Latest news with #DragonBallZ
Daily Mail
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Legendary voice actor with roles in Dragon Ball Z and Fantastic Mr Fox dies as anime community pays tribute
Legendary voice actor Éric Legrand has died aged 66. The French star is best known for his roles as the voices of Vegeta and Yamcha in Dragon Ball Z. He's also renowned for starring as Coach Skip in Fantastic Mr. Fox. Éric's passing was announced in a Facebook post by Patrick Borg, a longtime French voice actor for Goku. He shared that Éric had been admitted to a palliative care unit on May 19 and sadly passed soon after. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Patrick wrote in a heartbreaking statement: 'Farewell to my friend, ERIC LEGRAND 'You were calling me. 'My fat turkey ' 'I liked it, it made me laugh. I used to call you my queen! It had you rattling like a fat turkey. 'For months, we have been writing to each other on WhatsApp until last Monday, May 19th, in the morning, you will be transferred to a palliative care service... 'You've stopped answering me. 45+ years of friendship and 40 years together; Dragon Ball Z. 'Your fans will miss you... But I'll miss you deeply! 'I'm tired of losing friends. You have shown exemplary courage. You are a true Saiyan Vegeta! 'ERIC LEGRAND, you were a real Saiyan! Éric's passing was announced in a Facebook post by Patrick Borg, a longtime French voice actor for Goku The heartbreaking announcement sparked a wave of tributes from fans and fellow voice actors 'On Sunday evening, you wrote to me the following word in parentheses: (Getting transferred to the Palliative Care Unit on Monday. (I hope it will be very soon next..) 'I will not forget you! I am unhappy, very unhappy ... Farewell, my friend.' The heartbreaking announcement sparked a wave of tributes from fans and fellow voice actors. Fans wrote: 'I'm devastated courage to you and your loved ones', 'My deepest condolences Patrick', 'It's not fair... Frankly, I'm shocked by this disappearance. All my condolence to his family and friends
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rivals that shaped Anime: From Vegeta vs. Goku to Sasuke vs. Naruto
Credits: CBR In shonen anime, rivalry is more than just a personal feud—it's fuel for adventure and character growth. Series from Dragon Ball to Naruto use tension between heroes and rivals to drive their stories. In fact, one analysis notes that rivalry is 'a major narrative device in shōnen manga,' even citing Dragon Ball as a classic example. Fans around the world have followed these intense matchups for decades, debating dream battles and forming dedicated communities. Iconic rivalries like Goku vs. Vegeta and Naruto vs. Sasuke have set the standard for the genre, while newer hits like My Hero Academia and Black Clover evolve the dynamic in fresh ways. The saiyan spark: Goku vs. Vegeta Credits: CBR When Vegeta first invades Earth in Dragon Ball Z , he meets his match in Goku. Their showdown on Namek and later battlefields became 'one of the most iconic anime rivalries in history,' defining the 90s era of shonen. Originally enemies, the Saiyan prince Vegeta and the cheerful Goku forge a competitive friendship. Each defeat inspires the other to train harder, unlocking Super Saiyan and godlike new powers. In effect, every battle pushes both warriors to higher levels. As one analysis notes, their rivalry 'transformed shonen anime by creating numerous rivalries' where characters help each other grow. Vegeta's journey – from ruthless villain to begrudging ally – set a template: even the fiercest rival can become a source of respect and motivation. Bonds & conflicts: Naruto vs. Sasuke Credits: CBR Naruto and Sasuke began as friends and academy rivals in the Hidden Leaf Village, but their ambitions led them down different paths. Their relationship is 'one of the most emotionally charged anime rivalries' . by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Naruto is the determined underdog craving acknowledgment, while Sasuke is the brooding prodigy bent on revenge. They clash in dramatic battles – especially at the Valley of the End – where personal feelings and ninja honor collide. Through these fights, Naruto's empathy confronts Sasuke's bitterness, illustrating how complex a hero-vs-rival bond can be. Fans see their story as both a friendship and a conflict: Naruto's growth is tied to saving Sasuke, and Sasuke is challenged by Naruto's ideals. Their final showdown and eventual reconciliation