Unlikely Successor to Dragon Ball

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Summary

  • Yaiba: Samurai Legend draws new fans with its stellar animation and nostalgic themes
  • The main character, Yaiba, shares similarities with kid Goku in origin and personality.
  • Despite similarities, Yaiba differentiates itself with a unique storyline and connection to society.

Samurai Legend” has been overwhelmingly favorable. Fresh viewers are captivated by WIT studio’s beautiful animation style, often drawing parallels to the popular “Dragon Ball” series. The protagonist, Yaiba Kurogane, bears a striking resemblance to young Goku in terms of his dark spiky hair and martial arts attire.

After wrapping up with “Dragon Ball Daima,” here I am, presenting another engaging option for Dragon Ball enthusiasts seeking a weekly substitute – the series Yaiba: Samurai Legend. Notably, the protagonist of this new series shares some traits and qualities with Goku, providing a sense of familiarity. Moreover, the narrative of Yaiba: Samurai Legend carries a nostalgic tone reminiscent of the original Dragon Ball era, which was also felt in “Dragon Ball Daima” before it concluded its run in late February.

Yaiba and Goku

Very Similar Starts for Very Similar Characters

Back in the ’90s, I was absolutely thrilled by the initial release of “Yaiba: Samurai Legend” anime, a timeless classic that followed closely on the heels of the original “Dragon Ball” and the beginning of “Dragon Ball Z”. Remarkably, this latest rendition has managed to encapsulate the vintage animation essence of ’90s anime while giving it a fresh, contemporary touch through stunningly beautiful and fluid animations.

My name is Goku. G-O-K-U. What’s yours?” -Kid Goku in Season 1 of Dragon Ball

In the debut episode, we’re introduced to our main character, Yaiba, who bears a resemblance to Goku in terms of his origin. He spent his early years living in the wilderness, isolated from human society. An unforeseen event involving crates, which trapped him and his father, results in their transportation to a civilized world. This sudden shift leaves Yaiba grappling with culture shock.

Similar to Goku, Yaiba’s encounter with a girl for the first time is depicted, leaving people bewildered by his immense strength despite his petite stature. Just like Goku, Yaiba’s competitive spirit is evident, as his primary objective in this inaugural episode is to locate the most formidable fighters he can find.

Apart from their individual drives, Yaiba and Goku exhibit remarkably similar character traits. Yaiba exhibits an exuberant nature, bouncing around and disregarding social norms regarding personal space. He also has a carefree demeanor, sometimes oblivious to attempts by other characters to deceive him. Like Goku, he appears able to see the good in others and remains unbothered by concerns beyond his personal objectives.

Yaiba’s Unique Take on Classic Themes

How the Show Differentiates Itself From Dragon Ball

Even though Yaiba: Samurai Legend and Dragon Ball share some initial similarities, Yaiba: Samurai Legend has already distinguished itself from Dragon Ball in various ways. For instance, Yaiba will uncover that he’s a chosen warrior destined to combat the wicked forces of the world while facing a significant adversary. Unlike the fighters in the Dragon Ball series who frequently battle their enemies in desolate wastelands or other worlds, Yaiba’s main character is more integrated into society. The art style also varies, with a resemblance to Detective Conan, as both series were penned by Gosho Aoyama.

In contrast to Goku’s mission of gathering dragon balls across the Earth, Yaiba’s adventure revolves around uncovering his destiny, exploring his differences with rival Onimaru, and combating evil worldwide as it emerges. The narrative in Yaiba also includes encounters and confrontations with well-known historical figures, giving it a stronger connection to our real-world Earth compared to the story of Dragon Ball. While Dragon Ball is set on Earth, its geography and cities are significantly different.

Additionally, while there are likenesses to Dragon Ball, Aoyama has acknowledged that the main character was originally modeled after Teppei Usagi from the martial arts series Ore wa Teppei. It appears that we might see a resurgence of 90s-inspired shows, as viewers express interest in revivals or new installments of beloved classic programs.

Are we experiencing a resurgence of ’90s adaptations, and I wonder what could be coming next? Is it possible we might see a revival of “Yu Yu Hakusho”? (Reddit user Kerorobot)

Yaiba: Samurai Legend can be streamed on Hulu.

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2025-04-11 17:40