Dragon Ball: Unveiling the Epic Flaws of the Buu Saga's Finale

Highlights

The Buu Saga in Dragon Ball Z had highlights like the fight between Goku and Majin Vegeta and the powerful fusions, but also confusing details and characters being sidelined.

Gohan's arrogance and the mechanics of fusion were underwhelming, and the arc failed to deliver on Gohan's potential as the next Earth's champion.

The Buu Saga was met with mixed reviews because of its convoluted storyline and lack of focus on certain plot threads, however, it still had redeeming qualities and will be nostalgically remembered.

After thoroughly exploring the preceding sagas, it would be understandable for fans to believe that Dragon Ball Z ended on a satisfactory note. However, the Buu Saga posed a complex and intricate narrative that proved challenging for many to dissect and analyze. From the enigmatic antagonist to the subplots surrounding Vegeta's growth and Gohan's development, the series finale elicited mixed reactions for various reasons. Although these reasons may vary from individual to individual, a discernible trend persists, with a particular focus on Vegeta, Buu, and the Fusion technique.

In regard to the Buu Saga, it undeniably boasts numerous captivating moments. Notable highlights include the intense battle between Goku and Majin Vegeta, culminating in a sacrificial act that beautifully concluded his character arc. Moreover, the emergence of the formidable fusion warriors, namely Gotenks and Vegeto, further added to the saga's appeal. Nevertheless, certain characters were unfortunately sidelined, eventually fading into obscurity, and Gohan, originally poised as the torchbearer of the next generation, found his prominence eclipsed by Goku once again.

The Impressive Highlights, And Confusing Details

The Buu Saga undoubtedly brings a lot of updates to animation and character progression. Gohan's growth and increased power during his battle with Super Buu, Vegeta's selfless sacrifice, the introduction of the Supreme Kai, and the epic rematch between Goku and Majin Vegeta all contribute to the saga's worth. Not to mention the fusions and their potential. However, the Buu Saga also has its fair share of confusing details that can leave viewers puzzled or disappointed.

One disappointing aspect is Gohan falling into old habits of arrogance, similar to his weakness during the fight against Cell. His overconfidence in unleashing his full potential against Super Buu ultimately costs him time and energy, resulting in his absorption. Additionally, while the fusion mechanics displayed by Gotenks and Vegeto are visually impressive, they can feel like a narrative convenience or a quick fix for the story. This is especially evident considering the initial expectation for Gohan to be the next generation hero, only for the arc to return to the status quo with Goku resurrected and defeating Kid Buu using a Spirit Bomb.

The Truth About The Mixed Reception

The Buu Saga in Dragon Ball Z lacks clear winners and is not without flaws. Its mixed reception is not solely due to power dynamics, transformations, abandoned storylines, or the return of Goku overshadowing Gohan. Rather, the cluttered nature of the Buu Saga and its struggle to establish a distinct identity contribute to its lukewarm reception compared to previous story arcs. The arc introduces numerous plot threads and subplots, such as the Supreme Kai, the Demon Realm involving Dabura, Babidi and Majin Buu, as well as an abundance of transformations and fusions. This results in an overwhelming number of episodes and content that can be difficult to follow.

Nevertheless, there are positive aspects to this arc. It provides significant character development, particularly with Vegeta, which stands out as the strongest aspect of the arc's midpoint. Despite its shortcomings, the Buu Saga should not be discredited or dismissed, as it is a culmination of various ideas that Akira Toriyama wanted to explore. The mixed reception is thus understandable, given the arc's middle-of-the-road nature and the multitude of ideas presented. Fortunately, the arc was still well-received by audiences, who appreciated it while acknowledging its flaws. Ultimately, Dragon Ball Z will be remembered fondly for years to come, despite the mixed reception to its finale.

Dragon Ball Z is available to stream on Crunchyroll