Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies marks a significant milestone in theDragon Ball franchise as the first-ever movie in the series. Released in 1986, this film takes fans back to the early days of Goku’s adventures, long before he became the iconic Super Saiyan that the world knows today.Â
The movie offers a unique retelling of the earlyDragon Ball story, focusing on Goku’s journey to find the Dragon Balls and the challenges he faces along the way. Though it’s not as widely discussed as otherDragon Ball movies,Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies plays a crucial role in the history of the series, setting the stage for the grand adventures that would follow. In this blog post, we’ll explore the plot, characters, and legacy of this groundbreaking film, examining why it still holds a special place in the hearts ofDragon Ball fans.
Key Points:
- Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies is the first-ever movie in theDragon Ball franchise.
- The movie adapts a storyline from the earlyDragon Ball saga with unique elements.
- This film introduces important characters and themes that would become central to the series.
What is the Story of Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies?
Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies tells the story of Goku, a young boy with a mysterious tail, and his quest to find the legendary Dragon Balls. The plot centers around a greedy king, King Gurumes, who seeks to use the power of the Dragon Balls to achieve ultimate power. However, his desire for the Blood Rubies—magical gems—leads him to curse his land and people, bringing chaos and destruction. Goku, alongside his friends Bulma, Yamcha, and Oolong, embarks on a journey to stop King Gurumes and prevent him from misusing the Dragon Balls.
While this film shares similarities with the originalDragon Ball anime series, it also introduces unique elements that were designed specifically for the movie format.Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies is considered an alternate version of events that takes place early in Goku’s journey, providing fans with a fresh perspective on his early days.
How Does Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies Fit Into theDragon Ball Timeline?
The movie’s events take place before the mainDragon Ball saga, when Goku is just a child. It provides an early adventure for Goku, showcasing his strength, bravery, and innocent nature. The film loosely follows the structure of the first arc in the anime, where Goku meets Bulma and other important characters. However,Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies introduces a unique villain and several alterations to the original storyline to suit the needs of the movie format. It is not a direct adaptation but rather a reimagining of early events in theDragon Ball world.
While the events of this movie are not directly referenced in the mainDragon Ball series, it serves as an essential piece ofDragon Ball lore. It sets the tone for the franchise, introducing fans to the world of Dragon Balls, magical creatures, and epic battles that would define the series for years to come.
Who Are the Main Characters in Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies?
Several key characters from theDragon Ball universe make their first appearances inDragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies. These characters include:
- Goku: The film’s protagonist, a kind-hearted and strong young boy who embarks on a journey to stop King Gurumes.
- Bulma: A brilliant inventor and Goku’s first friend, who joins him in his quest to find the Dragon Balls.
- Yamcha: A desert bandit who eventually becomes one of Goku’s allies.
- Oolong: A shape-shifting pig who also joins Goku and Bulma on their adventure.
In addition to these familiar characters, the movie also introducesKing Gurumes, the villain of the film, and his army. King Gurumes is a corrupt and power-hungry leader who uses the Dragon Balls for his own selfish desires, leading to the curse that plagues his kingdom.
What is the Role of the Dragon Balls in Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies?
The Dragon Balls play a central role inDragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies, as they are the key to the movie’s plot. The story revolves around King Gurumes’ quest to collect the Dragon Balls in order to wish for ultimate power. However, his greed and selfishness cause him to misuse the power of the Dragon Balls, which ultimately leads to a curse upon his land and people. Goku and his friends must gather the Dragon Balls before King Gurumes can use them to destroy everything in his path.
The Dragon Balls serve as a powerful tool in the movie, but they also highlight the themes of greed and the consequences of misusing power—central ideas that resonate throughout the entireDragon Ball series.
How Does Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies Compare to the Manga and Anime?
WhileDragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies draws inspiration from theDragon Ball manga and anime series, it differs in several key ways. For one, the movie introduces a completely new antagonist, King Gurumes, who does not appear in the original manga or anime. Additionally, certain plot elements are altered to fit the movie format, making it more of an alternate take on Goku’s early adventures. The film also condenses some of the events from the anime to create a more streamlined, self-contained story.
Despite these differences,Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies still captures the essence of what made the originalDragon Ball series so beloved. It features the same adventurous spirit, comedic moments, and action-packed scenes that fans of the anime would come to expect.
What Impact Did Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies Have on theDragon Ball Franchise?
Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies played a crucial role in the expansion of theDragon Ball franchise, serving as the first movie in the series. Released just a year after the anime’s debut, the film helped introduce theDragon Ball universe to an even larger audience. The success of the movie paved the way for subsequent films, includingDragon Ball Z movies and many others in theDragon Ball cinematic universe.
The movie’s impact extends beyond just its role as a standalone film. It was also one of the first pieces ofDragon Ball media to introduce the concept of alternate timelines and reimagined storylines, which would become a recurring theme in laterDragon Ball movies and episodes.
Why is Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies Not as Well-Known as OtherDragon Ball Movies?
Despite its importance in theDragon Ball franchise,Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies is not as widely discussed or remembered as other films in the series, such asDragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods orDragon Ball Super: Broly.Â
This may be due to its status as the first film in the franchise, which means it often gets overshadowed by the more iconic entries in the series. Additionally, the movie was not as widely released internationally as laterDragon Ball films, which limited its exposure to a global audience.
Nevertheless,Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies remains an important part ofDragon Ball history, especially for fans who appreciate the early years of the franchise.
How Did Fans React to Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies?
Upon its release,Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies received a mixed but generally positive reception. Fans of the anime were excited to see theDragon Ball world brought to life on the big screen, even if the movie was not a perfect adaptation of the series.Â
The unique plot, new characters, and exciting action sequences captivated many fans, but others felt that it did not fully capture the depth and complexity of the anime. Despite these criticisms, the movie still remains a beloved part ofDragon Ball lore for those who appreciate its historical significance in the franchise.
Conclusion
Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies may not have the same fame as otherDragon Ball movies, but it holds a special place in the history of the franchise. As the first movie in theDragon Ball series, it laid the foundation for many of the themes and characters that would become central to theDragon Ball universe.Â
The film’s unique take on Goku’s early adventures, along with its introduction of King Gurumes and the Blood Rubies, makes it an essential piece ofDragon Ball history. Whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series,Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies is worth revisiting for a deeper understanding of the roots of this iconic franchise.