audiences got more of the Z-Fighters adventures. Fast-forward to 1998,Dragon Ball Zis back, this time on Cartoon Network with a whole new voice acting cast hired to replace those operating through Saban/Ocean, the original English dubbing company for theDragon Ball Z. Not before long, audiences became familiar with the voices of Sean Schemmel as Goku, Christopher Sabat as Vegeta and Piccolo, and Linda Young as Frieza. ButDragon Ball Zinfluenced more than children’s interest in anime; it grew a specific following for Cartoon Network that increased network ratings significantly; simultaneously, cable television became the gateway forDragon Ball Zto finally find its American home through children’s programming.
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Censorship
The most glaring difference between the original anime and the English dub is censorship. From altering violent scenes, sexually suggestive content, to shortening episodes for pacing purposes, there were several changes toDragon Ball Zthat brought the entire English Dub from 277 episodes over the original 291. This drove millennials to seek out the original uncensored version online, and as a result, supported the technological revolution known as The Internet Age.
Coming-of-Age Themes
Dragon Ball Zis nuanced with important coming of age themes. For Goku, it’s the journey from carefree warrior to the universe’s savior while reconnecting with his Saiyan roots: a commentary on cultural identity. Gohan grows from child to hero, and by the series finale embraces a scholarly, traditional life over practicing martial arts: Gohan represents choosing one’s destiny over following cultural norms; in his case, Saiyan norms. Vegeta represents self-identity; Vegeta starts his journey as Frieza’s ruthless minion with no emotional attachments; he spends the remainder of the series training to become stronger than Goku, feeling hindered by his family; he ends the series feeling genuine love for his family, and accepting that being a great warrior doesn’t equate with being the strongest. Villains undergo transformations audiences can draw from as well; Android 18 is created solely to destroy Goku, yet abandons her intended mission to start a family with Krillin, showing an emotional sensibility, as opposed to her usual, cynical guard.
Additionally, Android 18 defies gender norms; she is physically stronger than her husband, and her scheming provides them with financial security. Android 18 represents anyone born into violence who chooses to rise above their circumstances, and as a result becomes her household’s breadwinner.These coming-of-age themes correlatewith the millennial generation’s ongoing dilemmas, and allow it to see the world objectively despite the political and social constructs imposed upon them.
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Historical Allegories
Dragon Ball Zpresents historical allegoriesthrough its villains, specifically Frieza. Frieza conquers planets, mercilessly enslaves entire populations, and will not hesitate to annihilate said populations with the snap of his fingers, and he does so for decades before Trunks finally ends his life through battle. Frieza parallels world history’s most notorious dictators, notably Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin. He manages to recruit armies to do his bidding, either through force, as he does with the Saiyans, or through compensation and mental manipulation, as he does with The Ginyu Force, similarly to Hitler’s Gestapo and Stalin’s Cheka.
Mental Illness And Personality Disorders
While mental illness and personality disorders have been addressed more than ever in recent years,Dragon Ball Zmade sure to depict some of them through its villains as well. Cell isrepresentative of narcissistic personality disorder; he is obsessed with achieving bodily perfection by absorbing Androids 17 and 18. He revels in the world seeing him terrorize the world, not only by murdering entire populations, but by fighting warriors weaker than him and gloating over their defeat on national television; more than being the strongest warrior alive, Cell desires to be the most idolized. Majin Buu is the embodiment of psychopathy; he kills senselessly and is devoid of sentimentality over his enacted chaos; Majin Buu simply rejoices in killing without understanding good versus evil.
Gohan - A Character Representation of the Entire Millennial Generation
If any character is representative of the millennial generation, it’s Gohan. Gohan is born into two different cultures as a Half-Sayain, Half-Human. His father, Goku, while not directly imposing it, introduces Gohan to his martial arts culture. His mother, Chi-Chi, expects Gohan to become a scholar and as a result, the family prodigy. Gohan is constantly torn as someone thrown into the midst of battle at only four-years-old; he is molded by circumstance over desire; millennials are forced into career paths or social constructs they don’t identify with. As he trains, Gohan does manage to unlock his hidden potential and become the strongest fighter alive for some time; an allegory to millennials who, through sheer necessity, often follow a career path and through training and work experience, become skilled but not fulfilled through it.
Gohan embraces his identity when he transitions from homeschooling to a high school setting; he socializes with people his age, he goes on dates, and realizes he truly enjoys school, leading him to settle down with Videl and becoming a scholar down the line–a reflection of a millennial’s winding journey towards a career path that fulfills them intellectually.
Diverse Community
The beauty ofDragon Ball Zis itsability to bring an entire generation together. Regardless of demographic, it remains a classic in the hearts of the entire millennial generation. It continues to inspire spin-offs, movies, and above all, maintains its core messages alive in devoted fans.Dragon Ball Znot only defines the millennial generation; it unites it.
