A Ranking of DB on DB: Part 1
I’ve told many people about my fondness for “Death Battle”, the long running Youtube series pitting fictional characters mano a mano. I owe that show a great deal, not just for providing entertainment, but also introducing countless franchises to my unversed palate. One of DB’s selling points is its custom produced fights, which have become increasingly complex and impressive over the years. And since my blog is dedicated to animation, I thought they were fair game for a review. The sheer number of episodes and represented media, however, would make for a lofty analysis of the entire show. Therefore, I’ve decided to isolate a single franchise in DB’s roster to talk about - “Dragon Ball”. For those that aren’t aware, Death Battle has covered a character from the series a whopping fourteen times! So clearly, the crew loves themselves some Toriyama, or at least sees “Dragon Ball” as a treasure trove of powerful fighters to analyse. Some of those match ups have gone down in near infamy, while others have been largely praised by the fanbase. My job here is to separate the animations I think are less than special, from the ones I find exceptional. As such, I will mostly be looking at the fights themselves; I’m not out to explicitly defend or debunk DB’s opinions, only to state my thoughts on their artistic creations. With that said, let the ranking of “Dragon Ball” and its tenure of this show begin.
14) Hercule Satan Vs Dan Hibiki (September 30th, 2015)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfCKJlkdqKs&ab_channel=DEATHBATTLE%21
https://deathbattle.fandom.com/wiki/Hercule_Satan_VS_Dan_Hibiki
Boy, we’re starting off with a doozy. There’s Death Battle episodes that I’ll gladly revisit, due to liking their music, re-enactments or specific characters. There’s also episodes that I’ve maybe seen once or twice, and Hercule Satan Vs Dan Hibiki is a prime example. I understand what the team was going for here. They wanted an unconventional bout, with two of the least threatening characters in their respective line ups. But I’ll be totally blunt - after all this time, it didn’t work for me. I thought the fight was…in one word…lame (in two words….lame and boring). And again, that’s entirely fitting for Hercule and Dan, but ideally you can present a versus debate with these sorts of characters, and still have an engaging fight (Spongebob Vs Aquaman comes to mind). Despite these two being comically inclined, I thought most of the humour was remarkably flat or poorly timed. Also, it just wasn’t much of a physical showing from either combatant, with Hercule’s gadgets and Dan’s clumsiness playing a bigger part. That’s a core part of their personas, of course, but I don’t think they make for the most energetic or gripping fight. I want to reiterate that this episode’s idea is fun - it’s the execution that falls short. At the end of the day, what we got just lacks the needed momentum for DB’s structure. I’d understand if someone still found enjoyment, but I thought this was a weak outing from a show I largely admire.
13) Android 18 vs Captain Marvel (June 14th, 2017)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcNvMW4s9a8&ab_channel=DEATHBATTLE%21
https://deathbattle.fandom.com/wiki/Android_18_VS_Captain_Marvel
This should tell you something; Before revisiting “Android 18 Vs Captain Marvel”, the only thing I vividly remembered was the ending (which is surprisingly brutal). I also imagine that if you're a beginner to Marvel or “Dragon Ball”, you might look at this duo and think “well…they both seem comparable”. Side note: Beyond their energy powers and blonde hair, what connections do these characters have, exactly? They seem like a rather broad pairing, so perhaps the DB crew couldn’t think of interesting matches for them individually. But I digress, since the sequence itself is…oddly forgettable. Some of the hand-to-hand choreography is good, but the animation mostly comes off as rigid otherwise. It sadly shows the limits of using sprites for these creations, especially when you don’t have a more malleable element to compensate. The show’s later episodes boosted such fights with original tracks, and this matchup would have benefited from such a theme (instead of overusing the “Dragon Ball” punch sound effect). As it stands, the final result is fairly cut and dry, which does make sense for an encounter between these two. That said, I genuinely wish I had more positive things to say, other than it’s not actively bad.
