Dragon Ball Z: The Ultimate Review - The Cell Saga

Dragon Ball Z was the ultimate anime for me as a kid! And the Cell saga has held a special place in the wider fandom as THE arc of Dragon Ball Z, and to tell you the truth I can totally see why! I adore this story and I wanted to pour my heart into a passion project like this for so long! I hope you have fun watching this love letter to the adventures of Goku, Gohan, Vegeta and Trunks as they try to navigation their complicated relationships all the while a brand new main charcter is crowned agaisnt the sinister Perfect Cell!
SUPPORT US ON PATREON: / totallynotmark
MUSIC USED:
Kikuchi Score from DB and DBZ
Mind Power...Ki (Hironobu Kageyama)
Battle Point Unlimited (Kenji Yamamoto)
Avant-Title (DBS Super Hero)
Logic & Trick (GAA)
Theme of Vile (MMZ)
Cannonball (MMZ3)
Char's Theme (Cover by Andrew W.K.)
Battle of Ordeal (Bravely Second)
Neo Atlantis (Nadia SOBW)
Inferno (Killer Instinct)
The Hunt (Elessar)
Astro Man (Red Marker)
Dudley's Theme (SF 3rd Strike)
Flaring Fighting Spirit (S.Robot Taisen T)
White Palace (HK)
Climax (DBS Super Hero)
Sin From Genesis (S.Robot Taisen)
COVERS:
SSJ Transformation (Cover by Gladius)
Desperate Assault (Pokemixr92)
Vegeta's Theme (Cover by 94Stones)
Call Out The Dragon, Shenron (Cover by KhydroDjent)
Cell's Theme (Cover by Android Orchestra)
Vegeta's Theme (Cover by Android Orchestra)
Cell's Theme (Cover by Ginus)
Teardrop (Cover by Jose Gonzalez)
VON (Cover by Kayou)
Unmei No Hi (Cover by Gladius)
Gohan's Anger (Cover by Android Orchestra)
We Gotta Power! (Cover by MajinBlue)
TWITER: totallynotmark
Introduction: 0:00
Trunks Arrives: 1:42
Androids 19 & 20: 09:06
Androids 17 & 18: 28:50
Cell Arrives: 39:47
Behind the Scenes: 1:05:22
Vegeta & Trunks vs Cell: 01:14:42
The Cell Games: 01:35:24
Gohan vs Cell: 01:44:18

[@TotallyNotMark]

Stick around until the end... There's a special announcement!

[@NubDiePie]

Yessir

[@jahirrodriguez5911]

HUH????

[@solame4983]

At the end of the video they have a Dragonball Z abridged cameo and it’s returning (sorta) next week.

[@TheRealMagicMan]

ayo!

[@Clown_Central]

Aight bet

[@MasakoX]

*5 years later* Welp, time to be the Goku again.

[@voicelessv3]

WHAT DOES IT MEAN SORT OF MASAKOOOOOO

[@Classicbutterscotch]

*Wait what?*

[@PopeDuwang]

I get it

[@Funkycirnofumo]

*What*

[@BlusterTheBenevolent]

YOU! MASAKO! ANNOUNCEMENT! TOO HYPE! EXPLAIN NOW!

[@SeeReax]

that moment you and your editor put together for gohan's ssj2 moment was phenomenal

[@Hadesheart-nn3nd]

Huh, very BOWERFUL take😊😊

[@mazkeraid4039]

⁠@@Hadesheart-nn3nd Let me fix that for you: the most 🅱️owerful take.

[@Hammerheadcomedy]

Bowerful even

[@GundamDood]

not gonna lie, i teared up a bit

[@Arc115YT]

Ah, the Prince of All Bower himself. c: Hello.

[@CIII328]

The fact the Toriyama was really just making this up as he went along is actually considerably impressive

[@purpleemerald5299]

That’s why I sometimes wonder just how incredible these stories could have been if he actually had the time to plan them all out in advance…

[@billyhorchel5429]

@@purpleemerald5299pressure makes diamonds

[@mihailcirlig8187]

​@@billyhorchel5429We are not made of pure Carbon atoms but ok

[@juicecakes2458]

​@@mihailcirlig8187we have carbon

[@mihailcirlig8187]

@juicecakes2458 Yeah but a Diamond ONLY has carbon, to make it that hard it needs to be pure and we have a lot of other elements in our body (it's just a silly argument, don't stress too hard over this lol)

[@thereisnotryv1971]

Hearing how Gohan, Bulma, Trunks & Yajirobe were sent home from the Z Fighters, minus Goku, while also being the only ones to survive Trunks' future is one of the craziest and subtle things I've *NEVER* noticed about this arc. Thanks for that, Not Mark!

[@mfrebel7831]

My jaw DROPPED like you wouldn't believe when he mentioned it

[@andrestyles4]

Makes you wonder what if 19 & 20 got destroyed the same way but Trunks wasn’t there to remember that part

[@Exlayer-pk8hy]

@@andrestyles4 Gonna make that my headcanon now

[@dRac_XII]

@@Exlayer-pk8hynah, Bulma simply would have told trunks it was 4 androids not 2

[@Lord_Of_Night]

@@dRac_XII No because Future Trunks' arrival to fight Freeza changed Gero's plans due to butterfly effect. So future Bulma would not have known about there being 4 androids since it didn't happen that way in her timeline. But Yajirobe, Trunks, Gohan and Bulma still being sent away makes sense because that was a decision the Z-fighters would have made anyway regardless of timeline (to protect them).

[@Slanderx]

the moment Perfect Cell screams, "VEGETA?!" and Goku screams "NOWS YOUR CHANCE!" will live etched in my memory forever, thanks for the video.

[@StevenJones851]

it's stuck with Me for a very long time

[@thewarriorlegend5186]

Saaaaaaame

[@unlimitedsaucex7420]

Dbza did it better

[@WildWeavile]

Goku wasn't reacting to Cell or Vegeta, he was telling Gohan that he needed to let his power explode or the world was going to die.

[@itsOZone]

​@@WildWeavilewhich was because of what Vegeta did? What is ur point? The guy never makes this claim or anything. You just repeat what he said like he didnt say it already.

[@SaberShadow002]

That "oh god, the voices are back" from Vegeta is hilarious and somewhat fitting

[@samt3412]

Wasn't Ghost Nappa literally him hallucinating Nappa because he was stuck with him for so long

[@might_e]

heh literally, the voices ARE back

[@rock21611]

I don’t need a full season, okay, just give me closure!

[@Rubymagicalgirl88]

Personally, "the court "ordered quack" and the "probably" are my favourite jokes in that. Also the interns bit

[@rgbcgroup]

@@samt3412 "Something that was never confirmed inside or outside the writer's room" - Kaiser Neko

[@stephanovaldivieso4517]

It was a very neat detail to include latam dub for this specific part 1:55:03. According to the voice actress, Laura Torres, she did it in one take. And because that day she entered the studio with a big emotional charge (maybe from things from her personal life, who knows) and in the context of N16 death and the growing pain Gohan was feeling, Laura released all those emotions in a big organic scream, feeling exactly the same as Gohan in that moment. From the depths of her heart, she became a Super Saiyan too.

