Movies

10 Dragon Ball Z Quotes That Hit Way Harder in the Dub

BBG News

For many years, Akira Toriyama’s “ ” has been a highly-adored shonen series in Japan. However, its fame has expanded beyond Japan’s borders, earning international acclaim and global recognition. There are numerous anime and manga that garner attention in Japan, but often fail to make an impact elsewhere or are not even translated initially. Compared to other titles, the English dubbing of “Dragon Ball” wasn’t always perfect, but an English version of the series – despite its flaws – allowed fans to develop a strong connection with the property and yearn for more content.

Funimation (later Crunchyroll) played a significant role in elevating Dragon Ball, making it their flagship show. This experience helped them grow into a highly skilled dubbing company. Today, Crunchyroll is known for maintaining the original intent of series while providing accurate and impactful dubs. Interestingly, the extensive dubbing history of Dragon Ball Z has led to some unique translations that in certain cases surpassed the Japanese originals, making them even more powerful.

Dragon Ball Z, Episode 35, “Mercy”

In simple terms, Dragon Ball Z is renowned for its grand battles that many fans believe the series may never surpass. The rivalry between Goku and Vegeta, each drawing their power from different sources, symbolizes the debate between nature and nurture in a captivating manner. While Goku’s survival against Vegeta relies significantly on his friends’ aid, he also imposes a tough challenge upon them with his request.

In the heat of battle, Vegeta is left vulnerable and Krillin prepares for the final strike. But Goku intercedes, asking for leniency instead. Krillin questions whether Vegeta will ever change like their past foes, expressing skepticism about this decision. There’s a heavy uncertainty surrounding it all, yet Goku remains resolute. This act of compassion sets Goku apart from his savage Saiyan forebears. The English dub of Dragon Ball Z encapsulates this notion by portraying Goku’s mercy as a self-serving gesture.

Dragon Ball Z, Episode 184, “Cell Juniors Attack!”

In the storyline of Dragon Ball Z, known as the Cell Saga, it amplifies the ominous Android menace, showcasing the potential devastation these mechanical beings can inflict. Characters 17 and 18 serve as crucial components in Cell’s evolution, but Android 16 is more unpredictable. This android possesses immense power and inflicts significant damage on both Semi-Perfect Cell and Perfect Cell. Yet, there’s an inherent peaceful side to this machine, designed for destruction, which adds complexity to its character.

Android 16 shows a deep love for nature and finds joy in life’s small treasures, traits he shares with Gohan. He understands Gohan’s struggles and offers support. Unlike Goku and Vegeta, Gohan doesn’t derive pleasure from fighting. Android 16 believes that these emotions are valid, but sometimes force is needed for the protection of others and to serve a higher purpose. The core idea remains consistent between the original Japanese dialogue and the English dub, with the latter carefully choosing words that perfectly capture Android 16’s farewell message to Gohan. While Jeremy Inman may not be a busy voice actor, he delivers an exceptional, poignant performance in this scene.

Dragon Ball Z, Episode 229, “Vegeta’s Pride”

Vegeta has transformed significantly from his initial villainous persona and established himself as one of the most heroic characters in Dragon Ball. Yet, the series often explores the possibility of Vegeta reverting to his old ways and losing sight of his moral compass, such as when he falls under Babidi’s mind-controlling magic. Babidi usually has full command over the minds of his minions, so he’s genuinely taken aback when Majin Vegeta disobeys his commands.

Instead of stating otherwise, Majin Vegeta declares his intention to employ this power to avenge his grudge against Goku. Vegeta, a character known for his strong ego and pride, fits perfectly with this powerful quote, which encapsulates his unwavering determination in this matter. Christopher Sabat delivers many standout line readings as Vegeta, but his passionate performance here makes it shine even brighter compared to the original.

Dragon Ball Z, Episode 263, “A Whole New Gohan”

In the early episodes of Dragon Ball Z, Gohan’s immense potential is consistently hinted at. He reaches great heights during his battle against Cell, but for the subsequent seven years, his activity level diminishes significantly, leaving his skills somewhat rusty when the Buu Saga starts. The heroes resort to powerful tactics such as Super Saiyan 3 strength and fusion, but Gohan is sent to the Sacred World of the Kais for advanced training. This training culminates in the Ultimate Gohan form, which is meant to be the pinnacle of his power. For a brief instant, it appears that Ultimate Gohan might have enough strength to overpower Super Buu.

This line stands out significantly because it’s unusually aggressive for Gohan, who is typically less confrontational. Instead of the predictable harshness from characters like Vegeta or Frieza, we hear “No, I want to kill you,” which is unexpected coming from a character known for restraint. The English dub took a bold step with this dialogue, and while it may have been a risk, it added depth to Gohan’s character before he becomes a casualty in the fight against Buu.

Dragon Ball Z, Episode 130, “The Secret Of Dr. Gero”

The Androids Saga in Dragon Ball Z was a pivotal moment for the English dub version of the anime, resulting in a blend that’s both faithful to the original in certain aspects but also quite far from it in others, with some scenes taking significant creative liberties. One scene that stands out is Vegeta’s debut as a Super Saiyan, which remains one of his most iconic moments and is hard to spoil, even with less-than-ideal dialogue. Regardless, Vegeta’s ruthless victory in this scene remains impressive.

In a fresh and understandable rephrasing: Dragon Ball Z significantly enhances the narrative by portraying Androids as emotionally detached through its dialogue. Vegeta taunts Android 19, suggesting his fear in the last moments before death. This dialogue is intensely chilling, made more impactful by Android 19’s evident terror. Vegeta’s final move is a memorable quote, while Krillin and Piccolo’s “burnt toast” conversation after symbolizes the polar opposite of changes to the English dub.

