Magic power of the universe

Dragonball, one of the most popular Japanese animation books series, has been taken up by Hollywood.

The movie Dragonball Evolution is based on the 500-plus-episode cartoon by Akira Toriyama and tells the tale of teenager Goku, a warrior alien who protects the Earth from an endless stream of rogues bent on dominating the universe and controlling mystical objects known as Dragon Balls.

First published in 1984, Dragonball sold more than 200 million copies worldwide and has been made into TV animation series, movies and video games. Justin Chatwin plays the hero, who must gather all seven magical orbs or Dragon Balls before the evil Lord Piccolo (James Marsters) uses them to conquer the world. Veteran Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat plays Master Roshi, Goku's mentor, and helps him achieve the highest state of fighting and spiritual powers. HK Actor-director Stephen Chow is the producer and James Wong (Final Destination) directs. Dragonball Evolution opens this weekend.