[@rroca9140]

This an amazing comment with an insanely cool fact that I had no idea of. This definitely deserves thousands of likes

[@mfrebel7831]

Vamos Latinoamericano Carajo

[@nicolasriveros943]

I INSTANTLY regonized that it was her voice when i saw that part in the video and i was so happy. That moment lives rent free in my head since i watch the episode when i was 8 yo

[@rassilontdavros3004]

Hearing new DBZA material after so long genuinely brought tears to my eyes. I don't care that it isn't gonna be a full abridgement, just getting anything at all is more than I'd ever hoped for.

[@ZeroOmega-vg8nq]

Well im guessing mark is paying them and since itll be on his channel hes the onr risking the banhammer from toei and funi so eh. Still nice to get it gimped as it would be

[@Demigod_3scrub]

EXACTLY

[@ComicWriter-ml3qt]

And we’ve still got HFIL coming

[@juniorkyle8123]

@@ZeroOmega-vg8nq considering that all of japan is blocked from marks channel, i doubt he has anything to worry about

[@cringe2293]

​@@juniorkyle8123rare youtube W

[@amateraceon5202]

Throughout this entire video, let's not forget to pay respect to the most important character who saved the entire saga and story, Future-Future Trunks

[@sleepycatz101]

Who could forget such an important character?

[@shalpp]

As soon as he hit the scene, cell's SPLAT was all but guaranteed

[@ripdeth]

Vegeta no raza da!

[@regitriotrio5656]

​@@shalppHe never stood a chance.

[@AidsLordSupreme]

Truly a universe changing character

[@LunarWingCloud]

The transformative way you portrayed Gohan's ascension to Super Saiyan 2 is nothing short of a masterpiece

[@StevenJones851]

it's Amazing

[@devrogalyon3220]

I have to be at rewatch #30 for that section of the video. Absolutely amazing.

[@Spacebound_Omar]

I've watched it like 10 times and brings tears to my eyes each time truly amazing

[@jondabomb2184]

i thought i'd be the olnly one tearing omg@@Spacebound_Omar

[@Kaijutopia]

"In this arc, Goku and Vegeta both learn to appreciate their children for who they are." - A pursuit all parents should learn. Excellent video!

[@Shapes_Quality_Control]

Ehhh…. Only to an extent.

[@StevenJones851]

Yeah we see how both are chilled with them in Buu Saga

[@VixXstazosJOB]

@@Shapes_Quality_Control Nah, they should accept our minimal faults as well. Society appreciates being honest.

[@Shapes_Quality_Control]

@@VixXstazosJOB Something to note is that Goku and Vegeta never accept their own faults and are constantly working to overcome them. They are also vastly more powerful than both Gohan and Trunks.

[@boredomkiller99]

​@@Shapes_Quality_Control They are also older,meanwhile Gohan and Trunks are like 1000 times stronger than their fathers at the same age.

[@TBurr030]

I’m also a huge fan of the anime’s portrayal of the final beam struggle, with everyone helping. Piccolos speech about Gohan then Tiens line “I won’t let your son die”are epic to me

[@jjjjjaabari313]

Considering it's Gokus big send-off having his former rivals and enemies come together to save his son is so amazing.

[@zexalbrony4799]

Agreed. And like the other comment said, it's an amazing addition to what was Goku's send-off. Despite, Goku not really being a hero of justice, as he himself admits in this saga at the end Gohan is more suited to that role than he ever was, and despite his flaw of always wanting to fight the strongest, he is still a good person, who has Mark detailed in the Freeza saga video, knows the important and value of life, and has in turn taught that to his former rivals and enemies so here they stand, trying to do the right thing and try to help Gohon just like they would Goku, and while they do fail until Vegeta makes his move, it is still a powerful and great moment that shows not only Gohon, not only Vegeta, but everyone is trying to carry on in Goku's place. He has inspired them all to be better.

[@brolytriplethreat]

Yeah honestly even if their help didn't amount to much they at least _tried._

[@StevenJones851]

​@@brolytriplethreatit what i loved they atleast tried

[@StevenJones851]

Yeah the Anime did it better

[@kellenboyle86]

Just met an adult who is watching Z for the first time, and she was telling me “I just got to the part where they found this egg thing” and I got such a wave of excitement and nostalgia. I was so happy for her and jealous of her that she gets to experience this arc for the first time.

[@axl256gamesx7]

Well She's about to have an experience with the rest of the arc

[@StevenJones851]

She about too experience an Amazing Crazy Arc

[@xNobodyOfConsequenceX]

That's funny because I'm just now getting to the Buu arc lol.

[@tacoo4173]

Is that cell or Buu? both of them have eggs found before them, so

[@jb0258]

I experienced this arc in 2004 and wish I could again

[@commaD]

Goku never giving up against King Piccolo with just one useable limb remaining, vs Gohan resigning himself to death after just losing use of one limb highlights the difference between them so well. And it's such a perfect spot for goku to reassure his son, as he was in very similar situation once upon a time.

[@StevenJones851]

Yeah its really similar and nice callbacks

[@taviondelgado1747]

Wow never thought about it that way

[@gogofuture8271]

Really cool that we get a callback to that fight from the president at least in the anime. I think it was anime only if I remember correctly.

[@minedantaken1684]

So it's a double parallel, because also future Gohan. SPLENDID!😊

[@StevenJones851]

@@gogofuture8271 Goku vs King Piccolo Anime only??

[@OneSleepyGiant]

I've always said that Goku making Gohan fight Cell was akin to a dad seeing that his son had potential to be a star athlete and signing him up for a team in school, ignoring that his son isn't actually interested in sports. And that his son was only doing it because he didn't want to disappoint his dad.

[@mikeclark7026]

If that son was about to play the Monstars for the fate of the planet, sure. People who demean this decision are insane, Goku DIDN’T HAVE A CHOICE. And yes, he may not have understood his son, but even if he did, this was still the only way. The planet had 10 days left before it was blown up, no one else can get remotely close enough in training in that time, even with the chamber. Once Goku went to Korin and he told him how he stacked up to Cell, Goku knew that Earth only had one hope.

[@tynanpreece5539]

@@mikeclark7026I think the one issue I have is that, at no point does Goku explicitly explain the plan to Gohan. Gohan is clearly surprised and caught off guard by the decision. That’s why it’s a dumb decision, though not the dumbest in the arc by far

[@06yarbrougha]

I still get shivers everytime I see Gohan standing resolute while crying. And he's exuding so much power his tears fly upwards and evaporate. While at that same moment EVERYTHING happening around them comes to a screeching halt as even Goku didn't expect THAT much power to be sleeping in his son

[@giovanninunnally7188]

Then when the tears evaporate that head nod downward is him saying I’m finally here

[@mikeclark7026]

@@giovanninunnally7188 His eyes and mouth change ever so slightly too… It’s him literally shaking off what caused him to erupt, and saying, okay, you asked for this, now it’s coming to you 10 fold.

