Artist alley was solid, along with many of the other booths (at least the ones that weren’t trying to hock mystery boxes). Panels of interest were a little on the light side, but part of that was my lack of motivation to attend any. At the end of the day, it was a great event!

posted by Pi Visuals at 12:36 am

February 27, 2026 : Cool DBZ Content About Yamcha?!

As someone who joins in on making fun of Yamcha, I was shocked to hear about a nearly 10-year old fan-art manga that centers around him. It’s called That Time I Got Reincarnated as Yamcha, and the premise is interesting: a high school Dragon Ball fan who accidentally gets himself killed and finds himself reincarnated as Yamcha (during the Emperor Pilaf Saga).

Below is a detailed story synopsis of the whole manga run:

The story is well done, filled with tons of references to the Dragon Ball universe, while giving a unique spin on some characters left by the wayside. I don’t think making this into a full anime saga would be worthwhile (besides the fact that fans would cry afoul for trying to canonize it), but it could be cool to see it in a movie format. At least, I think it might be more fresh than rebooting one of the previously made Super movies (ahem, Beerus…).

posted by Pi Visuals at 11:57 pm

October 26, 2025 : Crunchyroll Subscription Acquired!

I mentioned the desire before, but I finally got me some Crunchyroll! Actually, much like getting the actual subscription, the announcement was also long overdue as I pulled the trigger Not only was it long overdue, but mentioning this was equally unpunctual as I got the subscription in early September.

I’m definitely using it, but it’s more to watch DBZ with the kiddos – which isn’t an awful thing, except we’re currently in the Buu saga (meh). That said, there are several series I need to jump back into to catch up on (Academia and Dr. Stone) and new ones to start that have been highly recommended. All in due time!

posted by Pi Visuals at 12:48 am

April 10, 2025 : I’m Feeling Giddy – Time For C2E2

I know, Giovanni needs to chill. But how can he? C2E2 weekend kicks off tomorrow, and I know I’m stoked. Moridin and I have been going since 2015 (with a small break due to Covid… I forget if we missed one or two?).

No dressing up this year, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It means more time to enjoy the floor and maybe even a few panels – something I couldn’t really do last year. There isn’t much that stands out, though… except for the Futurama Reunion?

The over/under for Vegeta sightings: 7. However, I wonder if there will be more due to Daima. Cardboard Box Vegeta counts for 15.

posted by Pi Visuals at 4:40 pm

February 28, 2025 : Insight From Editors Of Dragon Ball

Three editors of the Dragon Ball manga were recently interviewed in a podcast, where they discussed Akira Toriyama and the evolution of the series. Somebody created a twitter thread, highlighting the conversation; and it’s a great read.

There are several cool points; but for me, the highlight is confirmation that Toriyama initially intended to end the series with the Cell Saga. He felt Gohan’s narrative arc was the natural progression of the series. Due to the series’ incredible success, he was pressured by the editorial team to continue Dragon Ball, which resulted in the Buu saga.

It was also interesting to hear that Toriyama was very spontaneous with his writing. The storylines were not planned out in advance. In fact, when Trunks was first introduced, his origins weren’t yet determined (?!).

Either way, it was great reading a behind-the-scenes take on the manga.

posted by Pi Visuals at 1:04 am

September 6, 2024 : Dragon Ball Daima Trailer

The trailer for a new Dragon Ball show (?!) dropped. Dragon Ball Daima premieres next month, and it’s apparently a big deal.

The series takes place between the Buu saga and Super, and the main characters are turned to kids. The fact that that was the premise of GT does confuse me. Still, Toriyama was involved before his death so there’s that. I’m sure I’ll give it a look, but I’m pretty indifferent. Similar to Super, it has the benefit of the existing IP.

Speaking of which, I didn’t realize how divisive Super was. It’s either loved or hated. It’s tough to expect it to live up to DBZ, but I wouldn’t call it a travesty. As for Daima, I’ll probably have similar opinions of that as I do with Super… as long as they don’t have a driving episode.

posted by Pi Visuals at 11:54 pm

May 11, 2024 : C2E2 2024 In The Books!

Another C2E2 has come and gone, and per usual, it was a blast. There was plenty to see, particularly from a cosplay standpoint – including yours truly:

It was a fun blast from the blast to revisit Vegeta (last done in 2017?!). It was also well received, and we even ran into several other DBZ cosplayers. I also liked how the updated armor came out; and while there were a few parts of the costume I’d change, it exceeded expectations and then some. At the end of the day, it was a great weekend!

posted by Pi Visuals at 1:07 am

March 18, 2024 : Happy Saiyan Day… Yes, It’s A Thing

How am I just hearing about this now?! Apparently, March 18th is Saiyan Day. If you’re asking why, first… shut up. Second: apparently, 3-1-8 in Japanese is San-Ichi-Hachi; and when that is shortened, it sounds like “Saiyan”. I’m not sure I get it, but does that really matter?

I can’t find how long Saiyan Day has been around or its origins. Based on my search on the interwebs, it is at least 6 or 7 years old. It also seems to be really popular with the Dokkan video game, which I do not play. Still, I fully endorse this. Time to hop on this train!

posted by Pi Visuals at 11:36 pm

March 10, 2024 : RIP Akira Toriyama

In super sad news, Akira Toriyama passed away.

There isn’t much to say. Like many, DBZ was the gateway to my love of anime. As such, I owe a lot to Akira Toriyama. His work brought joy to countless people. He was a true original.

posted by Pi Visuals at 12:41 am

September 16, 2023 : Stellar DBZ Branded Shirts

Over the last few months, this basketball shirt has dominated the rotation when I lace up:

This was a solid gift for sure, but it got me thinking: What about Vegeta’s skills on the court? It’s probably ‘Air Goku’ fits better visually. Still, why isn’t there equally killer apparel for Vegeta? That’s when I came across:

You did it again, Internet!

posted by Pi Visuals at 12:28 am