Dragon Ball Z, Episode 191, “Save The World”

In the world of Dragon Ball Z, the bond between Gohan and Piccolo ranks among the most heartwarming and unexpected friendships. As they train side by side, this relationship helps to reveal a softer side of Piccolo, making him feel more like a man than ever before, rather than just a monster. Their pivotal battle against Nappa is a crucial moment, carrying equal weight in both its English translation and the original Japanese version.

During Gohan’s last battle against Cell, there’s another heartfelt moment from Piccolo that carries great significance. While Gohan takes on most of the fight, it’s Piccolo who takes the lead when Gohan’s friends arrive to aid him and lessen his burden. The dialogue from Piccolo in the English version powerfully demonstrates his longstanding teamwork with Gohan and how his kindness has positively impacted Piccolo’s life.

Dragon Ball Z, Movie 8, “Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan”

The iconic Super Saiyan from Universe 7, known as Broly, has made such a significant mark in the Dragon Ball universe that he’s been officially included in Dragon Ball Super. Although Broly isn’t particularly talkative among villains, his earliest appearances were in a trilogy of Dragon Ball Z movies, which remain popular. Instead of using words, Broly expresses himself primarily through growls, shouts, and the repetition of “Kakarot.” However, it’s his immense power and ability to unleash devastating attacks that truly make him stand out.

The movie “Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan” is primarily known for its intense action sequences rather than its dialogue. Nevertheless, a significant dialogue exchange in the English dub highlights the tension between Vegeta and Broly. The storyline of the film is mainly a cunning plan by Paragus to bring about Vegeta’s demise, while he struggles with feelings of regret for his noble heritage. After spending most of the movie fearing Broly, Vegeta eventually finds his courage and asserts himself against the Legendary Super Saiyan. Vegeta’s command is forceful, but Broly’s defiant rejection is all the more imposing.

Dragon Ball Z, Episode 221, “King Of The Demons”

In the Dragon Ball Z’s Buu Saga, there’s no scarcity of formidable adversaries for the heroes to vanquish, with Majin Buu ultimately standing out as the most menacing. Before Buu’s transformation, characters like Goku, Vegeta, and Gohan face off against Yakon, Pui Pui, and Dabura under the manipulation of Babidi. Interestingly, Gohan finds himself in a tough fight against Demon King Dabura, while the encounters between Goku and Vegeta are more comedic, serving to demonstrate their significant growth over the past seven years. Specifically, Vegeta engages with Pui Pui, a resident of Planet Zoon boasting about his planet’s harsh environment.

In a surprising turn of events, not only does Vegeta effortlessly outmatch Pui Pui in their battle, but he swiftly defeats him with a solitary blow. The fiery expression on Vegeta’s face speaks volumes, and while the English dub adds an extra edge to his actions, it certainly emphasizes his intense animosity. Vegeta’s brash comment that Pui Pui has met his end and that he’s in for a particularly agonizing experience might appear somewhat flippant coming from the Saiyan Prince. However, this line represents a more relaxed take on the original Japanese dialogue, which conveys Vegeta’s delight in causing turmoil and mayhem.

Dragon Ball Z, Episode 104, “Frieza Defeated!!”

One significant battle in the series Dragon Ball stands out for numerous reasons. Not only does this confrontation in Dragon Ball Z stretch longer than any other fight, but it also marks Goku’s groundbreaking Super Saiyan transformation. After undergoing this metamorphosis, Goku exemplifies the epitome of goodness and purity, attempting to give Frieza a chance, showing compassion towards him, and even offering him energy – all efforts that Frieza squanders due to his malevolent actions.

In Dragon Ball Z’s English dub, Goku delivers an impassioned monologue where he counters Frieza’s efforts to appear powerful and criticizes the Saiyans. Here, Goku asserts that Frieza is frail, damaged, and already defeated. No matter how many lives Frieza has claimed, he will ultimately be vanquished by a Saiyan. This speech pierces through Frieza’s deceptive, wicked facade.

Dragon Ball Z, Episode 245: “Super Saiyan 3?!”

In my perspective, some of the most awe-inspiring instances within the realm of Dragon Ball Z are undeniably marked by Goku’s extraordinary transformations. While Super Saiyan and Super Saiyan 2 boosted our heroes to unparalleled realms, they pale in comparison to the grandeur of Super Saiyan 3. This transformation stands out more flamboyantly and ostentatiously than its earlier forms. This extravagance is further emphasized by Goku’s momentous metamorphosis, during which the weather on Earth suddenly and dramatically shifts. In the original Japanese version, Goku skillfully builds up to this remarkable moment.

Instead of using “However,” you could start with “On the other hand,” or even “In contrast,” to make the sentence flow more smoothly:

On the other hand, the English dub stands out for its casual “show and tell” portrayal of Goku’s power levels as he transitions through his escalating transformations. Sean Schemmel’s acting, encompassing both the dialogue and the poignant scream that ensues, truly makes this a memorable moment in Dragon Ball. Interestingly, the Super Saiyan 4 scene from Dragon Ball DAIMA intentionally mirrors Goku’s dialogue in this instance.

Read More

2025-06-05 04:27

Previous post Wicked: For Good Trailer: Elphaba & Glinda’s Relationship Is Tested As War Rages Against The Wizard
Next post ‘Australia’s Most Sexually Active Woman’ Annie Knight reveals her shock plans for the future – after being hospitalised for sleeping with 583 men in a single day