The Vegeta Saga (also known as "Saiyan Saga") is the first saga from the anime series, Dragon Ball Z. It's main plot concerns the arrival of several aliens, known as "Saiyans", to Earth, looking for Son Goku first, and the Dragon Balls later. The most powerful of these Saiyans is Vegeta. The saga covers the arrival of the first Saiyan, Raditz, and his fight against Goku and Piccolo. It also covers the subsequent training and preparation for the arrival of the Saiyans Nappa and Vegeta. Finally, it covers the fight between the Z-Senshi and the two powerful Saiyans.
This saga was aired in 1996-1997 in the US on the WB/UPN (now The CW) in a heavily, censored format by Geneon (via the Ocean Group cast in Vancouver, BC) when it was syndicated by Saban. In August of 2004, Geneon lost its license for the first 67 episodes of the series, and it was relicensed by FUNimation themselves, which already owned the license for the remainder of the Dragon Ball Z anime series. FUNimation redubbed the episodes, restoring the removed content and redoing the voiced cast. The new dub aired on Cartoon Network in 2005. They also aired in Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland (if counted Ocean dub).
The Vegeta Saga precedes the Namek Saga. This saga aired in Japan in 1990. It comprises US season 1. It was later included in the FUNimation Season One Remastered Box Set, which also includes the first 4 episodes of the Namek Saga. It is part of Dragon Box 1.
Episode 001 – April 26, 1989
ミニ悟空はおぼっちゃま！ボク悟飯です; Mini Gokuu wa Obotchama! Boku Gohan Desu; Mini Goku is Just Precious! I'm Gohan
THE NEW THREAT
With no new battles to fight, Goku has been living a quiet life in the countryside with his wife Chi-chi and their son Gohan! While Goku makes plans to spend a happy day with friends on Master Roshi's island, a powerful new threat is on its way to Earth. And the arrival of this sinister alien could spell disaster for Goku and his friends!
Episode 002 – May 3, 1989
史上最強の戦士は悟空の兄だった; Shijou Saikyou no Senshi wa Gokuu no Ani Datta!; The Strongest Warrior in All of History is Goku's Brother!
REUNIONS
Goku and Gohan attend a reunion on Master Roshi's island, where Goku introduces his son to all of his old friends. The smiles quickly fade, however, as an unexpected visitor lands on the island, and for Goku the day becomes a reunion of a different kind. A powerful alien has arrived. It's Raditz, Goku's evil older brother!
~~(Corresponds to #001 THE ARRIVAL OF RADITZ; Aired 1996/09/13)~~
Episode 003 – May 10, 1989
やった！これが地上最強のコンビだ; Yatta! Kore ga Chijou Saikyou no Konbi Da!; Alright! This is the Strongest Combo in History!
UNLIKELY ALLIANCE
Raditz has kidnapped Gohan! And unless Goku agrees to forsake his friends and the people of Earth by joining the sinister Saiyan, he may never see his son again! All hope is not lost, however, as a second uninvited guest arrives on the island and Goku forges an unlikely alliance!
~~(Corresponds to #002 THE WORLD'S STRONGEST TEAM; Aired 1996/09/20)~~
Episode 004 – May 17, 1989
ピッコロの切り札！悟飯は泣きむしクン; Pikkoro no Kirifuda! Gohan wa Nakimushikun; Piccolo's Trump Card! Gohan is a Crybaby
PICCOLO'S PLAN
The situation looks bleak for Goku and Piccolo, as Raditz easily deflects every attack they send his way. But Piccolo may have a way to stop the sinister Saiyan. He?s perfected a powerful new attack ? the Special Beam Cannon! There?s only one problem. Piccolo needs time to gather the energy for the blast, which means Goku will have to last for five minutes against Raditz alone!
~~(Corresponds to #003 GOHAN'S HIDDEN POWER; Aired 1996/09/27)~~
Episode 005 – May 24, 1989
悟空死す！ラストチャンスは一度だけ; Gokuu Shisu! Rasuto Chansu wa Ichido dake; Goku Dies! There's Only One Chance Left
GOHAN'S RAGE
As Goku takes blow after punishing blow from the evil Raditz, Gohan is able to watch no longer! The young boy?s rage unlocks an awesome power sleeping within him, and he unleashes a mighty attack that not even Radtiz can resist! But as quickly as Gohan?s power appears, it vanishes. And when Raditz prepares to strike back, Goku must make the ultimate sacrifice to save his son!