[@babynuggethead5576]

Nobody talks enough about how touching it was that 18 refused to leave 16 in his time of need. The fans tend to call it a stupid move but I feel it shows huge character development towards her humanity and tenderness after being represented as a heartless machine. She grew to love 16 at the risk of her safety and saw his value beyond wires and metal parts. Loved how you gave light to that

[@StevenJones851]

that part was really touching and nice

[@IdentifiantE.S]

@@StevenJones851Fr 🤝

[@StevenJones851]

@@IdentifiantE.S 😊

[@xDinomanx]

This is also why the Androids in the main timeline didn't turn into crazy mass-murdering psychopaths like they did in the future timeline. Android 16 was the catalyst but he was either never awakened or destroyed in the future timeline.

[@WolfXGamerful]

In other words, it was a stupid decision But it was hers to make.

[@Conflict-ff5pi]

I think Trunks as a character is a pretty clear indicator that, at least at the time, Toriyama was pretty well aware of the tropes his series had created by that point, since Trunks himself seems poised to subvert and counteract all those tropes. Killing his opponents as fast as possible, not allowing them to power themselves up, attacking them mid transformation, even him using a weapon at this point in the series is a vastly different way of fighting compared to anybody else, the last person who used a weapon in a fight was Yajirobe an entire 2 arcs ago. Since it suggests Trunk's isn't actually a martial artist like everyone else, he's a warrior who's only aim in a fight is to kill the other person, not improve himself.

[@justinarzola4584]

Trunks is kind of like a Stand- In for the audience for when the Z Fighters do something dumb like letting Cell powering up or transforming.

[@haruhirogrimgar6047]

That is part of why everyone adores the future trunks movie. The way he and Gohan fight is just so much more cathartic.

[@DanEMO592]

@@justinarzola4584I remember when I was 7 and I had just watched the episode where vegeta let cell absorb 18. My dad walked by and was like “how’s it going?” He didn’t even know I had been watching TV but I was like “I know this is going to sound silly because it’s a cartoon but I am actually mad at a character right now. He let the bad guy get way stronger and put everyone in danger” My dad was like “wow…” and then didn’t know what else to say 😂

[@FFantaSteve]

@@DanEMO592LOL 😂 That’s so wholesome yet too funny 😁

[@jairasha]

"Kindness, too, can be hopeless." That seriously gave me chills.

[@BrendanStuart]

As much as Vegetas sacrifice in the Buu Saga is fantastic character development, I always felt his apology to Gohan is the most impactful moment of self-awareness

[@KaiserMattTygore927]

I like how Cell even in his "Perfect Jawline" form, still has echoes of his ruthless brutal insect state.

[@Etticos.]

That jawline don’t lie and neither do I.

[@OfficialSilentPLAYS]

I mean... I'd never cheat on Chi-chi, but... So handsome

[@XDapologist]

Second fase Cell:🤫🤫🧏‍♂️🗿

[@gormold4163]

I think my favorite part about the fight between 17 and piccolo is that it lasts almost an entire day.

[@regitriotrio5656]

Fr. They were absolutely going in because damn that fight goes hard.

[@avhtarc2169]

“How long has he been powering up” “About 20 hours”

[@luvvsushi6581]

@@avhtarc2169”hyperbole big guy!”

[@ezekielanderson9055]

And Goku vs Frieza lasts 5 minutes

[@CenturyBlade]

@@avhtarc2169”HOW!?”

[@SparkShadow212]

That Gohan transformation is phenomenal. Showing the kind and gentle half Saiyan kid, the flashes of rage that had leaked out momentarily, all culminating into the release of all that stored up fury in the form of SSJ2 Gohan. Amazing work as always.

[@animeking1357]

I said it in an earlier comment but I'll say it again. Having the multiple language voice actors for 16's speech to Gohan is powerful. Gives me some massive feels that so many different cultures can all come together for our love of this series. Can I get a list of all the languages/dubs shown there?

[@shekkie]

Latin America Spanish Slovenian German Russian Portuguese English

[@animeking1357]

@@shekkie Thanks!

[@chemicalpoisons]

Also Greek!

[@animeking1357]

@@chemicalpoisonsNice. Thanks!

[@shekkie]

@@animeking1357 impossible, a civil american comment section

[@julianguillermo9112]

As always, the part where different dubs are used is simply on another level of amazing, 16's speech is heartrending obviously, but for me the real clincher is Gohan's raging scream at 1:55:03, where at first it's the Latin Spanish version (Laura Torres) but then it transitions to Colleen Clinkenbeard's scream from Kai. THAT, right there, goes beyond ascending.

[@eddnav]

Laura just nailed it, absolutely insane.

[@GohanLSSJ2]

Actually it seems to transition to Stephanie Nadolny's scream from the OG Z dub instead.

[@IdentifiantE.S]

@@eddnavYes 👌

[@FFantaSteve]

Wow I didn’t notice the transition between dubs during Gohan’s scream, thank you for commenting on this. 🫨🤯🙌

[@camposjl17]

As a latin-american, hearing Laura Torres' scream when Gohan goes SSJ2 moved me to tears. Thanks Mark. 🥲

[@cesaralvarado1829]

A huevo carnal!

[@Agent-Nu11]

Agreed. It was an amazing trip down memory lane! Her scream is just incredible.

[@hatem4906]

What does being latin-american have to do with this

[@kuroser353]

​@@hatem4906Laura Torres is the Latin American voice of Teen Gohan

[@OutFreak28]

​​@@hatem4906actually nothing, since she made the mexican dub. The rest of latinamerica thinks their dub is as good as mexican dub (which is not) and they include it in the same category, even tho mexican dub is way superior.

[@anuraguchiha2008]

Hey Mark, I've been following your videos for quite some time now. Initially what drew me to your channel was the interesting insight with which you reviewed the different sections/characters of Dragon Ball. What keeps me coming back is your passion and dedication to your craft. You have this unique power of helping us view these stories in a new light while simultaneously re-experiencing some of our most cherished core memories. I'm not afraid to admit that I've been brought to tears several times by the love and respect you've demonstrated in these videos. You have never once shown an ounce of arrogance and have time and again acknowledged that people can have varying opinions while still having a mutual adoration for the story. When I read the comments on your videos, I can see that there are thousands of people who are moved by your content in exactly the same way. When I saw the montage of clips during Gohan's ascension to SSJ2, I kid you not, I literally said the words "Oh my God" and completely broke down in tears. Through your work, I understand the sheer impact art can have on people. You and your team have truly created something special here. I'm sure there are times when this line of work is absolutely brutal, I was particularly sad to see the ordeal you went through last year and I'm so happy to see you bounce back from it all. If you ever have days where you feel regret or second thoughts about your decision going into this, I hope you remember how grateful we all are that you chose to do so. Thank you so much for doing what you do. We're all excited to see your legend grow!

[@ZexalDSJAsh]

1:54:35 #16 got hit so hard he started speaking in different languages for the most important speech in all of DBZ. 1:55:03 Ohhhhhhhhhh kami. Now THAT sounded amazing. The scream, the beat drop, and the full release of tension was cathartic and PERFECT.

[@dkdrock456]

Holy hecc, I never realized that Piccolo sends back exactly the people who survived in Future Trunk's timeline. That's wild!!!

