Dragon Ball Super: Beerus Episode 1 Review – Toei Delivers a Promising Start

Dragon Ball Super: Beerus is off to a great start, and it did not take much time for me to realize that. Episode 1 of Dragon Ball Super: Beerus introduces us to Goku and others, with enhanced visual effects and storyline, along with some interesting action scenes. Although the story is very similar, the visual aspect makes it much more enjoyable to watch.

What I like most is how the episode balances Goku’s usual silly moments with the arrival of a threat who could turn his world upside down. Beerus is finally here, and he makes quite an impression!

Goku’s Training Gets a Fresh and Action-Packed Upgrade

Goku might have saved the world from Majin Buu, but that doesn’t mean he’s ready to sit back and relax. Well, he does spend his days farming, but his mind is still on fighting stronger opponents. And honestly, that’s what makes him Goku!

The introduction shows his daily routine, when Goten brings Goku his lunch. The conversation between them is funny, but becomes even more interesting when Goku thinks about the fights with Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu. These extra action scenes are a welcome addition, especially for fans who wanted to see more fighting instead of simply hearing about Goku’s training.

The episode also brings back the humour that makes these characters so enjoyable. Goten accidentally loses control of the tractor, forcing Goku to stop training and save him. It’s a small moment, but it fits their relationship perfectly.

Then comes Mr. Satan with his massive reward of 100 million zeni. Goku isn’t interested in money at first, but Goten quickly finds a way to convince him. If accepting the money means Chi-Chi might let him train at King Kai’s planet, then perhaps it’s not such a bad deal after all.

I enjoyed how quickly these scenes move. The episode keeps the fun parts of the original story while adding more energy to Goku’s training. It kept the best elements of the original, but it also introduced some additional excitement into Goku’s training scenes. And the episode provides Vegeta with some screen time too, presenting him training in the gravity room of Capsule Corporation. He seems determined to surpass his rival Goku, adding another nice touch to their never-ending competition.

Beerus Steals the Show With a More Menacing Introduction

Now, let’s talk about the character who makes this episode truly exciting. Beerus doesn’t need a long introduction to grab our attention. His actions do all the talking. After waking from his long sleep, the God of Destruction begins thinking about a mysterious warrior he saw in a dream.

The episode then moves to Beerus stopping at a planet where its inhabitants prepare a meal for him. Things take a dark turn when Beerus just destroys half of their planet over the food. What makes this scene work so well is how casually Beerus handles the situation. He doesn’t need to power up dramatically or fight for several minutes to prove his strength. He simply decides to destroy the planet, and that’s it.

Toei’s animation makes his introduction even better. The movements feel smoother, the action hits harder, and the darker shading gives Beerus a more threatening look. Some scenes might lean a little too heavily on the shadows, but I like that the new adaptation gives the visuals a stronger identity.

The original Dragon Ball Super already introduced Beerus through this storyline, so the biggest change here is how the story is presented. The tighter pacing and improved action make his arrival feel more exciting without changing the main events.

Most importantly, the episode gives us a reason to look forward to what’s coming. Goku is busy getting stronger, while Beerus is searching for a warrior who might finally challenge him. The two haven’t properly crossed paths yet, but the setup is already promising.

Dragon Ball Super: Beerus Episode 1 Final Verdict

Dragon Ball Super: Beerus Episode 1 is a strong start, and I had a great time watching it. The story isn’t new, but the improved animation, added action, and better pacing make a real difference.

Goku’s scenes are fun without dragging on, while Beerus gets the kind of introduction that makes you want to see more of him. Beerus’ conversation with Whis about the Super Saiyan God also gives the episode a strong sense of direction. The episode also keeps the humour and charm that have always been a big part of Dragon Ball.

Of course, not everything is perfect. Some of the heavy shading can be distracting, and the episode did not have any next-episode preview. Still, Episode 1 does a good job of telling a familiar story in a better way. If this quality continues, Dragon Ball Super: Beerus could become the best way to revisit the beginning of Goku’s next big adventure.

Dragon Ball Super: Beerus is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.

Dragon Ball Super: Beerus Episode 1 Review – Toei Delivers a Promising Start