Buzz
The author of Dragon Ball left a stable job to pursue his passion for drawing comics, gaining worldwide recognition through one Shonen manga.
Before becoming a legendary name in the manga industry, Akira Toriyama was merely an employee at a design company, pressured by early mornings and the need for impeccable attire... Dissatisfaction with his job led him to make a bold decision: to leave behind stability to pursue his artistic passion for manga.
The Early Steps in Comedy and a Change of Direction
Leaving the design company, Akira Toriyama found himself in dire straits. The 23-year-old decided to delve into the manga universe when he stumbled upon a manga seeking new stories while sitting in a café.
His initial focus was on creating economical stories, perhaps influenced by his talent for humorous dialogue. But advice from an editor prompted him to change his approach.
The editor noticed a unique potential in the young painter and suggested he try creating a comic series centered around action.
Akira Toriyama has never cared about creating Shonen manga
While Toriyama was planning to finish his previous project, Dr. Slump, his editor proposed a new challenge. That was to create a completely new series within three months.
Before the idea for Dragon Ball emerged, Toriyama and his editor had gone through several unsuccessful 'one-shot' projects. Eventually, inspiration struck, and Dragon Ball was born, a martial arts-themed comic that both believed was worthy of inheriting Dr. Slump.
Contrary to what many might imagine, Dragon Ball was not an instant success. In its early days after release, the series struggled, nearly disappearing in the competitive manga scene.
But a miracle happened when the series began to focus more on epic battles. The fame of Dragon Ball skyrocketed. The turning point was the 'Tenkaichi Budokai' arc, not only captivating audiences but also propelling the series to the top of the charts.
The Legacy of Dragon Ball: Beyond Manga, a Global Phenomenon
Dragon Ball not only 'rose from the ashes' but also achieved significant records, earning the title of legend. Nowadays, it's often touted as the anime that paved the way for the genre's global popularity.
In summary, Akira Toriyama's career is a series of twists and turns, marked by risks, directional changes, and a touch of luck. Amidst all of this, Dragon Ball was born, a comic series that became a global phenomenon.