(No Episode Aired – May 31, 1989; Took a break for the broadcast of another series' special)
Episode 006 – June 7, 1989
エンマ様もびっくり あの世でファイト; Enma-sama mo Bikkuri Ano Yo de Faito; Even Enma-sama is Surprised The Fight Continues in the Next World
NO TIME LIKE PRESENT
With Raditz defeated and Goku gone from this world, the surviving Z-Fighters must begin preparing for the arrival of two more Saiyans who will reach Earth in one year?s time. Piccolo takes Gohan into the wild for a severe training program, in the hope that his hidden power will be revealed. Meanwhile, Goku embarks on a new adventure in the next world, as he must travel the endless miles of Snake Way to receive training from the legendary King Kai!
Episode 007 – June 14, 1989
恐竜とサバイバル！悟飯のツライ修業; Kyouryuu to Sabaibaru! Gohan no Tsurai Shugyou; Dinosaur Survival! Gohan's Difficult Training
DAY 1
Gohan begins his first day of Piccolo's training. Alone in the wilderness, he must quickly learn to take care of himself. But that isn't easy when he's tired, hungry -- and being chased by hungry dinosaurs! If Gohan's first day is this dangerous, how will he ever survive for the second?
~~(Corresponds to #004 GOKU'S UNUSUAL JOURNEY; Aired 1996/10/04)~~
Episode 008 – June 21, 1989
月の輝く夜に大変身！悟飯パワーの秘密; Tsuki no Kagayaku Yoru ni Daihenshin! Gohan Pawaa no Himitsu; The Great Transformation on a Moonlit Night! The Secret of Gohan's Power
GOHAN GOES BANANAS
Krillin receives a startling message. Korin wants him to gather Yamcha, Tien, and Chiaotzu and report for special training! And if that weren?t enough, he and Roshi still have to find a way to tell Chichi what?s happened to Goku and her son. Meanwhile, Gohan?s training causes him to undergo a shocking transformation!
~~(Corresponds to #005 GOHAN'S METAMORPHOSIS; Aired 1996/10/11)~~
Episode 009 – June 28, 1989
ゴメンねロボットさん 砂漠に消えた涙; Gomen ne Robotto-san Sabaku ni Kieta Namida; Sorry Robot-san The Desert of Vanishing Tears
THE STRANGEST ROBOT
Gohan awakes in the wilderness to find his tail gone and a new set of clothes on his back. But the puzzled boy has little time to figure out what happened before a group of wild animals try to have him for breakfast! The chase leads Gohan into the depths of an ancient cave, where he meets an old Capsule Corp robot. The robot has lived alone in the cave for over 30 years ? and he?s not happy to have visitors!
Episode 010 – July 5, 1989
泣くな悟飯！はじめての闘い; Naku na Gohan! Hajimete no Tatakai; Don't Cry Gohan! His First Fight
A NEW FRIEND
Krillin pulls Yamcha away from a rowdy baseball game to begin training at Korin Tower. Meanwhile, Gohan?s adventures in the wilderness continue, as he makes a new dinosaur friend! Gohan is happy to finally have some company. That is, until he gets a harsh reminder ? not all dinosaurs are friendly!
~~(Corresponds to #006 GOHAN MAKES A FRIEND; Aired 1996/10/18)~~
Episode 011 – July 12, 1989
宇宙一の強戦士サイヤ人めざめる; Uchuuichi no Kyousenshi Saiyajin Mezameru; The Saiyan, Strongest Warriors in the Universe, Awaken!
TERROR ON ARLIA
While Goku runs down Snake Way for a meeting with King Kai, Gohan gets a very important survival lesson from a T-Rex. Meanwhile Vegeta and Nappa head towards Earth but make a quick stop on planet Arlia and become prisoners of the tyrant king who rules the planet. After a brief scuffle with the monster Yeddy, the Arlians realize that the two Saiyans are more for then they can handle as Vegeta and Nappa leave their terrible mark on the planet.
