Reddit reviews Dragon Ball, Vol. 1

In Japan, the book is just called Dragonball/ドラゴンボール. In the anime, (don't know if you're from the U.S. or not) Dragonball is split into two. Dragonball and Dragonball Z. It's to make it more convenient, in my opinion, makes it more confusing lol.

Dragonball (when the main character is young) and Dragonball Z (when the main character is an adult and has a kid), the more popular title. Dragonball is Volumes 1-16, Dragonball Z is 1-26.

Dragonball is known for its tournaments and raunchy humor, and Dragonball Z is known for beating the shit out of aliens and cyborgs without spoiling too much.

The manga (basically a Japanese comic book) goes by faster, the anime if you'd like to see extra stuff (filler--extra detail--etc.) and want to see it animated. I recommend Dragon Ball (Z) Kai because it cuts out (most) unnecessary fluff. In other words, goes by wayyyy quicker. There are many options for both the manga and anime.

For example there's the:
Manga

• Tankōbon/単行本 (original chapters made into volumes)
  
  
• Kanzenban/完全版 (basically a "perfect/complete edition" of the manga, also a slightly revised ending, new cover drawings, etc.)
  
  
• 3-in-1 (3 volumes in one complete book, very cheap-looking, not recommended)
  
  
• VIZBIG (huge books)
  
  
• Full Color (self explanatory, but all of it hasn't been done yet unless you get the Japanese versions)
  
  There are more released in the U.S. and everywhere else. Check Amazon to see which version you prefer. They're all slightly different. Almost all are censored in some way, besides the Japanese version I think.
  
  Anime
  
  
• Dragonball & Dragonball Z (in the U.S. they're separate like I said before, also the original has a different, more Americanized soundtrack)
  
  
• Dragonball & Dragonball Z (Japanese, all of Dragonball and Dragonball Z, have English subtitles available, and on Funimation's website you can pay a subscription so you can watch whichever version you'd like--subtitles or dubbed--I'll add a link below)
  
  
• Dragonball (Z) Kai (the more recent and shorter version, recommend. Both English and Japanese versions are available, both have the same music and the English version has some different voice actors--the whole show hasn't been finished yet here in the U.S.)
  
  This show is dubbed in so many different languages around the world, oh I can't begin to tell you. Spanish dub, German dub, Korean dub, Malaysian dub (looool), etc.
  
  I also recommend starting with Dragonball, then going on to Z, since that's chronological order.
  
  When you are done, you can go watch the new Battle of Gods movie, and then the Resurrection F one. If you'd rather watch it in episode format there's a new show that recently came out called Dragon Ball Super be warned, it's lower in quality (but you'll have to find ways to watch it on your own--or PM me :P).
  
  Sorry if this is a jumbled mess. I'll try to fix it. I've never added so many asterisks to anything in my life.
  
  Hope you enjoy it~
  
  Edit: Added some stuff, formatting, added links:
  
  First Dragonball volume (in English):
  
  http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1569319200/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1453856346&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=Dragon+ball+manga&dpPl=1&dpID=51Ys3Lm8hHL&ref=plSrch
  
  Start of Dragonball Z:
  
  http://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Ball-Z-Vol-1/dp/1569319308
  
  Fuimation's (subscription required, but there are many more shows there and 30-day free trial + they let you watch the first 5 episodes free without account/subscription) Dragonball:
  http://www.funimation.com/shows/dragon-ball/videos/official/secret-of-the-dragon-ball?watch=dub
  
  Funimation's Dragonball Z (first 10 episodes free to watch):
  
  http://www.funimation.com/shows/dragon-ball-z/videos/official/the-new-threat?watch=dub
  
  Sorry if this seems so long D,:
  

>I am looking for an english Dragon Ball Vol. 1 manga that is not censored.

You're looking for the 3-in-1s. So far, this release is as uncensored as it gets. If you order this, and you receive a censored release, you received a misprint, and should get your money back.

>what is the quintessential english version of the manga?

There really isn't one.

• The Full Color manga is mostly uncensored (sans Popo's lips), and will probably be the definitive release over time, but it won't be released in its entirety in English for years to come, and VIZ chose to start with Dragon Ball Z.
  
