Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies, released in 1986, is the first animated movie adaptation of the widely popular manga series, Dragon Ball, created by Akira Toriyama.
Directed by Daisuke Nishio, the film captures the essence of the original comic while adding unique elements that make it a memorable visual experience.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the comic summary, movie synopsis, key differences, parent guide, timeline, film locations, character guide, memorable quotes, soundtrack by Shunsuke Kikuchi, curiosities, tips for cosplay, Akira Toriyama’s bio and works, and much more.
Comic Summary and Movie Synopsis
The movie, Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies, is a retelling of the initial chapters of the Dragon Ball manga.
The story begins with a young, naí¯ve, and incredibly strong boy named Goku, who embarks on an adventure to collect the seven mystical Dragon Balls. These magical orbs have the power to summon the Eternal Dragon, Shenron, who can grant any wish.
Along the way, Goku encounters a girl named Bulma, who is also searching for the Dragon Balls. They form a partnership and set off on their journey together.
In the movie, the central conflict revolves around the cursed Blood Rubies, which grant immense power but also cause the people of a once-prosperous kingdom to become insatiable and cruel.
King Gurumes, the ruler of this land, seeks the Dragon Balls to wish away the curse of the Blood Rubies.
Goku and Bulma’s quest to collect the Dragon Balls puts them at odds with King Gurumes and his army, leading to thrilling action sequences and moments of growth for the characters.
Key Differences Between the Comic and Movie
While the movie retains the core storyline of the comic, there are several key differences that make it a unique experience.
Some of these differences include:
- The introduction of new characters, such as Pansy, a young girl from the cursed kingdom who seeks help from Goku and Bulma to save her people.
- A different villain, King Gurumes, who replaces the original antagonist, Emperor Pilaf, as the primary threat.
- The cursed Blood Rubies plot, which adds a layer of intrigue and complexity to the film.
Despite these differences, the movie stays true to the spirit of the original comic, with its blend of humor, action, and adventure.
Parent Guide: What to Expect
Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies is a film that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.
However, parents should be aware of certain elements that may not be suitable for younger audiences:
- Mild violence: The movie contains action sequences and martial arts battles, which are integral to the Dragon Ball series. While the violence is not graphic, it may still be too intense for very young children.
- Suggestive themes: Some scenes contain mild innuendos and suggestive humor that might not be appropriate for younger viewers.
- Language: Although the language used in the movie is generally mild, there may be instances of mild swearing or potentially offensive words.
Considering these factors, parents should exercise discretion when deciding whether or not to let their children watch the film.
Timeline: When Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies Takes Place
The movie is set at the beginning of the Dragon Ball timeline, right after Goku meets Bulma for the first time.
This is a crucial period in the series, as it establishes the foundation for Goku’s character development and sets the stage for his many adventures to come.
Film Locations and Travel Guide
While Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies is an animated film and does not have real-world locations, the movie does feature several iconic settings from the Dragon Ball universe, such as:
- Goku’s House: A small hut located deep in the mountains, surrounded by lush forests and rivers.
- The Village of the Cursed Kingdom: A once-thriving village now suffering from the effects of the cursed Blood Rubies.
- King Gurumes’ Castle: The opulent residence of King Gurumes, located atop a mountain and guarded by powerful henchmen.
These locations, along with other familiar settings from the Dragon Ball series, can be experienced through various video games and theme park attractions.
Character Guide: Who’s Who in the Story
The movie introduces several beloved characters from the Dragon Ball series, including:
- Son Goku: The protagonist, a young boy with incredible strength and a naí¯ve, adventurous spirit.
- Bulma: A resourceful and intelligent girl who becomes Goku’s friend and partner on their quest for the Dragon Balls.
- Pansy: A brave young girl from the cursed kingdom who seeks help from Goku and Bulma.
- King Gurumes: The primary antagonist, a ruler corrupted by the power of the Blood Rubies.
- Oolong, Yamcha, and Puar: Other characters who join Goku and Bulma’s adventure, each with their unique abilities and personalities.
Memorable Quotes from the Movie
Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies is filled with memorable quotes that capture the essence of the series’ humor and action.
Some of these quotes include:
- Goku: “I don’t know what you got planned, but you better stay away from my friends!”
- Bulma: “You know, you could use some manners, Goku.”
- Pansy: “The Dragon Balls can make any wish come true, right? I want to use them to save my village.”