~~(Corresponds to #007 TROUBLE ON ARLIA; Aired 1996/10/25)~~
Episode 012 – July 19, 1989
蛇の道でいねむり 悟空が落っこちる; Hebi no Michi de Inemuri Gokuu ga Okkochiru; Catnap on the Snake Road Goku Takes a Tumble
GLOBAL TRAINING
Gohan is busy with his survival training and spends his day tormenting a clumsy but delicious T-Rex. Tien and Chiaotzu are training across the planet, but their workout is interrupted by a very demanding Launch. Goku tries to find King Kai on Snake Way while Piccolo?s power gets out of control with disastrous results.
Episode 013 – July 26, 1989
手を出すな！エンマ様の秘密の果物; Te o Dasu na! Enma-sama no Himitsu no Kudamono; Hands Off! Enma-sama's Secret Fruit
GOZ AND MEZ
After waking up dazed and disoriented, Goku sees a fruit tree. Not one to deny his appetite, Goku helps himself. But watching him are two giant ogres who want nothing more than to use the hero as a play toy! If Goku can defeat their challenges, the ogres vow to show him the way back to Snake Way. But can these two beasts be trusted?
~~(Corresponds to #008 HOME FOR INFINITE LOSERS; Aired 1996/11/01)~~
Episode 014 – August 2, 1989
あまーい誘惑！蛇姫さまのおもてなし; Amaai Yuuwaku! Hebi Himesama no Omotenashi; Such Sweet Temptation! The Snake Princess's Hospitality
PRINCESS SNAKE
Finally back on Snake Way, Goku comes across a house. Thinking it belongs to the legendary King Kai, Goku believes his amazing journey has ended. But he soon finds himself begin deceived by Princess Snake?who will do anything to keep Goku her prisoner forever!
~~(Corresponds to #009 PRINCESS SNAKE'S HOSPITALITY; Aired 1996/11/08)~~
Episode 015 – August 9, 1989
ピッコロからの脱出！嵐を呼ぶ悟飯; Pikkoro kara no Dasshutsu! Arashi o Yobu Gohan; Escape from Piccolo! Gohan Summons a Storm
DUELING PICCOLOS
Still in shock that Raditz was able to dodge his strongest attack, Piccolo flies off the handle causing him to split in two! Gohan takes a break from training and begins to dream of his mother and father. The next day he decides to visit his mother by traversing the sea on a makeshift raft. He soon gets caught in a storm and remembers he can?t swim! Could this be the end of poor Gohan?
Episode 016 – August 16, 1989
走れ悟飯！チチの待つなつかしのパオズ山; Hashire Gohan! Chichi no Matsu Natsukashi no Paozu Yama; Run, Gohan! Longing for Mt. Paozu, Where Chi Chi is Waiting
PLIGHT OF THE CHILDREN
After surviving a rough night on a stormy sea, Gohan washes up onshore and is nursed back to health by two orphans named Rom and Chiko. It turns out that they are part of a larger gang of orphans who live on their own and are constantly on the run from meddling adults. Pigero, the orphans? leader , hatches a plan to take the orphaned children to a safer hiding place but when the police show up everything goes wrong!
~~(Corresponds to #010 ESCAPE FROM PICCOLO; Aired 1998/09/11)~~
(No Episode Aired – August 23, 1989; Took a break for a pre-recorded baseball broadcast!)
Episode 017 – August 30, 1989
明日なき街！勝利への遠い道のり; Asu Naki Machi! Shouri e no Tooi Michinori; City of No Tomorrow! The Long Road to Victory
PENDULUM ROOM PERIL
Mr. Popo leads Earth?s top warriors to Kami?s Pendulum Room where the past, present and future exist at the same time. After an eventful trip back in time they all realize they have to train a lot harder if they are going to stand a chance against the two Saiyans who are speeding ever closer to Earth.
~~(Corresponds to #011 SHOWDOWN IN THE PAST; Aired 1996/11/15)~~
Episode 018 – September 6, 1989
終点～ん蛇の道！おめえ界王様か;？Shuute~n Hebi no Michi! Omee Kaiousama ka?; Last Stop on Snake Road! Are you Kaio-sama?