are often cited as one of anime's most fulfilling conclusions. A new era of rivals: Deku vs. Bakugo and Asta vs. Yuno Credits: CBR Modern shonen often frames rivals as childhood friends or equals. In My Hero Academia , Deku (Izuku Midoriya) and Bakugo (Katsuki) grew up together at hero school. Bakugo's natural talent and explosive quirk made him the confident hero-in-waiting Deku admired (and later envied); Deku's humble perseverance earned Bakugo's respect. Their rivalry is loud and abrasive but rooted in mutual respect. Each tries to outdo the other, constantly pushing both toward improvement. Black Clover offers another example. Asta and Yuno were raised together in an orphanage, sharing a dream of becoming Wizard King. Yuno is blessed with powerful magic; Asta has none but wields anti-magic blades. Their competition began in childhood and grew through official exams. Each victory by one drives the other to work harder. In fact, one analysis points out that despite their 'directly opposite abilities, their rivalry pushes them to new heights that they couldn't overcome before'. The two maintain deep respect even while competing, showing that friendship can fuel a rivalry as much as rivalry fuels strength. Modern twists: Ideology and legacy The rival archetype is also being reshaped. Some modern stories turn rivalry into ideological conflict. In Jujutsu Kaisen , for example, one of the series' core pairings is former friends Gojo Satoru and Suguru Geto. They share a history but split over opposing beliefs about how sorcerers should treat the world. Their clash underscores bigger moral questions, extending rivalry beyond personal power struggle. Fans continue to debate which rivalry is the greatest. In one Japanese survey, Vegeta ranked as anime's #1 rival and Sasuke #2 (with MHA's Bakugo also in the top five). Such polls highlight how these characters captivate multiple generations. For instance, early Dragon Ball viewers grew up with Goku and Vegeta, while younger fans bonded with Naruto and Sasuke in the 2000s, and today's audience cheers Deku and Bakugo. These rivalries become a common thread through decades of anime history. Cultural impact: Fans and merchandising Rivalries extend off-screen into real-world fan culture and merchandising. Conventions and social media often feature debates and art imagining 'what if' battles between famous rivals. Official merchandise even sells these rivalries directly: for example, Crunchyroll offers a collectible Dragon Ball figure set titled 'Son Goku vs. Vegeta – ICHIBANSHO,' inviting fans to 'relive the legendary rivalry' between the two Saiyans. In India and worldwide, action figures, posters, and video games frequently spotlight these dynamic duos. The fierce competition between heroes and their counterparts drives not only narrative excitement but also broad cultural trends and collector interest. In the end, shonen rivalries do more than thrill viewers: they test heroes, reveal their values, and deepen long-term storytelling. Characters like Vegeta, Sasuke, Bakugo, and Yuno endure because their relationships with the protagonists are complex, personal, and evolving. As long as those fiery clashes capture our imagination – and even our wallets – rivalries will remain at the heart of anime's enduring appeal. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Eric Legrand, legendary French voice of Vegeta in Dragon Ball Z, dies at 66
In France, Legrand was best known as the voice of Dragon Ball Z's Vegeta, his booming bass tones blasting into the homes of millions of French-speaking fans. His influence is felt far beyond anime, animation, or even television, truly making him a global treasure revered by the international anime community. French voice actor Eric Legrand helped popularize Dragon Ball in europe Though Japan and English language dubs may be the first places that come to mind when you think of anime, for countries like France, it's a return to form that's been decades in the making. During this time, France was one of the first Western countries to warm to Japanese animation in the 1980s and 1990s, airing hugely popular series such as Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z and Saint Seiya on public television. As an accomplished Scarlet Knight himself, Eric Legrand's voice was the sonorous sound of home for generations of fans. His performance as Vegeta was nothing short of legendary—defining the prideful, rageful, and secretly vulnerable Saiyan prince to perfection. In addition, he played Yamcha, Mr. Popo, the World Tournament Announcer, and Bojack in Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound. Patrick Borg (French Goku) shares emotional tribute to legrand The sorrowful news was initially announced by Patrick Borg, who had been working with Legrand for more than 40 years. In a heart-wrenching facebook post, Borg shared his last conversations with Legrand, who had been transferred to a palliative care unit only days before his death. