Battlezone: Goku vs. Superman

Ah, Goku vs. Superman. This is a fan favorite in the fan-fic world. Many think of these two as some of the strongest beings in all of existence. I've read a bunch of fan-fic fights with these two, it's interesting on how diverse everyone thinks. Both are strong, both are fast, and both are extremely powerful. So in this addition of Battlezone, I'm going to say who I think would win. I probably won't change anyone's minds, but I'm here to establish my opinion on the matter. Let's get on with it.

Goku vs. Superman

THE PLACE: A simple grassland toward the West. It is quiet, dead quiet. That is changed when a blur of blue and red zooms across the land. Superman was use to the loudness of the city, since he resided in the famous Metropolis. He did, however, prefer the quiet. It reminded him of Smallville. His super hearing detected something. He stopped flying and saw a blur of orange and black zooming toward him. The figure stopped a few inches in front of him. He had a orange karate-like suit, and large spiky black hair. His muscles told Superman that this was no ordinary fighter.

Goku had arrived.

The Saiyan held out his hand and spoke.

"You must be Superman! You're a legend even out here, my name is Son Goku."

Superman shook the hand, it was refreshing to meet a warrior as who didn't look obsessed with fighting, or was just in it for the fun.

"The honor is all mine Goku."

Both warriors were ready, Superman had his arms crossed while Goku was entering his battle stance. Superman could see that Goku was going to give it his all, he was ready, he had been in big fights before, he remembered his battle with Thor.

Then they went at it.

Superman did a punch. Goku teleported behind him.

"What?!" Superman thought.

Goku slammed Superman to the ground. The latter got up quickly.

"So he has teleportation, there's more to this fighter than meets the eye." He thought.

He then zoomed toward Goku. The latter was taken off guard by how fast Superman was. He knew all about 'faster than a speeding bullet,' but it had not done him justice. Superman had tackled Goku. They both went flying, with Superman landing some good blows. Goku then head-butted Superman. The latter was stunned. Then Goku telepoted a few feet behind himself. He shot an energy blast.

"He can shoot energy blasts too?!" Superman thought.

He evaded the blast, then he saw Goku pull his hands back.

"Kame-hame...."

Superman at first didn't get what was happening, then he saw some kind of energy emitting from Goku's hands. He zoomed toward him.

"HAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!" Goku shouted.

He unleashed his Kamehameha. Superman was struck by it. Suddenly it was silent. Goku wondered if maybe he shouldn't have used such a powerful attack. A blast of heat vision answered that. Goku was struck by it, but wasn't fazed. Out of the smoke came out Superman, who then laid a punch that sent Goku banging against the ground. He stood up. Superman was in the air. Goku smirked.

"It looks like base form won't be enough, I'll have to use Super Saiyan."

"Super what?"

Goku answered that by transforming. A yellow aura surrounded him. Superman sensed great power emitting from it. Goku's hair turned bright yellow. He was now in Super Saiyan mode. He teleported in front of a surprised Superman and sent him flying against a hill. He was stunned by how powerful the blow was, then he saw Goku teleport above him. He shot an energy blast. Superman flew to the side, then Goku tackled him. This time Superman was ready. He grabbed Goku and threw him to the ground. Superman then shot a blast of heat vision. Goku teleported behind and grabbed him. Superman countered with a backwards headbutt. Goku let go, but didn't attack. Superman turned around. The Super Saiyan spoke.

"I've got to hand it to you Superman, the stories were right, you are tough. I'm going to have to use Super Saiyan 2, something I thought I wouldn't have to do. Let's do it!"

Yellow aura surrounded Goku. The ground shook beneath them.

"Great Caesar's ghost! Is there no end to his power?" Superman thought.

Goku's hair had grown longer, he was now in Super Saiyan 2 mode. Superman knew that he was going to have to use his full power. He hardly ever uses his full power, for he fears that unleashing it could harm people around him. Alas, there were none for many miles, it was just him and Goku.

He got ready.

Goku sensed a great power rising in Superman. That's when he realized it: Superman had been holding back the entire time. Goku shot an energy blast. Superman slapped it aside and flew toward Goku. Goku did the same. They both punched. Both fists collided, creating a huge tremor that was felt for miles. Goku punched, Superman blocked. The latter kicked. Goku grabbed it, then Superman shot heat vision. It took Goku off guard for but a moment, but Superman took it to lay multiple blows. Goku was quick too, and began to counter them.

