Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies – The First Movie in the Legendary Franchise

Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies – The First Movie in the Legendary Franchise

Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies (Dragon Ball: Shenron no Densetsu in Japanese) holds a special place in the history of the Dragon Ball franchise as its very first feature-length movie. Released on December 20, 1986, this film reimagines the beginning of Goku’s journey in Akira Toriyama’s iconic series. With a unique story, original characters, and a condensed version of the manga’s early chapters, it serves as an accessible introduction to the Dragon Ball universe.

Overview of the Movie

• Title: Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies
• Japanese Title: ドラゴンボール 神龍の伝説 (Dragon Ball: Shenron no Densetsu)
• Release Date: December 20, 1986
• Runtime: 50 minutes
• Director: Daisuke Nishio
• Studio: Toei Animation

The film was released as part of the Toei Manga Matsuri (Toei Animation Festival) and remains a nostalgic classic for many fans of the series.

Plot Summary

The movie adapts the early chapters of Dragon Ball but introduces an original antagonist and storyline while maintaining the essence of Goku’s first adventures.

1. The Legend of the Dragon Balls

The film opens with the legend of the Dragon Balls, mystical orbs that, when gathered, summon the Eternal Dragon Shenron to grant a single wish. Many characters, both good and evil, set out to find the Dragon Balls for their desires.

2. The Curse of the Blood Rubies

The main plot revolves around King Gurumes, a ruler cursed by the Blood Rubies, mystical gems found beneath his kingdom. The curse transforms Gurumes into a monstrous being and drives him to greedily seek more rubies, destroying his kingdom in the process.

3. Goku and Bulma’s Journey

The story introduces Goku, a young boy with incredible strength and a tail, living alone in the mountains. His life changes when he meets Bulma, a teenage inventor searching for the Dragon Balls. Together, they embark on an adventure to gather the orbs and stop King Gurumes.

4. Friends and Foes

Along the way, Goku and Bulma encounter familiar characters:

• Oolong, the shape-shifting pig.
• Yamcha and Puar, desert bandits with a change of heart.
• Master Roshi, the eccentric martial arts master who introduces Goku to the Kamehameha technique.

5. The Final Battle

The climax sees Goku and his friends confronting King Gurumes and his henchmen, Bongo and Pasta. With Goku’s strength and teamwork, they collect the Dragon Balls and summon Shenron, using the wish to lift the curse and restore peace to the land.

New Characters Introduced

1. King Gurumes

• A tragic figure transformed into a monster by the Blood Rubies’ curse.
• His story underscores the dangers of greed and unchecked desire.

2. Pansy

• A young girl from Gurumes’ kingdom who seeks Goku’s help.
• Represents the hope of the oppressed and inspires the group to fight against injustice.

3. Bongo and Pasta

• Loyal henchmen of King Gurumes, providing opposition to Goku and his friends.

Differences from the Manga and Anime

1. Original Villain: The movie replaces Emperor Pilaf with King Gurumes as the primary antagonist.
2. Condensed Story: It shortens and simplifies the original manga’s first arc for a faster-paced narrative.
3. Standalone Format: The movie is self-contained, making it accessible to new viewers unfamiliar with the manga or anime.

Themes and Messages

1. Greed and Its Consequences

King Gurumes’ transformation into a monster reflects the destructive power of greed, a recurring theme in Dragon Ball.

2. Friendship and Teamwork

Goku and his allies demonstrate that unity and trust are essential to overcoming challenges.

3. Redemption and Hope

The resolution of King Gurumes’ curse highlights the series’ optimistic belief in second chances and restoration.

Legacy of Curse of the Blood Rubies

1. The First Step in a Legendary Franchise

As the inaugural Dragon Ball movie, Curse of the Blood Rubies paved the way for numerous films, spin-offs, and adaptations, showcasing the series’ cinematic potential.

2. Introduction to Iconic Characters

The movie introduces key characters like Goku, Bulma, and Master Roshi to a broader audience, establishing their enduring popularity.

3. Nostalgia for Fans

For long-time fans, the movie remains a nostalgic reminder of the franchise’s early days, blending humor, adventure, and heartwarming moments.

Where to Watch

Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies is available on various platforms, including DVD and Blu-ray collections. It’s also featured in streaming services and Dragon Ball movie box sets, making it accessible to both new and veteran fans.

Conclusion

Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies is more than just the first Dragon Ball movie—it’s a cornerstone of the franchise’s history. By reimagining Goku’s origin story with a fresh plot and original characters, the film captures the spirit of adventure and camaraderie that defines Dragon Ball. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, this movie is a must-watch for its nostalgic charm and its role in launching one of anime’s most beloved universes.

ライト

鳥山明さんの大ファン

鳥山明さんの作品をこよなく愛するドラゴンボールが好きな漫画オタクです。世の中のアニメ全般が好きで、クリエイターの皆様を応援しています。