Akira Toriyama beyond Dragon Ball: A journey through the masterpiece of a manga genius
Akira Toriyama, the name will resonate with millions as the creator of the iconic Dragon Ball saga. However, his legacy transcends the adventures of Goku and his friends. Across decades, Toriyama has woven a rich and varied narrative tapestry, exploring genres and styles that go beyond epic battles and martial arts. On this journey, we will discover the many facets of this master of manga and anime.
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Absurd humor and overflowing imagination: Dr. Slump and the beginnings
Before the Dragon Balls took over the world, Toriyama introduced us to Arale Norimaki, a robot who looks like a little girl, and her creator, Professor Senbei Norimaki. Published in the early 1980s, Dr. Slump was a huge success that laid the groundwork for the comedic, light-hearted style that would come to characterize the author. The series is known for its absurd humor, endearing characters, and a world full of extravagant inventions. In Dr. Slump, we could already see the elements that would make Dragon Ball a worldwide phenomenon: Toriyama's ability to create memorable characters, his love of comic situations, and his boundless imagination.
Beyond the comics: Toriyama and video games
Toriyama's influence extended beyond the world of manga. His talent for character design led him to collaborate on numerous video games, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. From the RPG classics Dragon Quest, where his colorful and memorable designs brought a fantastical world to life, to Chrono Trigger, a journey through time with unforgettable characters, Toriyama demonstrated his versatility and his ability to adapt to different genres.
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A Master of Character Design: Creating Unique Universes
One of the hallmarks of Toriyama's work is his ability to create iconic and memorable characters. His designs, often simple yet expressive, have left an indelible mark on popular culture. Both the heroes and villains of his stories possess a unique and recognizable personality, from the innocent Goku to the quirky characters of Dr. Slump. Toriyama's ability to convey emotion through design is evident in each of his characters.
The versatility of a genius: Exploring other genres
Although Dragon Ball is his best-known work, Toriyama did not limit himself to a single genre. Throughout his career, he explored various styles and themes, demonstrating his versatility as an author. Cowa!, for example, is a more intimate and moving work, which presents us with a story of friendship and adventure in a fantasy world. Sand Land, on the other hand, is a science fiction work with a strong ecological message, which shows us a post-apocalyptic future where water is a scarce commodity.
Order of Toriyama's works up to Dragon Ball
'Dr Slump' (1980)
Akira Toriyama rose to fame with this manga about the scientist 'Sembei Norimaki' and his robot 'Arale', which later inspired an animated series with 243 episodes (1981-1986)
'Escape' (1981)
His next masterpiece starred an adult version of 'Arale' in a science fiction world inspired by American comics.
'Pola and Roid' (1981)
This humorous, science-fiction, and action manga features characters from 'Dr. Slump,' showcasing Toriyama's ability to create connected universes.
'Pink' (1982)
This short manga follows a young girl who steals water in a water-scarce territory, mixing action and adventure with a critique of resource exploitation.
'Dragon Boy' (1983)
This two-chapter one-shot, a precursor to Dragon Ball, introduces elements such as the Dragon Balls and characters that would inspire his masterpiece.
'Tongpoo no Daibouken' (1983)
This one-shot allowed Toriyama to experiment with technology that he would later use in 'Dragon Ball', laying the groundwork for a more famous work.
'Dragon Ball' (1984)
In 1984, Toriyama illustrated Dragon Ball, a manga that became a worldwide phenomenon when it brought the adventures of 'Son Goku' and his friends to television.
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Legacy and future
Akira Toriyama's legacy is undeniable. His works have inspired generations of artists and left an indelible mark on popular culture. Dragon Ball, in particular, has become a global phenomenon, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries. However, it is important to remember that Toriyama's work is much more than just an adventure series. Through his characters, his stories, and his unique style, Toriyama has taught us the importance of friendship, perseverance, and imagination.
Akira Toriyama was more than just a manga creator. He was a visionary who, through his art, transported us to fantastic worlds and made us dream. His legacy will live on through his works, which continue to inspire new generations of readers and artists. By exploring Toriyama's complete oeuvre, beyond Dragon Ball, we discover a rich and varied creative universe, full of humor, adventure and emotion.
