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Look, in an ideal world, this section wouldn't be necessary. In an ideal world, there wouldn't be rabid parents groups blaming the ills of society on television. In an ideal world, FUNimation would have more respect for a work of art, more of an understanding of its subtleties and dramatic intentions. But it is not an ideal world, and we DBZ fans will just have to accept that this new version is going to leave a lot to be desired.

There are several things I intensely dislike about the English DBZ, and this page is a way for me to get my frustrations out. I just feel so angry knowing that FUNimation had a chance to let us fans share this thing we love so much with the rest of America. But it had to be changed, and due to all of the alterations, the rest of the country will never know the characters as we know them, never feel exactly the same things we felt, never know what this show was really intended to look and sound like. And that's what it all comes down to, really. This isn't about whether or not I like the English version, I have access to the originals. But not everyone does, and I believe that they are really missing out on the true heart and soul of this series.

And so, this page exists. I would like to extend an invitation to all of you to send me your thoughts on the matter so that, in case you don't have a web site of your own (or even if you do), everyone can hear your take on the subject. I will give everyone their own page, and I won't edit your text unless you ask me to, so please try to be clear, but don't worry about length - the more the better. I will, by default, include your e-mail address (unless you specifically request for me not to) so that if anyone wants to respond to your comments, they can do so directly without having to go through me. I would also like to note that if you are totally against any or everything I have to say, send me your argument, and I'll be glad to print that too. In fact, I know there are many out there who are fans of the English version, and I'd love to hear from you guys. Believe it or not, I like it when people disagree with me because I find opinions fascinating, and it's always good to be forced to think twice. And if you just happen to be from FUNimation, and you think the fans are being unfair, by all means, correct our errors, discredit our assumptions, and explain your rationale for doing things the way you did. I intended this section to be a forum for everyone, so send your comments soon!

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June 7th, 1998

Chris Psaros (that would be me) WARNING! This page is FAR too long. Only read if you have plenty of time on your hands, and a high tolerance for rambling.

Mike Yamazaki has a few things to say about Dragon Ball and capitalism, and the Japanese perspective of the show.

 

July 3rd

"Blue Mary", a fan limited to the NA dub, makes some valid points, and expands on a few of the topics I touched on in my own opinion page.

Christian Alvernaz another fan introduced by FUNimation's version, has been converted to the original!

Andrew Hosking defends the English version... well, no he doesn't, he's... no, that's no good either... Well, just read it, it's rather interesting.

 

July 18th

Jamey Smith is not bothered by a couple of things that most of us are: Vegeta's voice, and the "next dimension." Hmm. Food for thought.

Mark Verrey Uh oh... this one's sure to be controversial! But I'll just let him speak for himself.

 

August 23rd

"SnGoku" keeps it short and sweet, and gives a nice example of the way FUNimation's wierd antics can really screw things up.

"Cookie", the man who has written the longest essay so far, besides me. But it's all great, all worth it, and I really suggest that you read this one.

Fox Barrett has the coolest name ever, doesn't he? So "secret agent"-ish. Oh, uh, never mind. Anyway, this is a very good little essay, as well. He gives some very entertaining and convincing arguments.

 

September 6th

Robert Peeler is fairly outspoken about his support for FUNimation's dub. I'll just say one thing, I would really, REALLY like to write a response to this essay, but like I have made clear elsewhere, on this site, you have the right to say whatever you think. Don't get me wrong, I respect the guy's opinion, but... well, just read it!

Guy Lev another who started out watching FUNimation's dub, but now... (sniff) I'm getting a little choked up, you'll have to read it yourself. I just can't get enough of these inspiring "converted to the original" stories!

 

September 27th

Darryl Brown, the poor soul, hasn't yet seen any of the Japanese version (like many of you), but this essay gives me the STRONG impression that he can be converted quite easily...

Chris Martin serves as an EXCELLENT example of how FUNimation's attempts to please certain majority groups with their "creatively rewritten" dialogue can backfire and have the opposite effect.

Jelani Parham has the nice, calm, balanced attitude about both versions that I might have if I wasn't such a raving otaku.