How to introduce your Villain | The Anatomy of Anime

[@TotallyNotMark]

Dont forget to leave a like or dislike! Do you think dragon ball handles exposition well?

[@katoshuu]

Best side/supporting character debut?

[@N.N01]

Yes. It also helps that the story is pretty simple

[@whomadethisandwhy301]

Totally Not Mark I think DB handles it quite well. It (sometimes) thrusts the blades of shock and awe into you without a true warning. And that’s the beauty of DB. Not always but it’s super cool.

[@assassingio9847]

Yes in some cases but it's difficult to avoid an exposition that is not shoved down the throat of the viewer.So i think Dragon Ball handes it well.

[@ismailbrkic3640]

Totally Not Mark can you make a video about King Picolo something like :First big villian or First true villian? And also can you answer me how long it takes to get this inframtion and how long you edit this videos? Sory for bad english writeing

[@Jabrils]

I can't vote, because I believe this goes to the Android Saga. I just remember when Trunks came warning of menacing Androids, but when he first seen Android 19 & 20, he didn't recognize them. The amount of suspense that ensued when we finally got a glimpse of Android 16 17 & 18 that he actually feared, & they looked very innocent, great times. For sure gets my win.

[@ReR7474]

And when trunks found out about Imperfect Cell was even more intense and suspenseful.

[@KingOfElectricNinjas]

The Android Saga really has a fun theme of things escalating out of control. There's already the overall feeling of dread fitting for an arc that shamelessly rips so much from the Terminator series, but the stage is set well by how the characters already know they're up against a threat that killed every single one of them before, and then realise that it isn't even going to the script that the desperate time traveller gave them.

[@cameronstewart6636]

@John Riley absolutely 💯

[@cyanryan1]

@John Riley trunks was dead when gohan beat cell tho

[@Enthralpy]

The funny thing is that most of the Android and Cell saga was completely unplanned. Toriyama's editor was like "These are the androids? A clown and an old man?" So Toriyama brought in the twins. Then the editor was like "These are the androids? Two teenage hooligans?" And then Toriyama brought in Cell. For someone who pretty much had to pull story out of his ass AND draw manga constantly by the week, Toriyama really did an amazing job.

[@StarlightFromAbyss]

I personally like Cell and Black introductions near equally. They both are quite eery.

[@WildWombats]

I loved both, but I HATED The way they ended the Black saga. It made everything seem....pointless.... I don't see why Zeno couldn't have just erased Zamasu/Black. The dude could destroy him, even if he is immortal because he overrides the laws of nature and as you've heard, the Super Dragon Balls cannot grant wishes of that above the power of the ones who created them. I'd assume that'd be Zeno. Therefore, it only makes sense that he also has the power to undo it. Plus, the guy can just wipe you from existence. I don't see why being immortal would change that.

[@jaydonw2972]

@@WildWombats well actually the creator of the super dragon balls was not zeno as zeno erased all of the universes, and 17 brought them back

[@KaiserMattTygore927]

Same, I give slightly more to Imperfect cell, but only a modicum, both scenes are excellent and my favorite parts of each series.

[@cjkalandek996]

@@WildWombats The Super Dragon Balls have ZERO limitations and can even undo the deeds done by Zeno. So, I'm not entirely sure Zeno could've brought back the Super Dragon Balls.

[@urielnascimento3567]

Subarashi

[@JaxBlade]

Imperfect Cell was the first and only time my favorite series ever gave me Nightmares xD

[@warwick802]

1st form Cell looked like a Cockroach, that gave me the spooks!

[@shonenbois]

Same man 😂

[@heinrichalbert432]

yeah, it was the best villian introduction for me

[@brandonlyon730]

They kind of ruined it though by having cell explain literally everything about him.It would’ve been better to slowly and gradually learn more and more about him and what his deal is as he grows stronger. For him to explain everything to Piccolo just ruins that part for me.

[@NoNamesLeftFuk]

I still remember the terror of dreaming about android17 getting sucked up

[@bomb5hock]

Farmer with shotgun clearly had the best intro in the entire series.

[@Naruto_from_the_Naruto_show]

The way he held his gun exhaled command and masculinity over the screen, I may have lost a few inches just looking at that man

[@RedBoi88]

"Oh no mah marijuana patch!"

[@RandomPerson-cm2wg]

But he wasn’t a villain.

[@syawndarren4284]

Random Person woosh

[@mok27]

Random Person r/whooooosh

[@KarosuMaker]

Totally Cell, it was a horror movie, and making you care for something like that in an universe with god power beings, it's simply art.

[@Potential94]

Nothing beats Imperfect Cell’s introduction. The scene with Piccolo wondering through an empty town was like something out of a horror movie.

[@UnifiedEntity]

And him killing a civilian literally sucking his life away with Piccolo as strong as he was being horrified? Yeah, perfect.

[@dynamicworlds1]

"Mr. Sandman" 🎶

[@advyrin6258]

@@dynamicworlds1 DBZA

[@ΠαναγιώτηςΓεωργίου-ε3π]

Raditz:ok

[@kjo2130]

When everyone starts feeling frieza’s ki, Goku’s, etc..... like holy sh*t what is going on!!! 🙀🙀🙀 peak toriyama

[@BigMantis__]

For me the cell intro is made especially great by cells walking sound effect.

[@cygnusprime6728]

One of the best sound effects in the series. They wisely didnt overuse it and didnt waste it on other characters.

[@Lul_Demigod]

Chck chck chck chck

[@PabzRoz]

ANAL DESTRUCTION

[@pakkuman1]

All this time, I always thought that Cell just had really squeaky shoes. Even that noise is iconic at this point.

[@gordusmaximus4990]

Indeed, it beets every villain for me, because back in 1998 as a iwatch as a kid, its freaked me out (with original japanese score though).

[@drakenpriest]

Introducing your character with as little dialog as possible. First thing that comes to mind is Samurai Jack.

