Dragon Ball Super Anime Series Episode 1: The Peace Reward – Who Will Get the 100 Million Zeni? (2015) – Weebz Club Score: 7.5/10 “A Lighthearted Return to the World of Dragon Ball, Featuring Goku’s Rural Life and a Comical Quest, Yet Undermined by an Unfittingly Strange Encounter.”
Dragon Ball Super‘s inaugural episode, “The Peace Reward – Who Will Get the 100 Million Zeni?”, attempts a gentle re-entry into the beloved franchise, showcasing Goku’s life as a farmer and the accompanying humorous situations. While the initial premise of Goku tending to his crops alongside his son Goten offers a fine, grounded start, the episode soon veers into territory that feels jarringly disconnected from the established charm of the Dragon Ball universe. The narrative further progresses with Goten and Trunks on a quest for a gift for Videl, which includes a comical encounter with a giant snake, adding to the lighthearted tone. However, the introduction of Mr. Satan receiving a world peace prize and, the bizarre appearance of the antagonist Majin Buu transforms everything into a mess, and disrupts the expected rhythm. This departure from the series’ usual appeal is jarring. If not for the enduring presence of Goku, Goten, and the legendary legacy of Dragon Ball itself, the episode would have struggled to earn more than a 5 out of 10. As it stands, the familiar faces and the lingering promise of the franchise allow it to achieve a lukewarm 7.5 out of 10, despite its evident shortcomings.
A Farmer’s Life and a Quest for a Gift
- Goku’s Rural Respite: The episode opens with Goku embracing a surprisingly mundane life as a farmer, a humorous contrast to his usual role as Earth’s protector. This grounded setting, alongside Goten, provides a sense of peace and normalcy, offering a gentle reintroduction to the characters and their world. The simple charm of this domestic scene is a welcome, albeit brief, return.
- Goten and Trunks’ Comical Adventure: The subplot involving Goten and Trunks’ quest for a gift for Videl injects a much-needed dose of the series’ signature lighthearted comedy. Their encounter with a giant snake, while somewhat nonsensical, fits the established tone of their youthful escapades, offering moments of levity and demonstrating their developing camaraderie.
A Fundamental Disconnect: Satan and Buu
- Mr. Satan’s Ill-Fitting Presence: The inclusion of Mr. Satan receiving a “world peace prize” is not viewed as a charming comedic beat, but rather as a fundamental disconnect from the Dragon Ball ethos. His character, and the prize itself, feel discordant with the series’ established tone and appeal.
- Majin Buu’s Disturbing Arrival: The true disruption comes with the introduction of Majin Buu. His grotesque and bizarre appearance is deeply unsettling, and his entrance transforms the episode into a chaotic mess that feels fundamentally misaligned with the Dragon Ball universe. This antagonist’s presence disrupts the expected blend of adventure and camaraderie, creating a jarring and unpleasant experience.
A Legacy Carries the Weight
A Hesitant Appraisal: The 7.5 out of 10 rating reflects a generous appraisal, largely attributed to nostalgia and the potential for future development. The episode’s initial grounding is appealing, but the significant detractions caused by the ill-fitting presence of Mr. Satan and the bizarre, disruptive arrival of Majin Buu prevent it from achieving a truly strong or cohesive score. It serves as a functional, if flawed, reintroduction, leaving much to be desired in its immediate execution.
The Charm of Familiar Faces: Ultimately, the episode is carried by the enduring popularity and charisma of its established characters. The presence of Goku and Goten, and the legendary status of Dragon Ball itself, provide a significant anchor. Viewers familiar with the franchise are likely to extend some grace due to their affection for these characters and the legacy they represent.