[@Zacman1123]

Same

[@tristysstuff6664]

Except Yamcha lol, Yamcha fell against the androids. I forgot if Yamcha was one of the last to die, though, that may explain it

[@MakoShiruba]

@@tristysstuff6664 He did, although considering Goku died in the OG Timeline, it's somewhat believable that he held on the group after he recovered from Gero's attack and died fighting the Androids instead of going back.

[@jimmymagic7686]

Same! I've been a fan since day one and I never noticed this

[@sergiodiaz1261]

@@tristysstuff6664 Didn't Yamcha take Goku home before Piccolo sent the others back. In the OG timeline Goku was dead already from his heart disease, so Yamcha would have stayed, fight and probably died with the others.

[@sonic5993]

1:53:46 genuinely brought a tear to my eye, kudos to the editor. It gives a feeling of pride like watching someone you knew as a child grow up to become the person you knew they were destined to be.

[@StevenJones851]

yeah it really shows how well Gohan came far

[@qpSubZeroqp]

The editor/s did a fantastic job with this! The emotions, ooof, the chills and hairs standing on end

[@SirMalorak]

I never until now noticed how incredibly well DBZ's supposed ending was written. Man, DBZ would be perfect if it ended at the Cell Games, just for how fitting of an ending it'd be. It'd rhyme, it'd do the tournament again. Goku teaches his son the way his master has. I love DBZ a whole lot man. It's so comfortable, yet gripping.

[@knuterkiller9767]

As a German i feel honored and proud that my languidge finished this amazing edit🥲

[@TBurr030]

Watching you talk about Goku’s “supposed to be” ending as the main character really makes me wish they followed thru to the Buu saga with Gohan beating Buu

[@jb0258]

I was in 3rd grade when the cell Saga was airing (2003). I remember being absolutely terrified by all the clothes in the city that Cell first attacked, to the point i had nightmares about it back then. What an extremely well done introduction to his character, though! It was such a big impact that I'll remember it forever.

[@kyleappleton9004]

it actually originally aired in 2001 in the US, I remember because I was in the 6th grade, the android saga hit on Toonami after school in the fall of 01.

[@AT-qu2bz]

Cell saga is way before than 2003 mate 🤣

[@jb0258]

@@AT-qu2bz it was for sure lol, but that's the year I saw it. Didn't mean to make it seem like I was saying it originally aired in 2003.

[@madcapmakov2]

Cell was an unspeakable fiend.

[@JaxBlade]

Masterful REVIEW of DBZ at its Peak, so many music choices and edits made during this video were immaculate and that ending AHHH So HYPED! These Movie length videos are always something I look forward to on your channel haha

[@marcusraines4803]

Always a blast finding a JaxBlade comment. It’s was through DBZ and MasakoX I found your channel!!

[@HenrythePaleoGuy]

Mark really does put together some peak work!

[@metaauion7510]

Crazy how if it’s a anime video/spider man vid I somehow always see jaxblade creeping in the comments. Love the vids man

[@HardinProuductionsOriginal]

lol you're capping. The android saga was a mess of "I dont know where I want this to go." The Saiyan Saga was dbz's peak, educate yourself on Storytelling, you sheep fool

[@jarvis]

incredible work

[@taptiotrevizo9415]

Didn't know you watch dragon ball

[@monagamma]

Is that Jarvis Johnson on a DRAGON BALL VIDEO?

[@inferno3345]

@@taptiotrevizo9415thats what i was thinking

[@Kegst]

Jarvis,what are you doing here 😭

[@infinitefun527]

holy god its jarvis johnson

[@pikachuplushie01]

Timestamps for me Will probably add more later. 52:28 Piccolo vs Android 17 1:18:15 Perfect Cell 1:53:50 - 1:55:29 Gohan’s transformation and montage 1:59:00 - 2:01:53 Goku’s Goodbye 2:06:36 Father Son Kamehameha 2:13:42 Special Announcement

[@multigaming4219]

1:37:21 as someone who read the original manga as a kid words cannot express how good you’ve explained this part,easily your best written video imo

[@matthewy.6120]

Man, I wish I could experience this story for the first time again.

[@LilShiro05]

i would gve a leg😖

[@mrm64]

Man same ;v; The greatest Shonen story of all time...Dragon Ball Z!

[@HoboBob24]

DBZ Budokai was my introduction to post-Namek events. It was so cool.

[@sheriefwoodard8686]

@@HoboBob24 Budokai 3 for me introduced me to the Cell and Buu sagas my favorite two sagas

[@kurty1927]

“Tell me, can Androids feel fear?” Coldest line..

[@BcDyxaLKgoNdgU]

DO YOU AFRAID?

[@GOLDELITE245]

“Results inconclusive”

[@smashmaster521]

@@GOLDELITE245 Let's fix that.

[@denverarnold6210]

​@@BcDyxaLKgoNdgUMAYBE!?

[@fireball1249]

@@denverarnold6210 BAZINGATTACK

[@kingbash6466]

It's such a shame Gohan as a character peaked in Cell Saga. I'm not talking in strength as we clearly know that nowadays. I mean in terms of character development, his fight with Cell is peak drama for the series. Seeing him grapple to terms with his power, fearing what would happen if he loses control, the pressure being out upon him by not only his father but the entire world, it's great stuff. And the moment when he finally snaps with the lyrics of Unmei no Hi referring to him as a "Messiah" oh, man. It's the intense emotional drive behind that moment is what makes his SSj2 transformation so iconic, and that's what I feel like Mystic and especially Beast lacks. Sure he's probably the strongest he's ever been now, but the emotional weight behind those forms are nowhere near as special.

[@regulator062]

Indeed. Even though there's parts of the Buu arc and DragonBall Super that I love, ultimately I'd say it's not just Gohan that peaked in the Cell arc, but the writing for DragonBall as a whole. I suppose every series has to peak at some point, right? And what a peak it was, for DragonBall and for Gohan both. I could go on about the problems with DragonBall post Cell arc, but I think everyone knows more or less what they are.

[@Dracon7601]

I definitely think the story would be better if Goku more stayed dead after the Cell Saga with Gohan and Vegeta taking a more central role.

[@StevenJones851]

​@@regulator062it really did peak at Cell Saga

[@StevenJones851]

​@@Dracon7601Gohan and Vegeta should of Been more Foucsed on

[@VixXstazosJOB]

ugh ENOUGH of that bandwagon man. He's totally respectable again. Let's not revive the Death Horse so people can beat it again shall we ? - you know "beating the death horse"? -

[@alexloyola6762]

Tremendous work. I have not rewatched the Cell sage since I was a teenager back in the early 2000s. Even back then, it was my favorite DBZ story, but your analysis of the underlying examination of fatherhood and the failing of both Vegeta and Goku in that respect were eye-openers for me. Fantastic job.

