Dragon Ball Super experienced a significant hiatus following the passing of its legendary creator, Akira Toriyama, in March 2024. After a period of uncertainty, the series made a comeback with a special one-shot chapter in February, which offered fans deeper insights into Trunks and the origins of his heroic aspirations. Tragically, the momentum was short-lived as the series was placed on hiatus again just after the release of chapter #104, titled “The Birth of Saiyaman X.”
Chapter #104 marks the conclusion of Dragon Ball Super Volume #24, which has recently launched in Japan. This volume features unique illustrations by series artist Toyotarou, including a heartfelt tribute to Akira Toriyama. The future of the beloved franchise remains uncertain without its original creator, yet Toyotarou reassured fans with a message that invites them to “look forward to future developments,” hinting at potential continuities or new stories.
A Heartfelt Tribute: Dragon Ball Super Celebrates Akira Toriyama
Toyotarou has openly expressed the profound impact that his mentor, Akira Toriyama, has had on his career. His recent illustration captures this sentiment beautifully, emblazoned with the phrase “Toriyama’s World Forever!!”and showcasing a multitude of characters from various series, including Dragon Ball, Dr. Slump, Sand Land, and beyond. At the forefront is Son Goku, Toriyama’s most iconic character, representing the rich legacy of his work.
Also prominently featured in the tribute is Arale, the beloved star of Toriyama’s debut series, Dr. Slump. This comedic manga, which ran for four years, laid the groundwork for Toriyama’s ascent to prominence in the manga industry, paving the way for the immense success of Dragon Ball. As part of the new volume, readers can find several quotes from Toyotarou, who emphasizes that Akira Toriyama was not merely a mentor for Dragon Ball, but an overarching guide in his journey as a storyteller. Very few artists could be as fitting for this role.