[@powpowouchy5]

LONG AGO IN A DISTANT LAND

[@hergie409]

Samurai jack was a masterpiece. Some episodes featured very little speaking, just jack making his journey, in silence, filling the world with ambient sounds and visuals instead

[@kin-3877]

Half the intro is dedicated to his story in every episode. This isnt a good example

[@ToonfieldAnimations]

@@kin-3877 while its a detailed story, you can still say much about how they show you the story of how jack came to that point. the first two episodes were pretty much without any talking and you immediately knew everything you needed to know about the stakes and how it all happened

[@kin-3877]

@@ToonfieldAnimations yes. Because the opening tells you exactly how he got there, why and that he wants to go back.

[@MannyloAnimeSquad]

imma say cell was the best intro

[@Stone-TheThird]

Mrr sandman.... Bring me a dream.... Make him the cutest, that I've ever seen.... Give him two lips, like roses and clover.... Then tell him that his lonesome nights...... Are........ Over Hello.......... Fffffffrrrrriiiiiieeeennnnnddddddd

[@mls160]

Hey, you wanna see me drink this guy?

[@blinkachu05]

You could say it was........ *Perfect*

[@jamessicard1705]

Cell's introduction and Buu's Genocide are the 2 times I shit my pants watching DBZ

[@thekraken1909]

Cell saga was best saga. First form was best form. He was so unlike anything the series had seen up to that point, even more unnerving and threatening than King Piccolo from the original Dragonball.

[@haraken3119]

Imperfect Cell was blood chilling and not in the same way as Frieza. Frieza was remorseless sadistic cruel tyrant, but was still recognizable as a person. Imperfect Cell was just pure unrelenting monstrosity who wasn't just strong from the start and held back from some reason, he was growing stronger from one moment to another and left everyone wondering just what he could even do.

[@flamo2666]

Majin buu saga best saga change my mind.

[@Madferit91]

@@flamo2666 It's a mess. Too much filler. Fusion ends up being irrevelevant to the story.

[@flamo2666]

Trevor Miller so you think the saga where Gohan sees a robot he doesn’t even fucking know die let’s him go to ssj2? Just like that? Cell saga was bullshit too.

[@raptormage2209]

When cell pretty much sucked the life of that poor guy. it was horrifying as hell, you could fell everything,

[@Jester2415]

I loved Android 19 & 20's introduction. Of course, Yamcha didn't. But that's neither here nor there.

[@thekraken1909]

Yamcha never gets to enjoy anything. Not even Bulma.

[@AlexSmith-tz2lf]

Yamcha didn't like the introduction of the all powerful seed based Saibamen.

[@rainbow_vader]

Yamcha got Yamcha'd

[@Noah-je2xj]

The androids reveal was good, but I feel like there could have a more natural way of the z-warriors finding out that they can’t sense the androids ki the than gohan telling it to them

[@LivingGuy484]

Me in the distance: "P is for priceless, the look upon your faces......"

[@zura8729]

E is for extinction, of all you puny races

[@huntercorrales6794]

@@zura8729 R for rrrrrevolution which will be televised

[@ForgottenSon_]

R is for Revolution which will not be televised

[@OttoGraff-fu8pj]

F is for how f*ucked you are, now allow me to reprise

[@Cartain09]

@@OttoGraff-fu8pj E is for eccentric just listen to my song

[@GearWukong]

I particularly remember King Kai's fear induced exposition for Frieza... that shit was good.

[@cygnusprime6728]

Hyping up a future op villain is a delicate process and toriyama nailed it with Frieza. We had thay glimmer of hope because everyone was looking for the dragonballs and goku was training his ass off. But the whole time toriyama kept you on the edge of your seat by introducing powerful villains like the ginyu force or creating even more hype with zarbons transformation.

[@thedawsonator1628]

Now that's a scene every dub and sub got right. It clearly told you "STAY THE FUCK AWAY FROM FRIEZA!" and were it not for the Super Saiyan, this would have still held true.

[@AQGOAT24]

Even Cell intro had lots of exposition. The way they set up the horror movie type of element of how he shows up was brilliant, but then he goes off explaining how he got techniques from all of the Z fighters and how he has to absorb Android 17 and 18 to become perfect. The way Frieza delivered his transformations, he didn't go off explaining it until the middle of the fight so there was some surprises plus the "this isn't even my final form" was delivered extremely well

[@marquirasheed]

AQGOAT24 exactly . Frieza without a doubt is the most iconic DBZ villain. The Frieza saga was exceptional

[@ahmedhamzic2851]

The episode when Future Trunks finds Cell’s egg and empty shell with his time machine from a different timeline is forever etched into my mind. The mystery surrounding his character introduction was great. I also love the image of people’s clothes remaining all over town after Cell absorbed them. Creepy stuff.

[@Deathmare235]

@John Riley I’ve forgotten Trunks seen Gohan get his revenge

[@bipstymcbipste5641]

Cell, man, his introduction is just beautiful. Frieza is a close second

[@august25th38]

agreed the Japanese version has so much suspense its unreal

[@tayojones9460]

Another reason why the Funimation dub is annoying. Tgey added generic rock and ruined the silent atmosphere.

[@PabzRoz]

ANAL DESTRUCTION

[@bipstymcbipste5641]

@@august25th38 I still prefer Damien's Cell a lot more

[@brandonlyon730]

They kind of ruined it though by having cell explain literally everything about him.It would’ve been better to slowly and gradually learn more and more about him and what his deal is as he grows stronger. For him to explain everything to Piccolo just ruins that part for me.

[@KingsNerdCave]

Your description of Frieza is why I think his was the best. Although Cell was scarier, he keeps hidden and at certain points is weaker and on the run. With just a few lines Gohan and Krillin establish Frieza truly does have an army of guys as strong as Vegeta was on Earth, Zarbon and Dadoria are even stronger, and Frieza himself was 100 tiers above that. Frieza has some of the most power in the universe and still has his men do his work for him. Once the time comes though, he sheds form after form revealing his true incredible strength. Dealing with Cell was trying to catch him before he got stronger, dealing with Frieza was dodging him and hoping to just get away from him and then it comes down to a last ditch effort to fight him.