These quotes showcase the characters’ distinct personalities and their determination to overcome obstacles in their quest for the Dragon Balls.
The Iconic Soundtrack by Shunsuke Kikuchi
The music for Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies was composed by the legendary Shunsuke Kikuchi, who also created the music for the Dragon Ball TV series.
His iconic score captures the excitement, humor, and emotion of the film, providing an unforgettable auditory experience for viewers.
Insider Trivia and Curiosities
- Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies was initially released as a double feature with the movie “Dr. Slump and Arale-chan: Hoyoyo! The Treasure of Nanaba Castle” in Japan.
- The movie has been dubbed in several languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, and French.
- In some versions of the English dub, the character Pansy is renamed “Penny.”
Tips for Cosplay: Dress Like Your Favorite Characters
Cosplaying as your favorite Dragon Ball characters is a fun way to immerse yourself in the world of the series.
Here are some tips to help you create the perfect costume:
- Goku: To dress like Goku, you will need an orange martial arts gi, blue wristbands and belt, and a pair of blue boots. Don’t forget to style your hair to mimic Goku’s signature spiky look!
- Bulma: Bulma’s outfit consists of a pink dress, a red ribbon tied around her waist, and a pair of red boots. Complete the look with Bulma’s signature blue hair and a pair of goggles.
- Pansy: To cosplay as Pansy, you will need a simple, light-colored dress, a headband, and a pair of sandals.
Remember, the key to a successful cosplay is attention to detail, so be sure to study your chosen character’s appearance closely and have fun with it!
A Brief Biography of Akira Toriyama and His Works
Akira Toriyama is a renowned Japanese manga artist, best known for creating the Dragon Ball series. Born in 1955 in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, Toriyama’s love for drawing and storytelling began at a young age.
He first gained recognition with his hit series “Dr. Slump” in 1980, which was followed by the even more successful Dragon Ball series in 1984.
Toriyama’s unique art style and engaging storytelling have made him a legend in the world of manga and anime.
The Ending Explained: What It Means for the Franchise
The ending of Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies sees Goku and his friends successfully gather the Dragon Balls and defeat King Gurumes.
Although the film does not directly tie into the continuity of the Dragon Ball series, it sets the stage for the many adventures Goku and his friends will embark on throughout the franchise.
Possibilities of a Remake, Sequel, or Spin-off
While there have been no official announcements regarding a remake, sequel, or spin-off of Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies, the enduring popularity of the Dragon Ball franchise means that anything is possible.
Fans can look forward to more Dragon Ball content in various forms, such as animated films, TV series, video games, and even live-action adaptations.
Other Media by Daisuke Nishio: Expanding the Dragon Ball Universe
Daisuke Nishio, the director of Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies, has also been involved in several other Dragon Ball projects, such as:
- Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest (1990)
- Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might (1990)
- Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge (1991)
These films, along with other Dragon Ball media, continue to expand the universe and provide fans with exciting new stories to enjoy.
Similar Media to Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies and Other Works by Akira Toriyama
Fans of Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies may also enjoy the following media:
- Dragon Ball Z: The popular sequel to the original Dragon Ball series, featuring more intense battles and a focus on Goku’s Saiyan heritage.
- Dr. Slump: A comedic manga and anime series by Akira Toriyama that predates Dragon Ball.
- One Piece: A long-running manga and anime series about a group of pirates on a quest to find the legendary treasure known as “One Piece.”
Book Club Questions for Discussing the Story
- What themes and messages can be found in Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies?
- How do the characters develop throughout the movie, and what challenges do they face?
- How does the film’s unique setting contribute to the story?
- What aspects of the movie are most appealing to you, and why?
Video Games Inspired by Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies
There are numerous video games inspired by the Dragon Ball series, many of which allow players to experience the world of Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies.
Some popular titles include:
- Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi series
- Dragon Ball Xenoverse series
- Dragon Ball FighterZ
These games offer a variety of gameplay experiences, from fighting games to role-playing games, catering to fans of all preferences.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts on the Movie
In conclusion, Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies is a fantastic introduction to the Dragon Ball universe, encapsulating the series’ unique blend of humor, action, and adventure.
The film’s distinct storyline, memorable characters, and iconic soundtrack make it a must-watch for both fans of the original comic and newcomers to the franchise.
Whether you’re revisiting the film or experiencing it for the first time, Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies is sure to provide an unforgettable adventure.
