About the Author

Derek Padula is the author of The Dao of Dragon Ball website and book series; the first to reveal the deep history, philosophy, and cultural roots of the world's #1 anime and manga. Derek's journey begins when he sees the Dragon Ball anime in 1997. His love for the series inspires him to start martial arts training in Sh�ol�n gōngfu, t�ij�-qu�n, q�gōng, karate, and Fǎl�n D�fǎ meditation. He earns his B.A. in East Asian Studies and a minor in Chinese from Western Michigan University. Then he studies abroad in Běijīng, China where he trains with the Buddhist Sh�ol�n monks and a D�oist t�ij� sword master. After returning home he begins his life's work. He is now an authority on Dragon Ball and loves to share his understanding of this profound series that changes lives.

Reviews

"Reading this book will grant you a deeper understanding of Dragon Ball Z and its philosophies. The incredible insights will change the way you view the show forever." - Alex'sDBZRPG.com "It's Over 9,000! reinvigorates the franchise. It is a beneficial book for the most jaded of Dragon Ball Z fans and non-fans alike." - iSugoi.com"For the Dragon Ball Z fan, It's Over 9,000! is a must read. Much like how Joseph Campbell related the allegories, myths, and archetypes explored in his masterful Hero of a Thousand Faces to George Lucas' Star Wars saga, Padula provides an equally fascinating exploration of the themes in Dragon Ball Z, imparting insight into just how philosophical and sophisticated the source material truly is." - Shadowland Magazine"Hallelujah and praise Kami-sama (or perhaps Shenron) for giving us Derek Padula and his amazingly thorough knowledge of what will always be THE "world-class" anime/manga series." - MangaTherapy.com"It's a well-written and well-informed exploration that could only come from someone as passionately in love with the shonen epic as many of us are. A stunning service to those looking to turn a scholarly eye to the series, and a great primer for newcomers. From one Vegeta fangirl to the hundreds of others out there, you'll find something to love." - Japanator.com