[@Dax_Maclaine]

in terms of introduction, they both were amazing, but imo cell's was better. In terms of villain related portions of the arc, Frieza's cat and mouse with the 3 parties all competing will never be topped

[@kezisthename]

absolutely

[@aminmohamed6655]

And then you have people who will say they are both the same and dragon ball arc are repetitive .

[@FrauYaU]

Yes! Frieza will always be my favorite. I think you summed up the difference between him and Cell well. I really felt that sense of fear and urgency while watching Gohan and Krillin run around Namek trying to find the Dragon Balls without running into Frieza. It's probably my favorite saga too.

[@Grimor9]

I think this video is an interesting topic on what the DB audience perceives as their villains "introduction". You have focused the entirety of your Raditz segment on his dialogue on with Goku on Kame Island. But that is not really how he is introduced in the show. The first time we see him is when he lands and comes out of his Saiyan pod and effortlessly deflects a shot from a farmer (killing him in the process). The next scene shows Piccolo (the toughest Goku's opponent up until this point) shocked and terrified as he senses Raditz's presence. Clearly indicating that Raditz is even stronger. THOSE are the moments I would argue are more in line with Raditz introduction, not the exposition dumb we are presented after. To illustrate my point further, just look at the comment section. Most of them agree that Imperfect Cell's introduction is the best (which I agree, it is also my favorite introduction from the DBZ villain). However, after his fight with Piccolo concludes, he straight up TELLS you his whole backstory, motivation, and what he is set to achieve. That exposition dumb is arguably just as blatant as Raditz or King Piccolo's, but nobody thinks about it as his "introduction". Also, I feel like Majin Buu's introduction is very underrated. It's eerily creepy as all Buu does is skip around and makes baby noises, yet effortlessly beat up all the remaining cast.

[@Deathmare235]

He was so hyped and then everyone gets disappointed but he lives up to the hype

[@Seedonator]

yeah fat buus introduction was actually really nice. i also really like the build up and reveal of evil/super buu

[@grandm6070]

I'm later here but he was talking about exposition and not introductions when he tackled Raditz or am i the confused one?

[@joshkemme427]

One correction: Farmer with a shotgun was not killed by Radditz

[@TheSteve5154]

I don’t think there has ever been a better casting choice as having Chris Ayers voice Freeza.

[@Wheeler07]

100% agreed. Linda Young is so nostalgic to me, but she doesn't really fit the feel of galactic tyrant like Chris Ayres does.

[@jhhh888]

Try Ryūsei Nakao

[@kirbyfazendoummoonwalk9214]

@@jhhh888 The Japanese Voice Actor? He sucks

[@chancecarlson2023]

Cell was probably the most brilliant anime villain ever delivered, the weight of that whole saga defined my childhood.

[@boot-4704]

Chance Carlson bro he’s good but I mean Dio in part 1

[@akashicays]

@@boot-4704 bro hes good but Kira in PT. 4

[@money1bil]

Huncho Houdini cell is better than any jojo villain

[@akashicays]

@@money1bil hahahahahahhahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahhahqhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha No.

[@money1bil]

Huncho Houdini name a villain in jojo who had a great introduction and great overall story the entire time

[@flabldorfv3592]

Homeboy coming in clutch, love these videos because they are so damn helpful for later in life. Do piccolo next for disecting characters.

[@PabzRoz]

Flabldorf v2 agreed, these videos make you see dragon ball in a completely new and clear light. Adds a whole new understanding and meaning to so many characters and scenes. Mark is magician when it comes to this shi. He also helps us understand what a good story is in general letting us take this knowledge into other shows we watch. He should def do a piccolo video next

[@MrLachapell]

"later in life" lol wut

[@flabldorfv3592]

I was hoping to write my own stories in the future, so this is helpful to me for when I need to know it

[@sadlysunday2866]

Are you black

[@ext_Trex_Arms]

tbh the intro's teamfourstar used for cell we're amazing as well. i'm glad you included their perfect cell intro as it is my favourite. But if i have to choose one from the original revelations it's goku black.

[@touchingisjustthefirststep]

Those intros were from the show i think.

[@Ishmon16]

Dragon Ball Characters: *exists* Totally Not Mark: "In the book "Story" by Robert Mckee..."

[@maxalain9948]

You're forgetting "Anatomy of Story" by John Truby. And "Creating Characters Arcs" by K.M. Weiland

[@Ishmon16]

@@maxalain9948 you right, you right lol

[@AayamSoni]

and developing character by some woman

[@PabzRoz]

ANAL DESTRUCTION

[@TheMaskedMan]

Facts😂

[@alunlloyd9812]

Cell still gives me shivers to this day. Base cell haunted my dreams way more than perfect cell did cause wasn't about replicating kamehamehas but literally sucking the life of his victims. His introduction was perfection

[@marcelluscoleman2988]

Frieza is great for intense word play, but Cells presence was what made his intro so cool.

[@markmorales7958]

2:28 Raditz used “Iron Tail”, it’s SUPER Effective!

[@dono2509]

SUPER TAIL!

[@yomama773]

I knew Krillin was a Fairy-type!

[@Nortrodamas]

@@yomama773 And has one of the best steel types as his wife.

[@gokudomatic]

Against Krillin even splash is super effective. Only second to Yamcha, who is defeated by harden.

[@realBOBreal]

Later gohan uses headbutt

[@Mpeace777]

1:38 just realized you synced Raditz mouth with your voice

[@evanhayes5891]

Like #100, BIATCHHH!!!

[@xXIzZy120Xx]

Imperfect Cell powering up in front of Piccolo & 17 is still one of my favorite DBZ moments

[@St3volution]

Nice breakdown. It's also worth mentioning that, by the time Cell shows up in Ginger Town, tension had already been build by the mysterious spaceship and the weird eggshell found by Bulma and Future Trunks. That shift in tone from the androids to the new threat Cell is very subtle, but with these small scenes it gradually becomes clear that an even greater threat is looming. Great writing.

