CATDOLL: Akira Toriyama talks about Dragon Ball Super: More universes will appear next

The first volume of the Dragon Ball Super manga has been released. In addition to the manga content, the book also includes a conversation between the original author Akira Toriyama and the illustrator Toyotaro. The pleasant exchange between the two masters revealed more exciting information!

Dragon Ball Super comic book volume 1 cover

The comic version of Dragon Ball Super is marked with "Original Work by Akira Toriyama" and "Comics by TOYOTARO". Here, "original work" means writing the story, and "comics" means drawing. In other words, the comic version of Dragon Ball Super is a collaboration between TOYOTARO and Akira Toriyama. So in the following conversation, you will see Mr. Toriyama talking about some things about conceiving the plot. In addition, since the illustrator TOYOTARO has not yet announced his Chinese name, for the sake of rigor, he will be called TOYOTARO in the Japanese romanization of his name, rather than "Toyotaro".

Dragon Ball Super Volume 1: Interview between Akira Toriyama and TOYOTARO

——On the occasion of the release of the first volume of Dragon Ball Super illustrated by TOYOTARO-sensei, we invited you two to do an interview. Please give us your guidance.

Akira Toriyama (hereinafter referred to as Tori): Please give me your guidance.

TOYOTARO: Please give me your advice. I am very scared!

——The main chapter of the manga is the "Sixth Universe Chapter". How was the development of the story conceived?

Bird: "Gods and Gods" and "Resurrection F" tell stories that raise your blood pressure, so I thought, this time I should write a simple, light story... This is the opportunity for the idea. In the overall development of the story, I want to set some, should I say slow and fast, or a rhythm of tension and relaxation.

TO: In the “Sixth Universe Chapter”, there is the long-awaited martial arts tournament in “Dragon Ball”!

Bird: I drew a little bit at the beginning and end of the "Majin Buu Arc" (Martial Arts Tournament), but I didn't fully digest it at the time (laughs).

TO: Finally, in the first round, Goku left with Oob.

Bird: Yes, yes (laughs). I re-read my own book after a long time, and when I was thinking about the new story, I couldn’t help but sigh, “Hey, hey…how much have I forgotten!” (laughs)

Conversation between Akira Toriyama and TOYOTARO in the manga

- Mr. TOYOTARO: What do you think is the charm of Mr. Toriyama’s paintings?

TO: It would be too frustrating to describe it in words… the perfectly designed characters, the details of the objects, the ability to understand the grand worldview with just one painting… but these are all things I can barely describe in words, the indescribable “excitement” that fills my whole body every time I watch it!

——How does it feel to be able to draw "Dragon Ball" which you have admired since childhood?

TO: No, no, no! I really can’t… The more I draw, the more I can see the difference between me and Toriyama-sensei!

Bird: There is no such thing! Of all the people including the animators, your drawings are probably the closest to mine.

TO: No no no!

Bird: The composition is very skillful! Very handsome, I can't draw such a lively picture now! Whether it is animation or other works, I always find some things that I care about when I supervise, and I will definitely ask for revisions. But TOYOTARO's draft makes me feel at ease. I can reply "OK!" immediately, which is a great help (laughs).

TO: No, no... I'm always afraid of disappointing Toriyama-sensei. I always keep Toriyama-sensei's comics at hand when I draw, after receiving the plot text from you. In order to prevent readers from saying "this is not Dragon Ball"... I hope to increase my imagination (with Toriyama-sensei's comics), and draw some original movements and various expressions...

Bird: It’s okay if you draw anything you want. Really (laughs).

For more relevant information, please pay attention to: Dragon Ball: Super Zone

——Could Mr. Toriyama give Mr. TOYOTARO some advice?

Bird: I am already...very satisfied right now (laughs).

TO: Well, well...really, I hope you can point out some places that you think should be modified...and please strictly point out some bad places... (sweat)

Bird: Hahaha (burst into laughter). There's nothing much to say... (thinks for a while) Really nothing! Maybe... If I have to say something, it would be even more perfect if I could use more compositions from various angles. ... And if you add TOYOTARO's own original works, I think it would be "great here". I really thank you. I never thought that there would be a writer who would help me draw the "sequel"!

——Finally, could you two tell us a little bit about the story behind Dragon Ball: Super?

Bird: I have an idea about the "future" story of "that character". I'm thinking about combining it with the new "universe" . It would be great if I could write something that is easy to understand and fun for children (laughs).

TO: “That character”… is also my favorite character! I am really looking forward to it!

TOYOTARO's own impressions

In addition, the first volume of Dragon Ball Super also includes a heartfelt message from TOYOTARO: "It has been almost a year since I got the chance to draw Dragon Ball. The more I draw, the more I feel the huge gap between myself and Toriyama-sensei. However, being able to understand the other's strength is evidence that I am getting stronger. It's like going from Satan, who couldn't understand the power of Ki, to Yamcha. I think everyone must have a lot of dissatisfaction, so please read this book with a magnanimous heart!"

via: China Dragon Ball Forum/Ruolan

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For more relevant information, please pay attention to: Dragon Ball: Super Zone