Between the original Dragon Ball and its sequel series Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, and Dragon Ball Super, the popular anime franchise includes well over 600 episodes and over 20 theatrical releases. But the story definitely follows a simple arc: A menacing villain appears, threatening to take over or destroy the planet, Goku (voiced by Sean Schemmel in the English dub), Vegeta (Christopher Sabbath), and Satoru. Fight uncontrollable heroes such as Mei (Kyle Hebert).
In Dragon Ball Super: Super Heroes, the latest Dragon Ball output directed by Tetsuro Kodama and written by series creator Akira Toriyama, the menacing villain is a cutting-edge android, Gamma-1 (Aleks Le). and Gamma 2 (voiced by Zeno Robinson) were built by an evil conglomerate called the Red Ribbon Army with the express purpose of overcoming our heroes. Gohan and the Namekian warrior Piccolo (also Savate) are in charge of Earth’s defense, while in the regular series his leaders Goku and Vegeta are sidelined and trained on a distant planet. Gohan and Piccolo face off against the androids and quickly outclass their class — until, of course, they power up and transform, inevitably fending off their enemies.
The “Dragon Ball” formula is repetitive and predictable. But it’s hard to overstate just how exquisitely satisfying that formula is. Inflate and inflate – and recent advances in animation have made every punch, kick, and super-powered Kamehameha attack more powerful with a flourish of classic anime illustration styles and computer-generated effects. It was vivid and spectacular. “Dragon Ball” combat has always been depicted and staged with thrilling enjoyment. You look better than ever in Dragon Ball Super Super Heroes.
I’m not sure what impression this might make on newcomers to the series. The film is clearly aimed at fans whose knowledge of these characters and their continuing adventures is close to an encyclopedia, as well as references to events in previous films and series. The franchise from “Dragon Ball” (1986) to “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” (2018) unfolds with a casual frequency. But for this critic who’s been an avid Dragon Ball fan since he was a teenager, the fan service only adds to the esoteric appeal.
Dragon Ball Super: Super Heroes
The cartoon action and violence rating is PG-13. English and Japanese with subtitles. Running time: 1 hour 40 minutes. at the theater.