[@UnStorm]

I want to thank the editor of this video for the sequence at 1:53:45 . I know it follows the other sequences from the previous arcs of the review series, but this one feels more special to me. The choice of cover is absolutely perfect and so is the way the editing was made to fit the song itself. The recopilation of previous instances where Gohan was afraid to fight, where he unleashed his rage towards his opponents, until we focus back to the moment at hand, 16's dialogue with varying languages, again, not an unfamiliar sight in this series but still managing to reach to the hearts of fans watching these videos, who watched this series as kids on their native languages. And, of course, ending with the scream of Laura Torres, the VA for Teen Gohan in the Latin American dub, which i grew up with. It is a scream that not only rivals Mazako Nozawa's, but it might as well surpass it. Having that scream echo as the song continues and the memories of a more innocent Gohan flash before our eyes, it was enough to make me shed a tear. I thank the editor for not only making perhaps the most emotional edit yet, but also giving the Latin American dub of Dragon Ball Z (specifically that particular moment) the recognition and respect it deserves. I love Mazako Nozawa. I love the Japanese dub, and it's my preferred way of watching Dragon Ball. But sometimes I am reminded that the dub of my people sometimes managed to go places and resonate with people when a lot of other dubs could not.

[@totallynotmusic7803]

Glad you liked it! Editor appreciates your appreciation and likes your pfp a lot!

[@davenavarro2289]

I can't put it into words what the clip at 1:53:50 did for my soul! Seriously It brought tears to my eyes, much love to mark and his team! I'm just left in awe with your amazing work.

[@familyguysofunny1933]

I came across Gladius's cover a few days ago. I got chills when I saw mark use it

[@PurpleAshley]

I actually cried, the editing on these videos is insane

[@dominiccsanjay]

I had to pause the video to keep myself from crying. Honestly might be the best bit of content on this entire channel. What a beautiful reminder of not only what that scene meant to me as someone that ofcourse attached to Gohan, being so young when I saw DBZ for the first time, but what it meant to kids like me around the world with the inclusion of the alternate dubs before exploding in that fantastic remix of Unmei no Hi.

[@Jonsofjons]

Insane. Tears fell from my eyes fr

[@catenaccio_fc]

That’s the effect of great art

[@aguilasocho27]

Tu edición con la transformación de Gohan me llevó al borde de las lágrimas. Me encanta tu trabajo!!

[@ultr0shot440]

This is such a horrible day, and the first thing I go to watch is this video. Mark, thanks for this masterpiece. For putting to words what so many of us couldn't. And may Akira rest in peace.

[@priyamprasad624]

Cell saga always hits different man. The little boy grown up to be the strongest through countless beating and emotions. Just masterpiece.

[@TibiConstantine]

I guess you could say that it was alright for Gohan to be bullied like that.🤣

[@priyamprasad624]

@@TibiConstantine i mean he bullied quite a lot to finally unleash himself tho.

[@StevenJones851]

​@@TibiConstantineit's sad he had too be bullied but Gohan had to go through tuff stuff too grow

[@TibiConstantine]

@@StevenJones851 without a doubt, leading to that epic fight with cell, which was badass.

[@ThelronFjord]

10:52 The reason the Androids target Yajirobe first is because the last piece of footage Gero had to go on was of Yajirobe cutting off Vegeta's tail, thus making him a pretty big threat if underestimated.

[@waves2378]

I thought that was just to get the attention of Goku and the others.

[@ThelronFjord]

@@waves2378 Nope, Yajirobe was the biggest threat to their plans.

[@Shelby636]

That mixture of voices in Gohan's transformation was simply amazing. This series conects so, so many people beyond language... and the cherry on top for me... the latin american dub in the precise moment of the scream sincerely brought me to tears. From the bottom of my heart... Thank you.

[@mystuff8602]

DUDE! When he switches through all the different languages at 1:55:10 ... chills

[@RankBaloney]

Vegeta's "I'm sorry" to Gohan. Probably the most emotional moment in the series for me.

[@chemicalpoisons]

The way Akira brings Vegeta's own path to change and atonement for his mistakes is nothing short of magnificent. He already had to tackle various themes and the passing of the the torch to Gohan, that he could have easily forgotten Vegeta or used him just as a plot mover. But no, he actually carries us through his own journey, culminating with the "ultimate" team move by hitting Cell. Staying true to his heeding about hitting the bad guy but doing so in a way that does not put him in the spotlight, but rather as a supportive character that changed the entire tide of the story. He learnt the value in being a support fighter, something he would have never, ever come to terms with before.

[@Nick-cv7cq]

Definitely. Rewatching Vegeta learn he's gonna go to hell and still sacrificing himself to Buu is up there too

[@StevenJones851]

​@@Nick-cv7cqHis Character Development and Growth in the Buu Saga is Magnificent as well

[@StevenJones851]

​@@chemicalpoisonsi really liked how Akira kept Vegeta Around and Developed him in this Arc and the Future Arcs as well it's brilliant

[@TheAzureNightmare]

"Oh *wow,* we *are* fucked...!"

[@Nick-cv7cq]

This guy has a gift. Somehow, he makes me feel like I didn't love my favorite show nearly enough. And I already have an unhealthy obsession with it haha

[@jacobmonks3722]

His passion and enthusiasm are infectious. I selfishly want him to cover all of my favorite stories of all time because I think he will bring in a new appreciation for them that even I don't have. It's why I click on basically every Xenoblade Chronicles analysis I see. Now that's a story I'd love to see Mark try to break down because his ability to see the unseen is unparalleled, and that story has a BUNCH of hidden meanings and allegories.

[@mray4784]

Did you watch/read original Dragon ball?

[@Marku912]

Hearing the way he describes the Android/Cell Saga almost makes me wish Dragon Ball ended here.

[@Nick-cv7cq]

@mray4784 I never watched the original DragonBall from start to finish. But I've seen most of it out of order. I just got crunchy roll and started from the beginning 2 days ago actually

[@Nick-cv7cq]

@@Marku912 you're right. That really was insane. Makes me realize how much Dragon Ball Super missed the mark more than I realized. But I'll keep up and keep hoping because I'm chasing that old feeling the new episodes used to give me haha

[@TheLKStar]

Gohan's SSJ2 transformation is one of my favorite moments in all media, whenever I rewatch it even in reviews, I feel deeply connected to it.

[@madshansen6458]

I literally screamed of joy from the announcement in the end.

[@christopherbronson3275]

Reign it in.

[@Djammin14]

@@christopherbronson3275YES SIR!!!!

[@retroactivityy]

What do you think he meant by (sort of) ?

[@Exspazament]

@@retroactivityy I'd imagine most of the anime visuals in his buu retrospective will be a dbza kai sort of thing. Thanks to mark were gonna get season 4, kinda. 😊

[@ctripp0073]

bro I was squealing

[@socialaccount0000]

56:16 My personal headcannon is that the reason 17 and 18 *didnt* end up like their future version is that in the original timeline, they left 16 in his pod and as such didnt have his kind influence rubbing off on them while traveling. Its possible that, due to the Z fighters not confronting them immediately upon awakening, Goku already being dead, and 16 being asleep, that the future timeline itself could've been similar to canon if the jolly green giant had been awakened alongside them, as I dont see 16 being okay with the slaughtering of all life after all..

