The legendary mangaka did not want to continue with his popular comedy … until they put an unexpected condition
In a corner of the 80s, while Dr. Slump razed the pages of Shonen Jumpits author, Akira ToriyamaHe felt that his creativity was on the verge of collapse. The series, which had begun as a comedy of absurd gag with the irreverent Arale, had become a phenomenon. But for Toriyama, that weekly routine to get new jokes has become a load. Everything I wanted was to stop. But the editorial had other plans.
As revealed The latest techniques of Dr. Mashrito’s mangaA book written by his Exedito Kazuhiko TorrishimaThe Creator of Dragon Ball I didn’t have a free way to leave Dr. Slump… Unless he has offered something even more interesting. Thus was born one of the most influential sleeves in history.
The origin of Dragon Ball
Torrishima recalls that Toriyama went to him saying: “I want to leave this series”With reference to Dr. Slumpwhich has been published since 1980. The response of the publisher was straightforward: “If you can create a more interesting manga than collapse, then you can leave it”. Politics in this was so difficult Shonen Jump.
For months, Toriyama tried to discover that “something more interesting”, launching several One-shot AS Rose or ChobitBut nobody reached the necessary impact. Desperate, Torrishima went to Mangaka’s house in Nagoya. There they did not become very clear … Until Toriyama’s wife confessed that her husband used to enter as he watched Kung -Fu movies.
That was click. “Why don’t you do a kung-ff manga?” Torrishima proposed. What came later was Dragon BoyA story of martial arts with a prominent child, dragons and a spoiled princess. That child would later become son Goku.
From Dragon Boy A Dragon Ball
Dragon Boy He had two chapters that readers’ polls liked. The second was equal number one. That result, together with Toriyama’s passion for the design of what he really liked, ended up modeling Dragon Ball. Thus, the little Tangong, who protected a capricious princess, became Goku, a child with a monkey tail that accompanied Bulma in search of Dragon Balls.
The rest, as they usually say, is the history of souls.
When Dragon Ball also took his toll
The book also reveals that Toriyama He wanted to end up Dragon Ball After the cell sagaalready exhausted from the pressure level and the publisher’s demand. However, he was convinced (again) to continue, which led to the Majin Boo saga and, later, in the critical experiment that was Dragon Ball GT.
These types of decisions confess several editors in podcast Japanese Kosoreflect The small respect that Shueisha showed Toriyama’s will and healthSomething that was evident even after his death in 2024.
The inheritance is still alive
Today, Dragon Ball He did not stop reinventing himself. The new anime, Dragon Ball DaimaAvailable in Crunchyroll And this will arrive folded in Spanish in Iti On June 14 he presents a crazy premise: Goku and his friends are again children after a spell and everything indicates the mysterious “demonic kingdom” like the origin of this chaos.
Also, a new character called GloryA young Majin makes its appearance. In the meantime, Goku Mini’s voice will be responsible Stephanie NaDolnywhich generated quite expectations among classic fans.
Toriyama’s journey, which began as a desperate desire to stop making weekly jokes, ended up leading to one of the longest and most loved and loved universes of manga. And although its history is already complete, The seed planted in the heart of millions continues to grow through new generations.
In the background, Dragon Ball Not only is it a story of epic fights and legendary transformations. It is the story of a creator who, tired and pressed, knew how to transform his passion for martial arts and the comedy into a Immortal adventure.
