Dragon Ball has captivated audiences with its exhilarating narratives and emotional depth, delivering countless unforgettable moments. Among these, the poignant death of Bee, the loyal dog discovered by Mr. Satan and Innocent Buu, significantly stands out. In an intriguing twist, Bee’s revival was not originally guaranteed in the initial draft of this heart-wrenching scene.
The moment when Bee meets his tragic fate at the hands of the merciless sniper Van Zant remains one of the most shocking events in Dragon Ball Z. This scene highlights a seldom-explored dark aspect of humanity, impressively contrasting the series’ generally upbeat tone. More importantly, it serves as a profound character development point for Buu, revealing a depth of compassion beneath his monstrous exterior. This pivotal event illustrates that Buu is capable of genuine emotion, setting the stage for the possibility of empathy and connection. The brutal act against Bee triggers Buu’s transformation into a state of violent anguish, splitting him into his good and evil versions, with the malevolent Buu eventually prevailing.
Buu’s Iconic Scene Almost Took a Different Turn
Buu’s Originally Cold Reaction to Bee’s Death
In a revealing discussion on the Japanese podcast KosoKoso, translated by X (formerly Twitter) user @Venixys, Fuyuto Takeda, one of Akira Toriyama’s editors, divulged insights about the original portrayal of Bee’s death. Takeda, who typically refrained from altering Toriyama’s vision, felt compelled to intervene in this instance, as Buu’s response in the original draft was one of cold detachment, with him merely muttering, “What a stupid human…”This reaction was emblematic of a recurring tendency in Toriyama’s storytelling, where he often sidestepped dramatic moments in favor of their aftermath.
Takeda argued that such a response was unrealistic for Buu’s character, leading to a revision that infused the scene with genuine emotion. In this reimagining, Buu tenderly cradles the deceased pup, allowing his anger to manifest and ultimately triggering the division into his dual identities. This significant alteration became a cornerstone in the Buu saga, showcasing Buu’s internal conflict and moral struggle.
Buu’s Character Arc Could Have Been Entirely Different
This Scene Was Fundamental to Buu’s Redemption Arc
The significance of the Bee death scene cannot be overstated; it was crucial in shaping Buu’s character development as the story progressed. It represents a crucial turning point where Buu’s internal conflict becomes explicit, ultimately leading to a tragic outcome where the evil side triumphs and consumes his benevolent counterpart. Had Buu’s reaction remained the original cold indifference envisioned by Toriyama, the audience may never have encountered the Good Buu that Goku ultimately bonds with.
This episode underscores the indispensable role of skilled editors, who can identify opportunities for heightened drama and emotional resonance, guiding writers toward enhancements that elevate the narrative. While Toriyama is lauded for his creativity, his editors have played a pivotal role in refining narrative elements to enhance storytelling impact. Without Takeda’s intervention, one of Dragon Ball Z‘s most iconic twists may have been lost, marking a significant gap in the series’ emotional landscape.