Dragon Ball Releases OG Goku Artwork That "Perfectly Encapsulates" Its Pre-Anime Promotion
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Dragon Ball Releases OG Goku Artwork That "Perfectly Encapsulates" Its Pre-Anime Promotion

  • 15-Apr-2024, 21:48
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The Akira Toriyama Archive's April 4, 2024, release gifted Dragon Ball enthusiasts with a deeper dive into the franchise's vibrant history. This time, the spotlight shone on a chapter illustration featuring Kid Goku, offering more insight into the state of the beloved series than meets the eye.

Highlighted on the official Dragon Ball website, the featured illustration hails from Chapter 9 of the original Dragon Ball manga, dating back to 1985. Titled "Dragon Balls in Danger!!", the chapter follows Goku, Bulma, and Oolong as they seek refuge in the Capsule Corp. camper, unaware of Yamcha the Desert Bandit hot on their heels. Amidst Bulma's commanding presence and Oolong's mischievous schemes, the trio unwittingly imbibes a sleeping potion, setting the stage for comedic chaos.

As the narrative unfolds, the shape-shifting Puar attempts to lure the group out, facilitating Yamcha's nefarious plan to snatch the Dragon Balls. In a twist of fate, Oolong takes center stage, donning a disguise as Bulma to outsmart Yamcha. However, Yamcha's discovery under the towel leaves him flustered, his impure thoughts leading to a hasty retreat and the salvation of the Dragon Balls.

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Akira Toriyama and Dragon Ball Were About Comedy, Not Just Action & Adventure

 

For fans accustomed to Dragon Ball Z's epic battles and intense drama, Chapter 9's comedic escapades may appear unexpected. Yet, it's a testament to Akira Toriyama's roots as a master of comedic storytelling, evident in his earlier works such as Dr. Slump and Go! Go! Ackman. As the official Dragon Ball website notes, the Chapter 9 illustration encapsulates the whimsical essence of Dragon Ball at the time, with Kid Goku brandishing his Power Pole against a backdrop of fantastical imagery (complete with an amusing Bulma wielding a firearm in the corner). Remarkably, this illustration served as a cornerstone for promotional artwork for the subsequent anime adaptation, premiering a year later in 1986.

While the saga of adult Goku dominates much of Dragon Ball's narrative landscape, the evolution of his character wasn't without its challenges. For those yearning to revisit the series' early days, Dragon Ball Daima promises to transport familiar faces like Goku and Vegeta back to their childhood forms. Additionally, parents seeking to introduce their little ones to the world of anime can now dress them in adorable baby clothes inspired by Goku's iconic martial arts attire, ensuring the legacy of Dragon Ball continues to charm audiences of all ages.

Source: Dragon Ball official website

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