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

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

Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies (Dragon Ball: Shenron no Densetsu in Japanese) is the very first movie in the Dragon Ball franchise, released on December 20, 1986. It serves as a reimagining of the original story arc from Akira Toriyama’s manga, introducing fans to Goku’s early adventures while adding new characters and a unique storyline. This article explores the plot, characters, and legacy of this historic Dragon Ball movie.

Overview of Curse of the Blood Rubies

• Original Title: Dragon Ball: Shenron no Densetsu
• Release Date: December 20, 1986
• Director: Daisuke Nishio
• Studio: Toei Animation
• Runtime: 50 minutes

The movie was part of the Toei Manga Matsuri, a festival showcasing animated films based on popular manga series. It acts as an alternate retelling of the first arc of Dragon Ball, featuring Goku, Bulma, and their quest for the Dragon Balls.

Plot Summary

The Legend of the Blood Rubies

The story centers on King Gurumes, a ruler cursed by the Blood Rubies, mystical gems buried beneath his kingdom. The curse transforms him into a monstrous being and drives him to relentlessly search for the rubies, destroying his land in the process.

King Gurumes learns of the Dragon Balls and seeks them to wish away his curse. He dispatches his forces to collect the orbs, clashing with Goku and his friends.

Goku’s Journey

The movie begins with Goku living alone in the mountains, where he encounters Bulma, who is searching for the Dragon Balls. Their meeting sparks an adventure involving:

• Oolong, a shape-shifting pig.
• Yamcha and Puar, desert bandits.
• Master Roshi, the legendary martial artist.

Together, they face off against King Gurumes’ army, led by his loyal servants Bongo and Pasta.

The Final Battle

The climax sees Goku using the Power Pole and his growing martial arts skills to defeat Gurumes’ forces. Ultimately, the Dragon Balls are gathered, and the wish is used to restore peace to the land, freeing the kingdom from the Blood Rubies’ curse.

New Characters Introduced

1. King Gurumes

• A tragic ruler turned villain due to the curse of the Blood Rubies.
• His greed and transformation into a monster reflect the destructive power of unchecked desire.

2. Bongo and Pasta

• Gurumes’ henchmen, tasked with collecting the Dragon Balls.
• Serve as the main antagonists opposing Goku and his friends throughout the movie.

3. Pansy

• A young girl from Gurumes’ kingdom who seeks Goku’s help to save her people.
• Represents the innocence and hope of those oppressed by Gurumes’ greed.

How It Differs from the Manga

While Curse of the Blood Rubies follows the same basic premise as the original manga’s first arc, it introduces several differences:

1. Unique Villains: King Gurumes and his army are original to the movie, replacing Emperor Pilaf as the primary antagonists.
2. Condensed Storyline: The movie shortens the introduction of key characters like Yamcha and Master Roshi.
3. Standalone Adventure: Unlike the serialized format of the manga, the movie provides a self-contained story.

Themes in Curse of the Blood Rubies

1. The Dangers of Greed

• King Gurumes’ transformation into a monster is a direct result of his greed and obsession with the Blood Rubies.

2. Friendship and Teamwork

• Goku’s journey highlights the importance of working together to overcome challenges, a recurring theme throughout the franchise.

3. Redemption and Hope

• The wish made at the end of the movie restores balance and peace, showing that even in dire situations, hope prevails.

Legacy of Curse of the Blood Rubies

1. The Start of Dragon Ball Movies

• This film laid the groundwork for subsequent Dragon Ball movies, setting a precedent for combining original storylines with beloved characters.

2. Introduction to the Franchise

• For many fans, Curse of the Blood Rubies was their first introduction to Dragon Ball, making it a nostalgic classic.

3. International Releases

• The movie was dubbed in multiple languages, including English, and released under various titles. Early English dubs provided an alternate script and character names, such as “Gourmeth” for King Gurumes.

Where to Watch

Curse of the Blood Rubies is available on various home media formats, including DVD and Blu-ray. Fans can also find it as part of collections that compile Dragon Ball movies and specials.

Conclusion

Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies is a milestone in the franchise’s history, offering fans a fresh take on Goku’s early adventures. With its unique characters, themes of friendship and redemption, and action-packed storytelling, it remains a beloved entry in the Dragon Ball universe. For fans old and new, this movie is a must-watch to experience the roots of a legendary series.

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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。