[@Xbalanque84]

I literally cannot believe you left out the scene of Cell's first onscreen feeding. _THAT_ shit gave me nightmares for weeks, and was likely a key factor in my eventual love of body horror.

[@robjef622]

Cell's introduction was perfectly handled. It showed us that the Androids weren't actually the main threat at all and that was quite the surprise at the time.

[@Beos_Valrah]

Yes, I fully agree! Actually Cell is my favourite villain in all of Dragonball. I wish he would come back in Super as he has *sooo much* potential...

[@dexholdersadventures9480]

Obviously Mr. Popo had the best villain introduction of the series.

[@isthatajojoreference6023]

All these squares make a circle

[@lxfj2128]

Pedro Augusto team fourstar😂

[@brettclancy3806]

Actually i think it’s oh my god what’s happening somethings grabbing me oh my god oh my god oh m...

[@natahndolar2142]

Change my mind.

[@ludasrayjin1158]

No cap

[@Jackaboy-oq4pq]

I honestly love this series I actually get giddy when these pop up

[@PabzRoz]

ANAL DESTRUCTION

[@ludwigtheholyblade_777]

@@PabzRoz Genuinely asking, are you okay? You keep commenting this in about every reply section, like wtf?

[@Obi-Wan_Kenobi]

Just have to say that I loved Hit's introduction. He always there in the background but was so unassuming. You didn't really know what you think of this guy until you saw him take out Frost without breaking a sweat using an unrecognizable power. Then he talks about how the prize money is all his and he won't let anyone stop him. Now we know who Hit is. He's quiet but focused. He is entirely motivated by his goal and is calm and calculating. He won't even say anything unless he needs to but you better believe that if even when silent he's paying attention. And you had also better hope that said silence does not turn into action because that's when you know you're really in trouble.

[@BoyKagome]

Freezai takes it for me, I see why the others have merits... but mind games always were more interesting to me. DBZ is an action series and horror feels a little out of place, that said - they can pull it off. But, intimidation is what best suits the genre - and Freezai NAILS it.

[@VarjoPira]

Loved Black and Freeza but, as you said, Cell's introduction is pure nightmare material.

[@DBZMacky]

SUBARASHII I think Cell's introduction was definitely the best, but they killed the mystery when he explains _literally everything_ about him and his origins to Piccolo.

[@ripper3052]

Cell isn't really required to act as some long standing mystery and I don't think it's anything bad . as we already saw all the mysterious elements with new time machine being discovered, husk and egg, etc. , imo. Cell's main goal isn't all that interesting to make him act like a mysterious villain

[@deonrec5687]

I hear this more now thanks to mistarfusion but whatever.

[@ripper3052]

@@deonrec5687 nowdays people copy paste his opinions instead of thinking for themselves

[@deonrec5687]

@@ripper3052 Agree.

[@ripper3052]

@@deonrec5687 notice how suddenly everyone hates cell arc and have word-to-word same gripe as him, DB Fandom is dumb and full of parrots. Mistarefusion pushes the agenda of DB after Namek being badly written mess and everyone in fandom follows it. He arbitrarily finds some flaws or nitpicks and suddenly whole fandom hates cell arc.

[@coleanderson4928]

YES! Finally a cell video! My favorite villain besides with frieza

[@PabzRoz]

ANAL DESTRUCTION

[@Notnow22]

I was excited about that at first. But it wasn't really about him, as he was merely in it. Still, a terrific video, nonetheless!

[@godhimself1128]

Ew

[@Beos_Valrah]

Eh, not really a Cell video... He was merely a (rather small) part of it. I want an own, proper video for him - like Mark does for other characters (Goku, Frieza etc.).

[@ezmoney4598]

I like how DBZA changes Frieza’s introduction drastically but makes the same messages run across.

[@BelartWright]

Initial opinion: Cell was a great horror villain when he was first introduced. I wish 1st form lingered around longer. Second opinion: Cell is still the best entrance, but Goku Black was pretty good too. I can see myself liking Frieza's intro more and more though.

[@NataliaNeeSama]

The introduction is nice, the only thing I think dimish it afterwards is Cell, for no reason, telling his whole plan to Piccolo, giving them the chance to not only kill him in the past, but also try to stop him in his plans to absorb the Androids. Sure he succedd, but he telling Piccolo the plan wasn't the reason why he succedd. But I agree with the video! Great video BTW, as always.

[@masoniclight364]

I always saw it as Cell having Vegetas overconfidence, thinking he would win easily so he gave into Piccolos request

[@VashTS7]

Excuse you, that’s Mr. Perfect Cell

[@silver7215]

Man, Cell is really a nightmare for artists, especially if animations are hand-drawn

[@generictitle7942]

Imagine the horror of having to hand-draw his stupid fish-lips for his Second Form! Also, those spots probably number in the hundreds! (Seriously, I wonder what Toriyama was thinking to come up with that.)

[@snazzyquizzes2336]

Imagine if they had to painstakingly make sure that each of those spots was in the right place for EVERY SINGLE frame of animation?

[@tiablue9106]

Toriyama: “man idk what I was thinking with this Cell design, his spots are super annoying to draw” dying Toei animators: “yeah thanks, asshole”

[@Sextus70]

So much that I've read rumors of Toriyama refusing to allow him to come back like he did with Freeza for that sole reason. It is funny how the design of just one character can make things so annoying for the illustrators and animators.