[@cale1731]

"Will you stop attacking yourself? I don't know where you got it in your head that there's something wrong with you, 'cause there's NOT." -Goku

[@tylerjehills]

The entire section from 1:53:46 to 1:55:30 actually made me tear up. Gohan SSJ2 means so much to so many, and the entire crescendo of music and editing that brought it all to life was masterfully done. This is going right up there with TFS for my favorite versions of the transformation. Thank you for letting me relive the best of my childhood

[@qpSubZeroqp]

100% agree with you. They all did such a fantastic job and pulled on my emotional strings so hard!

[@gamonstudios]

I hope mark uploads this as a clip. It’s so great!!!

[@lynayra6492]

Same.

[@amccall88]

Same, same... I just wish they added " and hey when this is over, please pick up my head.. AND BEAT YOUR FATHER TO DEATH WITH IT!!" CTFU

[@StevenJones851]

it's a great section 😊

[@Glennstevenson822]

God, I needed that Buu saga DBZA scene so badly. The writing is as strong as ever. Who voices teen gohan? It’s fitting.

[@toxicdemon1315]

It might be Justin Briner! If it is, it's awesome they got him back to voice him again!

[@sir.jebach3195]

Dub Voice actor of that crybaby Hero what was he's name. . . Deku? I never watched the anime but i did hear mentioning him in one of the creator commentary of DBZA on there Channel: FourStarBento

[@The2ndAnthony]

I’m so glad you do these, man. I discovered this series through Toonami AGES ago when it first popped up in the 90s and it just latched onto me. All these years later it still holds a spot in my heart and to see someone else with passion for the story like this brings me a bite of joy, and the new perspective you always bring makes me think of my favorite anima character “The main man G who dons the orange Gi”, in a new way that I can’t express how much I appreciate. So thank you for this whole series.

[@natevinesva]

I didn't watch Z until I was an adult. 20 years old. Its impact on me cannot be understated. For years I've tried to decide what character is my facorite. The easy answer is Goku, he's the MC, watching him push past his limits, for me, never gets tiring and always leaves me with such awe and wonder that I can't help really liking him. But then there's Piccolo, who's arc, as Mark described beautifully here, is so compelling that you can't help but admire him. If you want the correct answer, it's Vegeta, who I relate to in a few ways. It's much, much more fun watching his character develop and the Earthlings make him one of them. But in all honesty, in the truth deep within me, the character I relate to in more ways than anyone, my definitive, personal to me, favorite character, is Trunks. I myself did not really know my father growing up. But now I have the opportunity to get to know him, and that's both affected by what my mom has told me about him, and 3 separate encounters and visitations that were barely memorable. But I want to get to know him even if it pains me, even if I can never really connect with him or feel like I can trust him, I crave that connection and would do anything for it. To make him proud and the like. I connect hard with Trunks and those feelings. The way you took the medium and transcribed it into your own writing, wrangled the multitude of themes and plot threads, meanings both hidden and belligerent, and crafted that into your own tasteful, tonal, visual, poetic and emotional masterpiece olis beyond commendable. You have done fans everywhere a massive service, nevermind the fact that you also brought about DBZA: Second Coming

[@solidskullz5736]

Cell is definitely my favorite dbz villain. He’s so dangerous yet very entertaining too. He’s clearly having fun when he fights and he’s also rather unique being a biologically engineered android. Cell is the type of villain that’s just very fun to watch because he’s both charming and deadly

[@jowasijo]

He’s definitely great, and his arc is filled with my favorite moments in the series including ofc Gohan’s fight with him!

[@Mahtoo]

best arc db has to offer i swear, cell is intelligent and dangerous and it's an incredible mix.@@jowasijo

[@Comicbroe405]

Exactly! He's charismatic while also being just an evil mf. He's also the inspiration for one of my other favorite villains (Meruem) so he deserved credit there too.

[@gizel4376]

what's amazing is that his personality is just a perfect mix of all the most important character of dbz

[@abloogywoogywoo]

Not as good as the Frieza saga but definitely better than the Buu saga. Cell's biggest problem was he hid behind his regeneration. No foe would've sustained as much damage as him previously, because no foe would put themselves in such danger so stupidly. Cell was given multiple chances to win over and over. Ultimately losing to a child. The perfect creation became the perfect failure.

[@GladiusThemes]

Holy Kami!! 1:53:46 !!! This edit is sublime!! Thank you so much for using my Unmei No Hi cover here!! This hit me harder than I could have ever imagined 😍 just finished watching the whole video and man… your insights into the layers of the characters and story continue to amaze me. And your editor/s be going HARD!! I think I’m ready to watch DBZ again 🥹

[@jq2762]

Made me fall inlove with the Cell Arc all over again

[@totallynotmusic7803]

I discovered your cover weeks ago and was dying to use it, it's incredible! Glad to know you liked the edit :)

[@GladiusThemes]

@@totallynotmusic7803 ah! This is awesome. Thank you so much. I fricken loved the edit. And I’m glad you found my cover- I would gladly do a musical commission for a future video! 👍

[@mischief5149]

So glad Mark found you man. You deserve it

[@qpSubZeroqp]

Thank you for making this! I love editing and making remixes as well but getting permission to have them officially out, is a hell of a downer which in turn made me not even want to attempt it anymore

[@Gumboplates]

Finally somebody goes into the element of cell, his reflection of goku and vegeta but also of Freiza, his fear inducing power fighting IQ and a deeper breakdown of vegeta and just the writing of the story bro this is a master class

[@Qwertyish]

I blitzed through these 3 parts in 2 days and i gotta say I've been obsessed Mark. The writing, the editing, everything is so on point. You've truly made me love Dragon Ball again in a way i haven't since I was a kid. Thank you for this amazing content

[@romas011]

The build up leading up to Gohans' SSJ2 transformation in this video was godlike. Gave me chills and made me tear up at the same time. God damn I love that moment so much.

[@GSB188]

The editing at 1hr and 53mins for the Gohan SSJ2 moment is simply stunning. The way you have the dialogue from all the different languages is so emotive. It really highlights what a global impact that moment had across the globe.

[@CarbonMage]

I was not ready for the nostalgia hammer that is Cannon Ball "Can Goku come out and die?" "The sign says no solicitors!" "WARE WA MESSIAH NARI! HAHAHAHA!"

[@lucidmind9676]

I already loved the Cell saga but damn this video makes me love it even more , you pointed out things I didn’t even notice narration wise

[@maxicamargo5788]

1:55:00 El inigualable grito de Laura en el doblaje latino... muchas gracias Mark.

[@ser626]

Sin duda ese grito fue la cúspide. Sin ánimos de demeritar a los que lo hicieron igualmente bien en otros idiomas como japonés o el abridged

[@lynayra6492]

I don't even have to understand your language to understand what you are saying, because I also thought it was super cool that he did that.

[@cobaingrohlnovo]

Pero en inglés por favor

[@GamingintheAM0801]

I didn't grow up with the Latin dub, but hearing that scream for the first time here nearly brought me to tears. Incredible.

[@oliverfrom656comics7]

💪💪💪

[@elmothechamp1953]

1:53:56 The way everything was edited hit something. Gohan is one of my favorite characters in fiction, having grown up with him, and seeing the way that part was edited for his transformation, my absolute favorite transformation in all of anime, made me tear up. All I can say is, thank you for your wonderous work, and for giving this scene an amazing edit like this.

