Recap: Boss Rabbit's Magic Touch

Dedicated to the Memory of David Bowie

1947-2016

Hello again, and welcome to Dragons in my Chinese Zodiac theme. Given how much I’ve been bending the rules at this point; I think it would be a good way to unwind from how eventful this month has been with an early episode of the original Dragon Ball. Trust me when I say there will be a time to go after some of my bigger targets later this year. So, let’s open up “Boss Rabbit’s Magic Touch” to help keep this train rolling! 

We open on Goku, Bulma, and Oolong driving along on the search for the next Dragon Ball; with Yamcha and Puar not far behind. It’s clear that even though Yamcha is after the Dragon Balls as well; he is unable to clear Bulma as an obstacle. Isn’t that always it? If it’s not other thieves, it’s a dame! 

Yet, Yamcha accidentally lets slip that he likes her! You see, James Wong? THIS is how you do unrequited love; especially if his beloved later has a thing for Saiyan Princes! 

They happen upon a small village; and everyone is surprised at Bulma’s rabbit costume when they pull into the gas station. As for this supposed cosplay ban in the TPP- I know a few people dressed like stormtroopers that might have some objections to that.

Bulma decides to go stock up on supplies; and wonders if they sell Dino Caps in the city. That’s odd. If she’s heir to the company that makes them; couldn’t she theoretically have access to all that she needed?

As she continues along her way; she’s surprised that everyone is so afraid of her for her rabbit costume. This is going to be a lot of fun to talk about.

Furthering this is when their gas is filled; and they’re given the whole tank free of charge by the attendant. 

Burma is also given a supply of Dino Caps by the shopkeeper; still puzzled at why he’s afraid of her costume.

When she dons a desert outfit; the salesman is outraged at the trick she played, much to her confusion.

Then, everyone gets a clearer picture when we are greeted by two members of the Rabbits; who put on an aura of fear, but are still very bumbling early villains that fit the whimsical tone of the early episodes quite nicely. 

When the thugs try to engage Goku; predictably, things don’t go well for them. 

Impetuous boy! Oh well, who wants to live forever?!

After the gangsters realize they’re outmatched; they call for the titular Boss Rabbit for help.

Just then, everything goes quiet as Boss Rabbit is about to make his entrance.

Upon hearing Boss Rabbit has the ability to turn people into carrots; Goku then claims he doesn’t like carrots. Ironic, seeing as how his birth name was a way of reading them, Kakorot! Long story, won’t get into it right now.

Now, Boss Rabbit rolls into town in a specially-made car; and approaches our heroes.

Bulma slaps Boss Rabbit’s hand; which is what he wanted all along! He turns her into a carrot; and threatens to eat her if Goku takes him on! Goku doesn’t even flinch at this, and uses his Power Pole as a way to avoid directly touching him!

Yamcha then decides to help as well; with Puar taking the carrot from Boss Rabbit, and a chase on the rooftops of the city ensues! 

Puar then turns into Boss Rabbit himself; turning his own mystical powers against him as Goku snatches the carrot! 

With the aid of his Power Pole; Goku royally clobbers Boss Rabbit and demands he change Bulma back! 

After Boss Rabbit complies; we end on Boss Rabbit and his henchmen being sent to the moon; making rabbit treats for all the children on earth before they can come down. It’s an old legend in their culture; one that my mother was told when she lived in Japan as a little girl. 

“Boss Rabbit’s Magic Touch” is a delightful tale that can easily exemplify the joy and fun of early Dragon Ball; full of nice animation for its time and a gleeful story to suit the tone. As I pointed out before; each season gets progressively darker, and Z plunges full force into it.

Only a couple more recaps before I get to monkeys in the cycle! Next up are snakes in the cycle; so next time is my look at “The Dunsparce Deception!” See you, space cowboy!