Dragon Ball Reveals Toriyama Art of Controversial Mustache Vegeta Redesign

The official Dragon Ball website recently shared a rare piece of artwork from the Toriyama Archives – a feature that regularly showcases unseen Dragon Ball art. This latest installment, dated February 21, 2026, reveals Akira Toriyama’s early concept sketches for Vegeta’s often-discussed redesign in Dragon Ball GT.

Dragon Ball GT continued the story after Dragon Ball Z, but with a key difference: Akira Toriyama, the creator of the original series, didn’t write the story this time. While he didn’t leave the project entirely, Toriyama did provide concept art and new designs for all the main characters. The character redesigns in Dragon Ball GT have received mixed reactions, but Vegeta’s is often considered the worst, largely because of his unusual mustache.

Akira Toriyama Gave Vegeta a Haircut & Facial Hair For Dragon Ball GT… For Some Reason

Vegeta’s appearance in Dragon Ball GT isn’t well-received by fans. Between the end of Dragon Ball Z and the start of DBGT, he grows a mustache and receives a strange, flat-top haircut that doesn’t fit his character. While Akira Toriyama aimed for a more relaxed, futuristic style with the Dragon Ball GT character designs, Vegeta’s redesign feels out of place. It’s not surprising that Toei Animation only used this design for the Black Star Dragon Ball Saga before giving him another makeover for the Baby Saga.

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Within the Dragon Ball story, Bulla really dislikes Vegeta’s mustache, leading him to shave it off during an episode. He even boasts about how much better he looks, until Chi-Chi playfully scolds him. Vegeta also lets his hair grow a bit longer during the Baby Saga, with his shorter spikes resembling his original hairstyle. Interestingly, Vegeta is the only character in Dragon Ball GT to receive two significant redesigns, all because fans strongly disliked his mustache.

Redesigning the Main Cast Was One of Akira Toriyama’s Only Contributions to Dragon Ball GT

It’s a common belief that Akira Toriyama wasn’t involved with Dragon Ball GT, but he actually collaborated with Toei Animation in the beginning to help establish the series. He not only redesigned the main characters but also created initial concept art featuring Goku, Pan, and Trunks exploring alien worlds. This artwork and concept formed the basis for what would become the Black Star Dragon Ball Saga. However, Toei later decided to shift away from a planet-hopping adventure and instead focused on the more action-packed Baby Saga.

The character designs in Dragon Ball GT are a mixed bag. While Vegeta’s new look isn’t very good, most of the other redesigns are pretty solid. Goku’s blue and orange outfit, particularly in his Super Saiyan form, looks fantastic, and Pan’s outfit has become instantly recognizable. Even Trunks’ somewhat strange and goofy new clothes actually work for his character. It seems like Vegeta was the only one who got a bad redesign, almost as if Toriyama intentionally made him look silly.

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2026-02-21 02:06