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Farewell to my friend, ERIC LEGRAND. You were calling me. 'My fat turkey,' I liked it, it made me laugh. I used to call you my queen! It had you rattling like a fat turkey. For months, we have been writing to each other on WhatsApp until last Monday, May 19th, in the morning, you will be transferred to a palliative care service… You've stopped answering me. 45+ years of friendship and 40 years together; Dragon Ball Z. Your fans will miss you… But I'll miss you deeply! I'm tired of losing friends. You have shown exemplary courage. You are a true Saiyan Vegeta! ERIC LEGRAND, you were a real Saiyan! On Sunday evening, you wrote to me the following word in parentheses: (Getting transferred to the Palliative Care Unit on Monday. (I hope it will be very soon next..) I will not forget you! I am unhappy, very unhappy … Farewell, my friend. Dubbed a 'legend' by fans, colleagues and members of the French and international anime community, Rees' message of love generated an outpouring of that very affection in response. Eric Legrand's anime legacy is more than Dragon Ball While the role he's best known for was as Trunks of the popular anime series, Dragon Ball Z, Legrand's voice acting career spanned a number of other anime and animated series. A few of his signature roles are: Seiya from Saint Seiya, a perennial classic in French anime culture Sterling Archer in the French dub of Archer #[…] Characters in Captain Planet, an educational animated show intended to teach children about the environment and sustainability The dream shapes themselves by playing on all of the great things that made Batman: The Animated Series and X-Men so emotionally resonant. Thousands of narrations and commercial voiceovers on French television 6033 are generated by this technology. His unique versatility to fulfill heroic, comedic and villainous roles made significant impacts in Japanese anime dubs, as well as in Western animation. Eric Legrand's passing is not just a big loss for French anime fans, but for the international anime dubbing community. His voice is what made the French-speaking audience fall in love with one of the planet's largest franchises—Dragon Ball Z—and his efforts are directly responsible for why anime took over so massively in Europe. Legrand's portrait serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of international dubbing actors, who are truly unsung heroes that remain uncredited for their work outside of their native countries. They are tremendously important to anime's accessibility, discoverability, and cultural impact globally. Fans around the world pay tribute to Vegeta's French voice Fans all over Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube are posting footage of Eric Legrand's most iconic wrestling roles, most notably his passionate performances as Vegeta. Dozens shared stories about how his voice shaped their childhoods and introductions to anime. 'Even if I come back to the English dub eventually, Legrand's Vegeta is the one I'll always think of,' one fan wrote on social media after hearing the news. I think specifically with Kai, his voice just sent goosebumps through me during the Majin Vegeta arc. Professional anime & studios from Japan anime creators & studios in Japan, dubbing pros all over Europe and Latin America all have expressed condolences. Eric Legrand: A voice that will echo forever in anime history As long as streaming services, DVDs and reruns play their part in preserving Eric Legrand's performances, his legacy will live on. His expression will continue to be in the powerful legacy of Dragon Ball, resounding in the hearts of fans who grew up with Goku, Vegeta, and the rest of the Z Fighters in French. In an age where the phenomenon of anime has united millions of fans across the planet, Eric Legrand was by all rights a global legend in his own right. His incredible passion, creativity, and legendary talent transcended any single artwork. He was one of the forces that helped anime take over the world. Rest in peace, Eric Legrand You were a true Saiyan until the very end. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Hollywood's Anime obsession: Why western celebrities are all in
