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, 03 January 2004 ]
[ Past "Ask VegettoEX" Archives ]

Q. I live in Europe and the only source to get DVD's region 2 is to buy the DVDs from Madman, an Australian Company which basically releases the FUNimation DVDs. A while ago, I heard that the American FUNimation DVDs *CAN* be played in European DVD players. Is this true? - Jordy

A. T'is true! Every disc that FUNimation has put out themselves (which excludes the first DB DVD set, first two DBZ seasons, and first three DBZ movies) is actually encoded as regions 1, 2, and 4. Be aware, however, that they're encoded in NTSC format (29.97 fps, interlaced). However, most TVs bought within the last decade, or so, in Europe are dual NTSC/PAL playable, so you shouldn't have a problem playing them back.

So go ahead, and get those discs! You'll get a much better viewing experience, since there doesn't need to be any kind of audio speed/pitch adjustments (since both Japan and the US use NTSC). You stilly PAL people! (OK, so technically PAL is superior...) - VegettoEX

Q. If Kaiô-sama had an energy level around 2500, why didn't he joined the Z-senshi for the fight against the Saiya-jin? - Jordy

A. The best answer would be "Because Toriyama said so!"... but that's taking the easy way out! Hehe. Actually, there are a few hints given throughout the show as to why beings of a higher level (Gods, ya' know) don't take matters into their own hands.

For the most part, it seems that Gods do not interfere with the course of the normal mortals' existences unless it directly affects either them, personally, or the well-being of the universe. For example, look at Majin Buu. It became quite obvious that Kaiôshin was scared to death of Majin Buu, and was fearful for the well-being of the universe (as seen via flashbacks and descriptions he gives us). Majin Buu posed a direct threat to HIM and his universe; as such, he became involved (in the form of recruiting Goku and friends).

The Saiyans posed a threat to Earth, which was technically under Kaiô-sama's domain... but it seems like he didn't consider them a threat to the entire universe (despite all the terrible things he says about them). At the same time, you could very well argue that they DID pose a threat to the universe, because of two reasons: 1) they could get the DragonBalls and become immortal; 2) they were in league with Freeza (also loosely, by this point), who DID pose a threat (well, not to Buu's degree, but still...) to the universe (although I get the feeling Kaiôshin could take out Freeza quite easily). HOWEVER... since Freeza had not been introduced, yet, as a character (since Toriyama hadn't gotten that far), this doesn't seem to be part of the whole ordeal.

*pauses* Is any of this making any sense? I hope so!

So when it comes down to it, it seems that the Gods like to stay in their own little worlds unless something catastrophic is going to directly affect them or the universe. - VegettoEX

Q. Is there any news on a release date for the newly dubbed seasons 1 and 2? - Jordy

A. Nope... nada. We know absolutely nothing. Honestly, FUNimation hasn't really said much at all since they initially announced it, back in the fall. They're supposed to be out sometime this year, but we don't know when... or if it'll even appear first on DVD or TV (although I lean towards a DVD release... those episodes seem to be well-overdone on television). - VegettoEX

Q. Why don't you add a game guide to to your site? People should know how good the Budokai games are and how bad Taiketsu is. - Jordy

A. You're right... we should... and it's something I've been considering / toying with for... years now, I think. Especially with the onslaught of new DBZ games in America, it would probably be worthwhile to review and talk about these games, since THESE are the ones people are actually going to PLAY (I mean, as cool as Hyper Dimension was/is, no-one, outside of those playing on emulators, actually PLAYS the game at home, anymore!).

At one point, I was playing through Legends and took, like, a couple hundred screen-caps... and then never did anything with them :P. It's really just a matter of time and commitment. It's something I'd (we'd?) love to do, but just haven't gotten around to it. Hopefully we CAN get around to it in the future! - VegettoEX

Q. In the game Budokai, Raditz has a move called "Double Sunday," which I realized is the spelling for the day of the week, not the delicious frozen treat. Does this mean Saiyans don't like ice cream? - Sean

A. Ya' know Sean... you're right. There's obviously a giant bias against ice cream by all Saiyans. I, for one, would like to take a stand and say that these Saiyans need to take a step back and welcome the glorious..ness... of ice cream into their everday lives! - VegettoEX

Q. If Broli died in movie 10, and his clone died in movie 11... won't both of them go to Hell? - Lrddrc3

A. Do clones have souls? That's the thing you need to think about. Technically, your "body" isn't sent to heaven / hell (unless you're Goku or his lucky friends)... your soul is (despite what all the Toei filler may lead you to believe). You're right... the original Broli's soul would indeed be sent to Hell (after a nice cleansing). The clone's soul, if he had one... interesting! Would he be considered an "innocent," since he was nothing more than a clone, and didn't really have a choice in his personality and deeds? Or would he be considered the same as the original Broli (since that's what clones are!) and be sent directly to Hell?

Oh, the questions, the questions... with no answers... 'cuz I'm lazy... - VegettoEX

Q. Was there an insert song for DBZ movie 4? - Emma591

A. Sorta kinda. Gohan whistles his tune near the beginning of the movie, but it's nothing more than him whistling, and is not listed in the opening credits (where insert songs are traditionally credited, as seen in DBZ movies 1 and 2). It is listed after the cast credits as "Whistling Tune," however.

Two versions of the song exist on CD. One is a full-length vocal version of the song ("Kuchibue no Kimochi"), sung in-character by Gohan. The other is a "parody" (somewhat) of the song, in which Gohan whistles while Piccolo screams in pain, and eventually goes insane ("Kuchibue no Kimochi [Pikkoro Hen]"). - VegettoEX

We're gonna try to get back into a weekly schedule for the section... so... e-mail us your questions for next week's update! We love getting all these questions, each week, so the mroe you send us, the more we can (try to) answer for you!

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