The Overlooked Dragon Ball Z Sequel: Neko Majin Z
Explore the quirky and delightful world of Neko Majin Z, a self-parodying manga series by Akira Toriyama that expands the Dragon Ball lore and fits into the timeline between Dragon Ball Z and GT.
The Overlooked Dragon Ball Z Sequel: Neko Majin Z
Dragon Ball Z has seen its fair share of sequels, with Dragon Ball GT and Dragon Ball Super taking the spotlight. However, there is one DBZ sequel that often gets overlooked, and it’s a creation solely by Akira Toriyama himself. Get ready to dive into the strange and delightful world of Neko Majin Z.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
Neko Majin Z is an eight-chapter manga series written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama. It introduces us to the Neko Majin race, a group of magical cats who love martial arts and games. The main character, Neko Majin Z, bears a striking resemblance to Goku and even embarks on playful adventures with the Saiyan warrior.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
Within the Neko Majin Z series, Toriyama expands the Dragon Ball lore in amusing ways. We learn that Frieza had a son named Kuriza before his demise, and a new Super Saiyan named Onio is introduced. While these additions are meant to be lighthearted and self-parodying, they do drive the plot forward, bridging the gap between Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball GT.
Fitting into the Dragon Ball Timeline
Surprisingly, Neko Majin Z can find its place in the wider Dragon Ball timeline. Dragon Ball Super picks up immediately after the Majin Buu Saga, leading into the Peaceful World Saga (also known as ‘End of Z’), which is followed by Dragon Ball GT, set five years later. This leaves a five-year gap between Dragon Ball Z and GT, the perfect spot for Neko Majin Z to exist.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
A Canon Conundrum
While Neko Majin Z is officially not considered canon, it can be seen as a quirky addition to the Dragon Ball series. Some fans may choose to ignore it due to its eccentric nature and parodying of the series’ serious elements. However, for those who embrace its oddity, it can be seamlessly incorporated into the canon, filling in the gap between Dragon Ball Z and GT.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
Neko Majin’s Influence Beyond its Solo Series
Despite being a self-parody, Neko Majin Z has made its mark on the Dragon Ball universe. The characters from Neko Majin Z have appeared in various Dragon Ball video games, such as Dragon Ball Heroes, Super Dragon Ball Heroes, and Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors 2. This crossover further solidifies Neko Majin Z’s connection to the wider Dragon Ball mythos.
Conclusion
While Dragon Ball GT and Dragon Ball Super often steal the spotlight as the sequels to Dragon Ball Z, it’s important not to overlook the wonderfully weird world of Neko Majin Z. Created solely by Akira Toriyama, this self-parodying manga series expands the Dragon Ball lore in playful ways and finds its place within the timeline. Whether you choose to consider it canon or not, Neko Majin Z remains a delightful and eccentric addition to the Dragon Ball franchise.