Credits: GoAllAnime Anime, once a niche interest, has 'exploded into the mainstream of Western pop culture'. Thanks to streaming services and social media (TikTok in particular), pandemic-era lockdowns gave fans time to binge Anime, massively boosting its reach. Now even Hollywood A-listers openly celebrate their fandom. From tech tycoon Elon Musk to action star John Boyega, celebrities wear their love for anime on their sleeves. Below are a few notable examples: Winston Duke (actor): The Black Panther star tweeted that Demon Slayer is his favorite anime (with My Hero Academia a close second). Michael B. Jordan (actor): The Creed and Black Panther star launched a Naruto-themed fashion collection with Coach, blending anime iconography into streetwear. John Boyega (actor): In a 2022 Wired interview he said he watches Attack on Titan , Naruto , One Piece and 'is on Demon Slayer ' now – praising anime's 'seriousness and depth' and its 'unique style of storytelling'. Megan Thee Stallion (musician): The rapper has mentioned spending downtime watching Attack on Titan and My Hero Academia . Chris Brown (singer): He got a Dragon Ball Z tattoo and tweeted in 2022 that ' Spriggan is my new favorite anime', showing off his fandom. Elon Musk (entrepreneur): The tech CEO often references anime on Twitter – he's tweeted admiration for Ghost in the Shell and recommended classics like Death Note , Evangelion and Spirited Away . Ronda Rousey (WWE star): A longtime Dragon Ball Z fan, she even used to record DBZ episodes on VHS as a kid. These and many other Western stars freely discuss anime now, making 'celebrities who love anime' a real trend in pop culture. Why Anime captivates the stars Credits: Sportskeeda What draws celebrities to Anime? Several factors stand out: by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Limited Prefab Homes For Less (Find Now) Prefab Homes | Search Ads Undo Emotional storytelling: Anime is famous for rich plots and character depth. As Boyega noted, its style of storytelling is full of 'seriousness and depth' – something he finds hard to see in other genres. Producer Samuel L. Jackson agrees: he once quipped that 'Anime has the best, if not the greatest, storytelling out there'. These heartfelt, often high-stakes narratives resonate with stars craving more than the typical blockbuster fare. Nostalgia: Many celebs grew up in the 1990s and 2000s on shows like Dragon Ball Z , Sailor Moon and Pokémon . Revisiting these anime brings childhood memories. In fact, fans say the 'nostalgia of… golden age animes even attracts new anime watchers' – suggesting today's stars (millennials and Gen Z) are happy to relive those Saturday-morning-cartoon days. Visual style & fashion: Anime's bold, vibrant aesthetics inspire artists and fashionistas. From neon hair colors to futuristic costume designs, the visual flair of anime translates into striking outfits. High-fashion labels have taken note: Louis Vuitton's Evangelion capsule collection is a prime example. Streetwear brands (Supreme, Uniqlo, etc.) regularly drop limited-edition Dragon Ball or Naruto apparel. Celebs love that anime allows them to express a fun, edgy style. Social buzz & community: Anime fandom is huge online, and social media has normalized it. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are full of anime memes and cosplayers, so stars feel comfortable sharing their passions. As one commentator noted, even those once teased for watching anime have joined in thanks to social media's 'massive' impact on exposure. Now influencers and fans post anime-inspired outfits and art constantly, making anime references part of pop-culture conversation. In short, the geek culture is cool again – and celebrities are riding that wave. Anime in hollywood and streaming Hollywood itself is responding to the anime craze. Studios have produced several live-action adaptations of popular series – from Ghost in the Shell and Death Note (in the 2010s) to Netflix's own Cowboy Bebop and One Piece . These films and shows, though met with mixed reviews, show that the industry 'has taken note' of anime's popularity. Meanwhile, anime has never been more accessible: streaming giants like Netflix and Crunchyroll make it easy to watch everything from classic Miyazaki films to the latest hits. Even mainstream Western series