THE END OF SNAKE WAY
Gohan continues his martial arts training under the watchful eye of Piccolo, but a strange transformation takes him over. A full moon causes the young Saiyan to rampage out of control! Meanwhile Goku finally makes it to the end of Snake Way and mistakes a friendly ape named Bubbles for the mythical King Kai. With two of our heroes going bananas it looks like the two sinister Saiyans will have an easy time invading Earth!
~~(Corresponds to #012 THE END OF SNAKE WAY; Aired 1997/01/03)~~
Episode 019 – September 13, 1989
重力との戦い！バブルス君をつかまえろ; Juuryoku to no Tatakai! Baburusukun o Tsukamaero; The Battle with Gravity! Catch Bubbles
DEFYING GRAVITY
Gohan?s training with Piccolo continues to intensify, but it?s Goku who faces the biggest challenge. Goku begins his training, but it is unlike anything he?s ever experienced before. The intense gravity of King Kai?s planet makes training difficult, but when he learns that the Saiyans are used to extreme fighting conditions, Goku is inspired to give it his all. But will it be enough?
~~(Corresponds to #013 A FIGHT AGAINST GRAVITY... CATCH BUBBLES; Aired 1997/01/10)~~
Episode 020 – September 20, 1989
よみがえるサイヤ人伝説！悟空のルーツ; Yomigaeru Saiyajin Densetsu! Gokuu no Ruutsu; The Return of the Saiyan Legend! Goku's Roots
GOKU'S ANCESTORS
After Goku completes the first phase of his special martial arts training King Kai instructs him to bash Gregory with a hammer. Easier said than done. After an exhaustive chase, King Kai tells the story of the Saiyan race. Inspired, Goku resumes his training and eventually manages to put the hammer to Gregory. Impressed, King Kai agrees to train Goku personally. But will it be enough to stop the incoming Saiyan invasion of Earth?
~~(Corresponds to #014 THE LEGEND OF THE SAIYANS; Aired 1997/01/17)~~
Episode 021 – September 27, 1989
いでよ神龍！サイヤ人ついに地球到着; Ide yo Shenron! Saiyajin Tsui ni Chikyuu Touchaku; Come Forth, Shenron! The Saiyan Finally Arrive on Earth
COUNTING DOWN
Goku?s training with King Kai complete, Master Roshi and the gang summon the Eternal Dragon to wish him back to life! And they?re not a moment too soon. There?s only one day left before the Saiyans arrive! The problem is ? it?s going to take Goku two days to return on Snake Way!
~~(Corresponds to #015 A BLACK DAY FOR PLANET EARTH; Aired 1997/01/24)~~
(No Episode Aired – October 4, 1989; Dragon Ball Z took a break for another series' special)
Episode 022 – October 11, 1989
んなバカな！！土から生まれたサイバイマン; 'Nna Baka na!! Tsuchi kara Umareta Saibaiman; Unbelievable!! Saibaimen, Born from the Soil
THE DARKEST DAY
The Saiyans Vegeta and Nappa defiantly announce their arrival on Earth with the complete destruction of East City. Sensing their power, Vegeta, Gohan and Krillin prepare for the worst and meet the Saiyans face to face where Piccolo learns of his origins on the planet Namek. Yajirobe also learns of the Saiyans arrival but uses it merely as an occasion for profit. Our heroes are left facing on onslaught of sprouted Saibamen under the grinning command of Vegeta and Nappa.
~~(Corresponds to #016 THE BATTLE BEGINS... GOKU WHERE ARE YOU?; Aired 1997/02/01)~~
Episode 023 – October 18, 1989
ヤムチャ死す！おそるべしサイバイマン; Yamucha Shisu! Osoru Beshi Saibaiman; Yamcha Dies! The Terror of the Saibaimen
SAIBAMEN ATTACK!
Having completed their year-long journey to Earth, the two sinister Saiyans made their presence known with explosive style! Now Krillin, Piccolo, and Gohan stand face to face with these Saiyan monsters, and the diabolical henchmen they?ve brought with them. Can they hold out until Goku arrives?
