Before there was “Dragon Ball” and “Dragon Ball Z”, for famous mangaka Akira Toriyama, there was “Dr. Slump”.
For Akira Toriyama who had published several one shots, in 1980, “Dr. Slump” would be serialized on Weekly Shonen Jump and with a total of 18 volumes which lasted from 1980-1984, an anime series featuring 243 episodes would be released from 1981 to 1986 and a remake of the series which would be released from 1997-1999 featuring a total of 74 episodes.
While many “Dragon Ball” fans would know of “Dr. Slump” as characters from the series would appear in the anime series of “Dragon Ball”, because the TV series was never released on DVD in the U.S., it’s still not as well known as his “Dragon Ball” related manga series. But in Japan, the series has sold over 30 million copies and in 1981, the series was awarded the 1981 Shogakukan Manga Award for shonen and shojo manga.
And now Viz Media will be releasing the manga series in May 2005.
For those not familiar with “Dr. Slump”, unlike “Dragon Ball” and “Dragon Ball Z” which have story arcs, “Dr. Slump” is a comedy manga series about the life of an unusual man named Dr. Senbei Norimaki (which like other Akira Toriyama manga in which characters are named after food, Senbei Norimaki means rice cracker wrapped in seaweed) who has perfected a female robot which he names Arale (which means small rice cracker).
Arale is a naive robot with bad eyesight. But for a robot, she is very naive and curious about everything. She has incredible strength and speed and she is able to socialize with others quite well.
In the first volume of “Dr. Slump”, Dr. Senbei Norimaki tries to integrate Arale into society. First, trying to purchase clothes for her, having her attend school, having to deal with questions about why she doesn’t have certain body parts like other girls and of course, her curiosity of male body parts and trying out the different inventions created by the doctor.
JUDGMENT CALL:
Having read and watched Akira Toriyama’s “Dragon Ball” and “Dragon Ball Z” series, I have been wanting to watch and read “Dr. Slump” for a long time.
I’ve known about the popularity of this series for years but accessing it was never easy. I have been able to play the character in various video games and read bits and pieces from the old “Mangajin” magazines but to finally read the manga series, I can see why this beloved manga series is such a big hit.
While not as action-heavy like “Dragon Ball”, it does manage to capture the same kind of innocence with its characters, primarily with Arale who is naive but also such a fun character because she is naive but also a quick learner.
Dr. Senbei Norimaki is your typical creepy scientist but it’s his scientific mind and his creations that play a big part in the manga series and adds to the fun for each chapter. From his small and big gun which he feels he can used to transport groceries much easily but what happens when Arale gets hold of the gun? Or his time machine and going back to prehistoric time and bringing back an egg, adding a new permanent member in the Norimaki home.
But of course, its the adventures of Arale that people want to read. From her ability to have awesome strength and quick running skills, to making friends and not knowing that they are a bad influence, she doesn’t know that and thus hangs out with them.
So far, this first volume is an introductory to the characters. Getting to know Dr. Norimaki and Arale but also learning about their quirks.
But for the first volume, I really enjoy the series thus far! All characters are fun and hilarious, while not a storyline that focuses on arcs like the “Dragon Ball” series, each chapter is a day in the life of the Normaki’s and we get to see these indviduals grow together but also see how Arale learns from her experiences and those around her.
Akira Toriyama’s “Dr. Slump” is a classic manga series that will continue to entertain fans for generations to come! Hilarious, crazy and just a delightful manga series that I highly recommend!
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2013
Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2014
Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2019
Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2019
Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2019
Top reviews from other countries
Shellene
Brought back great childhood memories!
Reviewed in Australia on June 23, 2020
