Why Does the DBZ Fandom Have Such a Strong Divide Against GT?
The Dragon Ball Z (DBZ) and Dragon Ball GT (GT) series are two pivotal and beloved entries in the Dragon Ball universe. However, the level of adoration varies greatly among fans. While DBZ has garnered immense popularity and nostalgia, GT has received a substantial amount of criticism. This article dives into the reasons behind the strong divide in the DBZ fandom against GT.
1. Nostalgia and Fanbase
The first factor that significantly contributes to the divide is nostalgia. DBZ, originally broadcasted in the mid-1990s, has become a cultural phenomenon, capturing the hearts of a generation. It is often remembered as the golden era of Dragon Ball. Conversely, GT, which aired in 1996, was a relatively short-lived series that didn't gain the same level of followings. Many older fans of DBZ might've initially watched GT, but their memories are deeply rooted in the original series. This divide makes the GT series appear less desirable and thus less favored by a larger portion of the DBZ fandom.
2. Quality of Writing and Plot Development
The second main factor is the perceived quality of writing and plot development. GT is heavily criticized for its over-the-top villains and a dull, unwelcoming narrative. The characters in GT are often seen as poorly developed, with protagonists seeming less relatable and engaging compared to their counterparts in DBZ. For example, Trunks, who is a major character in GT, is perceived as less interesting and important compared to other characters in DBZ. Furthermore, the sudden shift in the storyline from an easy-going adventure to a dire threat to the universe is widely considered a turn-off for many fans.
2.1 Lack of Character Development
Symbols of the Dragon Ball universe, such as Vegeta, Gohan, and Pan, receive significant criticism. Vegeta's character arc in GT is seen as a step backward, with his portrayal being similar to that of Yamcha, a less significant character in DBZ. Gohan's journey is also seen as disruptive, with him transforming into a Super Saiyan prematurely and losing other significant abilities, such as his Mystic form. Pan's character development is notably underwhelming, frequently getting herself into trouble without contributing significantly to the plot.
2.2 Parenting and Character Execution
The portrayals of parents, such as Goku, are also widely criticized. GT's portrayal of Gohan's upbringing is deemed subpar, with even GTF Gohan being better at parenting. This criticism extends to the overall narrative arc of Goku, who is seen as squandering his youthful potential, turning into a child-like figure instead of a wise and experienced warrior.
3. Comparison with DBS
The emergence of Dragon Ball Super (DBS) has further exacerbated the divide. DBS, which debuted as a manga, is widely regarded as one of the worst entries in the Dragon Ball franchise. Its poor quality and weaker narrative are often compared to the perceived shortcomings of GT, but on a grander scale. DBS has inadvertently made GT, in the eyes of many, seem relatively better. Fans now openly remark that while GT is not great, it is nowhere near as bad as DBS, a sentiment that was unthinkable in the early days of GT's release.
3.1 Animation and Character Design
The quality of animation and character design in GT is also a point of contention. While GT did improve in terms of animation and character design compared to some of its predecessors, it still falls short of the quality seen in DBZ. The use of transformations for SSRJ4 was a positive step, but it was not enough to salvage the overall quality of the series. In contrast, DBS's animation and character design were often criticized for being crude and uninspired, making GT appear even more vibrant and charismatic by comparison.
4. Conclusion and New Perspectives
While the divide in the DBZ fandom regarding GT is understandable, it is worth noting that some aspects of GT have garnered positive attention. George Xian's perspective on why GT is hated is insightful, emphasizing the series' flaws but also acknowledging its merits. Despite the criticisms, GT introduced new and interesting concepts, such as the baby Arc, which garnered a certain level of novelty and intrigue. It is important to recognize that opinions about GT are deeply personal and can vary widely among fans.
Ultimately, the divide between theDBZ and GT fandoms highlights the complex nature of fan perceptions and the subjective experience of enjoying different entries in a beloved franchise. As new works continue to be released, it will be interesting to see how these perceptions evolve over time.