[@jackmanleblanc2518]

Literal goosebumps. It's been so many years now since I first saw Gohan go SSJ and yet even now a good edit of that scene is able to make me feel the same emotions I did so long ago.

[@andrewwavington9025]

I’m glad you mentioned trunks failure is due to Vegeta not training him. While goku was an excellent mentor to Gohan #RIPtoriyama

[@krous627]

The most impactful thing about gohan’s ss2 transformation is the way his tears dries out and his stare changes. It is like signifying that the innocence of that little boy no longer exists and a warrior is born!

[@Mswordx23]

"He kept us in the dark... because Gohan was in the dark, too." Goddamn, this is the part where the review TRULY impressed me.

[@HenrythePaleoGuy]

Mark does so damn well going over things like that. Loving this review series so far. DBZ is so much more than people give it credit for.

[@KingTvlip]

I can't believe you used the Greek Dub's speech of Android 16. As someone who grew up with this version, I instantly cried out in celebration. What a phenomenal edit, thank you Mark!

[@thrasos1990]

Man im from greece too. How did he found footage of those episode??? Im amazed!!!

[@chemicalpoisons]

Ρε με έπιασε ανατριχίλα. Ο Γιάννης Παπαϊωάννου πρέπει σοβαρά να υπάρχει σε κάθε Dragon Ball Z αφιέρωμα. Είναι θρύλος πλέον στην Ελλάδα.

[@KingTvlip]

@@chemicalpoisons ειλικρινά μια από τις καλύτερες επιλογές ηθοποιού για την σειρά αυτή

[@chemicalpoisons]

@@KingTvlip Δεν υπάρχει κι ούτε θα υπάρξει καλύτερος Vegeta στα χρονικά. Ακόμα και με τόσο κακή επιμέλεια μεταγλώττισης (στην οποία φυσικά δεν έφταιξαν οι ηθοποιοί) ξεχώριζε κι ακόμα ξεχωρίζει.

[@KingTvlip]

@@chemicalpoisons Θα συμφωνήσω πλήρως, παρόλα τα μείον της ελληνικής μεταγλώττισης, οι ηθοποιοί έδωσαν τον καλύτερο τους εαυτό, και ο Vegeta του είναι *Ο Vegeta* ακόμη και σήμερα.

[@V8chump]

Wow! A dbz “review” with this many views really shows how much people love dbz. I can definitely agree, still my favorite anime of all time, so many iconic moments

[@ClairPlayz]

Your videos have life lessons. How you can just push out meaningful life sentences out of just a anime show. Love it!! It really connects

[@insomniacnerd5592]

Cell has this unique charisma to me that has made him my favorite villain. He just plays up the performance when he’s on screen.

[@destructive_thoughts_]

The sequence of Gohan and Android 16 talking in various languages, and then the scream, the friggin scream, it was in the Latin American dub, I couldnt get but to get excited and watch the Cell vs Gohan fight again, it was NOSTALGIC, I remember this scene in GREAT detail and how it made me get first excited for the TV screen for the first time in my life. Thanks Mark for reminding me on how much I loved Cell arc and how much I love Dragon Ball after all

[@SchneeflockeMonsoon]

I really wish the second Time Machine’s “Hope!!” had a scratch which changed it to “Nope!!” God Takahata’s idea for that is so creepy.

[@RichtofenDr]

The fact that he would think he's haunted again makes perfect sense. 2:14:20

[@UmiOnami]

Man, 1:54:56 Everything building up to this point was amazing, but then hearing Gohan's scream echoing while seeing flashes of his whole life leading up to this point has me both bizarrely tearing up and smiling widely as possible. ...Every single time I watch it! This was so incredibly well made! Also that DBZA (sort of) announcement blew my mind. Especially since I didn't actually recognize it as DBZA until I heard Lani's Vegeta, which immediately threw me for a loop.

[@CrimsonFcukr]

I'm not ashamed to say I cried during this video. I have been watching Dragon Ball since I was 3 years old, an now I am a 28 year old man and there's not a day where Dragon Ball is not involved in my life, it's videos like these and people like Mark that keeps reassuring my love for Dragon Ball. Not that I need it I will never fallout with it but it's always so inspiring and amazing seeing people love the same series I love so much and put it so articulately. Thank you Mark

[@ceebree3387]

You really cried? 😂😂😂

[@CrimsonFcukr]

@@ceebree3387 the scene were Gohan turns Super Saiyan 2 of course, what should I be ashamed?

[@ceebree3387]

@@CrimsonFcukrcrying over a cartoon is pretty funny

[@CrimsonFcukr]

@@ceebree3387 funny thought Dragon Ball was an anime, plus nothing wrong with showing emotions over things that you hold dear

[@Kuhlinn]

I feel you my man, for a brief Moment during this Video it felt exactly like back then reading it for the first time

[@johnlindsay7301]

In his reviews of the earlier arcs Mark discussed overcoming expectations or contrasting what you are with who you are. So I find it super interesting how Toriyama takes that theme in a slightly different direction regarding time. He shows what will happen and then dares these characters to change the future. To break that expectation. And he starts that discussion early by having the Z- fighters at first doubt Trunks’s prophecy by doubting if Goku will arrive as stated and then by doubting if 19 and 20 will arrive. It’s an interesting correlation and as this is as far as I am into the arc I’m really excited to see where he takes this story element.

[@randomguitarcovers1636]

I was thinking that the answer to n.17 wondering why Dr Gero moved from a full robot back to androids that were originally human beings (30:07) might be indeed the fact that Cell needed to absorb them. He needed "living" beings, couldn't have done it with n.16

[@Omni-Rage]

Cell saga always choked me up at the end. This video’s surprise ending sure took care of that though, I’m smiling so hard right now.

[@Conflict-ff5pi]

Love how just like saga's themselves, each part of this series is becoming more intricate and longer then it was previously. Hopefully the Buu saga vid doessn't suffer the same fate as the arc itself

[@roxtechs]

I just hope the fans don’t get upset with him over his feelings with Buu arc. It a fun arc with great moments but is a complete mess.

[@justinarzola4584]

​@@roxtechsThe Buu arc dragged out for way too long,should of ended with Vegeta's self destruction.

[@dsn4872]

might be a 2 parter honestly

[@Tyree42069]

@@justinarzola4584that would’ve been way too short. Buu just got resurrected at that point anyways, so seeing him not being that big of a threat would’ve made him less of an actual menacing villain. Honestly don’t think it was long at all(specifically the manga)

[@scarletbard6511]

​@@justinarzola4584 Should've ended before Buu absorbed Gohan. All that build up, just for him to get fucking thrown to the side.

[@yourlocaltransgirl]

God, i only recently got back into DBZ and Mark made me remember why i loved it so much

[@Na3tlo]

Mark, your work is really something else. The way you describe what's going on from the moment Cell announces the Cell Games, Goku and his surroundings, his feelings and encounters at the time... And then Gohan... I've never ever stopped to see these parts of the story in that way. And with all that, Teardrop is the background song. You're just brilliant. Your team is brilliant. Sorry for my english and thank you. Thank you very much. From a huge Brazilian fan.