  
• The VIZBIGs look wonderful, but are missing a couple of the color chapters, and are censored for content.
  
  
• The individual volumes are censored to a slightly lesser degree than the VIZBIGs, and are all in black and white.
  
  
• The 3-in-1s are the least censored black and white release, but are ongoing and can't be purchased in its entirety yet. A handful of title pages are missing as well.
  
  Translation-wise, the official translation by VIZ is as close as it gets.
  They're a little quirky at times, but it's a good translation overall.

From our new FAQ in the sidebar (which I put many hours into!):

>##Q: What is the best way to purchase the manga?
A: There are many different ways to purchase the manga, though unfortunately, every official English release is censored in some way, shape, or form. Your best option is to purchase it digitally from Viz's website, but if you prefer a physical release, the VIZBIGs have the best paper quality, while the individual Tankōbons have the least amount of censorship. The 3-in-1s have atrocious paper quality and are just as censored as before, despite being advertised as otherwise.

I neglected to mention the Full Color releases (which are also censored), because they're incomplete and appear to be indefinitely suspended.

From our FAQ in the sidebar:

>####Q: What is the best way to purchase the manga?
A: There are many different ways to purchase the manga, though unfortunately, every official English release is censored in some way, shape, or form. Your best option is to purchase it digitally from Viz's website, but if you prefer a physical release, the VIZBIGs have the best paper quality, while the individual Tankōbons have the least amount of censorship. The 3-in-1s have atrocious paper quality and remain censored, despite being advertised as otherwise. The Full Color manga made it only three volumes (51 chapters) before being indefinitely suspended by Viz. This release currently only censors Mr. Popo's lips.

The closest you're going to get to uncensored in English are the unfinished 3-in-1s, but I recommend biting the bullet and buying the Vizbigs instead. It's up to you.

Haha.. I edited my original comment to include asking in which direction to go with the Manga..

3 in 1, or I found on Amazon they have the 42 volumes separate too?

Starting with this one: Dragon Ball, Vol. 1 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1569319200/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_sPHLybTH8HR3V

Our FAQ has this answered, should have checked there!

> The 3-in-1s are the least censored release, but are ongoing and currently incomplete. This release is printed on very thin, low quality paper, and does not include any of the special colored chapters.
>
> The VIZBIGs have excellent paper quality and is the only English release to include the special colored chapters, though a few were left in black & white for some reason.
>
> * The individual volumes are censored to a slightly lesser degree than the VIZBIGs, and are all in black and white.

----

> So my question is, are the Vizbigs really that bad? Is it worth giving up some less-child-friendly moments to get the better looking series?

The VIZBigs are not bad. If you're looking for a way to get the completed series, then this is the better release for you. The second best release (that is not visually censored, besides Mr. Popo's lips) would be the Full Color manga.

As long as you're happy with having a censored release, then go with the VIZBigs. If you think that you're going to be paranoid that some panels are clearly censored, then you may want to look into the 3-in-1 set - but you'll have to deal with awful paper quality.

The VizBig edition has a lot of censoring which I dislike. The English translations are extremely censored anyway but it's nice to get at least some natural content which you will get from "the white ones" or the VizMedia (their actual name). Also to let you know the VizMedia one you linked is the 17th volume of the whole story. This is the start of the story and is of the same set as the one you linked.

Your submission has been removed for the following reason:

>This topic is addressed in our FAQ.

There are many different ways to purchase the manga, though unfortunately, every official English release is censored in some way shape or form. Censorship in Dragon Ball entails the removal of strong language, female nudity, middle fingers, and near the end, guns. Dark-skinned characters – namely Officer Black and Mr. Popo – have their large lips altered. Mr. Satan's name & Satan City are renamed Hercule and Herculopolis respectively. Violence and gore is unaffected.

Below is a list of VIZ Media's current offerings of DB/DBZ in English:

• The 3-in-1s are the least censored release, but this release is printed on very thin, low quality paper, and does not include any of the special colored chapters. There is an account of the remaining censorship in this version on the Kanzenshuu forums.
  
