Dragon Ball Releases Nearly 40-Year-Old Akira Toriyama Artwork of One of His Earliest Shapeshifters
- 29-Apr-2024, 23:21
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It's incredible to see these rare glimpses into the early days of Dragon Ball and Akira Toriyama's iconic artwork. The cover of Volume 11, with its depiction of Kid Goku and Oolong racing on one of Toriyama's signature vehicles, captures the adventurous spirit of the series perfectly. Toriyama's talent for crafting dynamic and whimsical illustrations is on full display here, and it's fascinating to see how his style has evolved over the years while still retaining its distinctive charm.
These kinds of archival releases are a treasure trove for fans, offering a nostalgic look back at the history of Dragon Ball and the creative genius behind it. It's a testament to the enduring popularity of the series that even decades-old artwork can still captivate audiences today. With Dragon Ball continuing to inspire new generations of fans through manga, anime, and other media, it's clear that Toriyama's legacy will endure for many years to come.
It's interesting to note the significance placed on Oolong's appearance on the cover, especially considering his relatively minor role in that part of the story. This speaks to the impact and appeal of Toriyama's character designs, even for supporting characters like Oolong. Additionally, the mention of the "mech" they're riding highlights Toriyama's penchant for incorporating futuristic and fantastical elements into his artwork, adding an extra layer of excitement to the illustration.
Overall, it's a testament to Toriyama's creativity and attention to detail that even a cover illustration like this can leave a lasting impression on fans. It's another reminder of the enduring charm and influence of Dragon Ball as a whole.
Dragon Ball's Oolong Was Likely Partially Inspired by George Orwell's Animal Farm
The connection between Oolong's design and George Orwell's Animal Farm is an interesting observation. Animal Farm is a political allegory that satirizes the events leading up to the Russian Revolution and the Stalinist era in the Soviet Union. Oolong's early design drafts as a farmer and then in a Chinese communist army outfit could indeed reflect this allegorical inspiration.
Furthermore, the influence of Journey to the West on Dragon Ball is well-documented, with several characters and story elements drawing from the classic Chinese epic. Goku, as the main protagonist, embodies the character of Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, from Journey to the West. Oolong, with his shapeshifting abilities and other traits, could be seen as a nod to other characters from the epic.
As for Oolong's role in the Dragon Ball series, it's true that he does not play as significant a part as characters like Goku. However, his early presence and involvement in the story, including being the first named character to use the Dragon Balls, contribute to the richness of the Dragon Ball universe. Even if his role diminished over time, Oolong remains a memorable and iconic character in the series' history.
Volume 11 of the Dragon Ball manga, as described by VIZ, features intense action and high-stakes battles during the Tenka'ichi Budôkai tournament. Here's a breakdown of the events highlighted in the volume:
- The tournament heats up as last year's champion, Jackie Chun, faces off against the formidable three-eyed martial artist from the Crane School, Tenshinhan. This match promises to be intense as both fighters demonstrate their skills and techniques.
- The spotlight then shifts to the long-awaited match between former classmates Goku and Kuririn. However, Goku's opponent has some unexpected tricks up his sleeve, adding an element of surprise to the fight.
- Tenshinhan's motivations for participating in the tournament are revealed, as he seeks to avenge his master, the Crane Hermit, whose brother was killed by Goku. This personal grudge adds a layer of tension to the battles.
- As the tournament progresses, the final round becomes incredibly intense, with the battlefield itself at risk of destruction. The fighters push themselves to their limits, unleashing devastating attacks that could have far-reaching consequences for both the participants and the spectators.
Volume 11 showcases the thrilling action and emotional drama that are hallmarks of the Dragon Ball series, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the characters face off in epic battles.
Source: Dragon Ball official website