I was due for a new Dragon Ball video. Then, as I was working on it, the worst thing ever happened.

In today’s video we celebrate Akira Toriyama’s greatness and his incredible legacy. I give a brief history of the franchise during the somewhat bleak years following the end of the manga’s serialization, and show how Dragon Ball was treated when Toriyama wasn’t really in the picture. Then, we contrast as Toriyama makes his grand return to Dragon Ball in 2013. A return that was cut short far too soon.

I also try to answer some questions as we look towards the future for the Dragon Ball franchise. What exactly is that unique Toriyama charm that is so essential to the Dragon Ball story? Can it be replicated? How close does Toyotarou come with his work on the Dragon Ball Super manga? Can Dragon Ball continue and thrive without Akira Toriyama? Going forward, who becomes the de-facto leader of the franchise? Who becomes the new, main voice behind the next Dragon Ball stories? Is such a responsibility even given to a single person? All that and so much more as I try to make sense of this dark and confusing time as a Dragon Ball fan.

If you want to learn more about Akira Toriyama and his creative process, I highly recommend reading a few of his many interviews. And, of course, check out his manga! Dragon Ball, Dr. Slump and most of his other published works are easily accessible and it’s all fantastic. Anime-only fans of Dragon Ball… give the manga a shot, you won’t regret it!

Below are links to the interviews seen in the video, but there are many more on Kanzenshuu that are absolutely worth a read. A big thank you to the team at Kanzenshuu for their wonderful translation work over the last two decades.

Akira Toriyama Interview with Asahi Shimbun Digital, March 30, 2013 - Translation by SaiyaJedi - [ Ссылка ]

Akira Toriyama Super Interview from Dragon Ball Daizenshuu 2: Story Guide - Translation by Herms - [ Ссылка ]

Dragon Ball Movie Frontline: Akio Iyoku Interview from Dragon Ball Official Site, April 29, 2018 - Translation by SaiyaJedi - [ Ссылка ]

Shueisha Establishes New “Dragon Ball Room” Initiative to Support Future Content, October 14, 2016 - [ Ссылка ]

CBR Interview with Toyotarou - [ Ссылка ]

Eiichiro Oda and Akira Toriyama Discussion from One Piece Color Walk 1 - Translation by Greg - [ Ссылка ]

Dropping The Ball: Dragon Ball Z’s DEPRESSING 30th Anniversary Set + Its FULL History on Home Video - [ Ссылка ]

#dragonball #dragonballz #akiratoriyama



Thank you for everything Akira Toriyama. Your work was truly groundbreaking and iconic. You are gone too soon, but your legacy will live forever!

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