Dragon Ball Shares Nostalgic Colored Illustration to Celebrate The Series 40th Anniversary

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Key Takeaways

  • November 20 marks 1st Dragon Ball chapter’s anniversary, but it’s bittersweet with creator’s recent passing.
  • Celebrations for franchise’s 40th year are ongoing, including Dragon Ball DAIMA.
  • Potential rights issues abound post-Toriyama’s death; ongoing projects unaffected for now.

As a gamer who grew up with the iconic Dragon Ball series, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions as we approach its 40th anniversary this November 20. On one hand, it’s a joyous occasion, celebrating a manga that has brought endless entertainment and inspiration for four decades. But on the other, the recent passing of Akira Toriyama, the creative genius behind Dragon Ball, casts a shadow over these festivities.

November 20th is the day when the first chapter of Dragon Ball was officially released in Japan back in 1984 (which, interestingly enough, was a Tuesday as Shonen Jump magazines are now published on Mondays). So, in 2024, we’ll be celebrating the 40th anniversary of this popular franchise.

Regrettably, instead of being a joyous occasion, it carries a touch of sorrow due to the passing of Akira Toriyama in March. As a tribute, Dragon Ball DAIMA, his final work, is currently airing during these festivities.

The official Dragon Ball website showcases a segment called “Toriyama Archives,” where they share uncommon Dragon Ball artworks created by Toriyama himself. To honor their 40th anniversary, they released an incredibly nostalgic piece: the first page of the inaugural chapter, brilliantly colored. Make sure to visit:

The original webpage may no longer be accessible directly, but it can still be retrieved from platforms like the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine.

Dragon Ball’s Future After Toriyama

Dragon Ball DAIMA, issues and more

It is customary that a franchise continues even after the creator passes away; however, following Toriyama’s death, complications surrounding the franchise’s rights have arisen, as reported. Prior to his demise, there were already some difficulties related to Akio Iyoku, a former V-Jump editor who apparently had Toriyama’s trust. Now, there seems to be a dispute over the franchise’s rights involving Toriyama (and his family), Shueisha, and Iyoku’s company, Capsule Corporation Tokyo, which manages the franchise’s distribution.

Despite no updates regarding the resolution of this matter, projects initiated prior to Toriyama’s demise are progressing smoothly. For instance, Dragon Ball DAIMA continues to air, and both Dragon Ball Sparking Zero and a new arcade game exclusive to Japan (Dragon Ball) have been released. However, the possibility of a DAIMA sequel may hinge on the rights situation, as it remains unclear who would grant approval for a sequel when the rights appear unsettled. The manga for Dragon Ball Super is still on pause, and it’s speculated that this could be connected to the same issue, although it seems unlikely.

Currently, enthusiasts may find themselves limited in choice, as they can only delve into both the rich past and the ongoing present of Toriyama’s work. They take pleasure in all that he has already provided us, while harboring optimism that his heritage will pave the way for a radiant future not just for this franchise but also for others.

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2024-11-22 21:26