Recap: A Peacetime Reward! Who Gets the 100 Million Zeni?

Dedicated to the memory of Hiromi Tsuru

Hello everyone. Given how busy this term might be, as well as how this week is also one year since my grandfather’s passing; I thought I would finally do some of Dragon Ball Super, as a way to do a belated tribute to Bulma’s Japanese voice actress Hiromi Tsuru. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do in either case, since I watched some Bulma-centric episodes of the original series, but couldn’t find enough material to work with. So, I thought I would take the easy way out and do the first episode of Super, so let’s open it up. 

The opening theme song, “ Go, Let’s Dynamic” (roughly translated) is relatively good to set the stage, and it definitely has a good sound overall. I just get pumped every time I hear it coming on Toonami, so feel free to have a listen on this link. 

It turns out this anime goes a different direction after the defeat of Majin Buu towards the end of DBZ, and the world has been at peace for six months (even longer in terms of fan wait). This, along with the movies they’re coming out with, officially de-canonize GT and give Toriyama more incentive to wash away that terrible Evolution movie, much like me. The first episode of this new chapter in the Dragon Ball Saga is entitled “A Peacetime Reward! Who Gets the 100 Million Zeni?”

Our proper opening is on Goku doing some farm work when his tractor gets stuck. He then unroots the stump that the wheel got caught on before Goten arrives with lunch and takes over. Very amusing how all those bento boxes can fit in just one piece of cloth.

Anyway, Goku laments that he has to find work instead of training; since Chi-Chi’s been on him and the Ox King’s palace burned down again. Typical: never easy, even in times of peace.

Elsewhere, on a distant planet; Beerus is sampling some of the delicacies they have to offer before deciding whether or not to blow up their planet. He’s satisfied overall, but since the dessert had a greasy aftertaste, he only destroys half the planet. This initial arc, which I’m almost finished with; is adapting the Battle of the Gods movie, and I rather liked that film. After I watch episode 14, I’m going to finally finish the Resurrection of F movie so I can properly get caught up.

As his retainer Whis asks if that was harsh, Beerus replies that the grease would make him “sluggish.” I don’t think that would be a problem if you can split a planet in half just by tapping the same claw you’re picking your teeth with. What I do know is that it was a good call choosing him for my next top 13 anime villains. 

We then cut to the mansion of Hercule Satan (yes, that is his real name); where he is once again given credit for saving everyone despite the Z-warriors being responsible. I admit he’s not a good liar, but there are worse people whose adolescent power fantasies you could indulge. So, everyone decides to just let him have it.

Speaking of which, Majin Buu comes into the room and demands food, forcing Hercule to cut the interview with the news short. It’s a long story, but the main reason why Buu is living with Hercule is basically the same reason no one tries to make him angry: even though he’s reformed, they’re afraid of what he’ll do if he isn’t fed. Even if he’s no longer evil, you don’t want to make him mad, even if he is a pile of pink slime in Hammer pants. 

Meanwhile, we see Videl and Gohan in their studies, where Gohan has gotten what translates literally to a “Difficult Book.” Oh yes: I’ve always been a fan of the Difficult Book! I enjoy it almost as much the Complicated Film!

Goten and Trunks then decide to help find a belated wedding present for Gohan and Videl; leading to a somewhat amusing scene in a jewelry store with a man quite literally flipping his wig at their comments and the sight of them flying out the door! 

Trunks then suggests getting Videl something for her skin, leading to a brief flashback of him watching Bulma in her vanity mirror. It’s rather wistful, even as someone who’s a relative newcomer to the Japanese version.

When they’re priced out of getting the gift they want at the shop, they hear of a hot spring from an old man; and he’s even kind enough to give them directions! 

Goten and Trunks find the source of the spring, and fill a whole jug of water with special properties to give to Videl! 

After a brush with a massive snake, the boys return with their gift. Gohan and Videl are pleased to see them, but Videl corrects them; as they confused the “eau de toilette” skin care solution with merely “toilet water.” I used to mix up lightsabers with Life Savers candy when I was little, so no worries. 

I know it’s taken me a while to mention this, but the animation itself on this episode is actually not that bad. The original version was infamous for how off-model it looked when it aired, but by the time the dub started; Funimation must have gotten the footage from the Japanese Blu-Ray releases. Not quite as snazzy as the movies this series sometimes adapts, but still looks good.

Later that day, Mr. Satan then gives Goku 100 million Zeni for his help; and it also turns out that he built Gohan and Videl’s new house! While it takes some prodding, Goku accepts, meaning he can go train without worrying about money!

Of course, Master Roshi wants to spend it on erotic movies, which gets him reprimanded by Chi-Chi for being such a dirty old man! Yeah, you old coot: you can get a lot of that stuff online for nothing!

We then close on the realm of the Kais, where the Supreme Kai sense a disturbance of another planet being destroyed. Figures: when it’s not massive WMDS built by the Empire (and more recently, the First Order), it’s a hungry beast from a parallel universe.

It took longer than I was hoping to do this, since I was occupied with other projects when the news broke of Hiromi Tsuru’s death from an aortic dissection: in non-medical speak, a literal broken heart. She may be gone, but her legacy will last forever among fans the world over. In addition to Bulma, her many roles included Ukyo in Ranma 1/2, Meryl Strife from Trigun; and Naomi Hunter in the Metal Gear Solid series. I do not know how future Dragon Ball material will handle her passing, especially with the current run of Super set to end in March with more to come.

For now, though; this episode was a fun start to the show; and a good way to help wash away those bad memories of GT and Evolution. Sometimes, you just wake up one day and decide you want to put this on and write about it. I mean, what would you rather watch: a fun series like this or a mediocre one like Black Clover? Seriously, Crunchyroll- don’t sell me a passable anime and try to hype it as the best ever. It isn’t. 

Anyway, depending on what happens tomorrow; I have several things planned. I will decide what I want to do next after that. There is still no official word on the English dub of the third season of Yo-Kai Watch, and the dub being recast doesn’t change anything about my plans for that series. Everything else is to be determined. So, I leave you with these words from Tsuru’s memorial service.

“If you gather the seven Dragon Balls, they’re said to grant you any wish; but not this time. I’m sorry.” Nozawa Masako, Goku’s Japanese voice actress

That will be all for now. Later.