We all frequent message boards and online forums (such as alt.fan.dragonball), and we all contribute as much as we can. Unfortunately, we don't KNOW of all the places people post questions, so it's impossible for us to reach everyone. However, if you're reading this, you at least know where WE are, so it's possible for you to ask us directly.

What we're going for here is sort of an "Answerman" or "Ask John" (from Anime News Network and Anime Nation, respectively). We'd like you to e-mail in whatever questions you may have, so long as it somehow relates to the world of DragonBall; be it the manga, the anime, merchandise... whatever. We've been around for a few years, now, and we know the ropes... we like to think we know our stuff.

And we want to help. E-mail your questions to VegettoEX@aol.com with the subject "Ask VegettoEX." We'll try to update this section every Saturday, with at least one question straight from the fans. Thanks!

[ Last Updated: Saturday, 2 August 2003 ]
[ Past "Ask VegettoEX" Archives ]

Q. What exactly is the BEST way that has ever existed in the universe to buy
DBZ related DVDs (uncut with English subtitles / CDs / manga) etc.? - bvtrf_ duo

A. These days, all you need to do is go to your local video, book, or comic shop! With the exception of a few random seasons, all TV episodes and movies are getting bilingual DVD releases. Check out the "Ask VegettoEX" from June 21st. Also, be on the lookout for our "DVD Guide" that's coming... oh so very soon! I suggest www.deepdiscountdvd.com for some of the older DBZ DVD releases (Freeza stuff for $10! w00t!), and www.amazon.com for the latest releases. Also, be sure to check out your local Best Buy... their prices are always fantastic.

As for manga, Viz is only releasing "uncut" manga, these days (tough competition from TokyoPop had them rethinking their marketing strategies). If you're looking for the Japanese tankôbon, the new kanzenban releases, Amazon Japan is a great place. They're even got an English-language ordering page, now.

For CDs.. well... that's always tough. All the latest releases (such as the four new "Complete Song Collection" sets) you can get through either Amazon Japan or CDJapan, online. Also, be sure to check out the CD tables at anime conventions. Be aware of bootlegs (SonMay, EverAnime, etc.)...but you'll probably find some good legit ones there, too!

Q. As for the DVDs, does UNCUT mean it is exactly the SAME as the original Japanese series (except for the subtitles of course)? IE - original opening / ending theme, inserted songs, BGM, voices, and of course episode...?- bvtrf_ duo

A. On the English side... no. The musical score is different (same as on TV), the dialogue isn't always that perfect (lots of liberties taken)... and... well.. it's more or less what you're seeing on TV.

As for the Japanese side of the discs, yes! Just about everything is retained, these days. Original themes (and usually the right animations for them, now!), original BGM, original voices, translations courtesy of Steve and Clyde...etc. Some of the earlier discs don't have the commercial eye-catches, but this was resolved with later releases. Also, none of the volumes thus far (except for GT) have previews for the next episode (this is because Toei didn't GIVE them with Japanese audio to FUNimation; same thing happened to Sailor Moon with both Pioneer *and* ADV).

You'll be happy with the discs... go get 'em! :D

Q. Why was Dr. Gero so pissed off when #17 and #18 want to release #16? - bvtrf_ duo

A. Ya' know...that's a really great question...and it's never really resolved. Clearly, #16 was no threat to anyone except for Son Goku. Even THAT changed later on. So why was he so fearful? He probably ended up being completely paranoid, since he was watching #17 and #18 disobey and take control right before his very eyes.

Then again, Akira Toriyama has this habit of forgetting to answer things. Oh, well.

Q. I'm not a huge DBZ fan but I read about Dragonball AF. There are even some pics of it on KaZaA. Is there such a thing or am I being fooled? - Dan

A. You're not the only one being fooled. The "AF" mystery has gotten so bad that FUNimation employees have to address it at nearly every anime convention, they've added it to their offical home page's "FAQ" section...it's just really bad.

DragonBall AF is as real as...well...OK, so I can't think of anything clever. The original AF pics were out of a dôjinshi (literally "self-published," it's what people call fan-made comics in Japan), and somehow ended up catching on with fanboys as a "real" new show coming out in Japan.

To help set the record straight:

DBGT ended in November of 1997. Since then, there has been NO interest expressed by either Toei Animation or Akira Toriyama in continuing the series. In drawing the new images for the kanzenban releases in Japan, Toriyama even mentioned that simply drawing the images brought up happy thoughts of the old days...but also the continuing feelings of not wanting to have anything else to do with DragonBall.

It's over, AF ain't real, and it's never going to be.

That's it for this week! E-mail us your questions for next week's update! It's not like I've got better things to do than answer all your questions :P. Actually, I do... but I really have fun with it, so load me up with these impossible questions so I've got material for you all next week. Ja~

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