Dragonball GT The art of missing the mark

Introduction

Dragon Ball GT occupies a peculiar place within the Dragon Ball timeline. Often regarded as the "spiritual successor" to Dragon Ball Z but not truly canon, GT has sparked countless debates. What makes GT so fascinating is its unique position as one of the most "official" fanfiction-like series ever created in anime. Creator Akira Toriyama had no involvement in GT, only acknowledging it as a fun side story. Yet, it was fully backed by major entities like Shueisha and Toei Animation, which is remarkable considering the lack of input from the original creator.

GT attempts to serve as a love letter to both Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z, paying homage while missing the mark frequently. The series kicks off moments after Dragon Ball Z ends, capturing where Goku and Uub are in their training, and delving into well-known characters like Pilaf, Shu, and Mai. This adventure takes a swift turn when the Black Star Dragon Balls are discovered, leading to Goku turning into a child—setting the stage for the new series.

The show seems to struggle with finding its identity. While the original Dragon Ball focused on adventure and the early Z series emphasized intense battles, GT tries to blend the two but often falls short. The quick pacing of the series—from the Black Star Dragon Ball Saga to the Baby Saga—leaves little room for meaningful character development. Goku remains the focal point of the action, which marginalizes other characters, making them less impactful in the story.

The Baby Saga introduces a compelling villain, Baby, who brings a unique form of body-snatching akin to Captain Ginyu but far more effective. This saga also ushers in one of the series' high points: the Super Saiyan 4 transformation. The design and concept were fresh and intriguing, elevating the arc despite its flaws.

The Super 17 Saga indulges in nostalgia bait, reviving numerous classic villains through a portal to Hell. This arc underscores GT's fanfiction feel as it even introduces Cooler, suggesting that movie characters are canon, which complicates the timeline.

The Shadow Dragon Saga is perhaps the most thematically rich segment of GT, dealing with the consequences of overusing the Dragon Balls. The creation of seven Shadow Dragons encapsulates this theme beautifully, with Sin and Omega Shenron providing formidable challenges. The arc culminates in epic battles and the unforgettable Super Saiyan 4 Gogeta, although it subverts expectations by making Gogeta more light-hearted and toying.

GT concludes with Goku seemingly "dying," and a flashforward to Goku Jr. and Vegeta Jr., leaving fans with more questions than answers. This enigmatic ending further cements GT's strange yet fascinating place in the Dragon Ball universe.

In summary, Dragon Ball GT is a testament to what can happen when major anime series venture into uncharted territory without the guiding hand of their original creators. While it may not integrate seamlessly into the Dragon Ball canon, it offers a compelling glimpse into what might have been and continues to be a subject of intrigue among fans.

Keywords

• Dragon Ball GT
• Spiritual successor
• Akira Toriyama
• Shueisha
• Toei Animation
• Black Star Dragon Balls
• Super Saiyan 4
• Baby Saga
• Super 17 Saga
• Shadow Dragon Saga
• Goku transformation
• Fanfiction-like series

FAQ

What was Akira Toriyama's involvement in Dragon Ball GT?

Akira Toriyama had no direct involvement in creating Dragon Ball GT. He has only ever acknowledged GT as a fun side story, but he did not contribute to its development or storyline.

How does Dragon Ball GT fit into the Dragon Ball timeline?

Dragon Ball GT is considered a non-canonical continuation of Dragon Ball Z. It is often regarded as a "spiritual successor" rather than an official sequel.

Why does Dragon Ball GT often feel like fanfiction?

GT is perceived as a large-scale fanfiction because it lacks the involvement of the original creator, Akira Toriyama. Despite being backed by Shueisha and Toei Animation, the series incorporates numerous story elements and character developments that deviate significantly from Toriyama's original work.

What are the high points of Dragon Ball GT?

The high points of Dragon Ball GT include the Baby Saga, which introduces the compelling villain Baby, and the concept of Super Saiyan 4 transformation. Additionally, the Shadow Dragon Saga is lauded for its thematic depth regarding the overuse of the Dragon Balls.

Why does Dragon Ball GT marginalize other characters aside from Goku?

Throughout GT, Goku remains the focal point, often overshadowing other characters like Pan and Trunks. This narrative choice limits the character development of the supporting cast and makes them less impactful in the story.

What happened to Goku at the end of Dragon Ball GT?

At the end of Dragon Ball GT, Goku seemingly disappears with Shenron, not exactly dying but leaving with an enigmatic and open-ended conclusion. The series suggests some form of transcendent departure rather than a definitive death.

Are any elements from Dragon Ball GT used in Dragon Ball Super?

While Dragon Ball Super doesn't directly continue the story from GT, it does incorporate some elements and ideas, such as concepts of transformations and certain homage moments that fans recognize from GT.