Where Can I Read 'Dragon Ball: A Better Bulma' Online?

I've dug deep into fan lore and translations, and 'Dragon Ball: A Better Bulma' isn't an official work by Akira Toriyama. It's actually a fanfiction penned by an author who goes by the pseudonym 'Vesper.' Vesper’s take on Bulma reimagines her as more tech-savvy and assertive, blending sci-fi elements with the original series' humor. The story gained traction on forums like Archive of Our Own, where fans praised its fresh spin on character dynamics. While it lacks the polish of Toriyama’s art, the writing captures Bulma’s wit brilliantly, making it a standout in the fanfic community. Vesper’s version dives into alternate timelines where Bulma’s inventions alter key events—like creating armor for Goku or outsmarting Frieza early. The author’s background in engineering shines through, with detailed gadget descriptions that feel plausible in the 'Dragon Ball' universe. Though obscure, this fic has cult status among fans who crave deeper character exploration beyond the manga’s battles.

'Dragon Ball: A Better Bulma' reimagines Bulma as a far more proactive and tech-savvy genius, altering her role in the narrative significantly. Unlike the original where she often plays support, here she actively designs combat gear and AI to rival Saiyan strength, blurring the line between human and warrior. Her relationship with Vegeta evolves differently—she challenges him intellectually, forcing him to respect her as an equal rather than just a partner. The story also delves deeper into her moral dilemmas, like whether advancing human technology could destabilize the planet’s peace. Another standout change is the timeline. Key events like the Androids’ emergence or Frieza’s defeat hinge on Bulma’s interventions, making her the unseen architect of victories. The tone feels grittier; her failures have consequences, like a failed energy shield leading to civilian casualties. Yet it balances this with her warmth—scenes of her teaching Tronics to Bra humanize her amidst chaos. The fic’s brilliance lies in making Bulma the catalyst without diminishing others’ roles.

'Dragon Ball: A Better Bulma' isn't part of the official canon, but it's a fascinating what-if story that fans adore. Written as a spin-off, it reimagines Bulma's character with sharper wit and a more proactive role in the Dragon Ball universe. While Toriyama's original work remains the core, this version explores alternate dynamics—like Bulma leading tech revolutions or outsmarting villains without relying on Saiyan strength. The art style nods to the classic manga, and the plot threads could almost weave into the main timeline, but it’s purely fan-driven creativity. What makes it stand out is how it fleshes out Bulma’s untapped potential. She invents game-changing tech, negotiates with galactic warlords, and even dabbles in combat training. The story feels fresh yet respectful to the source material. Canon purists might dismiss it, but for those craving deeper character exploration, it’s a gem. Spin-offs like this keep fandoms alive by asking, 'What if?' without disrupting the original saga’s legacy.

In 'Dragon Ball: A Better Bulma', the reimagined Bulma is a whirlwind of intellect and grit, far beyond her original tech-savvy persona. Here, she’s not just a genius inventor but a strategic mastermind who actively shapes the battlefield. Her gadgets aren’t mere conveniences—they’re game-changers, like energy-draining nanobots or portable force fields that outsmart Saiyan brute strength. The story dives into her moral complexity, too; she wrestles with the ethics of creating weapons, adding layers to her character. Physically, she’s no damsel. Trained by Whis in defensive combat, she holds her own in skirmishes, using agility and wit to outmaneuver foes. Her relationship with Vegeta is redefined as a partnership of equals—she challenges his pride, he respects her cunning. The narrative also explores her leadership, showing her rallying Earth’s scientists against galactic threats. This Bulma is a fusion of Tony Stark’s innovation and Black Widow’s agency, making her the soul of the rewritten saga.

In 'Dragon Ball: A Better Bulma,' the focus isn’t on flashy Saiyan transformations but on Bulma’s genius reshaping the Dragon World. The story explores what happens when her intellect takes center stage—revolutionizing tech, outsmarting foes, and even tweaking Saiyan biology. While Goku and Vegeta remain powerful, their transformations take a backseat. Bulma’s inventions, like energy-dampening devices or hybrid androids, steal the spotlight. It’s a refreshing twist where brains rival brawn, and the Saiyans’ iconic power-ups feel almost secondary to her game-changing innovations. The narrative delves into how Bulma’s upgrades affect battles. Imagine Saiyans using her tech to stabilize unstable forms or harness energy more efficiently—subtle enhancements rather than new transformations. The story cleverly sidesteps the usual power creep, opting for strategic depth over another hair-color change. Fans of the series’ scientific side will love this take, where a capsule corp. blueprint holds more weight than a Super Saiyan aura.

Bulma's age varies across the 'Dragon Ball' series. She initially starts as a 16-year-old and is about 40 by the end.

As someone who's devoured both series, 'This is Definitely Not Dragon Ball!!' absolutely feels like a love letter to 'Dragon Ball' wrapped in parody. The visual gags mirror iconic moments—like a protagonist doing push-ups to 'power up' instead of screaming for episodes. Character designs play with expectations too; the not-Goku wears a tracksuit instead of a gi, and the not-Vegeta obsesses over salad rather than pride. The humor lands because it understands 'Dragon Ball's tropes inside out. Fight scenes parody the endless charging sequences with absurd alternatives, like waiting for microwave popcorn between blows. The parody never feels mean-spirited, just an affectionate roast from a true fan.

I've been following 'This Is Definitely Not Dragon Ball!!' since its debut, and while it clearly draws inspiration from 'Dragon Ball', it carves its own niche. The protagonist, unlike Goku, isn't a battle-hungry Saiyan but a reluctant hero with a sarcastic wit. The fights are less about power levels and more about strategy—think chess matches with ki blasts. The art style nods to Toriyama's work but uses thicker lines and darker shading, giving it a grittier feel. World-building is deeper too; instead of planets, the conflict revolves around warring factions in a single, densely layered city. Humor's more mature, with fewer slapstick gags and more sharp one-liners. If 'Dragon Ball' is a shonen classic, this feels like its edgy urban cousin.