12) Vegeta Vs Shadow (May 9th, 2011)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV47Il1o-Yo&ab_channel=DEATHBATTLE%21
https://deathbattle.fandom.com/wiki/Vegeta_VS_Shadow
I have a fairly straightforward take on this episode. As the first of DB’s “Dragon Ball'' matchups - in the show’s earliest season, no less - their budget was obviously quite restricted. Animation wise, it’s yet another standard 2D fight, with the design and motion limits that come from that style. That’s not to say the sequence doesn’t have funny moments, mostly from Vegeta’s annoyance at Shadow’s super form and teleportation. On that note, Nick Landis (of Team Four Star fame) does a solid job voicing the Saiyan Prince, though I was curiously less taken with Curtis Arnott’s work as Shadow (the dude was Alucard from “Hellsing Abridged”, for god’s sake!) The only other thing I’ll mention is that based on recent material, there’s a strong argument that Vegeta wins regardless of Shadow’s transformations. Overall, this is again a rather typical outing from Death Battle’s early years. I don’t dislike it, as it certainly brings more personality and successful humour than “Android 18 Vs Captain Marvel”. It does, however, pail in comparison to the show’s newer sprite projects.
11) Kirby Vs Majin Buu (December 19th, 2014)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwzH7eSOwAc&ab_channel=DEATHBATTLE%21
https://deathbattle.fandom.com/wiki/Kirby_VS_Majin_Buu
Although there’s another match up on this list that’s more controversial (so much so that it needed a sequel), this fight also had plenty of sceptics. I’m not sure how valid its verdict is anymore, but I’ll still contest that the animation has merit. Being roughly twice the run time of many DB fights, the pacing here does drag somewhat. Still, there’s plenty of creative imagery and abilities to draw from with these two characters. It does effectively show Kirby’s versatility and counters, along with Buu’s tenacity and regeneration. I’ll also admit - Kirby face palming, and Buu’s disbelief at seeing his attack reflected back, are amusing cutaway gags. Even still, for being a dynamic and light hearted fight, it’s simply not one of my favourites. If I wanted to revisit Death Battle’s first few seasons, this match up wouldn’t be top priority. Nonetheless, I’d still be willing to label it as decent and humorous.
10) Goku Vs Superman 1 (January 10th, 2013)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyl97TG8jbA&t=1591s&ab_channel=DEATHBATTLE%21
https://deathbattle.fandom.com/wiki/Goku_VS_Superman
Well, this is the big one. One of Death Battle’s most viewed (and most divisive) episodes of their early years, and rightfully so. These are two iconic characters who are wildly different in certain aspects, yet remarkably similar in others. And since this match up was released prior to “Battle of Gods” and “Resurrection F”, it obviously needed a rematch to update the argument. But I’ll get to that episode soon enough. The question I pose now is simple: how has this fight aged? And I can answer my own inquiry with a resounding…well enough.
Let’s start with the positives, the first being a more defined narrative than most of DB’s old fights. Even though it's done through dubbed over footage of their respective series, I can appreciate the effort to create a background for Goku and Superman’s conflict. Speaking of which, Lawrence Simpson and Michael Argusso do some very fine work as the Saiyan and Kryptonian, respectively. They sound like proper evocations of these characters, and the dialogue equally guides their performances. The interactions between Goku and Superman play out as one might predict, based on their general attitudes and contrasting motives. Sure, destroying a piece of radioactive material that’s hurting your opponent (IE someone you might have to kill) is objectively a dumb move. That said, I fully believe Goku would blast that kryptonite, if it meant fighting Superman on equal footing. And unlike “Kirby Vs Majin Buu”, I think this fight's extensive runtime is well paced between the battle’s stages. With each of Goku’s transformations, he employs new techniques. With each new environment, the scope of the battle increases. And even with the constrictions of this animation style, that final clash in outer space still brings it home.