Punch kick punch grab punch kick grab headbutt grab back-kick beam block slam heat-vision energy-blast EXPLOSION.

After the smoke cleared, two tired warriors stood standing. Superman's cape was destroyed, and his costume tattered. Goku stood, panting, with his costume tattered. Goku stood up, then a large yellow aura surrounded him. His hair grew even longer. He had entered Super Saiyan 3 mode. Superman couldn't believe it. Here he was, exhausted, yet this being just got over twice more powerful than before. Superman knew he barely had any strength left, but he wasn't going to give up. He zoomed toward Goku. The latter didn't move. Superman pulled back his fist, and let Goku have it. The latter wasn't fazed at all by the blow. He then hit Superman with a punch of his own. Superman went flying and banged the ground.

He was defeated.

Goku reverted back to base form. He was exhausted, but had enjoyed the fight. Superman was a tough opponent. Goku would head head back to get a Senzu Bean for Superman in a few moments, but this second, this day, he was the victor.

WINNER: Goku

Yes, I went with Goku with this. If you would have asked me this question a few years ago, I probably would have said Superman. But that was before I read Dragon Ball Z. I don't see Superman competing with Goku's power. First of all, let's look at it deeply. If Frieza could blow up the planet in one blast, that means Super Saiyan mode can do that with ease. Then look at Super Saiyan 2. The power increases very much, he could probably blow up three planets with one blast. Then when you look at Super Saiyan 3....you're looking at a universe destroyer. So no, I don't see Superman standing up to that.

NEXT WEEK: The King of Monsters battles the Guardian of the Universe.

Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon Review

The Dragon Ball Z films have their ups and downs. In the end, even sometimes with virtually no plot, (take a look at Bojack Unbound) they still manage to deliver some of the most epic fights to grace a television screen. Wrath of the Dragon is the final DBZ film, I have been very interested in it for awhile. First of all, it's the final film in the franchise, so I wanted to see how much closure it would have, to see how everything that took place before would have a hand in it. Indeed, this film brought a lot of the good elements from the series, it's definitely one of the better ones, right up there with Cooler's Revenge and the Legendary Super Saiyan.

The story begins with a boy carrying a sword attempting to stop a large beast. He fails, and is killed by being stomped on. Back on earth, after a stopping mugging Gohan saves a supposed old man holding a music box from committing suicide. He explains to Gohan that they have to open it by summoning the Eternal Dragon, Shenron. Gohan, Goku, Trunks, and Goten eventually find the seven Dragon Balls. Shenron is summoned, and the box is opened. A figure, a guy with the sword similar to the boy from earlier appears from within the box. The old man is revealed to be an alien from another planet, and releasing the guy with the sword, Tapion, has brought back an ancient evil, a giant monster named Hirudegarn. Even the Z fighters may not be able to stop this one from destroying the universe.....

As the final film in this series, you would expect more of the same. But nope, this film was different, and I mean different. There's a lot of 'earthly' scenes. What I mean is that it feels more down-to-earth than the rest of them. Thankfully, there is no silliness that plagues some of the other films, (Super Android 13, Bojack Unbound) it remains a serious entry. While it does take a bit for the real action to get going, the story remains engaging throughout. That's thanks to the characters, both the old and new ones. Tapion was a great addition, definitely the best written character in the film, or of the majority of the films for that matter. He presents a likable manner, similar to that of Future Trunks. Definitely the best part of the film. (The DBZ version of Link, he even has an Ocarina!) Hoi wasn't bad. Yeah, he's a lame villain and a Babidi wannabe, but his backstory was interesting. His death is pretty pathetic and anti-climatic though, which brings up the main threat in this film.

Hirudegarn is the big (literally) 'final boss.' I don't know about you, but I welcomed a giant 'powerful' monster. His backstory was great, and had a very imposing appearance. I think he could have used a bit more character, he just appeared to be a walking event. His destruction scenes were fantastic, it would make a Godzilla film proud. He has some unique powers, even a strange form of teleportation. Definitely a great 'final boss.' And it's different, since we pretty much never see the Z fighters take on  a 'big' menace such as Hirudegarn. As for the other characters, both Goku and Gohan are as great as ever. I was disappointed at how little Vegeta appeared, only coming in for about two minutes more or less. I was also shocked that Piccolo didn't show up. Since this was the final DBZ film, you'd think they would bring everyone in.

