Dragon Ball Super Chapters 42-53 (Manga Review)
By: RogueSymbiote
SPOILERS AHEAD!
Summary
Since the end of the Dragon Ball Super (DBS) anime and the subsequent release of DBS: Broly, I have been clamoring for more. I'm ashamed to say that I was unaware that the manga was and is still ongoing... So what did I do? I read it all within a couple days and now I'm here to gush over this INCREDIBLE new story arc!!!
The tournament of champions arc in DBS was a breath of fresh air for the franchise. It introduced a plethora of new characters with interesting abilities and a common goal. Villains were thrown to the wayside and replaced with powerful foes that only wanted to save their universes. The continuation of the series continues this theme of new characters with fantastically unique abilities.
Moro was once a powerful magic user and world eater who was defeated by the Grand Supreme Kai by stripping him of all magic abilities. This deadly foe has finally escaped the imprisonment of the Galactic Patrol after 10 million years! Anyone else think of Rita Repulsa when they read that? Just me? Ok then, moving on! Moro quickly begins to consume the energy around him, revitalizing his youth and abilities. The Galactic Patrol come to earth and recruit a sleeping Majin Buu to help in the fight as Buu's plump form is the result of consuming the Grand Supreme Kai many years ago.
Goku and Vegeta join the resistance and are reluctantly made members of the Galactic Patrol. Moro has learned of the Dragon Balls and heads to Namek in order to wish for the restoration of his full abilities. Even in a weakened state, Moro is able to keep pace with Vegeta. The fighters quickly learn that Moro absorbs the life essence of all around him, including his opponents. Their new foe defeats our Saiyan heroes and leaves them for dead while collecting killing countless Namekians in his search for the dragon balls.
Long story short, Moro gets his wish, regains his abilities and frees the other prisoners of the Galactic Patrol prison who then arrive on Namek to face Goku, Vegeta and Grand Supreme Kai?! The formerly consumed kai explains that he will be swapping places with Majin Buu for this battle against Moro. Long story short, our heroes are defeated and Moro moves on to consume planets to gain even more power.
Goku and Vegeta take separate paths to train. Goku requests training from Merus, a Galactic Patrol agent who is inexplicably fast and able to defeat opponents but stronger than himself. We later realize that Merus knows of the ultra instinct form which he begins to train Goku how to master. Vegeta heads to planet Yardrat, where Goku learned instant transmission many years ago. The proud Saiyan prince realizes that pure brute strength will not defeat Moro, but learning unique abilities might give him an edge. While Goku and Vegeta train, Earth is invaded by Moro's henchmen who search the universe for powerful planets to consume. Piccolo and Gohan appear to be the last line of defense for Earth.
Review
I absolutely loved everything about these volumes. The fight dynamic of magic and unique abilities vs raw power is refreshing. Forcing Goku and Vegeta to train differently and approach fighting without brute strength will be thrilling to watch. This concept eliminates the broken record of there's a villain who's stronger than us... time to get stronger. While strength will play a role in their final encounter, they'll have to fight differently than they're used to. This twist allows for character evolution and interesting new story elements.
Moro has a phenomenal character design and backstory that is integrated into the DBZ/DBS mythos. His minions also display fascinating new abilities which will keep things fresh for the heroes on Earth as well. Please let Gohan have a redeeming arc! The manga itself utilizes unique styles of paneling that add even more action to the series. The battles have been absolutely brutal. All the Namekians fusing only to be killed instantly is incredible and gut-wrenching at the same time. Returning to Namek is incredibly nostalgic.
While I enjoyed the Tournament of Power, this new arc has already won me over. Moro is a FANTASTIC addition to the franchise that forces the heroes we know and love to change and evolve as fighters as well as people. The action is dynamic, the humor is perfectly timed and the character designs are phenomenal. If you aren't reading DBS, you need to be. If this arc doesn't get animated it will be a travesty.
