Dragonball Z Manga - Volume 1

Goku confronts the alien about his strange tail, hardly able to believe his eyes that anyone else could possibly ever have one, other than himself and his son (Even though his has now been cut off). The alien smirks and assumes that Goku’s finally worked out who he is and why he’s come, but unfortunately our foolhardy hero still doesn’t know.

The alien shouts loudly at ‘Kakarotto’, telling him that he’s stupidly forgotten their mission, but Goku still has no idea what he’s talking about. The tall, muscular figure thinks and loud, and comes to the conclusion that Goku must have brain damage. Son admits to this possibly being true, as he’s got a large scar on his head, but still has no idea what the mysterious figure is talking about. Roshi interrupts the conversation, and announces that Goku’s Earth father – Gohan, found a baby in the woods with a tail, and that apparently it was a really nasty one, wild and mean, couldn’t be tamed by anyone. That is, until it fell down a huge cliff and bumped its head, before becoming an incredibly sweet little guy.

Goku works out that Roshi is talking about him as a baby, but still doesn’t understand the relevance. The alien butts in on Goku’s thoughts, and says that his people need him back, but the Earthling has no idea what this strange creature is speaking of.

Krillen gets up from out of the rubble holding his head, and warns Goku of the obvious threat that the alien poses to them, but he already knows about it having watched the previous attack. He admits that looking at the alien makes his hair stand on end.

The alien finally announces that he is Goku’s older brother, Raditz. Everyone is shocked, and immediately come to the conclusion that Goku is an alien. He refuses to believe it though, and accuses his ‘brother’ of lying. Raditz explains that they are both Saiyans, a race of warriors who exterminate the inhabitants of planets, then sell them off. The weaker babies get sent off to lowly planets like Earth, and as it has a moon they could destroy everyone, and everything within a few years. Goku is confused by this, not knowing what the significance of a moon is.

Raditz is getting very frustrated now, realizing that Goku doesn’t know anything at all about his heritage. He explains that a Saiyan’s power is at its peak when there’s a full moon. Before he continues he notices that Goku has no tail, and curses him for getting rid of it. His brother counters saying that he didn’t want it, and he enjoys being an Earthling, and doesn’t care if he’s a Saiyan, he’s staying. He then says the noble words, "Get th’ heck off my planet". Raditz just laughs at him, and continues to fill him in on Saiyans.

He speaks of how their home planet was supposedly destroyed by a giant asteroid, leaving only four of them left, including Goku, but excluding his real parents. He then gets down to business, and tells Goku the reason why he has come – They could do with another fighter to take over a planet, and a Saiyan is ideal.

Of course, Goku protests, and would rather die than help destroy an innocent civilization. Raditz still seems confident of ‘Kakarotto’ joining him, and notices his son also has a tail. Goku denies knowing Gohan is an effort to divert Raditz’s attention away from him, unsuccessfully however. His ‘loving’ brother advances on him, despite Goku warning him that another step will result in his death. Suddenly Raditz disappears, then reappears, planting his knee in Goku’s gut. The newfound Saiyan falls back in agony, landing on the floor, writhing in pain. Raditz grabs Gohan, then warns his brother that if there aren’t the bodies of 100 newly killed humans piled up there within 24 hours, then he’ll be forced to kill his only nephew. He reiterates this, leaving Goku struggling on the floor, demanding that he be given back his son.

Raditz warns Goku not to dare fighting him, as he hasn’t got a chance with only a fraction of the power, and no where near the necessary training. Round the corner lurks arch-demon Piccolo, Goku’s mortal enemy. He hears everything that is said, and is shocked by what is happening.

Raditz flies of with a screaming Gohan is his hand, leaving Goku to agonize in pain. He shouts for his nimbus to arrive, ready to go off and fight, despite his obvious pain. He is prevented from running off hastily though. They try to discuss a plan to defeat Raditz, then Goku remembers that his tail is the weakness, although he admits he can’t get it alone. Krillen and Roshi are reluctant to volunteer because they can’t be wished back again, although they do all the same.

Bulma brings out the dragon radar, and they use it to track Gohan’s movements, as he has a Dragonball on his head. The ball eventually stops, and everyone prepares to go off and mount an attack. Before they can take off though, Piccolo reveals himself, and shouts to prevent them from going. He announces that only he and Goku teaming up have a chance, as they are the only ones strong enough to do any significant damage. Piccolo says that he has his own world-conquering plans, and can’t put them into action while Raditz is around, revealing his motive for joining Goku. They agree to be on the same side for this one battle, where they will fight straight after and finish off their rivalry for good as one will die. Goku grabs the Dragon radar, jumps on his nimbus, then takes off with Piccolo in close pursuit, as they close in on Raditz about to fight in what will be an epic battle.

Roshi is excited at the prospect of Goku and Piccolo fighting together, and decides that they will all go along and find out what happens.