~~(Corresponds to #017 THE SAIBAMEN STRIKE; Aired 1997/02/08)~~
Episode 024 – October 25, 1989
さよなら天さん！餃子の捨て身の戦法; Sayonara Tensan! Chaozu no Sutemi no Senpou; Farewell Tenshinan-san!; Chaozu's Suicide Strategy
THE POWER OF NAPPA
Enraged over the loss of his friend, Yamcha, Krillin unleashes a powerful attack that destroys the maniacal Saibamen once and for all. But the victory is only temporary. Now the Earth?s defenders must battle the Saiyans themselves ? and the terrifying Nappa is ready for a fight!
~~(Corresponds to #018 NAPPA... THE INVINCIBLE?; Aired 1997/02/15)~~
Episode 025 – November 1, 1989
天津飯絶叫！！これが最後の気功砲だ; Tenshinhan Zekkyou!! Kore ga Saigo no Kikouhou da; Tenshinhan Cries Out!!; This is My Last Kikoho
SACRIFICE
In a desperate attempt to save his friends, Chiaotzu sacrifices himself to stop the evil Nappa. But when the smoke clears, Nappa is left standing. Now Tien and the others must carry on without their friend as Nappa launches another devastating attack. And though his body is broken, Tien has one trick left that could put the diabolical Saiyan down, once and for all!
Episode 026 – November 8, 1989
ひたすら待って３時間！弾丸飛行の筋斗雲; Hitasura Matte Sanjikan! Dangan Hikou no Kintoun; An Intense 3-Hour Delay! The Kinto-Un Bullet-Express
NAPPA'S RAMPAGE
Vegeta has called a halt to the fighting, and Nappa uses the time to go on a rampage! Meanwhile, Goku reaches the end of Snake Way and races to rejoin his friends. But is he already too late to save them from the deadly Saiyans?
~~(Corresponds to #019 TIEN GOES ALL OUT!; Aired 1997/02/22)~~
(No Episode Aired – November 15, 1989; Took a break for a sports special)
Episode 027 – November 22, 1989
ぼくにまかせて！悟飯、怒りの大爆発; Boku ni Makasete! Gohan, Ikari no Daibakuhatsu; Leave it to Me! Gohan's Great Burst of Anger
NIMBUS SPEED
Piccolo, Gohan, and Krillin do their best to stop the Saiyan invaders, Vegeta and Nappa, from finding the Dragon Balls and taking over the planet. Meanwhile, Goku is flying back to Earth on the Flying Nimbus with more power than he has ever had before. Will it be enough? And will he arrive in time?
~~(Corresponds to #020 TIME'S UP!!; Aired 1997/04/12)~~
Episode 028 – November 29, 1989
サイヤ人の猛威！神様もピッコロも死んだ; Saiyajin no Moui! Kamisama mo Pikkoro mo Shinda; Ferocity of the Saiyan! Kami-sama and Piccolo Both Die!
GOKU'S ARRIVAL
Piccolo makes the ultimate sacrifice in an effort to save Gohan from the Saiyan?s ruthless rampage. Just when all seems hopeless, Goku finally returns to Earth with an incredible new level of power and confronts the Saiyans. But, will this new power be enough to defeat Nappa and Vegeta?
~~(Corresponds to #021 THE RETURN OF GOKU; Aired 1997/04/19)~~
Episode 029 – December 6, 1989
父さんすげえや！究極の必殺技・界王拳; Tousan Sugee ya! Kyuukyoku no Hissatsuwaza · Kaiouken; Father is Awesome! The Ultimate Finishing Technique – Kaio-ken
LESSON NUMBER ONE
Locked in the final battle with Earth's Saiyan attackers, Goku begins to demonstrate the skills and training he received from King Kai beginning with a devastating attack on Nappa. But when Nappa concedes defeat under the command of Vegeta, he turns on Gohan and Krillin only to be stopped by Goku's Kaio-Ken attack. Broken and defeated, Nappa is finally vanquished by Vegeta leaving Goku to face him alone.
