The Epic Power Unleashed: Saiyan Saga's Astonishing Success

Highlights

In Dragon Ball Z, the Saiyan Saga effectively showcases the contrasting ideals and principles held by the main characters and the Saiyans. This highlights the significance of physical power, collaborative efforts, and proficiency in martial arts.

The heightened stakes in the Saiyan Saga captivate the audience, drawing them deeper into the storyline by presenting the jeopardy faced by Earth if the heroes fail to overcome the Saiyans.

Concluding the Saiyan Saga, Vegeta's defeat and the characters' choice to journey to Namek in order to revive their fallen companions establish the groundwork for the next phase of the narrative, highlighting the progression of Dragon Ball Z.

Dragon Ball, as a story, had very humble beginnings. It started off as a comedy battle Shōnen, with the quest for the Dragon Balls and ended with a fierce battle between Goku and Piccolo Jr. in the World Tournament. However, Dragon Ball Z took a surprising turn when it premiered, with Goku being revealed as an alien and the shift from martial arts to sci-fi. This could have been jarring, but the Saiyan Saga in Dragon Ball Z flawlessly incorporates various narrative techniques to ease the transition. Akira Toriyama employed a range of ideas, from the story's themes to its start, end, and connection to the next arc.

To understand why the Saiyan Saga works as the introduction, it is important to grasp the main concept behind it. The clash between the main characters' themes and values and those of the Saiyans, who only believe in natural-born strength, plays a crucial role. It is also worth noting the character growth and evolution, from Gohan's introduction to even Piccolo's subtle change in priorities and values due to training Gohan. However, amidst the excitement of progressing through strength, the entire story's success hinges on an important value. The belief that this evolving story has become larger than just Goku, with greater risks and rewards, while still upholding the same core values. Specifically, the values of strength, training, and the introduction of higher stakes.

The Themes And Raising of the Stakes

The Saiyan Saga began with Raditz, serving as a crucial introduction to the themes and values of the enemies. The Saiyans who arrive on Earth embody the belief that might makes right and that one's innate abilities are of utmost importance. However, they are juxtaposed with the main characters who rely on their individual strengths, teamwork, martial arts skills, and alliances formed out of necessity, like Goku and Piccolo. The Earth itself is in grave danger if the heroes fail, as shown when Goku sacrifices himself for the sake of his friends at the start of Dragon Ball Z. This heightened stakes captivate the audience further and involve them in the story.

The significance of these themes is demonstrated through various contrasts. The conflict between expectations and personal actions, strength versus technique, and the value of hard work versus being naturally powerful are all present. These values perfectly symbolize the Earthlings' struggle against the Saiyans Nappa and Vegeta, even though the latter do not personally engage in combat with the humans. Instead, they send the Saibamen as their artificially enhanced minions, underestimating the strength of the humans. Yet, the Saibamen are easily defeated and discarded if they fail to live up to expectations. Yamcha, who was caught off guard, gave his best effort but ultimately lost to a Saibamen. However, the conflict does not conclude with the Earthlings battling only the Saibamen or Nappa but culminates in the epic showdown between Vegeta and Goku.

The Ending And The Continuation

The final battle is intense and gripping. However, when Vegeta transforms into the Great Ape and begins attacking Goku, Krillin, Gohan, and Yajirobe arrive just in time to defeat him together. As the main antagonist, Vegeta perfectly embodies the threat that the heroes are fighting against – an intruder who relies solely on brute strength rather than technique. Not only is Vegeta defeated through skillful tactics and exposing his weaknesses, but he is also humiliated and forced to retreat from Earth. While this victory comes at a great cost, with many of Earth's protectors dead and defeated, it also sets the stage for the next chapter of the story.

With the discovery of the Namekian planet and their Dragon Balls, there is hope that the deceased Earthlings, such as Tienshinhan, Yamcha, Chiaotzu, and even Piccolo, can be brought back to life. Krillin and Gohan decide to embark on a journey to the stars in order to resurrect their friends. The ending sets the stage for the upcoming Namek Saga, while the Saiyan Saga successfully establishes the themes and stakes for the characters. Even amidst the conclusion of this arc, the story continues to progress. In this aspect, Dragon Ball Z triumphs.