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In the statement, Toyotarou says, "Come to think of it, Toriyama-sensei had said right along that out of the illustrations he drew, there were hardly any he really liked. 'That can’t be true when he draws such amazing stuff!' I thought, so one time I went ahead and asked him directly. His response was, 'People of our generation don’t really do stuff like bragging about our own work.' Judging from that, I think he probably did have a favorite illustration or two, but that wasn’t the sort of thing the creator himself should be going on about."
Like many fans, Toyotarou was shocked at the idea that Toriyama didn't really like his own artwork, especially when it's so well regarded by the public. Toriyama's response in the above statement seems to suggest that while he might have had some pieces he was proud of, he considered it impolite to speak about his own work in such a way. As he says, this is likely something of a generational issue; Toriyama's generation focused on quietly creating quality work, and "bragging" would be seen as uncouth. Younger artists like Toyotarou, who've had a more individualistic sort of life, seem to feel differently about it.
Toyotarou recently revealed his cover for the "Dragon Ball Super Gallery" project, which has seen many prominent artists, including Jojo's Bizarre Adventure's Hirohiko Araki and Bleach's Tite Kubo, producing recreations of the classic Dragon Ball Manga covers to celebrate the series' 40th anniversary. Toyotarou was responsible for volume 39, depicting Mr. Satan and Buu driving in a car, on the run from the ghosts of the Red Ribbon Army. Accompanying the cover reveal was a comment for Toyotarou, talking a bit about his interactions with Toriyama.
Toyotarou spoke about how Toriyama regarded his art, and it may surprise fans to find out how he felt about it. It's certainly interesting that Toriyama had "hardly any" artwork of his own that he enjoyed. He definitely worked very hard on his artwork, as evidenced by the work itself, and his own comments over the years. This goes far beyond just Dragon Ball, as Toriyama was responsible for the creation of over 40 different Manga series in his career. Still, there must have been some works closer to his heart than others, as even "hardly any" would suggest. It's a shame that fans will never get to know what of his own art Toriyama most valued.
Dragon Ball is undoubtedly one of the most iconic series of all time, due in no small part to Akira Toriyama's artwork, but apparently one wouldn't really get that sense from the man himself. Dragon Ball Super artist Toyotarou gave his thoughts on Toriyama and how he regarded his own work.
Toriyama's feelings about his art may have been shaped by the culture he grew up with, but fortunately, the value of his art isn't determined by him alone. It's been clear throughout this Dragon Ball Super Gallery project that Toriyama's artwork has touched the lives of many manga artists over the years, and that fact alone makes it incredibly precious.
From the creative mind of Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball is a mega multimedia franchise that spans back to the 1980s. Dragon Ball expanded quickly, starting as a serialized manga for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan. It made its way overseas via manga and an anime adaptation that is enjoyed worldwide. Dragon Ball was the initial starting animated series that followed the adventures of the young Son Goku as he sought after the Dragon Balls. These mystical orbs would grant the wish of any who gathered them together. Then, the series would branch off into the immensely popular Dragon Ball Z, which followed Goku as an adult and featured high-intensity battles and Goku's never-ending search to be the strongest. The series has also enjoyed several popular video game adaptations and continues to release several new animated series and theatrical films up to the recent popular Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
The Dragon Ball franchise is a cultural phenomenon, with its impact reaching beyond the realms of manga and anime. The characters, stories, and art style have become iconic, inspiring countless fans and artists worldwide. From the memorable characters like Goku, Vegeta, and Piccolo to the dynamic action sequences and imaginative world-building, Dragon Ball has captivated audiences for decades. The series continues to evolve and expand, demonstrating its enduring appeal and its place as a timeless classic in the world of entertainment.
Toriyama's feelings about his art may have been shaped by the culture he grew up with, but fortunately, the value of his art isn't determined by him alone. It's been clear throughout this Dragon Ball Super Gallery project that Toriyama's artwork has touched the lives of many manga artists over the years, and that fact alone makes it incredibly precious.
The Dragon Ball Super Gallery project, a testament to the enduring legacy of Akira Toriyama's work, has brought together some of the most talented manga artists to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Dragon Ball franchise. The project features a collection of reinterpretations of classic Dragon Ball manga covers, showcasing the diverse perspectives and creative styles of artists from across the manga world. The Dragon Ball Super Gallery project serves as a tribute to the impact of Akira Toriyama's art, highlighting the enduring legacy of Dragon Ball and its influence on generations of manga artists.