To honor the legacy of Dragon Ball Z’s creator, Akira Toriyama, Toonami introduced that it’ll run a particular marathon for the anime this weekend. Toonami introduced that the lineup for its programming block on Saturday, March 16, will embrace a Dragon Ball Z Kai marathon. The marathon kicks off at 2am ET and concludes at 5:30am, consisting of the primary eight episodes of the anime. Mark your calendars. | Screenshot by Taylor Lyles / IGN”As a tribute to anime legend Akira Toriyama (1955-2024), we’re celebrating his legacy Saturday night time with a DBZ Kai marathon from 2a to 6a,” Toonami wrote within the publish. “Might he relaxation in Tremendous Saiyan energy.”Dragon Ball Z Kai premiered in 2009 and is a recut model of the anime collection Dragon Ball Z launched to commemorate the anime’s twentieth anniversary. Alongside recutting the unique collection, Dragon Ball Z Kai additionally served as a remaster that improved the visuals and animation and included re-recorded dialogue. Whereas some could also be confused that Toonami selected Dragon Ball Z Kai as an alternative of the unique anime that aired within the late 90s, that is seemingly since this model of the anime is a extra devoted adaptation of the Dragon Ball Z manga by Toriyama, as the vast majority of anime-exclusive content material discovered within the authentic anime, such because the Garlic Jr. Saga, has been eliminated in Dragon Ball Z Kai.In our evaluation of the DVD for season one, half one in all Dragon Ball Z Kai, IGN wrote: “Dragon Ball Z has been round for a very long time. It has been launched on residence video over and time and again. It needs to be stated, although, that this new model of the collection could be very well-done – the technical facets of the manufacturing are spectacular, and the re-edited story cuts to the chase in a method that makes it way more thrilling and accessible to new viewers.”As talked about by Toonami, the marathon is about to honor the legacy of Toriyama, who unexpectedly handed away earlier this month on the age of 68. Whereas Dragon Ball Z was not Toriyama’s first challenge, it’s arguably one in all his most beloved creations, as Dragon Ball Z (and by extension, the larger Dragon Ball franchise) performed an influential function within the anime and gaming industries.Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You possibly can comply with her on Twitter @TayNixster.