Akira Toriyama was the original manga artist of Dragon Ball and responsible for the original character designs. His manga ran from 1984 to 1995 in Weekly Shonen Jump. An interview partner managed to get him to reveal that he was only truly satisfied with one picture.
What picture is that? The picture shows Son-Goku with his son Son-Gohan. He is carrying the little one on his back and is dressed in sporty clothing. However, in contrast to their training suits, the clothes look like regular everyday wear. The Saiyan father is even wearing a cap.
The two are riding in a vehicle that looks like a Harley-Davidson with two long stilts. The logo of the Capsule Corporation, Bulma’s father’s company, is prominently displayed on the front.
The picture was even colored by the manga artist himself. He used watercolors and employed cool, contrasting colors with many shades. The futuristic vehicle is well showcased. The drawing can be found in issue 37 of the Dragon Ball manga. It was published in April 1994.
What the Z in Dragon Ball Z stands for is revealed in the following video:
The only drawing with which Toriyama was satisfied
Why was it the only drawing that Toriyama was satisfied with? The manga artist revealed in an interview, which took place after the completion of the entire Dragon Ball manga, which image he was most satisfied with.
He mentioned this drawing. He added that it was the only picture that one could say he was satisfied with.
There can be several reasons for this:
- The picture combines nostalgia, pleasure, and freedom
- It contrasts with the actual manga
- At that time, Toriyama had a three-year-old son himself
- The manga artist is a big fan of motorcycles and other mechanical vehicles
It is likely the combination of all factors that make this drawing one of Toriyama’s favorite images.
What is currently happening with the Dragon Ball manga? Akira Toriyama passed away in 2024 from a brain hemorrhage. Since then, the Dragon Ball Super manga has been on hiatus. His assistant, Toyotarou, is supposed to continue the story.
To fully concentrate on Dragon Ball Super, Toyotarou finished his own manga in the same year. This is a spin-off that revolves around an arcade game about Dragon Ball: After 12 years, Toyotarou ends a Dragon Ball manga, turning the characters into adult heroes