The soundtrack is also different from the rest. It has an 'epic' feel to it. Some really great themes, perfect for a final showdown, or a final movie. One of my favorite things about this film  is how it links to a part in the series. Tapion giving Trunks his sword was just great, I love how they use the films to explain different backstories, good stuff. It was also nice seeing Gotenks from the manga again. However, the best scene is when Goku went Super Saiyan 3 and unleashed what's probably the coolest attack in all of Dragon Ball Z at Hirudegarn. It's good stuff, it's what Dragon Ball Z is all about.

Overall, Wrath of the Dragon is a great final entry in the Dragon Ball Z film series. Virtually no comic relief, a great new hero and villain, good fight in the city, and an 'epic' soundtrack makes this film rank with the greats such as Cooler's Revenge and The Legendary Super Saiyan.

7/10.

Dragon Ball Z: Broly - the Legendary Super Saiyan Review

I have been looking forward to watching this one for a couple of reasons. One, fans seem to favor this one a lot, and two, the debut of fan favorite Broly. I've heard so much about him, how he's super cool, ultra powerful, and all that. After watching it, I can say that the hype is true. This was a solid entry, easily beating the last two I watched, Return of Cooler and Super Android 13.

The story begins with the destruction of an entire part of the galaxy by an unkown force. It is later revealed to be a being called "the legendary Super Saiyan." On earth, a saiyan called Paragus comes and tells Vegeta that he wants to rebuild their home planet, calling it 'New Vegeta.' Vegeta goes, but is unaware of a sinister plot....

After a dramatic beginning, (with a very unnecessary narration) the film deters a bit, but becomes solid again. This film had a high quality feel. It actually felt like a movie as opposed to a two-part special. I like the backstory they give, it's fascinating. The film gets better once the heroes head to New Vegeta, before that, we get Goku in a suit. You read that right. Gotta admit, it was priceless. My major complaint this time is how useless Krillin, Oolong, and Master Roshi were. They always are, but they could have been cut out of the second act completely, it wouldn't have affected anything. They were nothing but cringe-worthy comic relief on the planet, it was unbearable. (I did find the scene where Master Roshi powered up amusing however.)

Broly is an interesting case and fits perfectly into the DBZ universe. Arguably the most cold and sadistic of them all, I could see why he's a fan favorite. His backstory is interesting and well-plotted. Loved the flashback to when King Vegeta ordered Broly to be eliminated, then they fit Frieza into the whole thing, it's good stuff. Broly comes off as a crazy, and I mean crazy. He doesn't have any deep motivations, but it's fine here. He's the perfect villain for this kinda universe. His dialogue is nothing special, but it fits. Gotta say, the most dramatic scene in the film was when he blew up the planet of the slaves IN A SINGLE BLAST. Now that's dramatic, I mean wow. Good stuff. Broly's father Paragus is well-developed and interesting. The film did a very good job with the shift being on him then turning completely to Broly. Good stuff. Goku comes off in this film as a little too cheerful. I do like the scene where he's yelling for Vegeta for power, such drama. Speaking of Vegeta, he's a bit different here. In it, he actually shows fear, and I mean fear. It's interesting how he knows about "the Legendary Super Sayian" and fears him while the other heroes know nothing about it. Some really good dialogue from ol' Vegeta. However, I didn't like how he took so long to give Goku his power, I mean really? After stating how it's impossible to win, and then there's a chance, and he's reluctant? I mean really?

The soundtrack was very good, on par with Cooler's Revenge's. Finally, hardcore music that fit the movie atmosphere, good stuff. The fights were very good, easily beating both Super Android 13's and Return of Cooler's. Each blow is felt, the final battle on the planet is amazing. There were some scenes were Broly just kept pounding and pounding, it made me think "Wow, he might actually win." Piccolo gets a very nice appearance once again, and it was good to see Trunks. Four Super Saiyans against Broly, what more can a DBZ fan want?

Overall, Broly - the Legendary Super Saiyan is a high note in the DBZ films. It features an interesting plot, a great villain, amazing fights, spectacular soundtrack, and has the high-quality feel Cooler's Revenge has. Truly a great DBZ film, I can only hope that Broly's return in Second Coming is as good.

7/10.

Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13 Review

Super Android 13 is a stereotypical DBZ film. It features the fastest fights you'll ever see, unbelievably powerful characters, trash talking, comic relief, and a character who borrows power from mother nature. Some stand on top of the norm, such as Cooler's Revenge, and some, like this film, tend to be nothing special. Super Android 13 does feature some unique concepts, and the villain gets a pretty cool super form, but the film suffers from the flaws of Return of Cooler.

