The Garlic Jr. Saga is one of the most unique chapters in history because it is a rare moment where our heroes have to save the world without Goku. Set right after the battle on Namek, this anime-exclusive story brings back a movie villain to challenge Gohan, Krillin, and Piccolo. While some fans skip over this filler arc, it gave secondary characters a chance to shine and introduced some of the most memorable character designs of the early nineties.
If you are looking to add a piece of this strange era to your shelf, you might be wondering which collectibles actually capture that eerie, Makyo Star energy. Finding high-quality figures from this specific arc can be tricky since it isn’t based on the original manga. I have tracked down the best options available now to help you decide if these rare figures are worth your money.
Key Takeaways
The Garlic Jr. Saga offers a rare opportunity for secondary characters like Gohan, Piccolo, and Krillin to lead the narrative and defend Earth while Goku is absent.
Garlic Jr. stands out as the only villain in the series to successfully achieve true immortality, making his figures and trading cards unique additions to any collection.
Collectors should prioritize vintage 1991 Bandai Carddass cards or high-end gashapon sets, as the arc’s status as anime-exclusive filler makes high-quality merchandise relatively rare.
High-definition Blu-ray restorations in the 4:3 aspect ratio provide the best visual experience, preserving the original film grain and vibrant colors of this early nineties era.
Essential Garlic Jr Figures And Makyo Star Villains
I love how the Garlic Jr. Saga stands out as a unique bridge between the Namek and Android arcs, especially since it features the only villain to actually achieve immortality. If you are looking to add this pint-sized powerhouse to your shelf, you generally have to choose between his small base form or his massive transformed state fueled by the Makyo Star. Collectors often prefer the HG series for a compact version of base Garlic Jr. because it captures his sinister smirk perfectly despite the small scale. These smaller figures are great for recreating the moment the Heavens Tremble as he unleashes the Black Water Mist on Earth Dragon Ball Z episode 108, The Heavens Tremble.
Finding a high-quality physical representation of his transformed state can be a bit more challenging but is well worth the effort for a complete collection. Various high-end gashapon sets offer some of the best sculpts that showcase his hulking muscles and demonic features. I recommend looking for figures that include the Makyo Star as a backdrop or accessory, as it adds that essential lore element to your display. These pieces really help capture the desperation of the Z Fighters while Goku was still absent in space Dragon Ball Z episode 116, The End of Garlic Jr.
If you are trying to decide which version is worth your money, I suggest going for a set that includes his henchmen, the Spice Boys, to truly round out the saga’s aesthetic. While Garlic Jr. himself is the star, having the complete group of Makyo Star villains makes for a much more impressive shelf presence. Most fans find that the larger, transformed sculpts offer better value for the price because of the intricate detailing on his skin and clothing. It is a fantastic way to celebrate this often-debated filler arc and its unique place in the series timeline Dragon Ball Z episode 117, Gohan’s Gratitude.
Rare Garlic Jr Saga Trading Cards And Memorabilia
Collecting cards from the Garlic Jr. Saga is a unique challenge because this filler arc is often overlooked by modern sets. If you want the most authentic vintage feel, I highly recommend hunting down the 1991 Bandai Carddass Station cards from Part 11 and Part 12. These Japanese imports feature stunning art of Garlic Jr. in his hulking transformed state and the menacing Spice Boys, capturing the dark atmosphere of the Makyo Star. For fans of the English TCG, the localized trading cards from the early 2000s are a must buy. Look specifically for the Garlic Jr. personality cards which allow you to play as the only villain to ever successfully wish for immortality Dragon Ball Z episode 108, The Heavens Tremble.
When deciding which memorabilia is worth your money, you should focus on items that highlight the arc’s unique roster like Salt, Mustard, Vinegar, and Ginger. While modern sets occasionally reference the Dead Zone, the real value for collectors lies in the limited 90s prism cards that sparkle with retro flair. These vintage pieces are becoming harder to find in mint condition, making them a great investment for anyone who loves this specific bridge between the Frieza and Trunks sagas. I personally suggest looking for the double prism cards from this era because they offer two layers of artwork for the price of one. Owning these ensures your binder represents a time when Gohan and Krillin had to save the world without Goku’s help Dragon Ball Z episode 116, The End of Garlic Jr.
