Dragon Ball GT: Black Star Dragon Balls Saga (Episodes 1-16) – A Nostalgic Rollercoaster with Mixed Vibes

Let’s cut straight to it: Dragon Ball GT’s Black Star Dragon Balls Saga is like that old snack you loved as a kid—you know it’s not the best, but it still hits a nostalgic spot. Produced by Toei Animation and first airing in 1996, this 16-episode arc (22 in Japan, but we’re talking the English cut here) takes Goku, Trunks, and Pan on a galaxy-spanning quest to find the Black Star Dragon Balls before Earth blows up. And let’s just say, fans have a lot to say about it.

The Good: Nostalgia and Chaos (In a Fun Way)

If you’re here for that classic Dragon Ball vibe—adventure over non-stop power-ups—this saga delivers. Fans on MyAnimeList are split, but many love the throwback feel. One user put it best: “This saga is supposedly more like Dragon Ball than DBZ. We shall see.” And honestly? They’re onto something. The first episode dives right into the chaos: Emperor Pilaf (yes, that Pilaf) accidentally turns Goku back into a kid using the Black Star Dragon Balls. Cue ChiChi’s eternal eye-roll and Pan’s over-the-top excitement to tag along.

Pan is low-key the MVP here. She’s sassy, strong, and totally unapologetic about crashing the boys’ party. Fans can’t get enough of her energy—even if some side-eye her age (seriously, why is she hanging with adults? But let’s not overthink it). The gang’s dynamic is pure fun: Goku’s childlike wonder, Trunks’ deadpan humor, and Pan’s “let’s do this” attitude make for some great moments. Plus, seeing Pilaf and his crew again? Chef’s kiss for nostalgia. One fan gushed, “Didn’t expect to see them anymore since they never made an appearance in DBZ. They’ve gotten much older now.” Exactly—who doesn’t love a good blast from the past?

The Bad: Plot Holes and “Wait, What?” Moments

But let’s be real—this saga isn’t perfect. Like, at all. Fans are quick to call out the plot holes. Remember when Vegeta wished only the “good people” back to life at the end of DBZ? Then why is Pilaf even alive in GT? One user ranted, “The first episode starts with the biggest mistake ever! Near the end of DBZ, the planet is destroyed and then wished back… so what the hell is Pilaf doing in the first minute?” Fair question. And don’t get started on the animation quality. A 2024 viewer noted, “The animation is shit quality, but it’s from 1996 so can’t say much.” Ouch—but true.

Then there’s the whole “Goku as a kid” thing. Some fans love it (“I’ve missed him like this!”), but others? Not so much. One user sighed, “Little Goku feels nostalgic but I would prefer him stay as he was.” And let’s not forget the pacing. The first episode is a strong start, but things quickly get messy. As one fan put it, “It’s a fairly strong opening episode considering the rest of the series is pretty dumpster tier.” Harsh? Maybe. But you can’t deny the truth.

The Ugly: Canon Controversy and Mixed Feelings

Here’s the big one: GT isn’t canon. Akira Toriyama didn’t write it, and Dragon Ball Super basically pretends it never happened. For die-hard fans, that’s a dealbreaker. One user summed it up: “As a die-hard fan of Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball, there are too many things wrong in GT for me to get behind it being part of the same world.” Oof. But others don’t care. They’re just here for the ride. “I don’t mind the stupid plot holes and mistakes,” said another fan. “Gonna watch it to have fun without thinking too much about it.”

And honestly? That’s the best way to enjoy GT. If you go in expecting a masterpiece, you’ll be disappointed. But if you’re down for silly adventures, over-the-top battles, and Pan being a total boss, you’ll have a blast. As one re-watcher put it, “I really didn’t enjoy GT too much when I first watched years back, but I feel like it might have grown on me a bit. I’m defo more nostalgic now.”

Final Verdict: Worth the Watch (If You’re a Fan)

Dragon Ball GT’s Black Star Dragon Balls Saga isn’t for everyone. It’s messy, it’s non-canon, and it has more plot holes than a slice of Swiss cheese. But for fans who grew up with Goku and the gang, it’s a nostalgic trip worth taking. Whether you love it or hate it, one thing’s for sure: it’s never boring.

So grab your senzu beans, ignore the plot holes, and join Goku, Trunks, and Pan on their galaxy quest. Just don’t forget to lower your expectations—you’ll have a way better time.

Rating: 3/5 stars (for the nostalgia and Pan’s iconic energy)

P.S. If you’re still on the fence, just remember: even the haters can’t deny that GT has some iconic moments. And let’s be real—who doesn’t want to see Goku as a kid again?

“I don’t hate it. I do however hope Super eventually completely wipes away any notion of GT being canon. But hey, what from GT would you like to see taken into Super?” – A very confused but loyal fan.

Yeah, same.

This review is based on fan discussions from MyAnimeList and official info from Dragon Ball Wiki. All opinions are my own (but let’s be real, I’m team Pan all the way).