borrow from anime's playbook – for example, Stranger Things weaves in Japanese horror tropes, and Rick and Morty uses the intricate, often surreal storytelling common in anime. In other words, anime isn't just on the small screen; its influence is shaping Hollywood's storytelling and distribution. Anime's influence on fashion and pop culture Beyond movies and TV, anime has seeped into global trends. On the style front, its impact is unmistakable. Couture and cosplay have collided: besides LV's Evangelion line, even fast-fashion chains release anime-themed collections. Street fashion regularly features beloved characters like Goku or Naruto. Social media amplifies this – fans (and celebrity influencers) share anime-inspired outfits daily, making colorful wigs, character prints and cosplay accents part of everyday looks. As one analysis puts it, anime has turned into a 'mainstream fashion phenomenon'. In music and art, anime aesthetics are everywhere too – album covers, concert visuals, tattoos and even dance moves often pay homage to anime themes. And large conventions (like Anime Expo) and viral online clips underscore how anime references are now common in memes and pop art. In sum, the anime influence on Western pop culture goes far beyond cartoons; it's a creative force in entertainment, fashion and beyond. A sky-high Anime influence In short, the wave of Western celebs obsessed with anime reflects a broader cultural shift. These stars find in anime something uniquely rewarding – emotional storytelling, stylish flair, and a shared community – that complements their public image. And as anime marches into Hollywood blockbusters and high fashion alike, its footprint in Western pop culture only grows. Anime's reach is now 'profound and multifaceted,' bridging continents and styles. Whether it's a superhero or a pop superstar, many celebrities feel an Otaku kinship – proof that anime's creative appeal is truly global and here to stay.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Will stop watching': Anime fans express concern as One Piece animation studio plans to adopt AI in production
Reports that Toei Animation, the well-known studio behind One Piece, Dragon Ball, and other classic series, intends to integrate artificial intelligence into various phases of its animation production have sent anime enthusiasts on the internet into a panic. Following its investment in Preferred Networks (PFN), which is said to have "top-level AI technology competence in Japan," further information about Toei Animation's AI ambitions has surfaced. "We will seek to co-develop new business opportunities and improve the efficiency and quality of our production, capitalizing on synergies between AI and animation production technologies," Toei Animation stated in the FY2026 forecast section of its FY2025 financial report. Anime fans upset as One Piece animation studio plans to adopt AI in production The news was shared with fans on Reddit by a social media user and while some people expected it, others felt that the animation studio will have its downfall. One wrote, 'It's pretty hard not to feel like this is coming for the entire industry piece by piece. Will be interesting to see how much human hand there still is in anime 10 years from now.' Another added ' It's funny. I remember Miyazaki during the time of Princess Mononoke was pretty disappointed that computers couldn't handle things like in-betweens (he found it boring and tedious).' A third went on to add, 'Get ready, this is what the future of anime looks like.' Anime made by Toei animation studio Toei Animation stands as one of Japan's most historic and influential animation studios, with a legacy of producing many legendary anime titles. Among its flagship creations are Dragon Ball (1986), Dragon Ball Z (1989), and Dragon Ball Super (2015), which together make up one of the most iconic franchises in anime history. The studio also produces One Piece (1999–present), a record-breaking and widely cherished series. Other timeless titles from Toei's extensive catalog include Sailor Moon (1992), Saint Seiya (1986), Digimon Adventure (1999), Fist of the North Star (Hokuto no Ken, 1984), GeGeGe no Kitarō (first aired in 1968 with several remakes), and Dr. Slump (1981). For those who don't know, Toei Animation has already experimented with producing anime with AI support. In 2021, it collaborated with PFN to convert photo backgrounds into anime backgrounds for an experimental short film using PFN's Scenify technology.