Comparing Garlic Jr Saga Home Media Releases
If you are looking to add this unique ten episode bridge to your collection, the high-definition restoration sets are widely considered the gold standard for visual quality. These Blu-rays feature a gorgeous frame by frame restoration that preserves the original 4:3 aspect ratio and the beautiful grain of the 16mm film. While these restorations were unfortunately discontinued before covering the entire series, they luckily include the beginning of the Garlic Jr. saga. You can see the vibrant colors and sharp lines of the Dead Zone’s influence starting right away in the first episode of the arc, Dragon Ball Z episode 108, The Heavens Tremble.
For fans who want the complete saga in one consistent format, the standard Blu-ray Season Sets are the most accessible and affordable option on the market today. These sets offer a high definition presentation, though they are cropped to a 16:9 widescreen format to fit modern televisions. While some purists might miss the top and bottom of the frame, the image is clean and the colors really pop during the intense battles against the Spice Boys. This is a great way to watch the team struggle without Goku’s help as the Black Water Mist spreads, Dragon Ball Z episode 109, Black Fog of Terror.
If you prefer the nostalgic look of the original broadcast, searching for the older Dragon Box DVD sets is your best bet for an authentic experience. These sets are quite rare and expensive now, but they provide the original Japanese footage without the heavy digital noise reduction found on newer releases. They offer a softer, more film-like texture that many long-time collectors find superior to the high-contrast look of modern Blu-rays. It is the most faithful way to own the conclusion of the immortal villain’s quest for power, Dragon Ball Z episode 117, Gohan’s Gratitude.
The Best Garlic Jr. Figure for Your Money
When it comes to adding a piece of the Dead Zone to your collection, my top recommendation for the best value is the Garlic Jr. action figure from the popular 6-inch articulated line. This piece stands out because it captures his bulky, transformed look from the palace battle without breaking the bank. It offers great articulation for a budget friendly price, making it much easier to display than rare, expensive vintage figures. While some high end statues exist, this particular figure gives you the most value while celebrating the only villain to actually achieve immortality.
If you are hunting for high quality pieces to put on your shelf, you should look closely at the paint applications on Garlic Jr.’s skin and the detail on his cape. High quality figures will have a distinct, matte green finish rather than a shiny, plastic look that can make a collection feel cheap. Check the joints to ensure they are sturdy enough to hold a pose, especially since this character has a top heavy design. Finding a figure that captures his menacing expression from the moment the Makyo Star nears Earth is the best way to honor this unique filler arc.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Garlic Jr. Saga part of the original manga?
This arc is an anime-exclusive story that does not appear in the original manga series. It was created as a filler arc to bridge the timeline between the Namek and Android sagas Dragon Ball Z episode 108, The Heavens Tremble.
2. Where does this story fit in the Dragon Ball timeline?
The events take place shortly after the battle with Frieza on Namek while Goku is still missing in space. It features the heroes defending Earth during a rare time when Goku is not available to help Dragon Ball Z episode 109, Black Fog of Terror.
3. What makes Garlic Jr. different from other villains?
Garlic Jr. is the only villain in the entire series who actually succeeds in wishing for and achieving true immortality. This makes him an incredibly dangerous threat because he cannot be killed by traditional physical attacks Dragon Ball Z episode 110, Battle in Kami’s Lookout.
4. Why are figures from this arc considered rare?
Since this story is a filler arc not found in the manga, toy companies produce fewer collectibles for it compared to main sagas. You will mostly find him in specialized lines like the HG series or high-end gashapon sets.
5. Which character gets to lead the heroes during this saga?
Gohan takes on the primary hero role and shows off his incredible potential while working alongside Piccolo and Krillin. This arc is a great moment for these secondary characters to shine without Goku or Vegeta around Dragon Ball Z episode 112, The Garlic Junior Potion.
6. What is the Makyo Star and why is it important?
The Makyo Star is a celestial body that passes near Earth and grants Garlic Jr. and his minions a massive boost in power. It is the source of his transformed state and makes him much larger and more muscular Dragon Ball Z episode 113, Krillin’s Proposal.
7. Which Garlic Jr. figure should I look for first?
I recommend starting with the HG series if you want a base form figure that captures his sinister personality. These compact figures are perfect for fans who want a high-quality sculpt that does not take up too much shelf space. If you want to know more about which non-canon stories are worth your time, check out our Dragon Ball Z filler guide for more information.
If you grew up during the North American boom of the series, you might also Remember This? 90s Irwin Toys DBZ Action Figures and how they helped bring the Garlic Jr. saga to life for Western audiences.