[@alexeiharp7676]

No wonder we got majin buu next, jelly is easier to draw

[@haldosprime3896]

Cell remained my favorite before and after. I believe the main sticking point for me is whether or not the villain made me feel something when they're introduced. -Freeza I felt a sense of intimidation and intrigue. "Alright, He's sophisticated and sadistic, not to mention has been effortlessly been taking people down, I can dig it". -Cell I felt dread, panic and unease. "Wait, the androids didn't do this? Who is this gu-HE JUST DRAINED THAT MAN WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON". -Goku Black I felt tired. "This looks eerily similar to the exact same Future Trunks timeline from DBZ beat for beat, is this just an android repeat? Oh, it's another Turles, Ginyu body swap, Evil Goku and/or timeline Goku look-alike thing. Sure". I guess Evil Goku had just been done a few too many times for me to have an interest in its introduction. Now, I love Zamasu as a character, but the introduction of Goku Black alone left me with 0 interest and that's not what you'd want to feel with a villain's big debut. Being shocked that "Goku" could basically destroy everyone and everything is not that hard to grasp. If they were going for "Yeah but it looks like GOKU is evil. It's so shocking, he'd never do that!" I'd point out the aforementioned look-alike group (Which in one way or another played with the idea that no one knew it wasn't actually Goku). Shock and excitement comes from the unexpected or the unforeseen. I've seen this many times before.

[@_Seru_]

So you prefer the Zamasu in his own body to Black? I share that sentiment but that's an unpopular opinion. I like both of them but honestly I prefer Zamasu when he's himself - that being said, his wish to change bodies with Goku was necessary for him to become a major threat.

[@fordesponja]

I share the same sentiment about Cell. Back then the android saga just began a super saiyan got trounced easily, something until that point was a sort of a demigod, and Goku was ill, it looked all so grim. Then, when nothing couldn't be worse, people started to evaporate and then Cell appeared, who was a total monster, very different from any other previous villain. I remember watching the episodes as a kid and feel dread and alienation, something not even the grittiest parts of Namek make me feel, now I rewatch it and I can appreciate how hard Toriyama was trying to push himself with this part, he has been all his life a comedy mangaka, something like this musn't be easy for him to do, specially considering he never did something like that later on. Also, Cell's character while not being the most charismatic or iconic villain, shows how he always have confidence in the computer's plan, like an android would follow orders, but at at some point that obedience to his programming turns into pride, much like the villains he takes from.

[@supremeleader844]

Turtles isn't evil goku, there was never an evil goku until black which WAS shocking. And whether the concept of black was good or not you can't lie that the indroctuction for black was and always will be amazing

[@justanothergamer7918]

My favorite villain intro was boo. Just the way he was hyped up by the Lord of Lords and it turns out he’s just a childish blob was funny to me. And then he turns out to be a hyper strong villain. Idk I kinda liked that.

[@cjkalandek996]

Cell is my absolute FAVORITE anime villain and favorite DBZ villain! His reveal was amazing and legitimately creepy. And it fits the description of one of my favorite KZbin videos "How Spielberg Introduces Characters". Spielberg knows actions speak louder than words and he builds up his characters via fraction; seeing bits and pieces of the character and how he does things, thus the audience mentally building an image of the character.

[@aizenthetrollking8583]

Goku Black’s introduction still gives me goosebumps... It was so badass, elegant, mysterious........and *SUBARASHI.*

[@Omarthedemigod]

Aizen the troll king Same

[@rorcknar]

Aizen the troll king it was Subarashi

[@greenllama2856]

Comment in the the language you started with, ningen

[@PabzRoz]

ANAL DESTRUCTION

[@aizenthetrollking8583]

Random Otaku I don’t take orders from anyone, ningen.

[@TheMaskedMan]

Cell used to creep me out, no lie I was so happy when he went Perfect cuz 6 year old me was terrified of that 7 foot bug

[@stefanogandino9192]

Cell - Cell. Zamasu-Goku Black introduction was very good but Cell's was... Perfect

[@jantheking7028]

The only memorable villain introductions in the entire series was Goku Black's and Cell's.

[@Deathmare235]

@@jantheking7028 wtf they’re all memorable dragon ball have some of the best anime villains but they without a doubt have the best villain introductions

[@arian6565]

@@jantheking7028 HAHAHAHAHAHAHA Cell was the worst of them all, all of these were better: Frieza resurrection, Goku Black, Frieza getting out of hell again, Jiren and Broly. If u disagree in some cringy ass way just delete ur Account pls

[@vaasmontenegro2016]

@@arian6565you’re so weird bro

[@sebreezethelegion8793]

The Cell saga was great. Cell's introduction was already great after the inital android into. Dr. Gero putting his hand through Yamcha really set the stage for how dark that arc would be.

[@zedlyfier7617]

I love these analysis videos. I legit wanted to hug my monitor after finishing this video. Your narration and voice sounds like you're invested, the music fits the scenario, the points you make are clear, you cite sources, and everything is just perfect. My first vote was on Frieza, since I really enjoyed his subtlety in his conversation, but his words were enough to rule with an iron fist. And then I slapped myself as I voted for Goku Black next. They're just something _incredibly_ epic about seeing a character appearing behind a flame or as a shadow/wisps of smoke; it gives off the vibe that this thing is a monster, demon incarnate. It's almost as if both Trunks _and_ we, the viewers, are unworthy to behold him. It's not until Goku Black *himself* decides to show his presence, standing above us with the camera angled as if we're kneeling before him. He stood on his work of destruction with a smile, and when you pair that up with both the music and stellar background of his destruction, it's enough to send chills down your spine seven times over. Amazing video.

[@TotallyNotMark]

Thank you friend! You've similar taste to myself.

[@andompoggi]

I LOVED Goku Black's introduction, I was so confused and in shock at first (it took me by surprise as well because Super at that point had such a silly playful tone). He murders Bulma in such a savage way as well which makes the introduction so much more shocking and thought-provoking. It took ages to truly find out what happened as well so each episode was like gradually getting more clues into the plot. Cell's introduction was incredible as well, its a classic!

[@supremeleader844]

Totally agree your one of the only few who praise goku blacks introduction in this comment section!