Unfortunately, I must transition from that note to my negatives of the episode, which largely involve the animation. The decision to use 3D models for this fight makes sense, considering it was a big outing and the crew clearly wanted to pull out the stops. How those models are composed within the environment, though, still appears quite stiff. They have the unfortunate look of hovering above the ground, even when Goku and Superman aren’t supposed to be mid-air. And while Goku's expressions are rather varied, the largely static face of Superman's model doesn't reflect the spirit in Argusso's voice. I could gripe more about these setbacks, such as the unfinished backgrounds, but I think my point has been expressed. Also, in case I’m coming off as too critical, I want to stress that I genuinely like this fight. I’m sure the team did what they could, with the programs and time they had available. I recognize extensive work when I see it, particularly with 3D animation since it creates different challenges than 2D. Sure, this episode can’t help but look dated, but that honestly speaks to the quality the show has found in recent years. When all is said and done, and ignoring whatever flaws there might be in their research and conclusion, I still had fun revisiting this fight.
9) Goku Vs Superman 2 (July 18th, 2015)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0D0VGomWb4&ab_channel=DEATHBATTLE%21
https://deathbattle.fandom.com/wiki/Goku_VS_Superman_2
Sometimes the original isn’t always the best. That’s an appropriate description for this DB episode, which continues the debate it’s legendary predecessor tried to settle. We have new Saiyan transformations, new 3D models for our two icons, but also the same storyline and voice actors featured in the first fight. These are combined in a battle that’s leaner, flashier and altogether more vigorous than Goku and Superman’s previous bout. In truth, the fight’s breakneck speed might be too rushed for its own good. On the other hand, Superman being so fed up with fighting his new rival, while still giving him chances to back down, feels very much in character. Simpson and Agrusso once again deliver in their roles, though with considerably less dialogue this time around. From a technical perspective, the animation is also a definite upgrade. As I alluded to before, the sharper designs of our characters help sell their physicality and aggression. I also enjoy the little references and side gags included here, such as the “Man of Steel” double punch, and our hero’s symbols pushing their way across the globe. And if all of this wasn’t enough, the use of existing music really matches the fight’s energy. I tip my metaphorical hat to whoever wanted Eren’s “Berserk” theme as the final song; It suited the finale surprisingly well. So yeah…I enjoyed this rematch, and I don’t even mind that “Death Battle” doubled down on their original conclusion. People can debate the result to their heart’s content, but for myself, I’m happy we got a solid animation out of the second outing.
8) Roshi Vs Jiraiya (November 28th, 2018)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgmuQDOUeHE&ab_channel=DEATHBATTLE%21
https://deathbattle.fandom.com/wiki/Roshi_VS_Jiraiya
Up until now, every animation I’ve covered has varied from underwhelming, to okay, and even good with the last few match ups. “Roshi Vs Jiraiya” is the first entry on my ranking I’d classify as great. That might be surprising at first glance, but it’s what I’ve come to believe. I’ve rewatched this battle several times, and every element just falls into place for me. For one thing, the writers nailed the set up for these two coming to blows. If there's anything the turtle master and toad sage would squabble over, it’s they’re shared…”passtime”. The interplay between these two is naturally quite funny, and Patrick Rodriguez and Jonah Scott offer solid impersonations of their respective character’s voices.
On an artistic note, this is a fine example of how lively sprite animation can be. Even though the designs of Roshi and Jiraiya are quite pixelated, they’re edited in a very energetic fashion. Every reaction shot, from stoic to befuddled, is effectively coordinated in the fight. As for the battle itself…well…It's simply a lot of fun given the quirky arsenals these two have. Gamabunta being summoned to Jiraiya’s aid, his grumpiness at being summoned, and the sage’s reaction to how Roshi deals with the giant amphibian - is just pure comedy gold. The strategic differences between the two mentors are further illustrated in their personalities and tactics. Jiraiya spends most of the fight trying to deceive or trap Roshi, while his opponent uses experience (and a bit of luck) to find his illusions’ weak points. This makes for a unique combination of wits and muscle, which is entirely fitting for these two warriors. The only small nitpick I have is that some viewers might find the fight’s ending hard to follow. That’s a minor gripe, though, and an easily forgiven one since everything proceeding it is so entertaining. I simply find this episode to be the right kind of fun, and a faithful representation of these flamboyant (though undeniably perverse) characters. Also, I have to get this in: “Turtle and Toad” is a cool sounding instrumental. That is all.
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