Number of Episodes in Series: 276

Written by: Katsuyuki Sumizawa, Akira Toriyama

Directed by: Minoru Okazaki

Characters:

• Goku
• Gohan
• Krillen
• Vegeta
• Piccolo
• Chi Chi
• Bulma
• AND ABOUT A HUNDRED OTHERS

Summary: Goku is a great fighter who has saved the world time and time again. However, he is not from Earth, but rather is a Saiyan from the Planet Vegeta. He was sent to earth as a child on a mission to take over this world. After an accident as a child, he forgot his mission and lived his life doing what he loves most - eating, fighting and protecting the people he loves. And trust me, these people need a lot of protecting, as bad guys just keep showing up, each one tougher than the next.

Commentary: This series is very difficult to summarize, because of its length. This also makes it difficult to review. Some episodes are really good, some not so good. Overall, I think DBZ is a good show with a nice (though somewhat repetitive) storyline. What really pulls you into DBZ, however, is not the fights (if you just want to see action, skip the series and watch the movies). It is the characters and their relationships to each other. Though DBZ has its flaws, it does have some very nice, character-driven moments, and it really makes you feel for the characters. It is not the only anime to do this - but since so many people get their first experience of anime through DBZ, this emphasis on the characters makes DBZ more than just a cartoon for its viewers, and can draw them into the world of anime.

Rating: 8/10
Reasons for Rating: Long series (kind of a rarity in anime), nice but repetitive storyline, great characters!