[@Daniel-kh4vi]

cell's introduction gave me goosebumps ass a chilled when I first saw it on TV

[@KurohigeDTeach-yy3yk]

Imperfect Cell no questions asked!! That guy gave fans nightmares. Absorbing humans one by one, city by city, learning all of the z fighters abilities and techniques the guy was hella intimidating and by far my favorite version of Cell.

[@RenegadeVile]

Cell remains the best DBZ villain, and his imperfect form the most intriguing.

[@53Spawn]

Black was terrible from start to finish. Zamasu was legit just Ginyu but pissed off gone further beyond. Cell remains my favorite as he felt like a true final boss character and was one hell of a call back to Red Ribbons hatred towards Goku.

[@53Spawn]

@quinton cornelius my personal gripe with him was that his writing was almost as sloppy as Kishimotos for Madara for the longrun. Legit made a villain too strong and practically impossible to kill. Like, you kill him off then boom, another Zamasu from another timeline needs to be stopped? 🤦 But then of course, his whole arc felt like a rehash of Android Saga in general

[@nicolocadamuro9988]

To be honest, Frieza is really the best villain in Dragonball, and Goku avenging the Sayan race is the best conclusion

[@Deathmare235]

@@nicolocadamuro9988 he let Frieza live so he kinda ruined it

[@Koichi-Kun]

@@Deathmare235 he was supposed to die when goku blasted him but toriyama continued the manga

[@BlueJGilbert]

Definitely loved the self-award text about Robert McKee. Cell will always be my favorite intro

[@thaisennj9781]

Team four star cell’s introduction is the best . Actually was chilling .

[@RonaldPoe]

Agreed. TFS can be scary at times (as shown with Imperfect Cell) and keeps getting better (from a narrative standpoint at least). That was definitely creepy. Goku Black and Imperfect Cell had the best intros followed by Frieza.

[@Justincredibletoys]

I like cells introduction because I didn't see it coming. The whole time we were waiting for the androids and all of a sudden there's a greater threat

[@TorrinSol]

I love this!!

[@soupsmane3756]

How does this have no comments

[@fish4973]

I don't even watch dragon ball. I'm just here for the writing tips lol.

[@dinogt8477]

nice

[@slothbaby2104]

same I have only seen the Team Four Star Version

[@LilKingKeith]

@@slothbaby2104 time to watch the original (and that’s not shade to tfs)

[@slothbaby2104]

@@LilKingKeith It fine I don't have any problem with that

[@justajobro1266]

Watch it it's gonna give you a great idea about writing

[@pyrospike]

For me personally Super lacks the same impact, i'm not sure if it's the animation style or just pacing/theming but it's just not as meaningful in super. Cell scared my ass when i was a kid, the intro was a iconic classic of the series. Freiza wasn't scary but my heart definitely raced near the second half of the namek saga. Super, i watched blank faced, with mild interest and that might just be from growing up, i don't recall it bringing up any kind of emotions in me. Then trunks went like half ssgss and cut him with a sword to defeat him, and the whole saga just seemed even dumber in retrospect.

[@EnrocaLaRoca]

Did you watch DBZ as a kid? Maybe Super is not the problem; maybe the problem is that you, as an adult, are not as impressionable as before.

[@ccricers]

I think they are written differently from time slots in the shows. Super airs at morning local Japanese time while DBZ originally aired at night.

[@afroman5160]

That's your opinion I like Super alot the themes it introduces. Such as the god hierarchy Top had me on the edge of my seat.Would watch Super over the Buu saga anyday.

[@icjet1ks]

No man, it doesn't matter that you are grown now, I firstly met dragonball when I was a 7-8 years old kid and my first experience were the android saga episodes followed right into Cell saga, english is a foreign language to me, but I'll try to explain my feelings: the android saga made me so hyped with that story, pace, mystery and detective, that I literally loved dragonball at once (not even knowing well the characters and precedent story) I was really excited, and it gave me chills, guess what, all that detective and mystery hype gets even bigger, with Cell's introduction, maan I was freakin scared (talking from a lil kid prospective who watched "predator" with Arnie near the same age of 7-8 years), I loved that villain right from the start, the whole androids - Cell story was perfectly set up, and became at once my favorite undisputed part of the whole dragon ball story EVER. Guess what, now I'm in my 20ies and I still love watching DBZ, but especially my favorite androids and Cell sagas, and nothing else in the dragon ball series came even close, for sure man XD

[@burgerkingJ]

Yeah Cells introduction was horrifying. Scared me when I was a kid. Then Cell just mellowed out as the arc goes along.

[@Nyzer_]

Yeah. TFS handles it well - SP Cell has a taste of perfection and is pretty single-minded about grabbing 18, and Perfect Cell... everything he does conveys his sheer happiness out of having reached his perfect form, and the confidence it gives him. Even when he thinks Goku's going to kill him by desperately destroying the Earth or when Gohan manages to overpower him, he's actually still excited about/satisfied with it because it's just so climactic. In canon DBZ, we still get a bit of Cell preening, but mostly just in the first hour or so after achieving perfection, and then he's just kinda... there, for the rest of the week.

[@burgerkingJ]

@@Nyzer_ Mainly because Cell already achieved his goal. Then there was nothing after that.

[@noamaharony4878]

The best villain introduction in the series is clearly Cell singing Mr. Sandman

[@NASALunarLight]

Introduction Frieza - I killed bardock so I’m the best Cell - I think I over killed a bit Goku Black - I blew up your mom

[@tobithelost3263]

Super Buu - WANNA SEE THIS GUY DRINK ME?!?

[@sorakh4119]

King Crimson Lmao

[@lesscringeymapperdude]

@@tobithelost3263 Kid Buu:wanna see me eat a ki blast instead of dodging it. WAIT WHY AM I TALKING

[@TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

*Subarashii INTENSIFIES*

[@bruhh489]

Nobody: Mark: Robert Mackee said this...

[@CISCRUSADER]

Super Janembas intro was pretty sick as well.

[@NYRavage]

I like how he used almost exclusively Japanese clips, with the exception of Chris Ayres' Freeza from Kai.