[@jordanread5829]

Toriyama seamlessly transitioning between the meddling behind the scenes is indeed a triumph. Android 20 rushing back to his lab to release more powerful, but insubordinate minions after the loss of 19? Clever. Cell needing to absorb 17 and 18 to become perfect, while also exploring the dangers of time travel and how that power can be exploited by evil? On top of showing just how far Dr Gero will go for revenge, to the point of playing God by creating something like Cell? Amazing.

[@jp3813]

The best storytellers can take inspiration from unexpected situations. Like Steven Spielberg making Jaws scarier due to the mechanical shark not working.

[@fiucik1]

Actually I'd say that idea of making Cell the way, that he needs to absorb androids to become perfect is kinda dumb if you think about it. Why not make Cell perfect in the first place? How come, that he gains power from absorbing people(as in organic tissue) and androids alike? If so, why did he exactly had to absorb No17 and 18? Why not absorb for example No16? Ok, that dude is huge, but how about unconscious Vegeta, why not absorb yielding Trunks? The whole idea of Cell having absorb exactly these 2 androids is kinda a stretch if you ask me? And speaking of plotholes, why didn't Goku finish off Cell when Gohan was playing with him. I mean after he spitted out No18 his power dropped to a level when Goku, Vegeta, Trunks or even Picolo would have ended him in a matter of seconds. Why plea with Gohan to take Cell out of his misery, when Goku could have just stepped up and carry out the deeds himself?

[@jp3813]

@@fiucik1 Well, the entire franchise is filled w/ such stretches, especially since the Dragon Balls could've made things much easier for each arc. I always got the impression that the creation of Cell took Gero to unexpected places. That the latter wasn't completely in control of his creations. Hence, his death. As for the others not stepping in, I believe it's due to the combination of them being weakened by the Cell Juniors, Gohan being extremely dominant, not knowing that Cell had anything left up his sleeve, and the arrangement of fighting him one-on-one.

[@fiucik1]

@@jp3813 True, but I still think that Cell just needing to absorb Androids 17 and 18 is a little bit too convenient of a plot device... And as far as I recall, they already got the senzu beans after Gohan despatched Cell Jrs. So if Goku was so concerned about Gohan playing with Cell for too long, he could have just finished him on his own. Like he did with Frieza in Super(although that actually sucked)...

[@jp3813]

@@fiucik1 The one w/ Freeza in Super was a do-over. Before the rewind, Goku failed in protecting the Earth. Hence, that's pretty consistent w/ his decisions in the Cell arc. Like I said, it was a combination of factors. I actually think "inconvenient" is the word to describe the absorption of 17 & 18. The easier plot point would be that Cell just gets stronger as he matures and he time traveled to foil Trunks' mission. 19 & 20 get killed off; 16, 17, & 18 eventually become allied w/ the Z-Fighters; and Cell becomes the main villain.

[@neoshenlong]

The surprise at the end is absurdly amazing. Seriously, can't tell you how happy you made me.

[@morphingninja]

same, first thought was "this doesn't seem like the usual dialog...?", then Vegeta speaks and "I know that voice!". THE VOICES ARE BACK! what can it mean?!

[@Nemo-oj8mb]

What a masterpiece of a video. Everything about this is perfect, and you have skillfully depicted the multiple layers of depth these arcs have to offer. The editing is super; the fantastic visuals of the manga that are shown amplify the perspectives you give us to new heights. I did not expect to come out of this as emotionally shaken as I am now. What an experience.

[@richborn6700]

This arc in particular holds alot of deep memories. I started Kindergarten in '99 when DBZ was the flagship of Toonami. A couple years later and the Android/Cell sagas began in second grade. It was high drama and the talk of the playground every day

[@demoneblu24]

I love the montage of all of the dubs languages in the critical moments, it feels more personal for everyone in this way. For an italian like i am it is amazing to see and to hear!

[@DarkMetalGortex]

I legitimately cried when that music kicked in for Gohan’s transformation and you had the subs being uttered in multiple languages. That shit was beautiful. As a 34 year old Dominican-American from New Jersey I felt like a kid again. Thank you for bringing me happiness in these dark and uncertain times.

[@Meziosaur]

I'm so happy you made this series, I missed so many details in this saga since I saw it as a kid while it aired on TV. Cell Saga is absolutely outstanding! Thanks a lot for making this dude!!

[@robbyrawdawg1389]

Mark I both love and am terribly jealous of you for being able to make such well written, well produced, and inspiring videos on art that I hold so near and dear to my heart. This video made me cry about a piece of art that I have already cried plenty enough for, and it made me a little irrationally angry that I am not in the same position you are. But if it couldn't be me- im happy it's you. Thank you to you and your amazing team.

[@robbyrawdawg1389]

God, I just want to scream from the rooftop my love and appreciation for these pieces of media.

[@rfar21]

Hey, Mark, just wanna say, on behalf of all latin america (especially Mexico) I want to say thank you and that it's quite an honor that you and your team chose to use our dub for Gohan's Ssj2 scream in this video; this brought some tears to my eyes. Just like every other country, this moment it's quite pivotal to our childhood and one of our favorites in all of Dragon Ball history. This is a masterpiec of a video and one I'll be checking out again and again, in years to come. Sincerely, a mexican Dragon Ball fan that has been following you for years; thank you. P.s. Can't wait for the next one.

[@Sifeus]

LatAm Dbz fans are great. Y'all keep the fire burning for real.

[@TheGielth]

He sure does selected both of the most pivotal moments to make an Dub shuffle through, it's such an Iconic anime, with such iconics Dubs that sure bring tear to the eyes of every fan with nostalgia.

[@Agent-Nu11]

1:53:40 Holy moly, this entire sequence shook my very core. The elation and emotion I felt after watching this is just... wow BRAVO SIR, Your editor is a Master among men.

[@jackmanleblanc2518]

I must have replayed it at least a dozen times. So many goosebumps. Possibly the best Gohan edit I've ever seen just casually dropped in this video.

[@GladiusThemes]

I also got fricken goosebumps!!😱🥹

[@jackmanleblanc2518]

@@GladiusThemes My guy I JUST got done listening to your full cover after finishing this video. Great work man! It's awesome.

[@GladiusThemes]

@@jackmanleblanc2518 thank you man!! I appreciate you going and listening to it! It was a real treat to see it in this video edited into the place it belongs 🔥

[@Agent-Nu11]

@@GladiusThemes Thank you for making this cover. I did not feel goosebumps, or tears, I feLT my soul set ablaze with passion and will thanks to this. THANK YOU!

[@amccall88]

The Gohan edit at the end makes me tear up every time. Fantastic editing, I love this video

[@jmcnasty1]

Legit made me test up in a few spots. You are so talented at breaking this all down even more than I ever thought. U have made my love for DBZ grow even more. Thank you

[@yusufamir968]

I love the passion with which Mark reviews this franchise. I don't have many acquaintances and friends who watched Dragon Ball or even heard something about it. I'm glad that I find like-minded people who are just as excited about the franchise that I recently watched. Usually in the internet faced with the criticism that this franchise is not deserved the popularity that it had, without exaggeration, the legendary shounen and manga!