The 6 foot 3 inch "bald as Krillin" FUNimation voice actor known as Kyle Hebert is a very well respected member of the DB online community and has an uncanny love for bean dip. He has brought us numerous wonderful voices from the world of Dragonball. His voice credits would make any fan jealous. He has done and is continuing to do the voices, of Teenage Gohan, West Kai, Pikkon, Pirozhki, and the current narrator of DBZ. So without further adieu, here is my interview with the one and only Kyle Hebert.

JB: Thank you Kyle for joining us here today.

KH: Hey there, John! It's a pleasure to help you out.

JB: If it is possible, can you tell us where you and FUNimation are right
now as far as the dubbing of Dragonball Z goes? When do you think the
Dragonball Z dubbing will be over?

KH: We recently wrapped recording for Japanese Episode 249. We've got up to
291, I believe, and that'll be it for Z. It is my understanding that we will
dive right into Dragonball GT, and that should be well into 2002. Dragonball
GT won't hit public till 2003.

JB: Have you heard anything from your bosses or co-workers about the time
season 6 of Dragonball Z will be released?

KH: I have heard no word about when Cartoon Network will air season 6,
however the tapes and DVD's will be released monthly all throughout 2002,
leading up to its eventual broadcast.

JB: What is your current opinion on the newer titles FUNimation is dubbing?
I believe you are working on Yu Yu Hakusho.

KH: I have been lucky enough to do minor voices on both of FUNimation's
newest properties, Blue Gender and Yu Yu Hakusho. Blue Gender is a dark,
edgy Sci-fi series that is very serious, violent, and cool. Yu Yu Hakusho is
more lighthearted action/comedy and equaled DBZ's popularity in Japan.
Here's hoping lighting strikes twice.

JB: To the best of your knowledge, when do you think the new episodes of
Dragonball will be released?

KH: I'm guessing you won't see new Dragonball Episodes on the shelves till
early 2002. We are currently dubbing the second season now, and it takes
months of postproduction. We're very happy to see that it's been a hit with
Cartoon Network and the fans.

JB: I read you are hooked on Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3. Is it really that
awesome?

KH: I am indeed a Video Game Nut. Although the Tony Hawk obsession can be
attributed to the Webmaster of my site, Steve Baptista. He literally
disappeared for days holed up in his cave playing that thing. I'm sure it's
fun for skateboarding lovers, but I am not really into sports games.

JB: What other games do you just "love to play," and what games do you
absolutely hate?

KH: I'm personally obsessed with Devil May Cry on PS2. I am looking forward
to Grand Theft Auto 3, Metal Gear Solid 2, and Final Fantasy X. I love Star
Wars: Statfighter, Gran Turismo3, Twisted Metal Black, Zone of the Enders,
Gauntlet Dark Legacy, and the PS2 in general.

JB: Since your 6 foot 3 inches tall, it has to be hard to find a vehicle
comfortable enough for you. What kind of Vehicle do you drive.

KH: A tall person needs a nice full size four door sedan, black, fully
loaded, with a loud and bass-filled stereo system. Hehehe. Now just to get
a custom DBZ paint job across the hood. Either that or Boba Fett.
(I'm a Huge Star Wars Fan)

JB: What other Anime films/series do you watch, besides the ones you work on?

KH: I have fansubs of this fantastic series from the creator of Ranma 1/2
called Inu Yasha. I also have a massive anime DVD collection featuring
Cowboy Bebop, Escaflowne, Evangelion, Gundam, Magic Users Club, Vampire
Hunter D, Akira, Orphen, Tenchi, Robotech, Battle of the Planets, Star
Blazers, and the list goes on and on.

JB: If you didn't have a job as voice actor, would you still be working in
Radio?

KH: Radio is a lot of fun and it sure beats working for a living. Same can
be said for voice acting. The only downside is having to record on a day when
your voice is toast due to a cold. YIKES! I feel very blessed to be able to
work in this exciting field.

JB: What kind of music do you listen to?

KH: I love industrial, electronic, metal, and experimental. Bands like Nine
Inch Nails, Fear Factory, Skinny Puppy, Front Line Assembly, Aphex Twin. I
listen to pretty much everything, but country.

JB: Did you ever think you would be working on one of the greatest Animes
ever? (Dragonball Z)

KH: I first got into DBZ in 1995 and I NEVER thought that I would one day
be associated with it. I used to go around my house imitating Scott Mcneil's
Piccolo and Brian Drummond's Vegeta all the time. It was a total fluke that
some staff members from my radio station took a tour of FUNimation and told
me about auditions. I have been an actor for them for a year now. It's been
a dream come true for me to do voices in animation, especially being an
anime fan.

JB: Well, Thanks Kyle for your time. The DBZN and I appreciate you
taking time out of your busy schedule to do this interview with us.

KH: No problem, glad to help. It was my pleasure to help put. If there
is anything else I can help with, let me know.

John B. - Contributor (A.K.A. Majunior in the forums)

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