[@SpeedfreakUK]

“Zarbon, two or three more.” “Two or three more?” “Two or three more.”

[@LowellLucasJr.]

Hello My name is Cell...the Perfect villian to have the most Perfect introduction. Piccolo: So....you seek Perfection? Cell: How did you know?!

[@PabzRoz]

Lowell Lucas Jr. ANAL DESTRUCTION

[@ELFKNMAPO]

I'll never forget my first time seeing Cell's introduction as a kid. Hands down best one

[@christoferkaltsas3282]

Mark has the best Video essays on youtube. Not Just about dragonball, the best Video essays period!

[@briancolson3808]

Cell was/is my favorite villain.. but Raditz and Frieza had the best intros..

[@Spring_air]

As a kid, and as an adult, watching DB after 25 years, my favourite introduction was Cell. The atmosphere was like in good horror movie, bringing the oldest fear - fear of the unknown.

[@setokaiba2497]

Goku Blacks had so much mystery and gave you that spine chilling feel

[@PabzRoz]

ANAL DESTRUCTION

[@babyotavio80]

No

[@deonrec5687]

Too bad the mystery wasn't good and it was ruined.

[@UnifiedEntity]

Lol Mystery? Not at all.

[@UnifiedEntity]

@JJC Crap writing. Simple as that. "Oh his mind was new to the body". Yes have a total stranger adapt to the body of the original person better. Stupidest shit ive ever heard.

[@ultima1033]

Dude, that iron tail tho, XD IT'S SUPER EFFECTIVE!!!

[@Kami.Asura000]

Cell had such terrifying introduction, not only did he look terrifying but there was also the way absorbed people, since prior I had played Budokai before watching the Cell Saga I expected the open tail but what I got was horrifying, we watched as he painfully shot his tail in someone's back and then the way they disappeared once that happened was pure nightmare fuel.

[@ChasehaWing]

That was horrific. I still remember how scared that made me when I first saw it. But when the tail did open up (something I did not see coming), I was horrified. Staring into that dark tube, the red rim of flesh right at the center, 17 and 18 trying to hold it up as it encapsulates their head...then their kicking feet, panicked screams, their pleading voices after being so confident the entire time. I swear 17's especially scared me for life

[@vaasmontenegro2016]

The just imagery, not even the part where he sucked the guys life away but just the shadow looming over gingertown and others empty just legit traumatized me and I loved EVERY bit of that arc.

[@Caspin_1]

Freeza and Goku black are insane when it comes to slowly revealing exposition and ot has really helpes me with my novel.

[@beyblade71]

Editor Entertainment what kind of novel are you writing mate?

[@Caspin_1]

@@beyblade71 I'm making a novel about a world relative to our own with a hard magic system and I've been watching these kinds of videos for ideas about how to reveal antagonists, how to build characters, and advance the plot while giving subtle hints about what life is like in said world. In other words I'm working on a fantasy that is intricate and complex.

[@aran7392]

@@Caspin_1 hows it gone mate

[@Caspin_1]

@@aran7392 going good, how about you?

[@aran7392]

@@Caspin_1 i meant your novel, is there anywhere to read it

[@genesisalchemia8807]

Frieza an Goku Black are all time favorite Dragonball Z/Super reveals.

[@SSJ4Ty]

No pun what so ever but cell was by far the perfect villain. Wish they brought him back.

[@Emperorwolffang]

Imperfect cell still creeps me out. He had the best theme too.

[@798jeremy]

Perfect Cell theme is way better but Imperfect Cell has his own cool ways...

[@Sawngawkuh]

Yeah, the usage of Kikuchi's Cooler themes from Movie 5 and 6 worked well for him.

[@trinidaddy5437]

recently re watched the goku black introduction and almost right off the bat you notice that areas with wildlife are completely unharmed, it's only civilization that's being destroyed. It tells you right off the bat what his motivations were as well, a really good introduction for sure.

[@seriouslightning453]

Totally not mark: which character intro is ur favorite Me: mAjIn BuU

[@WaterKirby1994]

Majin Buu's debut is seriously underrated. I mean what makes it good is how everyone thought the revival failed, then everyone except for Supreme Kai starts questioning if Buu is the real monster they were led to believe. Then we see him both defeat Gohan & eat Dabura easily with neither of them having any effect against Majin Buu. Kid Buu's introduction is also underrated, I mean the 1st thing he does is destroy Earth after the flashbacks reveal that this was Buu's original form.

[@YungPriest]

I agree

[@papawedge7396]

Fat Buu was his scariest form imo.

[@cedb3360]

@@WaterKirby1994 Yo. I personaly think it started to get serious when the evil Boo ate fat boo. It was scary from this point!

[@wolfgod6443]

Buu's was too slow for me. I mean a literal minute goes by with nothing happening except Buu walking around, and then he finally throws a punch. Keep in mind this is after everyone already did the whole "is this really Buu?" thing. They simply ride that question out for way too long.

[@dabackupplan3148]

I honestly love Hit. I’d be cool with a spin-off series of his assassinations lol

[@RoninOnTheStickz]

Initially: Frieza After Watching: Still Frieza Honorable Mention: Tao Pai Pai

[@nestoreleuteriopaivabendo5415]

Tao Pai Pai was a heck of a villain. He was a killing machine before he gets the machinery, literally.

[@RoninOnTheStickz]

Nestor Eleuterio Paiva Bendo He killed General Blue with his tongue. I was baffled! Lmaoooo

[@nestoreleuteriopaivabendo5415]

@@RoninOnTheStickz HELL YEAH!!!

[@joshthejay6682]

MaJin BuU

[@icecursor]

I don't remember them all, but man... Goku Black was epic in my mind

[@estebandsandovall]

That's why the Cell saga is my favorite, it got mistery, suspence, time travel, action, but is specially the mistery around Cell what i like the most, and as you said, his first encounter with Cell is great.