~~(Corresponds to #022 GOKU STRIKES BACK!!; Aired 1997/04/26)~~
Episode 030 – December 13, 1989
限界を超えた熱い戦い！悟空対ベジータ; Genkai o Koeta Atsui Tatakai! Gokuu Tai Bejiita; A Hot, Unbounded Battle! Goku vs Vegeta
GOKU VS. VEGETA
After sending Gohan and Krillin away, Goku decides to take on the mighty Vegeta all by himself. As his family and friends wait and wonder, Goku and the powerful Saiyan face off in a destructive battle. Both warriors seem evenly matched, but both are hiding their true strength. Will Goku?s hidden abilities be enough to put an end to this once and for all?
Episode 031 – December 20, 1989
いまだ悟空！すべてを賭けた最後の大技; Ima Da Gokuu! Subete o Kaketa Saigo no Oowaza; Now, Goku! A Final Technique with Everything on the Line
SAIYAN SIZED SECRET
Vegeta and Goku continue their one-on-one battle of strength, will, and determination. Blow by blow, the two warriors seem evenly matched, until Vegeta reveals the secret power of the Saiyans?the ability to transform into a giant ape, whose rage is capable of destroying entire civilizations and planets! Can Goku find a way to stop this monstrous assault?
~~(Corresponds to #023 GOKU VS. VEGETA... A SAIYAN DUEL; Aired 1997/05/03)~~
(No Episode Aired – December 27, 1989, You idiot! Once again, we took a break for a year-end special!!)
(No Episode Aired – January 3, 1990 and January 10, 1990, On the third there was a new-year special, and then we took a break on the tenth for a variety special, so no new episodes of Dragon Ball Z aired.)
Episode 032 – January 17, 1990
戦闘力１０倍！！ベジータ大変身; Sentouryoku Juubai!! Bejiita Daihenshin; Battle Power Times Ten!! Vegeta's Great Transformation
SPIRIT BOMB AWAY!
The battle continues between Goku and Vegeta who is now a completely transformed Saiyan Warrior. When Gohan senses the danger his dad is facing he convinces Krillin that they must return and fight. Goku is left with no choice except to use the Spirit Bomb but when that fails he is left in the clutches of Vegeta with no help in sight!
~~(Corresponds to #024 VEGETA... SAIYAN STYLE!; Aired 1997/05/10)~~
Episode 033 – January 24, 1990
死なないで父さん！！これが悟飯の底力; Shinanaide Tousan!! Kore ga Gohan no Sokojikara; Don't Die, Father!! This is the Depth of Gohan's Power
HERO IN THE SHADOWS
With Goku caught in the clutches of the giant ape Vegeta, Krillin and Gohan launch a desperate attempt to save him! All is for naught, however, as Krillin?s Destructo Disk fails to sever the Saiyan?s tail. But a single hope remains for reversing Vegeta?s monstrous transformation, when an unlikely hero steps out of the shadows? Yajirobe!
Episode 034 – January 31, 1990
撃てクリリン！願いをこめた元気玉; Ute Kuririn! Negai o Kometa Genkidama; Shoot, Krillin! The Genki-dama, Packed with Hope
KRILLIN'S OFFENSIVE
While Gohan fights for his life against Vegeta, Goku passes the power of the Spirit Bomb to Krillin. With King Kai?s guidance, Krillin launches the bomb at Vegeta in an attack that sends the evil Saiyan sky-high. Now that he?s been sent hurtling toward the outer-reaches of the Earth?s atmosphere, this is surely the last our heroes have seen of Vegeta ? or is it?
~~(Corresponds to #025 STOP VEGETA NOW!; Aired 1997/05/17)~~
Episode 035 – February 7, 1990
奇跡を起こせ！スーパーサイヤ人孫悟空; Kiseki o Okose! Suupaa Saiyajin Son Gohan; Cause a Miracle! The Super Saiyan, Son Gohan
MERCY
Gohan transforms into the giant ape, much to the dismay of the angry Vegeta. After a grueling battle, Vegeta managed to cut off Gohan?s tail, taking away his ability to transform. But, the giant ape fell and crushed Vegeta, leaving him beaten and defeated. Krillin decides to finish the Saiyan, once and for all, but Goku has other plans?
~~(Corresponds to #026 THE BATTLE ENDS; Aired 1997/05/24)~~