  
• The VIZBIGs have excellent paper quality and this is the only English release to include the special colored chapters, though a few were left in black & white for some reason.
  
  
• The individual volumes are censored to a slightly lesser degree than the VIZBIGs, and are all in black and white. This is the version used for the digital release.
  
  
• The Full Color manga is mostly uncensored (sans Popo's lips), and will probably become the definitive release over time. Unfortunately, it won't be released in its entirety in English for many years to come.
  
  
  
  If you have any questions, see our extended rules. If you believe this removal was made in error, you can appeal to the moderating team.

> it's more like a pocket-book.

Take a picture of the cover, I'm curious what you mean. Is it the individual Tankobons? The original comic book release? If you can't take a picture heres a list of the versions of the manga to find the one you have. I don't think Viz does the Swedish release, so the censorship would be different.

Dragon Ball!

Out of courtesy and the fact that someone else did it, I will provide links to everything pictured.

• Dragon Balls with Box
  
  
• Shenron Figurine
  
  
• Gold Shenron Figurine
  
  
• Kid Goku Figurine
  
  
• SSJ2 Son Gohan Figurine
  
  
• Dragon Ball Manga Note: I ordered these individually, hence I only have the first 7. This link takes you to the first volume.
  
  
• DBZ: Battle of Gods Extended Edition DVD/Bluray Combo Pack

Your submission has been removed for the following reason:

>This topic is addressed in our FAQ.

There are many different ways to purchase the manga, though unfortunately, every official English release is censored in some way shape or form. Censorship in Dragon Ball entails the removal of strong language, female nudity, middle fingers, and near the end, guns. Dark-skinned characters – namely Officer Black and Mr. Popo – have their large lips altered. Mr. Satan's name & Satan City are renamed Hercule and Herculopolis respectively. Violence and gore is unaffected.

Below is a list of VIZ Media's current offerings of DB/DBZ in English:

• The 3-in-1s are the least censored release, but this release is printed on very thin, low quality paper, and does not include any of the special colored chapters. There is an account of the remaining censorship in this version on the Kanzenshuu forums.
  
  
• The VIZBIGs have excellent paper quality and this is the only English release to include the special colored chapters, though a few were left in black & white for some reason.
  
  
• The individual volumes are censored to a slightly lesser degree than the VIZBIGs, and are all in black and white. This is the version used for the digital release.
  
  
• The Full Color manga is mostly uncensored (sans Popo's lips), and will probably become the definitive release over time. Unfortunately, it won't be released in its entirety in English for many years to come.
  
  
  
  If you have any questions, see our extended rules. If you believe this removal was made in error, you can appeal to the moderating team.

Your submission has been removed for the following reason:

>This topic is addressed in our FAQ.

There are many different ways to purchase the manga, though unfortunately, every official English release is censored in some way shape or form. Censorship in Dragon Ball entails the removal of strong language, female nudity, middle fingers, and near the end, guns. Dark-skinned characters – namely Officer Black and Mr. Popo – have their large lips altered. Mr. Satan's name & Satan City are renamed Hercule and Herculopolis respectively. Violence and gore is unaffected.

Below is a list of VIZ Media's current offerings of DB/DBZ in English:

• The 3-in-1s are the least censored release, but this release is printed on very thin, low quality paper, and does not include any of the special colored chapters. There is an account of the remaining censorship in this version on the Kanzenshuu forums.
  
  
• The VIZBIGs have excellent paper quality and this is the only English release to include the special colored chapters, though a few were left in black & white for some reason.
  
  
• The individual volumes are censored to a slightly lesser degree than the VIZBIGs, and are all in black and white. This is the version used for the digital release.
  
  
• The Full Color manga is mostly uncensored (sans Popo's lips), and will probably become the definitive release over time. Unfortunately, it won't be released in its entirety in English for many years to come.
  
  
  
  If you have any questions, see our extended rules. If you believe this removal was made in error, please respond to this comment or appeal to the moderating team.

Dragon Ball, Vol. 1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1569319200/ref=cm_sw_r_fm_apa_5KfxxbKXNPVWG

I read these are the way to go