[@Rujewitblood]

Those thumbnail drawings are some of the most beautiful dragon ball fanart ive seen, really nice, makes me wanna do some drawing myself

[@tiablue9106]

I feel like the reason Toriyama crams so much exposition in at a time (such as Cell spilling his backstory to Piccolo) is bc he just thought of it and for some reason he doesn’t reread what he’s written so he wants to put it in before he forgets. Raditz’s intro scenes w/ the farmer, Piccolo and his initial arrival at Kame House were pretty good, but the exposition was laid on kinda thick. Yes, Goku and co. wanted straight answers but it just felt like Raditz was talking forever. Still good, tho. Same with Nappa and Vegeta. Frieza’s intro is great, I especially like the scene before when he and his men go flying by and Krillin and Gohan are petrified. Cell’s intro rly sticks with u and I can imagine it scaring a lot of ppl. Imperfect Cell makes everything feel like a horror movie King Piccolo’s was the weakest like u said bc it was nothing but exposition and didn’t make sense in context. Goku Black’s intro was also p good but would’ve been better if we hadn’t known he was gonna be the villain via advertising and stuff. That’s one of the reasons Super wasn’t all that engaging; ppl always knew the plot beats ahead of time

[@Nyzer_]

Well, I think the bigger reason is that he's not writing the whole story at once. He's not sure if/when he'll have a better moment to reveal it all without leaving out important details because it'll be months/years before those moments happen.

[@nameless0510]

Cell,Goku Black and TFS Cell is my favorite introduction TFS Cell appeared Singing and died Singing

[@gypsyfreak7934]

Problem with goku black is that we knew we was going to see him in posters and trailers That’s the problem Cell we didn’t

[@willthomas2310]

True dat!

[@brandonlyon730]

That’s only because Black was the intended Villain from the start. Cell wasn’t. Since start of writing the Android arc, Androids 19 and 20 were originally the only intended villains (Trunks warning in the manga explicitly states that it was Androids 19 and 20 and they never fixed it in later reprints.) but the authors former editor didn’t like the fact that the main villains were just a old man and a fat clown so the author got rid of them in favor of new villains, Androids 17 and 18 (not sure where 16 fits in the mix). But the same former editor still wasn’t happy with the villains now seeing them as just a bunch of teenage brats. So that lead to the creation of cell, thankfully his former editor was satisfied with, but unfortunately his actual editor wasn’t big on cells first and second forms which forced to speed up the transformations until thing became fine when Cell achieves his prefect form.

[@gypsyfreak7934]

Brandon Lyon at the very least with cell we didn’t know what to expect And that for me is what makes him soooo good in his first appearance Well we first heard about what was happening in the city on tv We didn’t know what the hell was going on The city on tv The time machine Kami sensing something we later find out is cell Cells shell and skin There was a mystery going on and the build up was sooo damn good Then a fused piccolo goes to the city and it’s all silent Clothes everywhere No one in sight Picollo looking around in a creepy city all alone And then we cut to back ally’s and shadows and we hear something moving And then we see a silhouette of something Moving in the shadows And we see someone being bragged And then we see bits of it And picollo sees it and then we finally see cell OMG the build up was so good But with goku black we got the general idea in the poster Oh look a older mai and future trunks and ....goku with a potara earring in his hear..... What’s going on..... And in the show they try to build up black by not showing him. Come on everyone and there grandmother knew who it was I mean if I didn’t see the poster and no one told me who it was who was going to be the next villain The black would be the next cell he would of surprised me But thanks to info getting around It spoiled it That’s like doing the same with cell Sure we wouldn’t know who he is but seeing him in the series alone was great

[@VideoGameMasters09]

Of course we have the internet now to see these posters, that otherwise we wouldn't have seen unless we were living in Japan. I wonder if back in the day, there was some sort of Cell reveal or poster floating about around the time the Cell episode was going to air for the very first time in Japan.

[@gypsyfreak7934]

VideoGameMasters and that’s the problem We are given too much...no surprises and even when they are surprises we can see them coming a mile away

[@Cayden1988]

I loved all the villains introductions/background stories to all through DBZ. Currently rewatching the entire DBZ with my girlfriend and I must say I'm really enjoying the Buu saga a lot more than when I was a lot younger.

[@ZeroFX1]

Cell is personally - by far, the best introduction from Dragon Ball, period. Nobody seen this coming, as the whole training, story arc, and main focus is solely on the Androids. But like the video states, slowly but surely, bits and pieces like a jigsaw puzzle are forming together. People disappearing in towns, Bulma saying that Trunks’ exact Time Machine is in a forest, Gohan, Bulma and Trunks finding Cell’s shell, Kami on the lookout trying to figure out what the fuck is going on Earth, and letting Piccolo (and most importantly the audience) know that it’s NOT the androids. That whole scenario and sequence over those episodes were fucking gripping. And that’s not even mentioning Cell in a scene, sucking people dry, the Z fighters sensing Goku there, him using everybody’s techniques. List goes on and on.

[@jp3813]

You & Robert McKee must've hated the Back to the Future trilogy's dialogue. Especially those that involve Dr. Emmett "Exposition" Brown. Or perhaps the iconic USS Indianapolis speech in Jaws.

[@theaustraliankangapus16]

I now have a head cannon that raditz is a Robert McKee fan, cheers

[@asv520]

According to me, Cell is the PERFECT villain in dbz....no puns intended of course .

[@dylancrick]

Yeah im pretty cool

[@sublimeleafs6066]

@@dylancrick P is for perfect , the look upon your faces

[@asv520]

@@dylancrick I want you to return in dragon ball franchise with a golden form .

[@dylancrick]

@@asv520 oh just you wait

[@dylancrick]

@@sublimeleafs6066 E is for Extinction, all your puny races

[@lorddarthkairos01]

Gotta love the OST from Jap. I believe you also missed the first part of Black Goku, when everyone was asking themselves, who is he?? (BG) to what is he?. Man that was awesome

[@Word46]

Imperfect Cell's intro managed to make me terrified for a green slug man who can blow up planets. Best.