The story follows Dr. Gero,well, a computer built to think like him that is. Unknown to the world, a powerful android has been in stasis, not any more. In the city, Goku and friends are out shopping and having lunch when two mysterious figures appear. They are revealed to be Androids 14 and 15, and when 13 arrives, things get crazy.

This film was slightly different from the ones I've seen. We actually get to see Goku shopping and eating out. It's easy to forget that this powerful character lives an ordinary life. So that was interesting and fun. I also liked how the first fight took place in the city, they usually take place over empty lands. One of the main flaws, like with Return of Cooler, is that is doesn't feel like a film, it felt like a two-part special. It's just lacking a dramatic atmosphere that Cooler's Revenge had. The fights are even less fluid than Return of Cooler, and again, the soundtrack pales to Revenge's.

Android 13 is definitely more of a 'different' villain for the films. Like the other androids, his only goal is to destroy Goku. I like how he openly says that, it makes the generic goal bearable. His southern accent may get annoying after awhile, but it's unique for this film. And I gotta say, I really like his super form. Perfect climatic battle with the heroes and him. I mean, the dramatic atmosphere went up a notch when the Super Saiyans were doing NOTHING against him. Good stuff. It was also great to see Trunks. I am a fan, (future version anyway) so I was glad to see him in action, even if he gets beat up the whole time. Goku is great, (like always) and Vegeta makes this film more fun. It's great to see the three of them together. Sadly, the other characters are even more useless than in Return of Cooler. Both Gohan and Krillin were there just for comic relief. It's sad.

The soundtrack is good as always, but just pales, *PALES* to Revenge's. I don't get it. That film had an amazing soundtrack, the others I've seen, while good, don't even come close. Gotta say I'm liking Piccolo's cool appearances in these films. While the dialogue is often cringe worthy between Goku and friends, the dialogue between him and #13 is great. Also, Androids 14 and 15 are surprisingly pretty good. They aren't total one shot minions of the main villain like in other DBZ films. Their intro near the beginning was both cool and amusing. Good stuff.

Overall, Super Android 13 is nothing special. It suffers from the same flaws as Return of Cooler, but still isn't bad. The fights were disappointing, but some of them, namely #13's super form against Goku, was spectacular. The other side-characters are sadly more useless than ever, especially Krillin, who is the object of comic relief in this film. The final act of the film is truly epic however, showcasing #13's super form as an invincible threat. Gotta say, the impending doom level went up when he transformed, and the film did a great job showcasing it.

6/10.

Dragon Ball Z: Return of Cooler Review

Having recently watched Cooler's Revenge, I was in a DBZ mood. Thanks to the wonderful folks at Nicktoons, the sequel, Return of Cooler, was airing the next day. I had originally seen this film three years ago, before I had actually read the manga. In short, I didn't know too much about the franchise at that time. Now it's much different. Three years later, I've read the whole manga and seen two films. Now I had the chance to re-watch this film as a fan of the franchise. While I did enjoy it more than I did then, there's still a lot of flaws.

The story begins when Big Gete Star goes on top of New Planet Namek. The Namekians are soon captured by robots with unbelievable power. Back on earth, Dende becomes aware of the situation and asks Goku to save his people. Goku agrees of course. He and some of his friends head to New Namek. Once they arrive, they realize tat the robots are working for a being. Goku instantly recognizes the reincarnated, Cooler, now with a metal lok. Can Goku stop Meta Cooler? Maybe with the timely arrival of Vegeta, but even two Super Saiyans may not be able to stop the monster from destroying the planet.

The main problem with this entry is that it doesn't feel like a film. It feels like a two-part special. It's lacking the high quality feel of its predecessor. The dialogue is worst, there's more comic relief, and the fights aren't as fluid. (They still are excellent, just not comparable to the ones in Revenge.) The music score, while good, is no where near as awesome as Revenge's. This film is just lacking the dramatic atmosphere that Revenge had. It has its moments, but its a far inferior film.

This film marks the return of Cooler, Frieza's brother. Gotta say, love the new sleek 'meta' look. His intro is dramatic, definitely one of the best scenes in the film. His script is the best, love the scene where Goku uses an attack and then soon after Cooler says "Of course, it is one of my favorite techniques." Brilliant. Goku is great as always. We also get a nice appearance by Vegeta. Gotta admit, him being in it makes things a lot more interesting. Always fun to watch the two team up. Unlike its predecessor, the other characters are pretty much useless. (Aside from Piccolo.) They're pretty much played for laughs the whole way through.

