Dragon Ball Z Forum

In manga terms the Namek Saga runs from Vol. 5 to part way through Vol. 12. In anime terms the Saga runs from episodes 37-107 (approximately).

Previously

The Z Fighters took major losses in their fights with Raditz, Nappa, and Vegeta. Goku died to save the world only to learn some amazing techniques from King Kai in Otherworld before being wished back with the Dragon Balls to help his friends take on the notorious saiyans. The battle was the most difficult yet as power levels of shocking magnitude went head-to-head and the lives of Yamcha, Tien, Chiaotzu, and Piccolo were lost before Goku arrived. Though he quickly disabled Napa, who was executed by his own partner, the ensuing battle between Goku and Vegeta took on a whole other level as it took the additional combined intervention of Gohan, Krillin, and Yajirobe-yes, the fat guy with the samurai sword-to defeat Vegeta. However, Vegeta was shown mercy by Goku and he left the planet. Desperate for another way to bring back Kami and Piccolo for the Dragon Balls so they could resurrect the other Z Fighters, Gohan, Krillin, and Bulma fix up Kami’s original Namekian spaceship to voyage to the far reaches of another galaxy in order to make a wish with the Dragon Balls on Kami and Piccolo's home planet of Namek. But the traveling trio may have stumbled into something that’s more than what they bargained for!

The Story

Upon arriving to Namek, Gohan, Krillin, and Bulma find out they are not the only ones looking for the Dragon Balls. Their worst fears become a reality when Vegeta shows up fully recovered from his fight on Earth and vastly more powerful than he was before. Not only that, another group has already been scouring the planet for the mystical balls: The group is led by the universe’s most deadly threat yet, Frieza! The intergalactic warlord has been waging a campaign of genocide against the vastly outclassed Namekians so it’s time for covert operations against these powerful new and old enemies for our heroes. Unlikely alliances are forged, new friends are made, greater powers are found, and legends are proven true as this Saga comes down the wire in a race against time!

New Characters

	Dende is a young Namekian boy saved by Krillin and Gohan from Frieza and his henchmen. He helps them with their search for the Dragon Balls by leading them to the Grand Elder as well as proving vital in battle with his healing ability and knowledge of the Namekian language.
	Nail is a Namekian man who protects the Grand Elder. He is an expert in the Namekian arts and shows them off in a battle against a terrifying foe. He also shows the viewer that there are more ways to help a friend than fighting by his side.
	Guru is the Grand Elder; leader and caretaker of the Namekian race. He created the Dragon Balls as well as ushering his people through a time of incredible difficulty known only as "The Great Drought." He aids Gohan and Krillin by tapping into their hidden powers and giving them a Dragon Ball (they are huge!).
	Dodoria is spiky, pink fat man with a short temper. He is one of Frieza’s bodyguards. While not very bright, he’s powerful and ruthless with a sadistic streak.
	Zarbon has a cooler head than Dodoria but he’s twice as strong. While extremely vain, he can transform and become vastly more powerful, but also hideous. He is Frieza’s other bodyguard.
	Frieza is the most powerful being in the universe but don’t let his size fool you! He can destroy planets with nothing more than wave of his finger. He is short-tempered yet tactical (in a certain regard) but no life means anything to him except his own. He has a few secrets which he gradually reveals throughout the saga and he wants the Dragon Balls so he can wish for immortality.

The Ginyu Force

	Guldo is a small, 4-eyed green guy (no, he does not wear glasses) with a useful yet quirky power. He’s not a physical fighter so he uses psychic powers and can freeze time for as long as he can hold his breath.
	Recoome is a goofy red-haired guy who is full of himself and behaves very much like a professional wrestler, constantly taunting and showboating (though he can back it up). He is massive but surprisingly quick and can absorb incredible amounts of punishment without slowing down. He causes the most trouble for our heroes (next to the Captain).
	Burter is a big blue man who takes a lot of pride in being the fastest. He is very powerful and can team up with Jeice for attacks.
	Jeice is red with long white hair which he hates getting his hair dirty. While he is powerful and fast, he is quite the coward when facing stronger opponents.
	Captain Ginyu is the leader (duh!). He is purple and has horns. His power is matched only by his skill and, as if that weren't enough, he has one very special trick up his sleeve that causes a number of problems for the Z Fighters. Even Bulma!

Why Watch?/Verdict

The Namek Saga brings the Dragon Ball Z series to a head, and a whole other level, by proving a legend only previously hinted at to be true. There are more fights than the Saiyan Saga but a number of them are brief and insubstantial with a few really long ones scattered throughout. Most of the fights are good, though, as they have tremendous explosions and frantic hand-to-hand combat. Even despite all the action that goes, on the comedy pops up every now and again. Many complain about the length of this Saga with all the filler material and longer-than-needed fights so for those who want to get right to the nitty-gritty, skip the main series and watch Kai. For the rest, enjoy the original with the awesome power-ups fully intact!