Dragon Ball Z - Figures
Dragon Ball Z is an anime series produced by Toei and aired on Japanese television from 1989 to 1996. It is based on the hit manga series Dragon Ball by esteemed manga artist and character designer Akira Toriyama. As one of the most influential manga of all time, it goes without saying that Dragon Ball Z holds a very high place in the ranks as one of the greatest anime ever made. The series is known for single-handedly putting Japanese anime on the map overseas after it was aired on US channel, Cartoon Network, which quickly made it gain popularity all over the world. Dragon Ball Z is a long and intricate series that features a host of major and minor characters. Aside from the mainline characters such as Goku and Gohan, some of the most memorable are Yamcha, for his heroic fight against the Saibamen, Piccolo during the Saiyan and Namek saga, and Frieza in his final form during his legendary bout with Goku on Namek.
Yamcha (Ichiban Figure Dragon Ball History of Rivals)
Although Dragon Ball starts out on Earth, Dragon Ball Z changes things up by introducing extra-terrestrial beings that invade the planet called Saiyans. These powerful humanoids quickly outclass many of the Earthling fighters, but the first human to step up to fight against Nappa and Vegeta in the Saiyan saga was Yamcha. Though he was originally a desert bandit, Yamcha is now willing to do what’s right and isn’t afraid to stand up for his allies. This particular figure of Yamcha features him in his Turtle School gi in a battle stance as he prepares to use his signature Wolf Fang Fist technique. Despite being one of the weaker Z Warriors, Yamcha displays a confident smile as if he believed he could easily take down his unseen opponent.
- Release Date: July 2020
- Manufacturer: Bandai
- Specifications: Painted, non-articulated figure
- Height (approx.): 7"
Piccolo (Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F' Super Structure Collection Vol. 5)
Piccolo started life as a clone of the Evil King Piccolo, the enemy of Goku at the end of the original Dragon Ball series. After growing up in the wilderness and learning to harness his Namekian powers by himself, Piccolo finally challenges Goku at the World Martial Arts Tournament, but loses. After his defeat, the two eventually pair up to defeat Raditz and the other Saiyans. This figure has Piccolo in his traditional outfit that consists of his purple and blue clothes and weighted white turban and pauldrons. He is posed standing straight with his arms crossed and a menacing scowl on his face. Although Piccolo may not be the strongest fighter in the series, he makes up for it with his higher intelligence.
- Manufacturer: Banpresto
- Sculptor: Hiroyuki Nakazawa
- Specifications: Painted, non-articulated, non-scale figure with base
- Height (approx.): 11.5 x 17 cm | 4.5" x 6.7"
Final Form Frieza (Dragon Ball Z Dramatic Showcase 3rd Season Vol. 2)
Frieza’s introduction in the Dragon Ball series is a rather unsettling one. As he sits in his hover pod, he orders the extermination of the residents of Planet Namek in order to find the Dragon Balls, making it painfully clear how evil the galactic overlord really was. Although he often speaks in polite mannerisms, Frieza is cold, calculating, and, of course, extremely powerful. Frieza also has multiple transformations, each significantly faster and more powerful than the last. This figure has Frieza in his final form, which is much more compact compared to his previous forms. A wince of pain and fear can be seen on Frieza’s face as he holds his wrist that had just been twisted by Goku after he had transformed into a Super Saiyan for the first time, showing just how concerned and afraid Frieza was of the Super Saiyan myth becoming a reality.
- Manufacturer: Banpresto
- Specifications: Painted, non-articulated, non-scale figure with base
- Height (approx.): 11 cm | 4.3"
About Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z picks up where the original series left off after Goku defeated Piccolo and started his new life with Chi-Chi. Soon after his brother Raditz appears on Earth to recruit Goku. After Goku refuses, the Saiyan brother takes Gohan hostage instead. Goku and Piccolo realize how much of a threat Raditz is, causing them to team up and take him out. Goku is also killed in the altercation, as he sacrifices himself to end the fight. Raditz informs Piccolo that two of his superiors are on their way to Earth. After being resurrected by the Dragon Balls, Nappa and Vegeta are eventually beaten by Goku, though Goku’s merciful nature allows Vegeta to escape with his life. The team then goes to Namek to use the Namekian Dragon Balls and end up fighting Frieza and a host of other strong fighters before returning to Earth to find Trunks and Mecha-Frieza. The Androids and Cell then appear, eventually resulting in a final stand off between Perfect Cell and Gohan. Cell is vaporized by a wounded and desperate Gohan with the assistance of Vegeta. Although Goku and Android 16 sacrificed their lives to defeat the powerful threat, peace was once again restored.
The original intention of the author was to have Gohan take on the mantle of protector of Earth after Goku’s death after the Cell saga. Fans were not pleased with this decision, however, and Goku was brought back into the story for a world tournament. Everything seems rather peaceful (apart from Gohan stopping crime as The Great Saiyaman) until Majin Buu is released, unleashing yet another threat that is defeated by Goku’s Spirit Bomb. As the evil pink monster is defeated, Goku wishes that he is reincarnated as a good person, resulting in a young child named Uub.
Links
Ichiban Figure Dragon Ball History of Rivals Yamcha
Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F' Super Structure Collection Vol. 5: Piccolo
Dragon Ball Z Dramatic Showcase 3rd Season Vol. 2
Dragon Ball Super Figures
Son Goku Dragon Ball Z Figures
Vegeta Dragon Ball Z Figures
Ultra Instinct Goku Dragon Ball Super Figures
Broly Dragon Ball Z Figures
Android 18 Dragon Ball Z Figures
Gogeta Dragon Ball Super Figures
Goku Black Dragon Ball Super Figures
Vegito Dragon Ball Super Figures
Figuarts Dragon Ball Z Figures
Dragon Ball Z Label
Son Goku Label
Piccolo Label
Frieza Label