The music, as I've said, is good. But after watching Revenge, the music here is just inferior. It's better suited for the episodes, which is fine, but for a movie, I'm going to need more dramatic tunes. Don't get me wrong though, the music is still great. DBZ always has great music, but Revenge has far superior tunes. The final battle I have to say was climatic. Loved how Cooler at the end turned into one more form. Truly one of, if not the best film villain.

Overall, Return of Cooler is a disappointing direct sequel to the far superior Cooler's Revenge. It lacks the scope and dramatic atmosphere of the ladder. Still, it has some solid fights, good (but inferior) music, and some great character moments. Return of Cooler is disappointing, but still not a bad entry in the Dragon Ball Z universe.

6/10.

Dragon Ball Z: Cooler's Revenge Review

There's a term for anime-based-on-manga films. They call it 'a filler episode with a bigger budget.' In many ways, that's true. A film can't really affect the show, cause it would most likely cause contradictions. Dragon Ball Z has arguably the most famous anime films. Take the fights from the show, but put in a lot of cringe-worthy dialogue. Cooler's Revenge is no different, but it's step above the average DBZ film.

The story begins with a flashback to when Frieza destroyed Bardock and the rest of the Saiyans. A little pod carrying a being who would grow up to become Goku is the only survivor. From his ship, a being called Cooler, who happens to be Frieza's older brother, is watching the events. Years later, after the death of Frieza, Goku, Gohan, Krillin, and Oolong go camping. However, when Cooler realizes that a Saiyan destroyed his brother, he heads to earth to destroy Goku for humiliating his family.

Ah, this is how it should be done. The opening featuring Bardock and Frieza was definitely one of the most interesting scenes in the DBZ universe. I like how it fills the gap of back-story in the universe. The intro captivated me, and I was set for the rest of the film. That's how you start a DBZ film. The introduction of Cooler was amazing, I love the differences between him and Frieza and how he dislikes his brother. The beginning itself is worthy of five stars. (The music in the intro is also equally amazing.) After an amazing intro, we head back to earth for some generic dialogue between Gohan and Chi-Chi. Nothing too awful, just your run-of-the-mill DBZ film stuff. The scene with Cooler explaining how he wants to eradicate Goku makes up for it.

The DBZ films have some memorable (Cooler, Broly) and some unmemorable (Slug, Garlic Jr.) villains. Unlike the villain in the previous DBZ film I saw, Fusion Reborn, the villain here has actual character and great back-story. Him being related to an established villain is a great concept. His differences between him and Frieza is both interesting and fun to watch. I especially liked the scene where he's watching his brother destroy the Saiyan planet on the screen and he says "Look at him gloat, his arrogance will be his undoing." Goku is great as always. The other characters, such as Gohan and Krillin are fine. I liked the scene where Cooler's henchman Salza destroys a bag of senzu beans then Krillin goes all crazy on him. Piccolo is especially cool in the film, defeating every single member of Cooler's henchmen. (The scene where Cooler shoots a beam right through him is definitely the most dramatic scene in the film.)

However, probably the greatest thing about the film is FUNimation's dubbed soundtrack. My gosh, the music really carried the film. It brought the term "dramatic atmosphere" to a new level. It's just amazing. The music brought the character's intros and fights to a whole new level of awesomeness. The music itself is triple A+. DBZ has always been known for it's great music, but this film takes it up a notch, easily beating its sequel's, Return of Cooler, soundtrack, or for that matter, DBZ films in general.

Overall, Cooler's Revenge is a step above the average DBZ film. It features an interesting plot, amazingly fluid fights, a great villain, and a stellar soundtrack. It's no masterpiece of course, but it's good stuff when you're a fan of the franchise. Though the only thing I didn't get is why Goku waited until the very last second to transform in Super Saiyan. Considering he's able to transform into it easily, it didn't make sense why he waited so long. Also, Cooler's final form is probably has probably the most awesome appearance from any character in the franchise. Cooler's Revenge is better than its sequel, Return of Cooler, and is far superior to the last one I saw, Fusion Reborn. Cooler's Revenge is definitely a worthy entry in the Dragon Ball Z franchise.

7/10.