"Gohan & Trunks never had it better"

Hello and welcome to the first issue of "The SiS Observer", my online newsletter thingy. I will publish it on no set schedule, but it will contain bits of informative news going on in Dragonball fandom.

This newsletter will contain various news about this site and Dragonball in general. It will contain regular sections such as "site of the quarter, fanfic or fanart of the month,etc. as well as any pertinent news regarding the latest in Dragonball merchandise, news, and so forth. Some of this may be found in other sections of this website, but it's all in one little neat package right here too, just not as frequent. 

Noteables

This section is devoted to picks by the editor (that's me) for each issue. Don't bother sending me submissions. I find them by surfing the web on my own. That way the selections are completely chosen fair and random and based only upon my own opinion with no outside influences. They may or may not appear in the "Saiyans In Suits" website. It depends on my preferences at the time of selection.

Site Choice of this Issue

The Anime Web Turnpike

The BEST source of Anime Links on the Net!. Has many a Dragonball link too!

Fanfic Choice of this Issue

Dragonball: Generations by Brandon B.

An interesting story in typical series format (in sagas) that is this author's interpretation of what may have happened after the events of DB:GT. Unfinished, but over 40 chapters long already. Also a goody for those of you who like Trunks x Pan.

Site location:

The DBGT Fanfic Sequel Page

Fanart Choice of this Issue

Hanging Cute Goten

I stumbled upon this fanart site once and couldn't resist the cuteness potrayed in this little Goten fanart piece.

There's more fanart at her site here:

Aka Tombo Dragonball Fanart

 

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NEW DRAGONBALL EPISODES

Cartoon Network airs next set of episodes featuring the appearance of the Red Ribbon Army

The next batch of episodes of the original Dragonball series began airing on Febuary 11th on Cartoon Network's Toonami at 5:30pm EST.

#1 Dragonball Site On the Net Shuts Its Doors Forever

That's right, you heard it. PlanetNamek.com, the largest and most popular Dragonball site has closed its door permanently. Lack of interest and funding to maintain the site are the reasons given for its demise. Further complications of web server/hosting may have also added to the decision. It will be sorely missed as a great information source for merchandise and general Dragonball happenings. Best of luck guys and thanks for the ride while it lasted!

FUNimation new DVD/VHS releases-Coming Soon

March 5, 2002 DVD

DBZ: Imperfect Cell: Race Against Time

DB: Red Ribbon Army: Assault on Muscle Tower

DB: Red Ribbon Army: White's Last Stand

March 19, 2002: VHS

Majin Buu: Defiance

Majin Buu: A Hero's Farewell

ZooFactZ

I know it's not Dragonball related (actually it is, there are animals in Dragonball), but here is my little location to use some of my knowledge gained in obtaining my Zoology degree. Who knows, you may even learn something in an easy and fun way!  I will feature a page of an animal each issue. Most will be rare or endangered species or those facing some controversy with humans. Click below to go to this issue's feature animal: 

 

Johnny Rook: Winged Thug

COMMENTARY COLUMN

With the Winter Olympics this year now over and the somewhat stunning news about PlanetNamek.com, this issue's commentary is about the comings & goings of Dragonball fandom.

"Light the Fire Within." This was the slogan for the 2002 Winter Olympics. It is also suited for how one feels about a particular show. Many a Dragonball site has fallen due to a webmaster's "lack of interest."

As a long time fan of anime, I can relate. I too, have had similar feelings as new shows of interest appear and the old ones fade. But, that fire for the old shows that stirred a passion within me never goes out. It may flicker, but in time, I find my passion for the shows I had shoved aside growing once again. If you truly love a series, you will return to it. I've been there, done that, way too many times to admit.

There is also growing question as to whether or not Dragonball fandom is fading as the years go by. Perhaps, but I'm still discovering that new fans are being made even though Dragonball has been airing for many years now, both abroad and in the US. This series took a while for me to warm to it, perhaps it's having a similar effect on others.

Those of you who are currently fans, please remember this. Those of you new to this series' fandom, learn from this. You may find yourself returning to a series you once shoved aside due to lack of interest.

Merchandising seems to be slowing down in the Dragonball realm, but it hasn't stopped yet. Take some advice, if you don't get it now, you're going to be one of the first to regret and ask yourself, "Why didn't I get it when it was easy to come by!?" Dragonball merchandise from Japan is already difficult and pricey. The merchandise by FUNimation and Irwin toys will be the same in a few years. By the time that passion rekindles, you may have missed out. So, keep that flame alive, even if for just a little while longer. You may even like it. Afterall, many of us were screaming for Dragonball to be picked up and aired outside of Japan years ago. Now that we got what we wanted are we just going to give it up!? If "lack of interest" grows, the companies will listen and stop producing. Then we'll be whining again. It happens. Prime examples, Voltron or Star Blazers (Space Battleship Yamato). Ask fans of these series. They'll likely nod their heads in agreement.

The fan controversial Dragonball:GT has yet to be dubbed and air on Cartoon Network. Will you be there for it? Do you even want to bother? Does it stand a chance in the ratings?

And so, light the fire within and keep Dragonball alive by supporting it by maintaining a website, buying merchandise, or whatever else you can do to show your support.